Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Museum, Monuments, and A-Bomb Dome

A trip to Hiroshima is best kicked off with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Museum, Monuments, A-Bomb Dome and the Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima Island. We were staying in Osaka and used our JR Pass and came down on the bullet train for the day.

The Peace Memorial park is not that far from Hiroshima Station. Its about 15 minutes ride. From Hiroshima Station, take south exit and there is a sign to the Peace Memorial Park and then take Streetcar (Tram) line 2 or 6 to Gembaku Domu Mae Station. The ride only cost about 160 Yen or free cover under JR Pass.

This park isn't exactly too big and the memorials are located within easy walking distance. Be sure to first visit the museum for better understanding of the different monuments located here.

Don't worry if you can't speak Japanese because they have an English translation in every details. They also have an audio if you want to listen to the details through an audio.

The museum was so crowded and full of information and gruesome details of the bombing. We would strong suggest to the museum, then take this beautiful walk to the eternal flame. 

The Park hosts many monuments and memorials including the A Bomb Dome, Children's Peace Monuments, Cenotaph, Flame of Peace and Peace Memorials Museum.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was planned and designed by the Japanese Architect Kenzo Tange at Tange Lab and really is beautifully laid out and maintained. 

Children's Peace Monument, dedicated to Sadako Sasaki and thousands of children who died of because of the bomb.

We saw lots of children who were on school trips and asked if we can help with their school projects and spend 5 minutes answering their questions.

Finally, one must not miss a photo opportunity with the A-Bomb Dome. Although, you can't enter the interior structure of the building, an exterior view is still well worth it. 

The A-Bomb Dome also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's Industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past. 

Direction 
From Hiroshima Station, take Streetcar (Tram line 2 or 6) to Genbaku-Domu Mae station. The ride takes 15 minutes and costs 160 Yen.

Hours & Fees 
8.30am to 18.00pm (until 19.00pm in August, until 17.00pm from December to February), admission ends 30 minutes before closing.

Closed 
December 30 to 31

Admission 
200 Yen


JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass 
The JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign tourists, providing five consecutive days of unlimited travel on designated train and bus lines (including unreserved seats on shinkansen and limited express trains) in the Kansai Region and along the Sanyo Coast as for as Hiroshima.

If purchased outside Japan or via the internet : 13,500 Yen
If purchased inside Japan : 14,500 Yen
Reduced rates apply to children aged 6-11 (50% off), a green car version is not available

Validity 

1. Unlimited use of local and rapid JR trains along the lines shown on the map above 
2. Unlimited use of non-reserved seats on the Sanyo Shinkansen (including Nozomi and Mizuho) between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. However, the Tokaido Shinkansen between Kyoto and Osaka is not covered. 
3. Reserved seats are not covered by the pass. If pass holders wish to use a reserved seat, nevertheless, the pass will cover only the base fare, while the limited express fee will have to be paid separately 
4. Unlimited use of JR ferry to Miyajima 
5. Unlimited use of the Kyoto Tango Railway which provides access to Amanohashidate 
6. Unlimited use of the Wakayama Railway 
7. Unlimited use of local JR buses around Kyoto and Hiroshima 
8. Free use of rental bicycles at designated Ekirin Kun outlets within the covered area 
9. The pass is valid on five consecutive calendar days (midnight to midnight) 
10. Only foreign visitors to Japan (with temporary visitor status) can use the pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan
11. The pass can only be used by a single person. It cannot be transferred between multiple persons. The pass holder has to carry his/her passport at all times 

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