【Hiroshima】Tourist information for Orizuru Tower｜Introducing sightseeing spots in the city center

Orizuru Tower is a building located near the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become a popular destination for its unique experiences, such as enjoying panoramic views of Hiroshima City from the observation deck and dropping paper cranes that you fold yourself.

This article introduces the charm of Orizuru Tower as a relatively new sightseeing spot in downtown Hiroshima.

Orizuru Tower Tourist Information ① – What is Orizuru Tower?

Orizuru Tower is a 14-story, 50-meter-tall building located approximately 90 meters east of the Atomic Bomb Dome. It was originally used as a corporate office but was renovated and reopened in September 2016 as a multi-purpose commercial facility. The 1st floor houses a stylish café and a local goods shop. On the 12th floor is the “Orizuru Square,” and following the “strolling slope” leads to the lounge with an open-air observation area called “Hiroshima Hill.”

The floors from the 12th to the lounge are paid experience areas, but the panoramic views of Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima’s cityscape from above offer visitors a fresh perspective of the city. For those familiar with the history of war, the view may help imagine what the city looked like at that time.

While the view is impressive, one must-do experience at Orizuru Tower is dropping a paper crane (“orizuru”). The north wall of the tower is called the “Orizuru Wall”—a glass-covered atrium—and for 100 yen (as of January 2019), visitors can fold and drop a paper crane into the wall. The cranes accumulate in the atrium, and from outside the building, they appear as part of the decorative glass design. It’s a way to leave behind a symbol of your prayer for peace in Hiroshima. The admission fee for the observation space is 1,700 yen (as of January 2019).

Orizuru Tower Tourist Information ② – Events at Orizuru Tower

Orizuru Tower holds a variety of limited-time events. As of January 25, 2019, events include “glamping” in transparent dome tents overlooking the city and photography exhibitions.

In the past, family-friendly events like puzzle-solving challenges with prizes have also been held. Since the facility puts a lot of effort into planning, it’s a good idea to check the official website for current events before deciding when to visit.

Orizuru Tower Tourist Information ③ – Top 3 popular souvenirs at Orizuru Tower

On the 1st floor of Orizuru Tower, there’s a shop you can enter for free. It carries close to 1,000 local Hiroshima souvenirs, which might make choosing difficult. Here are the top 3 recommended souvenirs:

1. Der Baumkuchen

A Baumkuchen cake available only at Orizuru Tower, made by Juchheim. The packaging features an illustration of a paper crane. It’s said that the first Baumkuchen in Japan was baked at the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall (now the Atomic Bomb Dome), making this a memorable souvenir when given with that story.

2. Hassaku Daifuku

Hassaku Daifuku, a recent popular souvenir from Innoshima, is also a hit at the Orizuru Tower shop. Be aware it sometimes sells out.

3. Spotlight on Lemosco

Lemosco is now a well-known specialty of Hiroshima. Since seasonings last a long time, it's a great gift for people who enjoy cooking. It’s a versatile condiment that goes well with pasta, pizza, dumplings, fried chicken, and even instant noodles.

Orizuru Tower Tourist Information ④ – Gourmet info at Orizuru Tower

The first floor of Orizuru Tower is open to everyone without tickets. There’s a café called Akushu Café offering modern yet distinctly Hiroshima-style dishes.

Recommended items include the “Okomoko Don,” a loco moco-style dish using okonomiyaki, and the “Okosu,” a hot snack hybrid of tacos and okonomiyaki. Prices are reasonable, so it’s easy to enjoy.

Takeout is also available, so why not have a leisurely lunch at Peace Memorial Park?

Access information for Orizuru Tower

Orizuru Tower is right next to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. To get there, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (lines 2, 3, 6, 7, or 9) and get off at “Genbaku Dome-mae” station. Lines 2 and 6 run from Hiroshima Station.

If coming by car, note that there is no parking at the tower. Use a nearby paid parking lot or coin-operated parking. There’s one behind the tower in Otemachi 1-chome that is convenient.

◎ Recommended sightseeing spots around Orizuru Tower

Orizuru Tower is right in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome. While visiting, be sure to also tour Peace Memorial Park. Inside the park, besides the Atomic Bomb Dome (a World Cultural Heritage Site), you’ll find several facilities including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

Other nearby attractions within a 15-minute walk include:

・Children’s Museum of Culture and Science
・Hiroshima Castle
・Hiroshima Museum of Art

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【Hiroshima】Tourist information for Orizuru Tower｜Introducing sightseeing spots in the city center