What is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park?
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a special park in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, dedicated to commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing and praying for world peace.
On August 6, 1945, during World War II, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
The park is located in an area that was close to the hypocenter at the time, and was developed after the war as a symbol of peace.
Within the vast grounds, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, along with many memorials and monuments, are scattered throughout, making it a popular spot visited by many tourists from around the world.
It is a place where you can learn about history while feeling the importance of peace.
Highlights of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
1. Atomic Bomb Dome
Located just next to the park, the Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the buildings damaged by the 1945 bombing.
Although severely damaged by the blast and heat rays, its skeletal structure remains and continues to convey the tragedy of that time.
In 1996 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a symbol to prevent the memory of the war from fading.
At night it is illuminated, showing a quiet beauty different from daytime.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a facility that displays the actual damage caused by the atomic bomb, the lives of the survivors, and the history of the time.
- Personal belongings of atomic-bomb victims
- Photographs and film materials
- The state of Hiroshima after the bombing
These exhibits give visitors a deep shock and strongly appeal to the importance of peace.
Explanations are also available in English and other languages, so visitors from overseas can easily learn the history.
3. Peace Flame
Located in the center of the park, the Peace Flame was installed with the wish that it will burn "until the day nuclear weapons are abolished."
It lies on the axis from the Peace Memorial Museum toward the Atomic Bomb Dome and serves as a central feature of the park.
4. Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims
The Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims was erected to comfort the souls of those who lost their lives in the bombing and to pray for peace.
The stone monument is inscribed with "Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil," expressing a pledge for peace.
The cenotaph is designed so that the Atomic Bomb Dome can be seen in the distance from its center, conveying a powerful message to visitors.
5. Children's Peace Monument
The Children's Peace Monument was built to mourn the children who died as a result of the bombing and to express a wish for peace.
The model for the statue is the girl Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukemia ten years after the bombing.
The thousand paper cranes she folded while bedridden became a "symbol of peace," and people around the world now offer folded cranes in her memory.
How to spend your time at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
1. Take a leisurely walk around the park
Since many monuments are spread throughout the park, it is recommended to take your time and walk around slowly.
Many of the memorials and monuments have English explanations, allowing you to explore while feeling the history and the wish for peace.
2. Offer a message for peace
There are spaces in the park where you can offer paper cranes, and visitors can fold a thousand cranes with wishes for peace.
You can also offer a silent prayer to quietly show respect for the victims and express your hope for peace.
3. Visit nearby attractions
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located in the city center, so the following attractions are within walking distance.
- Hiroshima Castle: Hiroshima’s symbol with a beautifully reconstructed tenshu (main keep).
- Okonomimura: A spot where you can enjoy Hiroshima's specialty, okonomiyaki.
Access to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
By train
- From JR Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (city tram) on Line 2 or Line 6.
- Get off at the "Genbaku Dome-mae" tram stop and it’s about a 3-minute walk to the park.
By bus
- Take a Hiroshima Bus and get off at the "Peace Memorial Park-mae" bus stop—it's a short walk from there.
On foot
The park is within walking distance from the city center, so it’s also recommended to reach it while strolling around.
Useful information for travelers
Opening hours and admission fees
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: 8:30–18:00 (hours may vary seasonally)
- Admission fees: Adults 200 yen / High school students 100 yen / Elementary and junior high school students free / Seniors (65+) 100 yen
Best season
Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) are ideal for visiting, when cherry blossoms and autumn leaves color the park.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking around the park, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Camera: Capture the beautiful monuments and seasonal scenery, such as cherry blossoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How long does a visit take?
A. Including the park and the museum, allow about 2–3 hours.
Q. Are there English guides?
A. Yes, the museum and information centers provide English pamphlets and audio guides.
Q. Is there an admission fee?
A. The park itself is free to enter, but the Peace Memorial Museum charges an admission fee.
Conclusion
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a special place that preserves the memory of past tragedy and conveys the importance of peace to future generations.
Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum to learn history and offer your prayers for world peace.
If you visit Hiroshima, be sure to stop by this park and feel the value of peace for yourself.
It will be an experience that remains in your heart.
