Japan Hiroshima Downtown

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Public open space serving as a poignant reminder of the first city to suffer a nuclear attack

Photo of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan (49459-Hiroshima by xiquinhosilva)

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic atomic bombing in 1945. Spanning approximately 122,000 square meters, the park features memorials and museums dedicated to the victims and the advocacy of peace. Its most recognized feature, the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, remains as a preserved ruin, symbolizing the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare and the commitment to peace.

About Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was created to honor the memory of the victims of the first nuclear attack on a city. The park’s site was once the political and commercial hub of Hiroshima, which contributed to its selection as a target. Today, the park is a reflective space for education and remembrance, attracting over a million visitors annually. It includes trees, lawns, and walking paths that offer a peaceful setting for contemplation.

At the heart of the park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which outlines Hiroshima’s history, the events leading to the war, and the profound impacts of the nuclear bomb. The exhibits guide visitors through the bombing’s history and its devastating aftermath, emphasizing the need for peace and the risks associated with nuclear weapons.

The park’s monuments include the Memorial Cenotaph, which bears the names of the bombing’s known victims. The Flame of Peace, intended to remain lit until the abolishment of nuclear weapons, is another significant element. Additional features include the Peace Bell and Peace Clock Tower, symbolizing unity and the passage of time, respectively.

The Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki’s story of hope through the Thousand Paper Cranes, honors the young victims and represents aspirations for a peaceful future. The Rest House, a building that survived the bombing, now serves as a tourist information center and souvenir shop, providing historical insight for visitors.

Each year on August 6, the park hosts the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, which features wreath-laying, speeches, and a moment of silence at 8:15 AM, the exact moment of the atomic blast. In the evening, the Lantern Floating Ceremony on the Motoyasu River serves as a moving homage to the victims.

For visitors, the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a stark reminder of nuclear devastation. The Children’s Peace Monument and the Memorial Cenotaph are also pivotal in understanding the park’s message. Through participation in activities and learning about its history, visitors can engage with the park’s enduring message: a call for a world without nuclear weapons.

Getting There the easiest way to reach Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

2

Genbaku Dome-mae
 Hiroden Route 2 + 4 more

 5-10 minute walk (800m)
1

Hiroden Hondori
 Hiroden Route 1 + 2 more

 5-10 minute walk (800m)
3

Hiroden Fukuro-machi
 Hiroden Route 3 + 2 more

 5-10 minute walk (800m)

Hondōri
 Astram Line

 5-10 minute walk (800m)
9

Dobashi
 Hiroden Route 9 + 4 more

 10-20 minute walk (0.8km)
6

Honkawa-cho
 Hiroden Route 6 + 4 more

 10-20 minute walk (0.8km)

Around Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Park in Hiroshima

open 24 hours
closed Irregularly

Address

広島平和記念公園, 広島

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Updated 7 Mar 2024 • Report an error

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