Rest House of Peace Memorial Park
A free, quiet haven in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, offering a survivor's story, local crafts, and a peaceful lounge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Rest House of Peace Memorial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, quiet haven in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, offering a survivor's story, local crafts, and a peaceful lounge.
"Interesting place to stop off and not just for gift shop. It’s definitely worth checking out if you're doing all of the park."
Free Entry & Reflection
Entry is free! A great spot for quiet reflection and learning about individual resilience. :ticket:
Local Delicacies
Don't miss the 'Kaki Senbei' (oyster crackers) in the souvenir shop – a true Hiroshima specialty! :foodie:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Survivor's Story
Basement
Learn about a remarkable survival story of a man who was saved by the building's reinforced basement during the bombing.
Local Souvenir Shop
Ground Floor
Find unique Hiroshima specialties like the famous 'Kaki Senbei' (whole oyster crackers) and other hard-to-find local products.
Peaceful Lounge Area
First Floor
Relax in air-conditioned comfort with Wi-Fi, perfect for enjoying a takeaway meal or simply taking a break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quiet Respite with a Powerful Story
Beyond the Main Memorials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Reflection
Entry is free! A great spot for quiet reflection and learning about individual resilience. :ticket:
Local Delicacies
Don't miss the 'Kaki Senbei' (oyster crackers) in the souvenir shop – a true Hiroshima specialty! :foodie:
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan - an essential reminder of what matters
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum closed - other related sites to visit?
Comfortable Break Spot
The first floor offers a cool, air-conditioned lounge with Wi-Fi – perfect for a rest. :coffee:
Hidden Gem
It's a bit hidden and often overlooked, making it a peaceful escape from busier sites. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Reflection
Entry is free! A great spot for quiet reflection and learning about individual resilience. :ticket:
Local Delicacies
Don't miss the 'Kaki Senbei' (oyster crackers) in the souvenir shop – a true Hiroshima specialty! :foodie:
Comfortable Break Spot
The first floor offers a cool, air-conditioned lounge with Wi-Fi – perfect for a rest. :coffee:
Hidden Gem
It's a bit hidden and often overlooked, making it a peaceful escape from busier sites. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Rest House of Peace Memorial Park as a free, quiet, and informative stop within the larger Peace Memorial Park. It offers a unique perspective through a survivor's story, a selection of local souvenirs, and a comfortable lounge area for respite. Some find the cafe a bit expensive, but the overall experience is highly valued for its accessibility and personal touch.
"The ground floor houses a souvenir shop offering rare local products that are hard to find elsewhere. Among them are the famous "Kaki Senbei", a whole oyster cracker, a specialty from Hiroshima. ✌
On the first floor, you'll find air-conditioned rest areas with Wi-Fi, perfect for enjoying a takeaway meal or simply relaxing. 😍
Finally, the top floor is dedicated to a cozy café, though I found it a bit pricey. 😥"
Big Dream
"Interesting place to stop off and not just for gift shop. There’s an entire basement the survived the bombing and a story about 1 man’s lucky survival. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re doing all of the park. It’s free to get in too."
James King
"Rest house where you can learn about a survivor from the bomb drop who only survived as the building had a reinforced basement. Worth the time and to learn his story."
Jon Testa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rest House is located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. It's easily accessible on foot from the main Peace Memorial Museum and other park attractions. Many visitors find it a convenient stop while exploring the park.
Yes, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is well-served by public transport. You can take streetcars (trams) to nearby stations like Genbaku Dome-mae or Hondori, from which it's a short walk.
While it's a bit of a walk (around 20-30 minutes), you can walk from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Memorial Park. Alternatively, taking a streetcar or bus is a quicker option.
There are several paid parking lots available around the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. However, public transport is generally recommended to avoid parking hassles.
The Rest House is generally open during daylight hours, though specific times can vary. It's advisable to check the official Peace Memorial Park website for the most up-to-date information, especially if visiting during holidays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Rest House of Peace Memorial Park is free. This makes it an accessible and valuable stop for all visitors exploring the park.
The exhibit detailing the survivor's story in the basement is part of the free entry to the Rest House. There are no separate charges for this informative section.
Yes, the Rest House of Peace Memorial Park is a separate facility and typically remains open even if the main Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is closed for renovations or other reasons.
Generally, there are no significant restrictions, but it's a place for quiet reflection. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the historical significance and the stories shared within.
The ground floor and first floor with the lounge are generally accessible. Access to the basement exhibit might be limited for individuals with mobility issues. It's best to inquire on-site for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can learn about a survivor's story in the basement, browse local souvenirs on the ground floor, relax in the air-conditioned lounge on the first floor, and enjoy a coffee at the cafe.
Yes, the first-floor lounge area offers Wi-Fi, making it a convenient spot to connect while taking a break from your sightseeing.
The souvenir shop features unique local products, including the famous 'Kaki Senbei' (whole oyster crackers), which are a specialty of Hiroshima.
The cafe on the top floor offers a cozy atmosphere, though some visitors find it a bit pricey. It's a nice option for a drink or light snack.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour at the Rest House, depending on how much time they dedicate to browsing the shop, reading the exhibits, and relaxing in the lounge.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the Rest House, including the lounge and souvenir shop. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain exhibits.
The exterior of the building offers a good vantage point, especially with the park surroundings. Inside, the unique souvenirs and the peaceful lounge area can make for interesting shots.
Drone photography is typically restricted in and around sensitive historical sites like the Peace Memorial Park to ensure respect and safety. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the indoor nature of some exhibits and the lounge, a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a decent night mode can be beneficial.
While general photography is usually allowed, it's best to check for any specific 'no photography' signs within the basement exhibit area to ensure you're respecting the sensitive nature of the content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the basement exhibit about the survivor's story is powerful, parents may want to gauge their children's sensitivity to historical trauma. It's a good opportunity for a calm discussion about resilience and survival in a less overwhelming setting than some larger museums. The free entry also makes it an easy addition to a family's itinerary.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While the cafe on the top floor might be a bit pricier, you can bring your own snacks and enjoy them in the free lounge area, saving money while still getting a break. The unique local products in the souvenir shop, like the 'Kaki Senbei,' can also be a relatively affordable way to get a taste of Hiroshima.
🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Reflection
The peaceful lounge area on the first floor is ideal for solo visitors to sit, reflect on what they've seen, perhaps journal, or simply enjoy a moment of calm away from the crowds. It’s a less intense experience than some of the larger museums, allowing for personal introspection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Survivor's Story: A Glimpse of Resilience
Visitors often find this exhibit to be a more intimate and grounding experience compared to the broader historical accounts found elsewhere in the park. It emphasizes individual resilience and the unexpected ways people survived. The quiet, subterranean setting adds to the solemnity and impact of the story being told.
Local Flavors and Finds at the Souvenir Shop
This shop serves as more than just a place to buy gifts; it's an opportunity to engage with the local culture and economy. For travelers looking for authentic souvenirs that tell a story, this is an excellent stop. It offers a different kind of historical connection, one rooted in the present-day culture and traditions of Hiroshima.
A Peaceful Oasis: The Lounge and Cafe
At the very top is a cozy cafe, offering a place to grab a coffee or a light refreshment. While some reviewers note it can be a bit pricey, it adds to the overall comfort and convenience of the Rest House. Together, the lounge and cafe transform the building from just an exhibit space into a functional and comfortable stop for visitors exploring the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit