Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園, Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope, set in the heart of the city. Spanning over 120,000 square meters, its green spaces contrast starkly with the surrounding urban landscape. Once the city’s political and commercial center, the area was left in ruins after the atomic bombing. Four years later, it was decided that this space would be dedicated to peace rather than redevelopment. Today, the park houses significant memorials, including the Peace Memorial Museum, which details Hiroshima’s history and the devastating events of August 6, emphasizing the human suffering caused by the bomb.

The A-Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a haunting reminder of the destruction. Once the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it was one of the few structures left standing. Nearby, the Cenotaph for A-Bomb Victims holds a register of over 220,000 names. Each year, on August 6, a ceremony is held here, with moments of silence and tributes honoring the victims. The park remains a deeply moving place for visitors worldwide, reminding all of the importance of peace.