Hiroshima Peace Park Rest House, Hiroshima Travel Guide

The Hiroshima Peace Park Rest House, situated near the Motoyasu Bridge within the Peace Memorial Park, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Constructed in 1929 as the Taishoya Kimono Store, this retro-modern building was a symbol of Nakajima Honmachi. During the war, it was repurposed as the Fuel Hall. On August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb devastated the area, crushing the building's roof and igniting its interior. Tragically, all but one person in the building perished.In 1957, Hiroshima City acquired the building and, after serving various functions, it was established as the Peace Memorial Park Rest House in 1982. Renovated in 2020, the Rest House now provides tourist information, sells local products and souvenirs, and offers a space for rest and contemplation. The building also features exhibits about the former Nakajima district and the history of the building itself. Visitors can view scorch marks from the bombing and a diorama of the pre-bombing neighborhood.The Rest House stands as a symbol of Hiroshima's resilience, connecting visitors to the history, culture, and spirit of the city. It serves as a starting point for exploring the Peace Memorial Park and learning about the events of the atomic bombing.