The Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims commemorates the day, August 6, 1945, when the city was irrevocably changed. It was on that day that the nuclear bomb fell, killing thousands and forever altering the lives of those who survived. The aging of the victims was the impetus for the recent creation of the memorial, which aims to preserve their memory. Visit the memorial, designed by architect Kenzo Tange, to remember the names of the victims and to engage with the stories and narratives of those who were left behind.
Leave the serene surroundings of the park and walk down the gently illuminated hallway that leads to the Hall of Remembrance. Enter the circular room, whose walls are covered with a panoramic image depicting Hiroshima right before the bomb dropped. Read the names of the neighborhoods, many of which no longer exist.
Turn to the center of the room, where a basin represents the moment, at 8:15, when the destruction began.
Continue on to the adjacent area, which shows pictures and names of the victims and videos of survivors telling their stories. Sit and let their voices fill the space, talking about the aftermath of the attack. Check the calendar before arriving to see if one of the regular survivor talks is scheduled, with people talking about their experiences.
The Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is located in Hiroshima’s Peace Park, close to the center of town. Walk from Hiroshima’s JR Station in about 35 minutes or take the bus or streetcar in about 20 minutes. Walk from the bus or tram stop in about 5 minutes. The airport is a 1-hour shuttle ride away. Finding parking in the area is practically impossible, so take public transportation or a taxi.
The hall is open to visitors daily from morning to evening, with slightly longer hours during the summer. There is no admission fee.
