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, located in the heart of the city. Spanning over 120,000 square meters, its peaceful green spaces stand in stark contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. Once Hiroshima’s political and commercial center, the area was left in ruins after the atomic bombing. Four years later, it was decided that the space would be dedicated to peace rather than redevelopment. Today, the park is home to several significant memorials, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which explores Hiroshima’s history and the 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 buildings left standing after the blast. Nearby, the Cenotaph for A-Bomb Victims holds a register of more than 220,000 names. Each year, on August 6, a memorial ceremony is held here, with moments of silence and tributes honoring the victims. The park remains a deeply moving place for visitors from around the world, offering a lasting reminder of the importance of peace.