Dambadarjaa Monastery
A historical site featuring a monastery and a poignant Japanese cemetery, offering a unique glimpse into Mongolia's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Dambadarjaa Monastery
Best Time
For best visibility and exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historical site featuring a monastery and a poignant Japanese cemetery, offering a unique glimpse into Mongolia's past.
"A place that needs a lot of repairs, but the Japanese cemetery is significant."
🚶 Walk from Memorial
It's a pleasant 20-min walk from the Japanese Memorial Monument to the monastery. :athletic_shoe:
🛠️ Maintenance Awareness
Some areas may require repairs; approach with understanding of its historical significance. :construction:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Cemetery
Adjacent to the monastery
A poignant memorial to Japanese prisoners of war, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known historical chapter.
Observatory
Within the monastery grounds
Offers good views, a surprising feature amidst the historical and religious elements of the site.
Japanese Memorial Hall
Near the former hospital site
A dedicated space honoring those who were interned and passed away in Mongolia.
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Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit to Dambadarjaa
Getting to Dambadarjaa
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk from Memorial
It's a pleasant 20-min walk from the Japanese Memorial Monument to the monastery. :athletic_shoe:
🛠️ Maintenance Awareness
Some areas may require repairs; approach with understanding of its historical significance. :construction:
🚖 Taxi to the Site
Taxis are readily available in Ulaanbaatar for easy access to Dambadarjaa. :taxi:
📚 Historical Context
Read up on the history of Japanese prisoners of war in Mongolia for a richer visit. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk from Memorial
It's a pleasant 20-min walk from the Japanese Memorial Monument to the monastery. :athletic_shoe:
🛠️ Maintenance Awareness
Some areas may require repairs; approach with understanding of its historical significance. :construction:
🚖 Taxi to the Site
Taxis are readily available in Ulaanbaatar for easy access to Dambadarjaa. :taxi:
📚 Historical Context
Read up on the history of Japanese prisoners of war in Mongolia for a richer visit. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dambadarjaa Monastery is recognized for its historical significance, particularly the Japanese cemetery and memorial hall, offering a poignant reflection on past events. While the monastery itself may be in need of repairs, the observatory provides good views, making it a unique stop for those interested in history.
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"This temple is about a 20-minute walk from the Japanese Memorial Monument.
There was once a hospital for Japanese prisoners of war here. It was called the Mountain Hospital, and what it was like back then is detailed in Yamabe Shingo's book "Ulaanbaatar Prisoner of War Hospital." It appears to have since been rebuilt, but I think the large white building is probably it.
Also, in front of the hospital is a Japanese memorial hall. It was built by Kasuga Yukio, a military doctor who worked at the hospital."
Keitaro Konishi
"The Buddhist temple is not that great, but the observatory is good."
자유인
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dambadarjaa Monastery is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Japanese Memorial Monument. Taxis are readily available in Ulaanbaatar and can take you to the vicinity of the memorial or the monastery itself. The journey from central Ulaanbaatar typically takes around 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. +1
While the monastery is a significant site, some reviews mention that certain areas might be locked or in need of repair, suggesting accessibility might vary. It's advisable to be prepared for a potentially less-maintained environment.
The Japanese cemetery is located near Dambadarjaa Monastery. Many visitors combine a visit to both. Taxis are a convenient option to reach this area from Ulaanbaatar.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific ticket prices or entry fees for Dambadarjaa Monastery is not widely available. It's often treated as a historical site and memorial, so entry might be free, but it's always good to check locally upon arrival.
Specific opening hours for Dambadarjaa Monastery are not consistently published. As it's a historical and religious site, it's generally best to visit during daylight hours for exploration and to ensure any facilities are open.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for visiting memorial sites like the Japanese cemetery. It's a place for reflection and remembrance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Dambadarjaa Monastery, you can explore the monastery itself, though some reviews note it might not be the most impressive. More notably, there's a Japanese cemetery and a Japanese Memorial Hall, as well as an observatory that offers good views.
The Japanese cemetery is a memorial to Japanese prisoners of war who were interned in Mongolia. It's a place to learn about a specific historical period and pay respects. 
Information on extensive facilities is limited. Visitors should be prepared for a more rustic experience. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
The historical elements, the cemetery, and the observatory can offer unique photographic opportunities. However, be mindful of the solemn nature of the memorial sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The Japanese cemetery with its rows of memorials and the observatory offering panoramic views are prime spots for photography. The architecture of the monastery, even if in need of repair, can also be visually interesting.
While no specific restrictions are widely mentioned, it's always respectful to avoid intrusive photography, especially in memorial areas. Be mindful of any religious services or local customs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
+1Visiting Dambadarjaa allows for a deeper understanding of the complex historical interactions between Mongolia and its neighbors. It's a place to contemplate the past and appreciate the efforts made to preserve these memories. Consider researching the history of Japanese internment in Mongolia before your visit for a more enriching experience.
Respectful Travelers
+1While the monastery may be in need of maintenance, the solemnity of the memorial areas should be honored. Avoid loud behavior or disruptive actions. This is a place for quiet reflection and to acknowledge the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Dambadarjaa and the Japanese Memorial
+1Historical accounts suggest that a hospital for these prisoners once existed here, known as the Mountain Hospital. The Japanese government has since established a memorial hall and cemetery to honor those who perished. The site is a significant historical landmark, offering a different perspective on Mongolia's past beyond its nomadic heritage.
While the monastery itself may be in need of restoration, the historical significance of the Japanese memorial elements is undeniable. Visitors often find the cemetery and memorial hall to be the most impactful parts of their visit, providing a quiet space for reflection and remembrance.
Exploring the Monastery and Observatory
A surprising highlight for many visitors is the observatory located within the monastery grounds. It's often described as offering good views, providing a different perspective of the surrounding landscape. This feature adds an unexpected dimension to a visit, combining historical, religious, and scenic elements.
When visiting, it's important to manage expectations regarding the condition of the monastery. However, the historical context provided by the Japanese memorial and the potential for scenic views from the observatory make Dambadarjaa a worthwhile, albeit unique, destination.
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