Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome
原爆ドーム · Naka, Hiroshima
After 6 August 1945, the only building left standing near the hypocentre: a ruin that reminds the world of peace.
Know before you go
- Don't fool around or pose for fun photos in front of the cenotaph and the Dome
- don't climb the fence into the Dome's grounds
- keep quiet in the museum
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The only building left standing
The building, designed by the Czech architect Jan Letzel, was completed in 1915 as Hiroshima Prefecture's commercial exhibition hall. On 6 August 1945 the first atomic bomb ever used in war was dropped on Hiroshima; three days later Nagasaki was also bombed, and nine days later Japan surrendered. Because it was built of stone and steel, it became the only building left standing near the hypocentre, and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
History
Sadako and a thousand paper cranes
Sadako Sasaki was two when the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, and ten years later she was diagnosed with leukaemia. In hospital she folded more than a thousand paper cranes; she died in October 1955, aged just 12. The 'Children's Peace Monument' in the park was built in memory of her and all the child victims, and visitors from around the world still offer paper cranes there.
Source: Wikipedia: Sadako Sasaki
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Atomic Bomb Dome was originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, designed by the Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in 1915. On 6 August 1945 the first atomic bomb used in war was dropped on Hiroshima, and this stone-and-steel building was the only one near the hypocentre that did not collapse. It became a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Local customs
- The park contains the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, the Peace Memorial Museum and the Children's Peace Monument
- many people offer paper cranes
Religion & beliefs
- No particular religion
- a place of remembrance for all the victims and of prayer for peace.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't fool around or pose for fun photos in front of the cenotaph and the Dome
- don't climb the fence into the Dome's grounds
- keep quiet in the museum
Locals appreciate DO
- Hiroshima people appreciate visitors who come with respect and take the time to go through the museum
- offering paper cranes and a silent moment at the cenotaph are common ways to pay respects.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
|---|
Travel tips
- Take the tram from Hiroshima Station to Genbaku Dome-mae
- the museum's exhibits are harrowing, so allow at least two hours
- Miyajima makes a good visit on the next day
Photos
Photos
DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Maarten Heerlien · CC BY 2.0
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