Hiroshima Peace Park広島平和記念公園

History• Opened in 1954• Commemorates the direct and

indirect victims of the nuclear bombing in 1945, often numbered at around 140,000

• The peace park stands upon what was once Hiroshima’s busiest commercial district

The only building near the bomb’s hypocentre to remain somewhat intact, the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall is now a UNESCO world heritage site. It stands almost exactly the same as it did when the bomb struck. It has been left as a monument to the destruction of war.

Atomic Bomb Dome原爆ドーム

This flame also serves as a monument to those who were killed by the bomb, but also has a second purpose. It has burned continuously since it was lit in 1964, with the promise that it will continue to burn until all nuclear weapons are gone from the world.

Peace Flame

This concrete, saddle-shaped structure stands in the centre of the park, and was one of the first monuments to be built in the park, being unveiled in 1952. It is positioned so that it frames the Atomic Bomb dome and the peace flame. The arch shape represents a shelter for the souls of the victims.

A plaque at the base of the cenotaph reads:“ 安らかに眠って下さい 過ちは 繰返しませぬから”- “Please rest in peace, for the mistake shall not be repeated.”

Memorial Cenotaph

Another of the most famous monuments at the park, this nine metre statue depicts twelve year-old radiation-victim Sadako Sasaki holding a crane. Thousands upon thousands of origami cranes have been offered to the monument since its unveiling on Children’s Day of 1958. Special cabinets have been built for visitors to hang their cranes.

Childrens’ Peace Monument原爆の子の像