Hiroshima Peace Memorial: The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park
How to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome respectfully: its history, what to see, how much time to allow and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: the ruins of a building that survived near the hypocentre of the 1945 atomic bombing, and the peace park beside it.
- Why it matters: a memorial to the victims and a symbol of the hope for a world without nuclear weapons.
- Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for the park, the dome and the Peace Memorial Museum.
- Best time: morning, before the museum gets busy.
At 8:15 am on 6 August 1945, an atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima. Almost everything nearby was destroyed. The skeletal dome that remained is now one of the most moving places in Japan.
Why the Peace Memorial is a wonder
The dome was once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. Because the blast came from almost directly above, part of its walls and the steel frame of its dome were left standing.
The city chose to preserve the ruin exactly as it was, as a reminder of what happened. In 1996 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A park for peace
Across the river, Peace Memorial Park is filled with memorials. The Cenotaph frames a view of the dome, and the Flame of Peace will burn until all nuclear weapons are gone.
The Children's Peace Monument honours Sadako Sasaki, a girl who developed leukaemia after the bombing and folded paper cranes hoping to recover. Colourful cranes from around the world are still left here every day.
Visiting the park
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Atomic Bomb Dome | The preserved ruin by the river | 15 minutes |
| Children's Peace Monument | Thousands of paper cranes | 10 minutes |
| Cenotaph and Flame of Peace | The main memorial and its view of the dome | 15 minutes |
| Peace Memorial Museum | Personal stories, artefacts and history | 1 to 1.5 hours |
When to go
- Morning: quieter in the museum, which can get crowded later in the day.
- 6 August: the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony and evening lantern floating on the river.
- Any season: the park is open at all times, and the dome is lit up at night.
- Combine with: Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine, an easy trip from the city.
Our tip: The museum is powerful and at times distressing. Give yourself time afterwards to sit quietly in the park before moving on.
Getting there
- By tram: take the Hiroden streetcar from Hiroshima Station to the Genbaku-Dome-mae stop, about 15 minutes.
- By shinkansen: Hiroshima is about 1.5 hours from Shin-Osaka on the fastest trains.
- On foot: the park is around 30 minutes' walk from Hiroshima Station.
Visiting respectfully
- Remember that this is a memorial and a place of mourning. Keep your voice low.
- Do not climb on monuments or sit on the memorials.
- Avoid posed or playful photos at the Cenotaph and dome.
- If you bring paper cranes, leave them in the shelters at the Children's Peace Monument.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I spend at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to see the dome, walk through the park and visit the Peace Memorial Museum.
Can you go inside the Atomic Bomb Dome?
No. The ruin is fenced off and preserved, and is viewed from the outside.
Is the Peace Memorial Museum suitable for children?
It covers difficult subjects with real artefacts and images. Many families visit, but parents should prepare children beforehand.
How do I get to the Peace Park from Hiroshima Station?
Take the streetcar to Genbaku-Dome-mae, around 15 minutes, or walk in about 30 minutes.
Kiyomizu-dera
A hillside temple with a vast wooden stage over the trees.
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