The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located at the confluence of the Honkawa and Motoyasu Rivers, right next to the city centre. This site marks the hypocentre of the world’s first atomic bomb used in warfare.
Previously, this area was an urban district known as Nakajima, home to approximately 6,500 residents before it was completely obliterated on August 6, 1945.
When Hiroshima was rebuilt, this 122,100-square-metre park was established to serve as a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance. The park is centred around several key monuments, including the Pond of Peace, the Peace Flame, and the Memorial Cenotaph. These landmarks are aligned in a direct line of sight from the Peace Memorial Museum to the iconic A-Bomb Dome.
One of the most recognisable structures in Hiroshima, the A-Bomb Dome was originally constructed in 1915 as the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, later renamed the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The atomic bomb exploded almost directly above this building, and while nearly every other structure in the area was completely destroyed, the walls of this building remained standing. Preserved in its ruined state, the A-Bomb Dome is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stark reminder of the devastation of war.
Another surviving structure in the park is the Rest House, originally built in 1929 as a kimono shop. While its interior was severely burned during the bombing, it was later restored and now serves as a public rest area within the park.
Museums and Monuments
The park is home to two major museums:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall
These museums are among the most visited in Hiroshima, offering detailed exhibits on the city before and after the bombing. They showcase artifacts recovered from the ruins, personal stories of the victims, and Hiroshima’s ongoing mission to eliminate nuclear weapons.
A key feature of the park is the Peace Flame, which has burned continuously since 1964 and will remain lit until all nuclear weapons on Earth are destroyed.
Visiting the Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is just a short walk across the river from central Hiroshima. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city, offering a profound and moving experience dedicated to remembrance and peace.
