Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) is a vast memorial park dedicated to those who perished because of the atomic bomb. It is located at 1 Nakajima-cho and 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park details

Located at the delta's uppermost reaches where the former Ota River branches into the Motoyasu River, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a poignant testament to the resilience of Hiroshima. Spanning an impressive 122,100 square meters, this city park emerged from a tumultuous history to become a beacon of remembrance and a fervent prayer for lasting world peace.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Construction of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commenced in 1950, a mere five years after the devastating events of August 6, 1945, when Hiroshima bore the brunt of the world's first atomic bomb. By April 1, 1956, the park opened its gates to the public, offering solace and reflection amidst the scars of tragedy.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Map

Once the bustling heart of Hiroshima's downtown area during the Edo and early Showa periods, this land was forever altered by the cataclysmic events of that fateful day in 1945. In response, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Act was promulgated on August 6, 1949, signaling a commitment to rebuild and commemorate the city's history. The following year saw the area around the bomb's hypocenter transformed into a symbol of enduring peace, paving the way for the creation of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and its facilities, which were completed in 1955.

Flame of Peace with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum as its backdrop

Flame of Peace and Pond of Peace

Visitors to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are greeted by a plethora of poignant attractions. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the city's tragic past and serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war. The Flame of Peace flickers eternally, symbolizing the city's enduring commitment to peace and reconciliation. The Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph stands as a solemn tribute to the lives lost, its arch framing the Atomic Bomb Dome in the distance, a haunting reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons.

Children's Peace Monument

Children's Peace Monument

The paper cranes around Children's Peace Monument

Peace Clock Tower

Aioi Bridge

Red Bird Monument

Among the park's other notable landmarks is the Children’s Peace Monument, adorned with thousands of paper cranes, a symbol of hope and resilience inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki. The Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall provides a space for quiet reflection and contemplation, honoring the memories of those who perished in the atomic bombing. Additionally, the park features numerous monuments erected to pray for peace and commemorate the victims, including the Aogiri tree, which miraculously survived the atomic blast and stands as a living testament to the resilience of life amidst the devastation.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Some of the displays inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Visitors wander through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and are reminded of the city's turbulent past and unwavering commitment to peace. Amidst the tranquility of nature and the solemnity of remembrance, the park serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reconciliation, understanding, and the pursuit of a world free from the ravages of war.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Atomic Bomb Dome as seen from across the Motoyasu River

Team Nicerio visits Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

My family and I first visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park last December 26, 2022, during our 3-day Hiroshima Road Trip with our Japanese family. This trip marked my 420th day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET Programme. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was a perfect destination to visit after spending an hour or more inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The peaceful and tranquil park offers an opportunity to reflect on the horrors of war after seeing all the exhibits about death and destruction inside the museum. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Operating Hours

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is open 24/7. 

Why visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park?

As written earlier, Peace Memorial Park is a perfect place to spend time reflecting and being at peace with oneself. Aside from this, there are numerous things to see inside the park like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Flame of Peace, Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph, Children’s Peace Monument, Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall, and many more. When visiting, keep in mind that the park is a non-smoking zone. 

Getting to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

 

From JR Hiroshima Station:

By Astram Line and Walking:

Start at JR Hiroshima Station and transfer to the Astram Line at JR Shin-Hakushima Station.

Ride the Astram Line for about 15 minutes to Hondori Station.

From Hondori Station, it's a 400-meter walk west to reach Peace Memorial Park.

By Hiroshima Electric Railway (Streetcar) Line 2:

Take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (streetcar) Line 2 toward Hiroden Miyajimaguchi, Hiroden Nishihiroshima, or Route 6 to Eba.

Get off at the Atomic Bomb Dome-mae stop after about 20 minutes.

By Hiroshima Bus Route 22 or Other Bus:

Catch Hiroshima Bus Route 22 (Yokogawa Line) or another suitable bus.

Disembark at the "Genbaku Dome-mae" stop.

By City Circulation Bus "Hiroshima Maple-Pup" (Orange Route):

Ride the city circulation bus "Hiroshima Maple-Pup" on the orange route.

Get off at the "Atomic Bomb Dome-mae" bus stop after approximately 15 minutes.

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