Is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park free to enter?

Yes, the park itself and all outdoor monuments are free to visit 24 hours a day. There is a small admission fee for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which is highly recommended for context.

What is the best time to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome?

Early morning or sunset offers the best lighting for photography and a more contemplative atmosphere. The dome is also illuminated at night, providing a hauntingly beautiful perspective after the crowds have dispersed.

Can I see the paper cranes at the Children's Peace Monument?

Yes, millions of paper cranes are displayed in glass booths surrounding the monument. They are sent from all over the world and are periodically recycled into paper for memorial brochures.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, the park is open and safe for families. While the museum content is heavy and may be difficult for very young children, the outdoor monuments like the Children's Peace Monument are very accessible and educational.

How far is the Atomic Bomb Dome from the Museum?

The two sites are approximately 500 meters apart. The walk is flat and takes about 10 minutes if you walk directly, though most visitors stop at the Cenotaph and monuments along the way.

Where is the best place to start a walking tour Hiroshima history fans would enjoy?

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is the best starting point. It provides the chronological and emotional foundation needed to appreciate the significance of the monuments found later in the walk.

Are there places to eat near the Peace Memorial Park?

Yes, the Rest House has a small cafe, and there are many restaurants located just across the river near the Atomic Bomb Dome or in the nearby Hondori shopping arcade.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Embark on a profound journey through one of the most significant historical landscapes in the world with this self-guided walk through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This neighborhood stroll in Naka-ku offers a space for quiet reflection, education, and hope, guiding you through the events of August 6, 1945, and the city's subsequent transformation into a global beacon for peace. Unlike a traditional walking tour Hiroshima visitors might expect, this audio walk allows you to process the gravity of these sites at your own pace, ensuring a personal and meaningful experience. Your journey begins at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where the narrative of the atomic bombing is humanized through personal artifacts and harrowing accounts. As you move through the park, you will encounter the Gates of Peace and the iconic Memorial Cenotaph, which frames the Flame of Peace and the skeletal remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome in a single, powerful line of sight. You will also discover the resilient history of the Rest House, one of the few buildings to remain standing near the hypocenter, and the moving story of Sadako Sasaki at the Children's Peace Monument. This walking route is more than just a history lesson; it is an exploration of human resilience. The park itself, designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, is a masterpiece of urban planning that balances the scars of the past with the lush greenery of a modern city. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor seeking to understand Japan's modern identity, this self-guided adventure provides the context and stories needed to appreciate the legacy of Hiroshima. By the time you reach the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will have a deeper understanding of why this city is dedicated to the pursuit of a world without nuclear weapons.

Highlights

Reflect on personal stories at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

See the Eternal Flame of Peace at the Memorial Cenotaph

Learn the story of the thousand paper cranes at the Children's Peace Monument

Visit the Rest House, a rare surviving structure from the blast

Stand before the skeletal ruins of the UNESCO-listed Atomic Bomb Dome

Walk through the symbolic Gates of Peace featuring 49 languages

Tour Stops (6)

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is the emotional heart of the city. Opened in 1955, it was designed by Kenzo Tange to ensure the world never forgets the events of August 6, 1945. Inside, you will find two wings: the East Building, which focuses on the history of Hiroshima and the nuclear age, and the Main Building, which houses personal belongings left by victims. The focus here is not just on the destruction, but on the individuals whose lives were forever changed. Take your time to absorb the testimonies and artifacts, as they provide the essential context for the rest of your walk through the park.

Gates of Peace

As you exit the museum area, you will encounter the Gates of Peace. These ten transparent arches, each standing nine meters high, were installed in 2005 by French artists Clara Halter and Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Look closely at the surfaces; you will see the word 'Peace' inscribed in 49 different languages and 18 variations of letters. The arches represent the circles of hell described in Dante's 'Inferno,' with the tenth gate representing a new circle: the hell created by the atomic bomb. However, by being open and transparent, they also symbolize the possibility of a future defined by transparency and global harmony.

Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

Directly ahead is the Memorial Cenotaph, a saddle-shaped concrete structure that protects a stone chest containing the names of all those who died as a result of the bombing. The shape is meant to resemble the 'Haniwa' houses used in ancient Japan to protect the souls of the deceased. If you look through the arch of the Cenotaph, you will see it aligns perfectly with the Flame of Peace and the Atomic Bomb Dome in the distance. The inscription on the stone reads: 'Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.' It serves as both a tomb and a solemn promise from the people of Hiroshima to the world.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Rest House

The building to your right is known as the Rest House. Before the bombing, this was the Taishoya Kimono Shop. Because it was built with a sturdy reinforced concrete structure, it survived the blast despite being only 170 meters from the hypocenter. One man, Eizo Nomura, survived in the basement here and lived into his 80s. Today, the building serves as a visitor center and gift shop, but the basement has been preserved in its post-blast state. It stands as a silent witness to the sheer power of the explosion and the incredible stories of survival that emerged from the ruins.

Children's Peace Monument

This monument is dedicated to the memory of the children who died as a result of the bombing. At the top of the pedestal stands a bronze statue of a young girl holding a golden crane. This is Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old when the bomb fell. Years later, she developed leukemia and began folding paper cranes, inspired by a Japanese legend that folding a thousand would grant a wish. Though she passed away, her story sparked a national movement. Today, the glass cases surrounding the monument are filled with millions of colorful paper cranes sent by children from all over the world as a symbol of their desire for a nuclear-free future.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Finally, cross the Motoyasu Bridge to reach the Atomic Bomb Dome. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, this building was almost directly beneath the center of the explosion. Because the blast came from almost directly above, the vertical columns managed to resist the downward pressure, leaving the skeletal copper dome intact. For years, the city debated whether to tear it down or preserve it. Ultimately, it was decided to keep it exactly as it appeared after the blast. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it serves as a stark, haunting reminder of the most destructive weapon ever created by mankind and a powerful icon of peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thorough exploration usually takes 90 to 120 minutes. This includes roughly 45-60 minutes for the museum and 45 minutes to walk the 1-kilometer route between the various monuments and the Atomic Bomb Dome.