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Hiroshima Municipal High School Atomic Bomb Cenotaph: A Silent Memorial

A memorial to Hiroshima's lost students, symbolizing peace and resilience near Peace Memorial Park.

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This monument commemorates the students and teachers of Hiroshima Municipal Girls' High School who perished in the atomic bombing. Located near Peace Memorial Park, it serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a symbol of hope for peace.

A brief summary to Hiroshima Municipal High School Atomic Bomb Cenotaph

  • 1 Nakajimacho, Hiroshima, Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, JP
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Local tips

  • Visit on August 6th to witness the annual memorial ceremony and pay respects alongside local students.
  • Take a moment to reflect on the symbolism of the monument, especially the significance of the E=MC² inscription.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the atomic bombing and its aftermath.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, head south towards the Peace Boulevard. Cross the boulevard and continue walking south. The monument is located near the west end of the Peace Bridge, a short walk from the main park area. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and is free of charge.

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take streetcar line 2 or 6 to Genbaku Dome-mae station. From there, walk south towards the Peace Memorial Park and cross the Motoyasu River via Peace Bridge. The monument will be on your right, just after crossing the bridge. The streetcar fare is a flat rate of ¥240 for adults. Alternatively, take the Hiroshima Meipuru-pu (Maple Loop Bus) and get off at the Peace Memorial Park bus stop. A single ride costs ¥240, or a one-day pass is available for ¥600.

  • Taxi

    From Hiroshima Station, a taxi ride to the Peace Memorial Park area, where the monument is located, will take approximately 10 minutes and cost around ¥1200-¥1500. Taxi fare starts at ¥620, with an additional ¥500 per kilometer. Note that traffic conditions may affect the final fare.

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Discover more about Hiroshima Municipal High School Atomic Bomb Cenotaph

The Hiroshima Municipal High School Atomic Bomb Cenotaph stands as a solemn tribute to the 676 students and teachers of Hiroshima Municipal Girls' High School (now Funairi High School) who lost their lives in the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Of those, 541 first- and second-year students and seven teachers died while dismantling buildings to create a fire lane in present-day Nakajima-cho, approximately 500 meters from the hypocenter. The school suffered the highest number of casualties of any school in the city. The monument features a statue of three girls. The central figure, wearing work pants, holds a box inscribed with the formula E=MC², symbolizing the atomic energy unleashed by the bomb. The other two girls, in skirts, offer comfort to the central figure. The monument bears no direct reference to the atomic bomb due to Allied occupation restrictions at the time of its unveiling. Instead, it was initially called a 'peace tower'. Located south of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, near the west end of Peace Bridge, the cenotaph marks the area where many students were working when the bomb detonated. Every year on August 6th, a memorial ceremony is held here by students from Funairi High School to honor the victims. The monument serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, urging visitors to contemplate the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and the importance of peace.

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