Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park occupies the former commercial and administrative center of Hiroshima, the area that suffered the most catastrophic damage when the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. Designed by the famous architect Kenzo Tange, the park officially opened in 1955 with the purpose of honoring the victims and educating future generations about the importance of peace.

Key landmarks within the park include the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), the preserved ruins of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. As one of the few structures left standing near the hypocenter, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and remains one of the world’s strongest symbols of nuclear devastation.

The Peace Memorial Museum presents a deeply moving historical narrative through survivor testimonies, photographs, artifacts, and detailed models, making it one of the most impactful museums on the consequences of war. Other significant monuments include the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, which houses the names of the deceased beneath a symbolic arch, and the Children’s Peace Monument, dedicated to Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes—an enduring universal symbol of hope and peace.

Each year on August 6th, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in the park, with a moment of silence at 8:15 AM, the exact time the bomb was dropped. Despite its tragic origins, the park today is beautifully landscaped and offers a serene, contemplative atmosphere ideal for learning, remembrance, and reflection. 

• Take the Hiroden Streetcar to Genbaku Dome-mae Station, then walk 1–3 minutes.

• From Hiroshima Station, it takes about 15–20 minutes by streetcar or local bus.

• The park is a 10–15 minute walk from Hiroshima’s city center.

• Time Allocation: Spend at least 2–3 hours to fully experience the museum and main memorials.

• Crowds: Expect significantly more visitors around August 6th due to the annual memorial ceremony.

• Comfort: Wear comfortable walking shoes; the park covers a large area.

Admission Fee:

• Peace Memorial Park: Free

• Peace Memorial Museum:

  • Adults / University students: 200 JPY

  • High school students: 100 JPY

Opening Time:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Open 24 hours

• Peace Memorial Museum (Seasonal hours):

  • Mar 1 – Jul 31: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Aug 1 – Aug 31: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Aug 5–6: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM

  • Sep 1 – Nov 30: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Dec 1 – Feb 28/29: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
    (Last admission: 30 minutes before closing.)