Peace Memorial Park is one of the main highlighted locations to visit in Hiroshima, and one can spend many hours exploring the area with its abundant monuments and peaceful scenery. The greenery of the park harmonizes perfectly with the structures within it, creating a tranquil spot for remembrance and reflection. Below, we offer relevant information about the park, such as its history, different monuments, annual events, and where to stay around the area.
-- Where is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park?
-- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
-- Peace Memorial Park's Monuments
-- Accommodations Around Peace Memorial Park
For guests interested in stopping by the Peace Memorial Park and receiving a guided tour of the area, we offer a convenient half-day Hiroshima highlights tour both in the morning and afternoon. You can find out more information about it by clicking the "View Details" button below.
WHERE IS HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL PARK?
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located at the center of the city of Hiroshima. It mostly lies between two rivers and is bound to the sound by the Peace Boulevard. From Hiroshima Station, one can reach the park either via tram or bus, both options taking about 20 to 25 minutes. Being in the city centre, the park is very close to Hiroshima's main shopping street, Hondori. It is also surrounded by multiple hotels and restaurants for locals and foreigners alike. For more information on where to stay around the the park, you can take a look at our accommodations section below.
HISTORY OF PEACE MEMORIAL PARK
Plans to construct the park began as early as 1949, when the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law was enacted. Even though the rest of Japan was also in need of reconstruction following the war, it was generally understood that the level of destruction in Hiroshima went beyond that of other cities in the country. Thus, the law outlined an exclusive arrangement in which ownership of land formerly owned by the military and national government was transferred to the city of Hiroshima. Additionally, the city could also receive special funds from the Japanese government, which at the time was struggling financially and having to make difficult choices regarding which areas of the country would receive their aid first.
According to the law, the city of Hiroshima was to be rebuilt as a symbol of peace, and with that in mind, plans of constructing a specific location to convey this message began. The place where the Peace Memorial Park was constructed was selected both due to its close vicinity to the atomic bomb’s hypocenter, as well as its role as the administrative and commercial center of Hiroshima before the war.
Even though a location had been chosen, there was still the question of who would design the park. Thus, in 1949, there was an open-entry competition in which around 145 design proposals were received by the city. Ultimately, the architect Kenzo Tange, and assistant professor at the University of Tokyo, was chosen to take on this formidable task. Tange wanted to create a place which was a “factory for the creation of peace.” According to him, “peace is not something that comes naturally to us; it is something that we must fight for,” and thus this park had to not only make people think about peace but also act upon these thoughts.
Construction of the park began in 1952, with several of its most important monuments and structures being built over the next few years. One of the first monuments erected in the park was the Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb, which to this day still remains an extremely important site of remembrance. The Peace Memorial Museum officially opened 10 years after the bombing, in 1955. The park is cleverly designed with the inclusion of the North-South Axis of Peace, in which the Atomic Bomb Dome, Cenotaph, and Museum lie in perfect alignment. In fact, one of the reasons the museum is raised upon pillars is so that, when standing on the southern side of the museum, one can get an unobstructed view of the dome through the cenotaph.
To the east and the west, the park is bound by two rivers, Honkawa and Motoyasu. In the southernmost part is the Peace Boulevard, one of the main streets in the city. Two bridges, the “Peace Bridge” and “West Peace Bridge” connect to this street and go over the aforementioned rivers. With all these elements, the park is both a central part of the city but also stands slightly isolated from it as a beacon of peace. With its abundant nature standing in contrast to the busy streets and tall buildings around it, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park truly serves its role as a hub of tranquility and peace.
HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is without a doubt one of the most recognizable and most relevant structures within the park. As mentioned previously, the museum opened in 1955, but since then, it has undergone several renovations. Currently, the exhibits within the museum are located within two main areas, the East Building and the Main Building. While the East Building focuses on the history of the city and the overall dangers of nuclear weapons, the Main Building displays the personal belongings of the atomic bomb victims, as well as other artifacts from around city such as melted chunks of metal and fused glass bottles. For more information about the history of the museum, entry fees, and opening hours, see our dedicated "Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum" page.
MONUMENTS WITHIN THE PARK
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is home to numerous monuments built to honor the victims of the bomb. Below, we have outlined some of the better-known ones which receive millions of visitors every year. Each monument convey its own special message of peace, so we recommend stopping by as many of them as possible as you explore the park. They are all located within public grounds and are of entry charge.
Atomic Bomb Dome
Also known as the "Hiroshima Peace Memorial," the Atomic Bomb Dome has become the symbol of the city of Hiroshima. It was originally a building called the "Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall" which served as a place for the displaying of local arts and goods. When the atomic bomb was dropped in the city, this building was the only which remained standing near the explosion's hypocenter. It was not demolished during the reconstruction of the city centre so that it could serve as a reminder of the tragedy and a warning of the horrors of nuclear warfare. While it is not possible to enter the building, visitors can still admire it from a fairly close distance. There are also several signs around the dome with plenty of background information.
Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph
The Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph was built in 1952 to honor the victims who died due to the atomic bombing. Within it lies a registry of all of their names, the number of which increases every year. The arch-shape of the memorial is meant to resemble a roof, making it a shelter for the souls of the victims. Under the "roof" is a stone tomb with the following epitaph engraved on it: "Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil."
Flame of Peace
The "Flame of Peace" is a monument which lies upon the "Pond of Peace." It is directly parallel to the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph and the museum. The flame was first lit on August 1, 1964, and has not been extinguished since then. It will only be put out once all nuclear weapons in the world have been eliminated. The base of the monument represents a pair of hands spread open to the sky, in honor of the victims who desperately sought water after the bombing.
Children's Peace Monument
Built in 1958, the Children's Peace Monument commemorates the thousands of children who died due to the atomic bombing. The campaign which led to the construction of this monument was largely inspired by the death of Sadako Sasaki, a child who survived the initial bombing but passed away 10 years later after developing leukemia. Her death was a great shock to her classmates, who then began to think of a way to properly honor not only Sadako, but all the other children who were victims of the bomb and its radiation as well. This is how the idea behind this monument was born.
In Japan there is a legend, that those who fold 1,000 paper cranes will have their wish come true. Thus, it is believed that folding these paper cranes can help sick people recover and grant them good health. While at the hospital, Sadako folded hundreds of these origami shapes wishing that her condition would improve. Due to this, paper cranes have become a symbol of hope and peace in Japan. Every year, over 10 million paper cranes are offered at this monument as tribute to the children and as a prayer for peace.
ANNUAL EVENTS
As a location with a lot of historical importance, as well as a place situated within the city centre, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is host to many annual events. Here, we have listed the times of the year at which the park is the busiest. You can use this information to plan your visit, depending on whether you prefer to join the crowds or avoid them.
Peace Memorial Ceremony
August 6 marks the anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Thus, every year a ceremony is held at Peace Memorial Park in front of the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph. The purpose of this ceremony is to console the victims of those who passed from the bombing, as well as pray for future peace. During the event, a Peace Declaration is read by the mayor of Hiroshima and also sent to all other countries in the world. At 8:15, which is the time when the bomb was dropped, everyone stands in silence as the Peace Bell is rung for one whole minute. The ceremony takes place from 8:00 to 8:50 and is open to the public.
Lantern Floating Ceremony
There is another event which takes place on August 6th, but later during the day. Starting from around 18:00, people gather near the Motoyasu River and write their wishes for peace on paper lanterns. This event, like the Peace Memorial Ceremony and the multiple monuments around the park, is meant to honor the victims of the atomic bomb. Lanterns can be bought for JPY1000 and under around the area which lies across the river from the Atomic Bomb Dome. You will be provided with markers to write your message of peace and can than place the lantern in the river at any point before 21:00. The lanterns floating in front of the dome is a beautiful and solemn sight which can only be observed in the city of Hiroshima.
Hanami ("Flower Viewing")
Hanami ("flower viewing") refers to the Japanese tradition of gathering with family and friends to view the blooming of flowers, particularly cherry blossoms, while enjoying food and drinks. Groups set out with picnic blankets and plenty of snacks to find a tree to sit under and spend hours appreciating the scenery around them. Hanami is most popular from later March to early April, when the cherry blossoms are blooming all throughout Japan.
At Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, there are about 300 of these trees planted all around the area, creating the perfect location for flower viewing. There is no "right" time to start Hanami, but we recommend showing up early in the day to enjoy as much sunlight as possible and get a good spot. The area can become quite crowded and you might end up struggling to find an empty patch of grass to place your mat on.
Hiroshima Flower Festival
This event takes place in both the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Boulevard. The Flower Festival kicks off with a stunning parade filled with marching bands, dance troupes, and flower-themed floats. After, there are plenty of stage performances that can be enjoyed throughout the day and food stalls to visit. The festival is typically held during Golden Week, from the 3rd till the 5th of May. Entry is free and performances usually run from around 11:00 till 18:00. This festival full of color, food, and entertainment is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Hiroshima at its liveliest.
ACCOMODATIONS AROUND PEACE MEMORIAL PARK
Staying near Peace Memorial Park is a great option for guests planning to spend a majority of their time exploring the park and the city centre on foot. Plenty of hotels are available close to the park, with a good range in prices. These hotels are also fairly easy to access from Hiroshima Station by using public transport. For more information including accommodation listings, see our "Peace Park / Tokaichi-machi Station Area" hotel page.
TOURS VISITING PEACE MEMORIAL PARK
Every traveler is different, and thus we have designed several tours which include all include a visit to Peace Memorial Park in combination with other locations and activities. Below, you can find the tour which is best suited to your needs and preferences, and start planning an unforgettable trip to Hiroshima.
Our half-day tour is recommended for travelers with very busy itineraries and limited time. In just four hours, our experienced guides will take you to relevant locations such as Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima Castle, and Peace Memorial Park. By visiting these places, you will be able to learn about the history of the city before and after the bombing. The tour is offered both at 9:00 and 14:30, starting and ending at Hiroshima Station. It is possible to arrive at Hiroshima in the morning from cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, and have returned by early afternoon.
This 1-Day tour is for those looking to explore Hiroshima beyond its typical tourist locations. It includes a visit to one of Hiroshima's hidden gems, Mitaki-dera temple. Located at the foot of Mount Mitaki, this temple is the perfect place to learn about religion in Japan while appreciating the beauty of nature. Of course, the tour also includes a visit to all of the city center's highlighted areas, among them Peace Memorial Park. If you're tired of the crowded tourists spots and looking for a more unique experience, then this is the tour for you!
One of Hiroshima's most sightseeing spots, the island of Miyajima, is unfortunately located outside the main city area. Due to this, visitors who can only come to the prefecture for one day are faced with the challenging task of planning an itinerary which stops by both places or worse, the difficult choice between which one to visit. To solve this problem, we created a Hiroshima and Miyajima tour, which takes guests to all of the city center's and Miyajima's highlighted locations within one day. We handle the complicated traveling logistics and meticulous timing, while you get to enjoy the best that Hiroshima has to offer.
If you're looking for other tours in Hiroshima Prefecture, we have plenty of other choices for you. Head on over to our "Best Tours around Hiroshima" page for our top recommendations.