Wow! I’m not sure how to put into words how impacting my wife and my experience was at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. We were luckily the only two people in the memorial at the time of our visit. I’m not going to try to explain how moving the senbazurus- Google it-where, the rawness of the memorial sculptures posted all the way down length of the memorial sprinkled with origami cranes, or the impact of the beautiful garden setting. My advice: visit Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Take some origami paper, make a crane, walk the length of the memorial, take in the scenery, and never forget the lives of those who suffer.

05/06/23: It did worth my valuable time to visit this historical landmark. I have learned more about the past histories of Japanese American during WWII (I.e. pain, difficulties, etc). After the visit, I felt more inspired and educational to keep the peace and harmony around the world

The park ranger at the memorial was informative and helpful. Happy to see this important part of history portrayed in respectful way and in a beautiful natural space. Also pretty harbor views from the viewpoint at the end of the memorial.

Sobering and educational stop in Bainbridge. Very worth your time. You'll see where Japanese Americans stood as they were forced to board a ferry, not knowing when to expect next as they were headed to internment camps just for having Japanese heritage. At each step along the path, I learned something I didn't know. The quotes from Japanese Americans that were shared were powerful. I appreciated the spaces available for leaving paper cranes. There is a walking path to get to most of the memorial that is pretty accessible. It is not steep and is fairly short (you can see the end of it from the parking lot) though some people may have difficulty. There is a resting spot partway if needed. And wheelchairs will be fine. There is no cost to visit this memorial. It does close at 5pm, so you will want to go during the day. We went on a Saturday afternoon and did not feel crowded at all or have difficulty finding a parking spot.

Haunting and human at the same time, this memorial tells stories of some of the deportees in a series of wood panels along the walkway. This gave me a lot to reflect on and, though the subject is serious, managed to be both beautiful and uplifting. A bonus when I was there: cherry blossoms and hundreds of hanging paper cranes following a ceremony earlier in the day.

A super well curated little memorial to one of the many times when the USA showed it's dark side. It does a great job at really setting a tone with minimal information. It's not very big but shares a really powerful message with a few sculptural elements.

Sobering historic site on scenic Bainbridge Island. Come see the spot our Japanese American friends and neighbors were forced from their homes, onto a ferry, and into internment camps during WWII. Powerful and informative signage about these families and their influence on the island before and after the war. Set in the actual spot these brave souls stepped off the old Eagledale dock, some never to return. We must remember and honor their sacrifice so it never happens again. Limited free parking and bus parking/turnaround for school groups. Adjacent to Pritchard Park beach and trails with ample room for picnicking or sunbathing. Pet friendly and free to the public.

Beautiful memorial to a dark piece of our history.

Quiet and understated. The visitor office was closed when we went, but I found the exhibit to be very educational and surprisingly moving. It's a testament to the Japanese people of Bainbridge Island and the life they had built there, what was lost, the community that welcomed them home and the life they rebuilt there. Beautiful.

Really fun and cool. Good place to go for a field trip during the World War II unit in history class when learning about Japanese Internment to give people an idea of what it was like for people close to home. Very peaceful and quiet and you can add your own origami crane stings there. Really cool wood art and name plates with peoples names and ages on them. Everything is pretty easy to walk through as well.

An important place to visit and learn about the horrible things our country did during world war 2. It’s a part of US history that shouldn’t be forgotten.

I learned about some local history today. What a beautiful memorial and educational place. I loved that the names of the 227 people were on the wall and I liked that their ages were included as well. People that have visited have made colorful, origami, crane chains. There is limited parking in a gravel lot and a porta-potty.

Beautiful memorial with great history of Japanese Immigrants in the Island. The admission is free. Dogs are welcome. There was a history lesson from the local at the entrance if you’re interested in listening to the history of this memorial and how Japanese immigrants ended up living in other parts of the country. We learned so much about the Japanese Immigrants history from visiting this beautiful place. If you’re in the Island, and have 30 min to spare, please stop by (if you have a car). Easy drive from the city.

This is an amazing, super short and important pit stop during your Bainbridge Island getaway. Get away from the wineries, ale and cider to remember the tragic history of the immigrants here in the early 20th century. The memorial is extremely symbolic and very thought provoking.

A very humbling and educational experience, learning about the ugly history of the United States. The walk is not long, maybe .15 miles, however it’s all shaded and very clean area. All of the walkway is basically shaded, and has a nice parking area that also gets you down to the beach. Would highly recommend to younger adults to teach them about the history and help understand the history of the local island.

Very moving memorial for this tragic time in US history. Well done, well thought out, simple, moving memorial. Plans for expansion are in motion.

Very somber walk reading the names of the people taken from their homes, just because of the way they looked. A dark part of our history that needs to be taught better, so something like this doesn't happen again. A must view for at least the people of WA state.

This is an important part of Bainbridge Island history and it’s impressive that the community came together to preserve it and tell the story in a movingly sensitive way. The site is part of the National Park Service, which gives it stature and visibility so more people can learn about this sad, unjust and shameful part of American history. Take time to walk the path down to the dock. It’s moving to note all of the families who were sent away from their homes and livelihoods. It impacted so many people for generations. The setting and the design of the memorial is beautiful and tranquil. It encourages quiet contemplation and reflection. Highly recommend.

Beautifully built memorial to honor those affected by the ugly history of this island and America at large. A must visit to ground yourself and learn something new.

Very beautiful place to visit and learn about the history of Japanese American internment during World War II. This is a quick walk through memorial. Can be done start to finish in less than a half hour.

Volunteer guides were available to answer questions. The museum was very informative, the layout teaches us as we journey along the trail just as Japanese of Bainbridge had done. Beautiful place. As a teacher: I attended an online training course two years ago on how I can better incorporate the history of what happened during. The online website has links to educational resources. Very impactful training! I highly recommend!

An incredibly heartbreaking history so beautifully and carefully captured at this memorial. Outside of the memorial itself, perhaps just as meaningful were the conversations we had with some folks on the island that offer tours and can speak to some of local businesses in the greater Seattle area owned by returnees and their families. I’d highly recommend making the trip to this memorial if you’re planning a visit to Bainbridge.

While this is a somber place to visit, I think every child in Western Washington should experience this. It is a reminder that people should not be judged by their ethnicity or religious beliefs, even today, as we see ignorant people disparaging others simply because they are different. The artwork is amazing and moving. Nidoto Nai Yoni (Let it not happen again)

We came from Seattle to see the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial as part of the non-profit group, Outdoor Asian. City councilman Clarence Moriwaki, who pushed for the memorial to be built, shared a lot about the history of the tight-knit community of people on Bainbridge Island and those who helped the Japanese Americans look after their homes here while they were in the internment camps. This is an important part of history that shouldn't be forgotten and it's great that there is this memorial here to remember the unjust experiences that Japanese Americans had during WWII.

A beautiful and haunting remembrance of the forced removal of the Japanese American community of 227 on the island on March 30, 1942.

This place is a very nicely done memorial to the unfortunate treatment of the Japanese Americans in WW II. Take the time to pause and read the exhibits. I found the experience to be both moving and thought provoking.

I love history and this is a sad moment in ours. You walk down the same path they took that day, March 30, 1942.

Best kept secret on Bainbridge Island! Small but impactful display of real history... you actually walk where they walked. Makes you think & feel about the experience.

This memorial was so pretty and peaceful. Definitely worth the trip!