The park was constructed on the former site of Hiroshima’s busiest downtown commercial and residential area.
The Cenotaph’s arched design is intended to provide shelter for the spirits of the victims, representing the Japanese haniwa style of ancient tomb houses.
The Flame of Peace has remained continuously lit since it was first ignited in 1964.
The Peace Memorial Museum's main building is designed as a pilotis structure, elevated on pillars to represent a connection between the earth and the sky.
The park contains over 50 monuments and memorials dedicated to different groups, including students and foreign nationals killed in the blast.
The A-bomb Dome was preserved in its ruined state despite initial controversy over whether to demolish it or restore it.
The park's layout was the first major international competition-winning project for architect Kenzo Tange.
A 'Bell of Peace' located in the park can be rung by visitors and was cast by a master bell maker who used traditional Buddhist casting techniques.
The park grounds contain the remains of the Nakajima district's original street layout and foundations of lost buildings preserved underground.
Peace Memorial Park is a 12-hectare memorial site built on the open field created by the 1945 atomic bombing in the Nakajima district. The park features the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site that retains the structural remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. Designed by architect Kenzo Tange, the park is anchored by the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, which contains a stone chest holding the names of all known victims. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located on the grounds and displays artifacts and testimonies regarding the destruction and radiation effects. The park grounds also house the Flame of Peace, which is intended to burn until all nuclear weapons in the world are abolished. The Children's Peace Monument, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, serves as a site for paper crane offerings. Paths are laid out to visually connect the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph, and the Museum in a single axis. The park serves as the venue for the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held every August 6th.
The Motoyasu River embankment provides the classic, reflective shot of the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Allow significant time to read the detailed testimonials and histories inside the museum.
Participate in the paper crane tradition by folding one and leaving it at the Children's Peace Monument.
Walk the full axis from the dome to the museum to understand the intentional architectural alignment.
Do not treat the site as a casual recreational park; refrain from loud photography or using drones, which are strictly prohibited.
The museum closes annually for a short period at the end of December; the park itself remains open 24/7.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a memorial site; refrain from loud conversation or eating in the immediate vicinity of the monuments.
