Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A poignant museum and park dedicated to the atomic bombing, serving as a powerful testament to peace and a stark warning against nuclear war.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant museum and park dedicated to the atomic bombing, serving as a powerful testament to peace and a stark warning against nuclear war.
"A must-see if you visit Japan; it's a very moving exhibition that stirs up a lot of emotion."
⏳ Book Tickets in Advance
Skip the long queues by purchasing tickets online beforehand. Audio tours are also limited, so book those early too!
🎧 Get the Audio Tour
Enhance your understanding with the audio guide. It provides crucial context and personal stories that bring the exhibits to life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The skeletal remains of a former industrial promotion hall, a stark reminder of the bombing's devastation.
Children's Peace Monument
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A tribute to the child victims, adorned with colorful paper cranes symbolizing peace and hope.
Hall of Remembrance
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A circular, domed space with a flickering flame and a panoramic view of the city, symbolizing peace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Sufficient Time
Prepare for an Emotional Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Book Tickets in Advance
Skip the long queues by purchasing tickets online beforehand. Audio tours are also limited, so book those early too!
🎧 Get the Audio Tour
Enhance your understanding with the audio guide. It provides crucial context and personal stories that bring the exhibits to life.
😢 Prepare for Emotion
The museum is incredibly moving. Be ready for graphic imagery and powerful stories of loss and resilience.
🚶♂️ Allow Ample Time
Don't underestimate the time needed. Most visitors recommend at least 2-3 hours to truly absorb the exhibits.
Is one hour enough time in the Hiroshima peace museum?
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Book Tickets in Advance
Skip the long queues by purchasing tickets online beforehand. Audio tours are also limited, so book those early too!
🎧 Get the Audio Tour
Enhance your understanding with the audio guide. It provides crucial context and personal stories that bring the exhibits to life.
😢 Prepare for Emotion
The museum is incredibly moving. Be ready for graphic imagery and powerful stories of loss and resilience.
🚶♂️ Allow Ample Time
Don't underestimate the time needed. Most visitors recommend at least 2-3 hours to truly absorb the exhibits.
🕊️ Visit the Park Too
Explore the surrounding Peace Memorial Park and its many monuments for a more complete experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum as a profoundly moving and essential experience, highlighting its sincere portrayal of the atomic bombing's impact and its powerful message for peace. While the exhibits can be emotionally challenging and queues long, the educational value and the solemn atmosphere of the surrounding park are widely praised.
"Impressive museum focused on the Hiroshima history, nuclear bomb and peace. We really loved how they try to translate with sincerity what happened to thousand of people and what we should learn from those events.
We did not do the line for getting inside, but yes you have to wait for the access to the main part of the exposition, which is quite frustrating. The good thing is that people are very quiet and absorbed by what they are seeing.
Also maybe I would not recommend if you have a young child ( due to the queue )."
Hugo Fernandez
"If you are looking learn more about the consequences of what a nuclear bomb does, you have to visit this museum. Looking at the artifacts and listening to the audio tour should invoke sadness and the sense that no nuclear bombs should ever be used again.
If you have younger children, bring them when they are older. There are some graphic images that are on display.
If you are able, purchase your tickets ahead of them so you don’t have to wait in a long line to purchase them. Also, to get the full experience, purchase the audio tour. The audio tours can also be purchased in advance and is highly recommended that you do so. It seemed like there were a limited number of them.
Pack your patience. The line to see the exhibits was super long and there are people everywhere so it is difficult to see everything. They have you go in a circle so you couldn’t really move ahead and then go back to see something you might have missed."
H D
"11th September 2025
80 years since the bombing.
I am 25 years old as of writing. All my live, ever since I first known of world war 2 and the A-bomb when I was in kindergarten, I always wanted to visit here. Now, as an adult, I finally can tick this off my bucket list.
The stories of war speaks for itself. The messages, the belongings and the stories of victims who survived, the stories of those who are no longer with us, passed down generations by generations. Every passing decade we lose more A-bomb survivors. By the next 10 year, all of them would have passed on as well, taking their experiences with them.
However, we should play our part as well. To remember them, to continue passing it on to the next generations, just like our elderly did for us. As a Gen Z, I am fortunate enough to not live through any forms of World War. I hope it stays that way."
Geraldジェラルド
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible via public transport. Take the tram (streetcar) to the 'Genbaku Dome-mae' or 'Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall' stop. It's a short walk from there. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from Hiroshima Station, which takes about 20-30 minutes.
While there are parking lots in the vicinity, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transportation is generally the most recommended and convenient option for reaching the museum.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Memorial Park. It allows you to see more of the city on your way.
Tram lines 2 and 6 are the most direct routes to the 'Genbaku Dome-mae' stop, which is right by the museum and park.
Yes, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum are well-signposted and a major landmark. Most locals will be able to direct you if you ask.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the museum is typically ¥200 for adults. Entry to the Peace Memorial Park and its outdoor monuments is free.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the museum. However, lines can be very long, especially during peak hours. It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance online to save time.
Yes, the audio tour is a separate purchase and it's advisable to book it in advance as there's a limited number available. It's highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
The museum is generally open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM). Hours may vary slightly by season, so it's best to check the official website before your visit.
There is no strict dress code, but it's a place of remembrance and solemnity. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors recommend at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum and its exhibits. Some even suggest longer if you plan to deeply engage with all the information.
The museum contains graphic images and sensitive content that may be disturbing for young children. It's recommended for older children and teenagers who can understand the historical context.
Many visitors find the audio tour invaluable for understanding the exhibits. Taking your time, reading the personal stories, and reflecting on the artifacts are key to a meaningful visit.
While official guided tours might be limited, you might encounter passionate individuals like 12-year-old Shun Sasaki offering free tours in the park, aiming to share the message of peace.
Expect a chronological display of the bombing's impact, personal belongings of victims, detailed explanations of the destruction, and a strong message of peace and nuclear disarmament.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally prohibited inside the museum to maintain a respectful atmosphere and protect the artifacts. Please adhere to the signage.
The Atomic Bomb Dome is an iconic photo spot. The Children's Peace Monument, the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, and the Flame of Peace are also significant and photogenic.
Yes, many visitors recommend visiting the Peace Memorial Park at night. The illuminated monuments and the A-Bomb Memorial create a different, poignant atmosphere.
Photos that capture the solemnity of the park, the resilience symbolized by the paper cranes, and the stark contrast between the Dome and the surrounding modern city tend to be very impactful.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in the Peace Memorial Park due to its sensitive nature and to ensure the safety and peace of visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Older Children
Consider purchasing the audio tour to provide age-appropriate context for your children. Visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, can make the experience more manageable. Remember to prepare them for the potentially graphic nature of some exhibits and focus on the overarching message of peace and remembrance.
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
The surrounding park provides ample space for quiet contemplation. Many solo visitors find solace in walking along the river, sitting by the monuments, and reflecting on the powerful messages of peace. The museum's mission to prevent future tragedies resonates strongly with those seeking to understand the human cost of conflict.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Beyond the museum, exploring the Peace Memorial Park allows for a deeper dive into the historical significance of the site. Understanding the context of World War II and the post-war reconstruction of Hiroshima adds layers to the experience. The museum's commitment to preserving the memory of the victims and advocating for peace makes it a vital destination for anyone interested in 20th-century history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Atomic Bomb Dome
Many visitors describe seeing the Dome as a profoundly moving experience, a tangible link to the past that underscores the museum's message. Its skeletal frame serves as a constant reminder of the immense destruction and the urgent need for global peace. The contrast between the Dome and the modern, rebuilt city surrounding it is stark and thought-provoking.
Visiting the Dome at different times of day, especially at dusk or dawn, can offer unique perspectives and emotional resonance. The way light plays on its structure can evoke different feelings, from somber reflection to a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future.
Understanding the Museum's Narrative
One of the most impactful aspects of the museum is its focus on personal stories. Through photographs, testimonies, and artifacts, the museum humanizes the tragedy, allowing visitors to connect with the experiences of individuals who lived through the bombing. This approach aims to foster empathy and a deep understanding of why peace is paramount.
Some visitors note that the museum's narrative can be challenging, as it doesn't shy away from the horrific details. However, this unflinching honesty is crucial to its mission. The museum also highlights the efforts of survivors and peace advocates, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for a nuclear-free world.
The Peace Memorial Park: A Space for Reflection
Walking through the park, especially along the river, offers a sense of calm amidst the powerful history. The Flame of Peace, which will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons are abolished, burns continuously in the park. Many visitors find that spending time in the park after visiting the museum helps process the emotions and solidify the message of peace.
Visiting the park at night is often recommended for a different, equally moving experience. The illuminated monuments create a solemn and beautiful atmosphere, encouraging quiet contemplation. It's a space that truly embodies the spirit of remembrance and hope for the future.
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