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Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph: A Beacon of Peace

A solemn monument in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, honoring atomic bomb victims and promoting a message of peace for future generations.

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The Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph, located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, is a monument dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945. The arch-shaped cenotaph contains a registry of the names of all known victims, regardless of nationality, and serves as a symbol of peace and a commitment to preventing future nuclear devastation.

A brief summary to Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

  • Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, Nakajimacho, Hiroshima, Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, JP
  • +8182-242-7831
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit the Cenotaph in the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful and reflective experience.
  • Take time to read the epitaph inscribed on the monument and reflect on its message of peace.
  • Consider leaving a paper crane as a gesture of peace and remembrance.
  • Attend the Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6th to witness a moving tribute to the victims and a call for world peace.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar line 2 or 6 towards Miyajima-guchi or Eba, respectively. Get off at Genbaku Dome-mae station. From there, it's a short walk into Peace Memorial Park to reach the Cenotaph. The streetcar fare is a flat rate of ¥240 for adults and ¥120 for children. Alternatively, take the Hiroshima Meipuru-pu (Maple Loop) sightseeing bus and get off at the Peace Memorial Park bus stop. A single ride is ¥240, or a one-day pass is available for ¥600.

  • Walking

    From the Atomic Bomb Dome, walk south into Peace Memorial Park. Follow the main path through the park, passing the Peace Memorial Museum on your right. The Cenotaph is located near the center of the park, at the end of a long pond, framing the Flame of Peace. The walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Hiroshima. From Hiroshima Station, a taxi ride to Peace Memorial Park takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1300-¥1700. Ask the driver to take you to Heiwa Koen (Peace Memorial Park). Note that there is no dedicated parking at the Peace Memorial Park, so using public transportation is recommended.

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Discover more about Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

The Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph, formally known as the Memorial Monument for Hiroshima, City of Peace, stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Located within the expansive Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the cenotaph was built in 1952 and has since become an iconic symbol of the city's commitment to peace. The cenotaph's design, created by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, features a distinctive arch shape, reminiscent of traditional Japanese burial mounds, intended to shelter the souls of the deceased. Beneath the arch lies a stone chest containing a registry with the names of all known victims of the bombing. This includes not only Japanese citizens but also people of other nationalities who perished in the attack. Names continue to be added as more individuals succumb to radiation-related illnesses. The epitaph inscribed on the cenotaph reads, "Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil". These words encapsulate Hiroshima's enduring message of peace and its determination to prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy. The cenotaph is carefully aligned to frame the Peace Flame and the Atomic Bomb Dome, connecting the past, present, and future in a powerful visual statement. Visitors to the cenotaph often leave paper cranes as a gesture of peace and healing, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from the bombing's effects and became a symbol of hope. The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the cenotaph every August 6th, drawing people from around the world to pay their respects and pray for peace.

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