Peace Bridge: A Symbol of Hope and Rebirth
Walk across Peace Bridge in Hiroshima, a symbolic gateway to Peace Memorial Park and a poignant reminder of hope and resilience.
Peace Bridge, located in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, is a powerful testament to the city's resilience and its enduring commitment to peace. Completed in 1952, the bridge serves as a symbolic gateway to the park, inviting visitors to reflect on the past and contemplate the future. The bridge's design, conceived by the renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, is deeply symbolic. Noguchi, wanting Hiroshima to have a sense of a city “living strongly for the future,” designed Peace Bridge to evoke a sunrise, representing hope and rebirth. Its counterpart, the West Peace Bridge, symbolizes a sunset, representing the past. The arresting designs drew criticism from the City Council and private citizens who feared that 'the caterpillar-shaped handrail would not prevent children from falling in the river.' The bridge was finally built with a handrail 20 centimeters higher than originally designed. The name “Peace Bridge” was chosen in a public naming contest in November 1951, along with “Peace Boulevard”. Crossing the Peace Bridge is an integral part of the Peace Memorial Park experience, offering a moment to contemplate Hiroshima's journey from devastation to renewal. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.
Local tips
- Take time to appreciate the bridge's unique design and symbolism, reflecting on its message of peace and hope.
- Visit the bridge during sunrise or sunset for a particularly moving experience, as the light enhances its symbolic elements.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Peace Memorial Park to fully understand Hiroshima's history and commitment to peace.
A brief summary to Peace Bridge
- Hiroshima, 3 Chome Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, JP
- +8182-504-2361
Getting There
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Walking
From the A-Bomb Dome, walk south along the Motoyasu River. Cross the Motoyasu-bashi Bridge and continue south. Peace Bridge will be directly ahead, forming the entrance to Peace Memorial Park.
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Public Transport
From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroden tram line #2 or #6 to Genbaku-domu-mae station. Walk south towards the A-Bomb Dome, then follow the walking directions. The tram fare is a flat rate of ¥240.
