Children's Peace Monument: A Testament to Innocence and Hope
Discover the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima, a heartwarming tribute to peace and hope inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki and her thousand cranes.
A brief summary to Children's Peace Monument
- 1 Nakajimacho, Hiroshima, Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, JP
- +8182-242-7831
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
The Children's Peace Monument, located in Hiroshima, Japan, is a deeply moving sculpture that commemorates the children who perished as a result of the atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945. At the heart of this monument is the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia due to radiation exposure and folded paper cranes in hopes of recovery, believing in the ancient Japanese legend that folding a thousand cranes grants a wish. Her legacy is immortalized in this monument, where thousands of colorful paper cranes are offered daily, symbolizing the hopes for peace and the innocence of children lost to war. As you approach the monument, you will be greeted by a serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of flowing water. The statue itself features Sadako holding a golden crane above her head, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the quest for peace. Visitors often leave their own origami cranes at the base of the monument, adding to the collective message of hope and remembrance. The Children's Peace Monument is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which houses several other memorials and museums dedicated to the tragic events of the atomic bombing. As you explore the park, take a moment to reflect on the importance of peace and the shared responsibility we all carry to prevent such tragedies from happening again. This site is not only a tourist attraction but a sacred space for contemplation and remembrance, making it a must-visit for anyone in Hiroshima, where the past meets the present in a call for a peaceful future.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere for reflection.
- Bring origami paper to fold your own cranes and add them to the monument.
- Take time to explore the surrounding Peace Memorial Park for a deeper understanding of Hiroshima's history.
- Check for any special events or ceremonies held at the monument for an enriching experience.
- Respect the solemnity of the site; maintain a quiet demeanor while visiting.
Getting There
-
Car
If you are driving to the Children's Peace Monument, start by navigating to Hiroshima city center. From Suō, take Route 2 towards Hiroshima. Once in the city, follow signs for Naka Ward. The monument is located at 1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811. Parking is available nearby, but be aware that there may be parking fees, typically ranging from 300 to 600 yen per hour.
-
Public Transportation
To reach the Children's Peace Monument using public transportation, first find your way to the nearest train station in Suō. Take a local train to Hiroshima Station. From Hiroshima Station, transfer to the Hiroshima Electric Railway (tram) Line 2 or Line 6 towards 'Hondori'. Get off at the 'Genbaku Dome-mae' stop. The monument is a short walk from the tram stop; head towards the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and you will find the Children's Peace Monument at the park. A single tram fare is approximately 200 yen.