Last updated：
This is the site of the world’s first atomic bombing. Standing here, everyone feels something, thinks of something. It may be sorrow, or perhaps anger. But inevitably, a strong wish for peace will emerge in your heart.
The Atomic Bomb Dome in the northern area of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park has stood unchanged, continuing to communicate with us since that fateful day. In the central area, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum carefully preserves records and a strong wish for peace. Visiting just these two locations will undoubtedly leave a profound impact.
However, the park is home to numerous other monuments embodying the feelings of many people. Without understanding their true meanings, they are just objects to observe. Why are they located here? What hopes do they convey? Who were they created for?
This article introduces not only the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum but also other must-see spots within the park, along with their deeper meanings. Additionally, it provides a detailed walking route to help you efficiently explore these areas within limited time. With photos and maps, this guide ensures you have the support you need for your visit.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the true value of this place, far beyond being just a “tourist destination.” Let us walk together through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a place unlike any other.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Established to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing and pray for eternal world peace, the park features the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, and other significant landmarks. It was created to ensure the tragedy of August 6, 1945, is never forgotten and to pass on the desire for peace to future generations. The park is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.
The Atomic Bomb Dome, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, stands as a symbolic structure advocating world peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it miraculously remained partially intact after the atomic bombing and became known as the Atomic Bomb Dome.
The atomic bomb exploded approximately 160 meters southeast and 600 meters above the current location of the dome.
Feel the atmosphere that can only be experienced here, and listen to the silent questions posed by this living witness of history.
Read more about Atomic Bomb Dome
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is dedicated to conveying the devastation caused by the atomic bomb and the subsequent recovery efforts. The museum offers a rich array of exhibits detailing the bomb dropped on Hiroshima and the city’s condition at that time.
Read more about Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The park is expansive, with numerous monuments scattered throughout. For better navigation, this guide divides the park into three areas: South, Central, and North. Exploring by area ensures an efficient visit.
Each monument carries a unique meaning, and understanding them will leave a deeper impression on your heart.
The South Area is located near the main entrance of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
The Fountain of Prayer was created to commemorate the victims who perished seeking water amidst the scorched remains of Hiroshima. It also embodies a prayer for everlasting peace.
On sunny days, you can often see a rainbow encircling the fountain.
This statue calls for relentless efforts toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. It depicts a mother holding a baby in her right arm while trying to carry a toddler on her back with her left hand, symbolizing a mother’s resilience to survive despite the harshest conditions.
The Peace Tower, built to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hiroshima’s World Federation of Cities declaration, is shaped as a pentagonal pyramid, with each side representing one of the five continents.
The Gates of Peace feature the word “peace” inscribed in 49 languages. This public art piece was created by a French artist.
There are a total of 10 gates, symbolizing the “10th circle of hell” as described in Dante’s Divine Comedy, with the atomic bomb metaphorically representing this ultimate circle.
The Central Area is the venue for the annual memorial ceremony.
The Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims was built to symbolize Hiroshima’s wish to be reconstructed as a city of peace. It houses a registry of names of atomic bomb victims, regardless of nationality.
Stone Chamber Housing the Registry of Names
The stone chamber is inscribed with the words:
“Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil.”
The Flame of Peace was lit in 1964 to console victims who perished seeking water and to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace. The flame will continue to burn until all nuclear weapons are eradicated from Earth.
Visitors can approach the Flame of Peace closely.
The concrete below represents clasped wrists with palms extended to the sky, symbolizing the flame resting in these hands.
The Prayer Monument was created to mourn the atomic bomb victims and wish for everlasting peace for humanity. It depicts a baby blowing a trumpet while embraced by a young mother, symbolizing hope and compassion as the foundation for peace.
The mother’s gentle expression conveys a message of fostering peace through kindness and empathy.
The A-Bombed Phoenix Trees originally stood approximately 1.3 km from the hypocenter in the courtyard of the Hiroshima Communications Bureau. Although they were severely burned, new buds sprouted the following year, inspiring hope in the survivors.
Despite half of their trunks being destroyed by the bomb’s heat and blast, the trees grew robustly, wrapping around the damaged parts as they thrived.
Nature’s silent resilience offers profound inspiration, showing how it recovers and empowers us despite human-caused destruction.
The North Area also features iconic landmarks.
The Children’s Peace Monument was inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia from the bombing and passed away at age 12. Her classmates initiated the idea to build a monument for all child victims of the atomic bomb.
Donations poured in from schools across Japan and even nine other countries, demonstrating the global resonance of their call for peace.
Atop the monument stands a bronze statue of a girl holding an origami crane, symbolizing dreams of a peaceful future.
The base of the statue is inscribed with the words:
“This is our cry. This is our prayer. For building peace in this world.”
Surrounding the statue are thousands of origami cranes and messages from all over the world, a testament to the enduring voices for peace.
The Peace Bell was established as a symbol of spiritual and cultural movement toward achieving a world free of nuclear weapons and war. Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell to pray for peace.
The sound of the bell you ring may resonate in someone else’s heart, sparking a chain of peace that echoes around the world.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park draws approximately two million visitors annually. People from around the world visit with their own reflections, hopes, and prayers.
The park features the Atomic Bomb Dome, a living witness to history; the Peace Memorial Museum, a repository of records; and numerous monuments representing prayers. These are not relics of the past. Every day, new origami cranes are offered at the Children’s Peace Monument, and the Peace Bell continues to ring at the hands of visitors.
During early August, particularly around the anniversary of the bombing on August 6, visitors from overseas increase, along with media from various countries. They often describe the park as having a “unique atmosphere” that cannot be expressed in words.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is easily accessible by tram, train, or bus. From Hondori Station, it’s an 11-minute walk, or you can get off at the Peace Memorial Park bus stop for immediate access. The park is open 24 hours and free to enter, making it a place everyone can visit with ease.
The park carries the vital mission of transmitting Hiroshima’s message of peace to future generations. By visiting the numerous spots introduced in this article, understanding their significance, and reflecting on the sentiments behind them, you’ll experience a profound connection to this place.
