Last updated：
On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on Hiroshima. More than 78 years have passed since that day, yet the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum continues to preserve the memory of the war and serves as a place to reflect on peace, welcoming millions of visitors each year.
Attracting over 2 million visitors annually from around the world, the museum uses projection mapping and invaluable artifacts to tell the silent yet powerful story of what happened on that fateful day. The exhibitions were enhanced during a 2019 renovation, providing a deeper and more comprehensive experience.
This article introduces tips for making the most of your visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum—from avoiding crowds to must-see exhibits and access information. Make your visit meaningful with this detailed guide.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, is a museum dedicated to conveying the devastation caused by the atomic bomb and the importance of peace. It is situated within the Peace Memorial Park and focuses on the events of August 6, 1945, and Hiroshima’s subsequent recovery.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Leaflet (Available in 12 Languages)
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum comprises two buildings: the Main Building and the East Building. Visitors begin their tour on the 3rd floor of the East Building, which features introductory exhibits and information on the dangers of nuclear weapons.
The Main Building showcases the reality of the bombing through personal belongings of the victims, photographs, and drawings, providing an in-depth understanding of the events of August 6, 1945.
On the 2nd floor of the East Building, exhibits highlight Hiroshima’s historical path, with an area where visitors can watch testimonies from survivors.
The East Building also hosts limited-time exhibits in its 1st-floor Special Exhibition Room and the basement Special Exhibition Room.
The museum’s dynamic displays use projection mapping, realistic artifacts, and intricate models to vividly depict the atomic bombing and the city of Hiroshima before and after the event.
One of the most compelling exhibits is the projection mapping, which recreates Hiroshima before and after the atomic bomb in astonishing detail, showcasing the instantaneous transformation caused by the bombing.
The Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, is also meticulously recreated through models, showing its state before and after the bombing.
These are just a few of the many exhibits, each offering a valuable insight into the history of Hiroshima.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers audio guides for visitors to gain deeper insights into the permanent exhibits.
Audio guide devices can be rented at the Information Center on the 1st floor of the East Building.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental Fee | 400 yen per device |
| Total Duration | Approximately 70 minutes (You can listen to only the parts you want or repeat the same explanation.) |
| Languages | Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian, Thai, Arabic, Indonesian, Filipino, Ukrainian |
The Japanese audio guide also includes narrations by renowned actress Sayuri Yoshinaga.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum receives around 2 million visitors annually, making it quite crowded during peak times and seasons.
Visitors typically purchase tickets at the entrance hall. However, during peak periods, long lines can form, sometimes requiring up to an hour’s wait to enter.
Peak visiting hours are officially noted as between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
From monthly visitor trends, March–May and August–November are identified as the busiest seasons.
For visits during busy times, online reservations are highly recommended. With a reservation, you can bypass the ticket line.
Online reservations can be made via the official website. (Different reservation sites are available for Japanese and foreign languages, so please select your language on the website before proceeding to the WEB ticket purchase page.)
There are also exclusive time slots for reserved visitors, allowing a more relaxed experience. If you’d like a quieter visit, booking during these slots is ideal.
| Period | Regular Hours | Reserved Visitor Hours |
|---|---|---|
| March–July | 8:30 am–6:00 pm | 7:30 am - 8:30 am 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm |
| August (excluding 5th & 6th) | 8:30 am - 7:00 pm | 7:30 am - 8:30 am 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm |
| August 5th & 6th | 8:30 am–8:00 pm | 7:30 am–8:30 pm 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
| September–November | 8:30 am–6:00 pm | 7:30 am–8:30 am 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm |
| December–February | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 7:30 am - 8:30 am 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
The museum also provides live YouTube broadcasts to check ticket lines and crowd conditions in real-time.
| Information | Live Link |
|---|---|
| Check ticket lines | Crowd conditions on the 1st floor of the East Building |
| Check indoor crowd conditions | Crowd conditions in the corridor connecting the East and Main buildings |
| Check outdoor conditions | Outside conditions around the museum |
The most convenient way to access the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is by bus from JR Hiroshima Station.
From the South Exit, take a bus operated by Hiroshima Bus, specifically route 24 or 25. The nearest stop, “Peace Memorial Park,” is about a 15-minute ride (220 yen fare).
Buses run approximately every 10–15 minutes.
Hiroshima Station South Exit Bus Stop Map [PDF]
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers a meticulously curated collection of artifacts that recount Hiroshima’s tragic history. Through detailed projection mapping, photographs, and personal belongings, each exhibit leaves a profound impact on visitors.
The facility caters to all ages with thoughtful arrangements, and audio guides are available in 15 languages. From schoolchildren on educational trips to international tourists and locals, people from diverse backgrounds come here to reflect on peace and carry their thoughts back with them.
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is not merely about looking back at history. In a world still grappling with conflicts and the threat of nuclear weapons, the museum prompts us to consider what we can do to create a peaceful future.
For the future of humanity and peace, take a moment to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
