basic information

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for the Peace Park will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area.

Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. Four years to the day after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities.

The park's main facility is the Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two building, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of August 6; the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting. The museum is geared to accommodate its international visitors.

Entrance to Museum

Display in Museum

The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standings, and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.

Between the Museum and the A-Bomb Dome is the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims. The Cenotaph is an arched tomb for those who died because of the bomb, either because of the initial blast or exposure to radiation. Below the arch is a stone chest holding a register of these names, of which there are over 220,000.

Every year on the anniversary of the bomb, a ceremony is held at the park. Speeches are made, wreathes are laid at the Cenotaph, and a moment of silence is observed at 8:15 am, the precise moment of detonation. Other activities occur throughout the day, and many staff are employed to help foreign visitors.

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how to get there

From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 2 or 6 to Genbaku-Domu mae station. The ride takes 15 minutes and costs 150 yen.

How to get to and around Hiroshima

hours and fees

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Hours:	8:30 to 18:00 (until 19:00 in Aug, until 17:00 from Dec-Feb) Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed:	December 29 to January 1
Admission:	50 yen

news and reports

	Hiroshima Cherry Blossom Report March 29, 2009
	Miyajima Cherry Blossom Report March 28, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Hiroshima: 765
Users who have been to Peace Park: 683

1st of 5 most visited sights in Hiroshima.
18th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		highly recommended (93/100, 408 votes)
Rating by staff:		highly recommended
Overall Rating:		best of the best

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hotels & ryokan

Hotel Flex A stylish budget hotel in Hiroshima. From 5,275yen. 5min walk from JR Hiroshima Station. Backpackers Hostel K's House Hiroshima Only 8 min walk from JR Hiroshima sta. Bed from 2,500yen. No curfew, cozy lounge, communal kitchen, internet, bicycle rental.

tours and packages

Hiroshima and Miyajima Tours Various tours and travel packages for Hiroshima and surroundings.

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