Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a symbolic sightseeing spot representing Hiroshima, featuring the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This article summarizes the highlights, access, opening hours, and more about this must-see park when visiting Hiroshima. It also includes information on parking, so please use it as a reference.
Tourist Information ① – What is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park?
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established under the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law, four years after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, to advocate for peace to the world and ensure war never happens again. Admission is free.
Within the park, there are the Peace Memorial Museum and many monuments and memorials that prompt reflection on peace. Across the Motoyasu River stands the Atomic Bomb Dome, a familiar sight often seen on TV. On August 6, the date the atomic bomb was dropped, a Peace Memorial Ceremony is held, and it is broadcast on TV, especially in the local Hiroshima area. (Photo: Bell of Peace)
Name: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Address: 1 Nakajima-cho and 1-10 Ote-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/www/contents/1483699383190/index.html
Tourist Information ② – Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a museum located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park grounds, built to convey the tragedy caused by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima more than 50 years ago (August 6, 1945).
■ Opening Time: From 8:30 a.m.
■ Closing Time: March–July: 6:00 p.m. / August: 7:00 p.m. / September–November: 6:00 p.m. / December–February: 5:00 p.m.
■ Closed: December 30–31
◆ Admission Fee: Adults 200 yen / High school students 100 yen / Junior high school students and younger: free
(*Prices as of January 25, 2019)
Main exhibits include many personal belongings of those affected by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and atomic bombing dolls that recreate the horrors. The displays vividly remind viewers of the tragic scenes, and some may find it frightening, but this museum is a must-visit to deeply appreciate the peace we enjoy today.
Tourist Information ③ – Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome located within the grounds of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the most famous attraction of the park. Registered as a World Heritage Site, the Atomic Bomb Dome was known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall at the time of the bombing, and it was a very modern and stylish building.
However, it is now left in a skeletal state due to the atomic bombing and is registered as a negative heritage site. It is intentionally preserved in its ruined state as a prayer that such devastation will never happen again.
Tourist Information ④ – Monuments in the Park
Within the vast grounds of Peace Memorial Park, which span over 120,000 square meters, there are many attractions. In addition to facilities like the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Museum, which directly convey the horror of the atomic bomb, there are also monuments and memorials that communicate the tragedy of war through inscriptions and symbols.
Rest House
After viewing the exhibits, be sure to stop by the Rest House (photo above), which also functions as a tourist information center and rest area. The Rest House is a valuable building that was bombed at the closest point to the hypocenter and is still in use today. It frequently appears in archival footage taken just after the bombing. It also appears in the film In This Corner of the World.
Access Information to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
To get to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park from Hiroshima Station, it is recommended to take a bus or train (Hiroshima Electric Railway).
Hiroshima Bus
From the station front, take Route 24 bound for Yoshijima Office or Yoshijima Hospital and get off at "Peace Memorial Park." The sightseeing loop bus "Meipuru~pu" also provides access. Allow about 15–20 minutes.
Hiroshima Electric Railway
From the station front, take Hiroshima Electric Railway Line 1 (bound for Hiroshima Port) and get off at "Fukuromachi." From there it is about a 10-minute walk. Lines 3 and 7 also pass through "Fukuromachi."
Parking at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the most visited tourist site in Hiroshima. There are many parking lots, so unless it's the day of the memorial ceremony, you’re unlikely to have trouble finding a spot.
There is a municipal parking lot in front of the park, so use it if it is available. There are also municipal lots in Kawaramachi across the Ota River and in Fukuromachi across the Motoyasu River.
◎ Summary of Tourist Information on Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
When sightseeing at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, plan for about three hours if you want to take a thorough look. Since there are many valuable and meaningful exhibits, it is recommended to take your time for a deep experience. Use the Rest House and other facilities wisely as you learn the importance of peace.