Peace Memorial Park is a memorial space in Nakajimacho, central Hiroshima, built near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Its paths connect the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, the Peace Flame and the Children’s Peace Monument. Allow time to walk quietly between the memorials and, if you wish, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the city before, during and after the bombing. The park is open around the clock.
A memorial space in central Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Park occupies land near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Before the bombing, this part of the city was a busy commercial and residential district. The blast destroyed it, and the park was later created in its place as a memorial to those who died and a call for lasting world peace.
The park sits on a delta between the Honkawa and Motoyasu Rivers. Its green paths and open spaces bring together monuments, memorial halls and museums. The setting is calm, but the purpose is serious: to remember the people affected by the bombing and to keep its consequences in view.
The Dome and the memorials
The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the park’s most recognisable landmarks. Before the bombing, the building was the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, completed in 1915. Much of its exterior was destroyed on August 6, 1945, but its metal framework remained. The preserved structure became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
At the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, the arch frames a view toward the Dome. The monument holds the names of known victims, and its shape represents shelter for the souls of the dead. Nearby, the Peace Flame stands beside a reflecting pool. It is intended to burn until nuclear weapons have been eliminated.
Other memorials invite a quieter pause. The Children’s Peace Monument honours children who died in and after the bombing. The Peace Bell is another place to stop along the paths. At the river, trees and water offer a different view of the park from the central memorial route.
Adding the museum to your visit
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum presents the history of the city and the effects of the atomic bombing. Its exhibits include photographs, objects and survivor testimonies, and information is available in multiple languages. The material can be emotionally confronting, so leave space in your schedule to move through the displays slowly and reflect afterwards in the park.
You can explore the grounds independently or ask about the free volunteer-guided tours offered through the museum. A guide can add context to the memorials as you walk between them. The park is open at all hours, but a visit that includes the museum takes several hours. In late March and early April, cherry blossoms add another element to the riverside paths; expect the grounds to be busier during that season.
FAQ
Is Peace Memorial Park open 24 hours?
Yes. The park is open around the clock.
How long should I allow for Peace Memorial Park?
Allow about 2 to 4 hours if you plan to walk through the park and visit the museum. Take longer if you want time to reflect at the memorials.
Can I join a guided tour of the park?
Free volunteer-guided tours are offered through the Peace Memorial Museum. Ask at the museum about joining one.
When is cherry blossom season in Peace Memorial Park?
Cherry blossoms are a seasonal draw in late March and early April. The park can be busy during this period.
