About Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園) occupies the hypocenter area where the atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945 at 8:15 AM. Before the war, this area was Hiroshima's bustling commercial and residential center – home to thousands of people.
Today, the 122,000 square meter park serves as a memorial to those who perished and a powerful symbol advocating for world peace and nuclear disarmament. Over 1 million people visit annually from around the globe.
The park is free to enter and open around the clock, making it accessible at any time. While the Peace Memorial Museum has admission fees and set hours, the park's outdoor monuments, memorials, and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome can be visited at your own pace, day or night.
Key Attractions in the Park
Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)
The skeletal ruins of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall stand as the most recognizable symbol of the atomic bombing. Located almost directly beneath the explosion's hypocenter, the building's dome framework and some walls survived – though everyone inside perished instantly.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the dome has been carefully preserved in its post-bombing state. It serves as a stark reminder of nuclear warfare's destructive power and a symbol of hope for world peace.
Visiting tips:
- Best photographed in early morning or evening light
- Particularly moving when illuminated at night
- Can be viewed from across the Motoyasu River or up close (exterior only)
Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims
The arch-shaped monument holds the names of all known victims of the atomic bombing – over 330,000 names as of 2024 (deaths are still being added as radiation-related causes are confirmed). The cenotaph's inscription reads: "Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil."
Looking through the arch, the Eternal Flame and Atomic Bomb Dome align perfectly – a deliberate design creating a powerful visual axis across the park.
Peace Flame
Burning continuously since 1964, this flame will remain lit until all nuclear weapons on Earth are abolished. It serves as a constant reminder of the ongoing mission for nuclear disarmament.
Children's Peace Monument
Inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a girl who developed leukemia from radiation exposure and famously folded paper cranes hoping to recover. Her story inspired a global peace symbol – visitors from around the world send millions of paper cranes to be displayed around the monument.
The statue atop the monument shows a girl holding a golden crane above her head, symbolizing hope and children's innocent wish for peace.
More Monuments and Memorials
- Memorial Tower to Mobilized Students: Honors students conscripted for factory work who died in the bombing
- Korean Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial: Commemorates Korean forced laborers who perished
- Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound: Contains ashes of unidentified victims
- Gates of Peace: Nine gates inscribed with "peace" in multiple languages
- Rest House: A surviving building from before the bombing, now an information center
Peace Memorial Museum
The park's main museum tells the complete story of the atomic bombing through artifacts, photographs, and survivor testimonies. See our complete Peace Memorial Museum guide for tickets, hours, and visiting tips.
How to Get to Peace Memorial Park
From JR Hiroshima Station
- Streetcar: Line 2 or 6 to "Genbaku Dome-mae" (原爆ドーム前) – 20 minutes, ¥220
- Bus: Sightseeing Loop Bus "Meipuru-pu" – 20 minutes
- Walking: 25-30 minutes through the city center
Nearby Streetcar Stops
- Genbaku Dome-mae: Closest to Atomic Bomb Dome (north end)
- Hondori: Closest to shopping district (south end)
Walking Route Recommendation
Hiroshima Tours Editor
Start at the Atomic Bomb Dome and walk south through the park to the museum. This route follows a powerful emotional journey from the immediate impact to deeper understanding. End at the Children's Peace Monument, then walk to Hondori for lunch. This gives you emotional space to process before returning to everyday activities.
Best Time to Visit
Time of Day
- Early morning (7-9 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer tourists, good photography light
- Midday: Busiest with tour groups; convenient if combining with museum
- Evening: Dome illumination creates reflective atmosphere; fewer visitors
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (March-April): Cherry blossoms line the river – beautiful but crowded
- Summer (August): Hot and humid, but August 6th ceremony is profoundly moving
- Autumn (October-November): Pleasant weather, colorful leaves
- Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, contemplative atmosphere
August 6th Peace Memorial Ceremony
Each year on August 6th, a formal ceremony commemorates the anniversary of the bombing. The event includes:
- Moment of silence at 8:15 AM (time of detonation)
- Ringing of the Peace Bell
- Peace Declaration by Hiroshima's Mayor
- Lantern floating on the river (evening)
The ceremony is open to the public but arrives very early for seating. The experience is deeply moving but also crowded and hot.
Visitor Tips
- Allow adequate time: The park alone takes 1-2 hours to explore thoughtfully; add 2+ hours for the museum
- Free guided tours: Volunteer guides offer free English tours (register at Rest House)
- Bring tissues: The museum and memorials are emotionally affecting for most visitors
- Respect the atmosphere: This is a memorial; maintain appropriate solemnity
- Photography: Permitted throughout the park and most of the museum