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International Friendship Bell Oak Ridge

4.8

·325 reviews·Oak Ridge, United States

An 8,000-pound bronze bell in Oak Ridge, TN, symbolizing peace and reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

August 6th mornings

Poignant commemoration ceremony

CrowdMedium

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International Friendship Bell Oak Ridge

Best Time

August 6th mornings

Poignant commemoration ceremony

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 8,000-pound bronze bell in Oak Ridge, TN, symbolizing peace and reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan.

4.8

(325 reviews)

"This bell is wonderful! Its sound is deep and resonant, a true symbol of peace and cooperation."

TIP

🔔 Ring the Bell!

Don't hesitate to swing the log and make the bell sound; its deep, resonant tone is truly amazing.

🗓️ Commemorative Dates

Consider visiting on August 6th for a special sunrise service and bell ringing event.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 325 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

Address

1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

Website

friendshipbell.com

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The International Friendship Bell

A.K. Bissell Park

An 8,000-pound bronze bell symbolizing peace and reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan. Ring it for a resonant sound!

Commemorative Ringing

A.K. Bissell Park

Experience the profound act of ringing the bell, especially during significant dates like August 6th for remembrance.

A.K. Bissell Park Serenity

A.K. Bissell Park

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park, with its walking routes and a creek, offering a calm space for reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Peace

Consider visiting during sunrise on August 6th for a poignant commemoration ceremony. This is a deeply meaningful time for reflection and remembrance, often drawing a thoughtful crowd.

Understanding the Bell's Significance

This 8,000-pound bronze bell is a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan, born from post-WWII cooperation. It's a unique connection to Oak Ridge's history.

Best Times

When

August 6th mornings

Why

Poignant commemoration ceremony

Crowd

Medium

When

Anytime

Why

Peaceful reflection

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The International Peace Bell symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The concept of the bell came about when Oak Ridge residents Dr. Ram Uppuluri and his wife, Shigeko visited Japan in 1987. Designed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1991 by Suzanna Harris and cast in Kyoto, Japan, in 1993 by renowned Japanese bell-maker Sotetsu Iwazawa, the relief panels display peacefu...

@farrahfought

13 likes • 597 views

🔔 Ring the Bell!

Don't hesitate to swing the log and make the bell sound; its deep, resonant tone is truly amazing.

🗓️ Commemorative Dates

Consider visiting on August 6th for a special sunrise service and bell ringing event. +1

International friendship bell in Oak Ridge, TN. This bell is 8,000 pounds of bronze.

photolly.twisted

6 likes • 145 views

The International Friendship Bell in Oak Ridge,TN was a gift from Japan to commemorate the post WWII cooperation between the U.S. and Japan. It weighs 8000 pounds. Oak Ridge was part of the Manhattan Project, which developed the world's first nuclear bombs. #exploreoakridge #adventureandersoncounty #manhattanprojectnps #Oppenheimer #history

knoxroadtripper

11 likes • 206 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

The park offers a lovely walking route along a beautiful creek, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

📜 Understand the History

Learn about the bell's significance as a symbol of peace and post-WWII U.S.-Japan cooperation.

Shigeko Uppuluri I am so thankful for you and your vision! May we all pick up the torch and carry it! From The Oak Rodger: ‘Longtime Oak Ridge resident Shigeko Uppuluri, who along with her late husband Ram initiated the creation of the International Friendship Bell now at A.K. Bissell Park, died Thursday. She was 92. The couple proposed the idea of a Japanese-style bell - a unique four-ton bro...

danyapowersec

2 likes • 105 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🔔 Ring the Bell!

Don't hesitate to swing the log and make the bell sound; its deep, resonant tone is truly amazing.

🗓️ Commemorative Dates

Consider visiting on August 6th for a special sunrise service and bell ringing event. +1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

The park offers a lovely walking route along a beautiful creek, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

📜 Understand the History

Learn about the bell's significance as a symbol of peace and post-WWII U.S.-Japan cooperation.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(325 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the International Friendship Bell to be a beautiful and meaningful monument, appreciating its symbolism of peace and U.S.-Japan cooperation. Many enjoy the resonant sound of the bell and the tranquil atmosphere of A.K. Bissell Park. Some note the historical context related to WWII and Oak Ridge's role, finding it a quiet place for reflection.

"The bell marks a history when the US & Japan decided to forget historical enmity and move ahead on the path of peace and progress! It's a nice calm place with a long walking route and a beautiful creek passing through the middle of the park."

Hiren Patel

"This is my favorite thing in Oak Ridge! I love the idea of the people of Oak Ridge and Japan coming together to build the bell, and the bell itself is beautiful and sounds so amazing. Don't be afraid to really swing the log and make it sound! A lovely, head-clearing sound."

Sara Beth Wade

"Beautiful monument gifted to the city of Oak Ridge and the United States from Japan. Impressed that they would gift a friendship and peace bell to America after World War II and the atomic bomb. There's a hanging stick that you can use to hit the bell. It's a cool structure that was built to hang the bell as well. On the bell are the dates of major attacks by Japan against the United States during world war II like Pearl Harbor, as well as the dates and cities of the two cities that were destroyed by the atomic bomb. Quiet place to visit."

Brad Hawks

What People Like

Symbol of peace

Beautiful sound

Tranquil park

What People Dislike

Limited amenities nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The International Friendship Bell is located in A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. It's a central landmark within the city, making it straightforward to find.

Public transportation options in Oak Ridge might be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the park and the bell.

A.K. Bissell Park is centrally located. If you're coming from nearby cities like Knoxville, take I-40 West and then follow signs for Oak Ridge. The park is well-marked once you enter the city.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit the International Friendship Bell or A.K. Bissell Park. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.

A.K. Bissell Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The bell can be rung at any time during park hours, though specific ceremonies might have set times.

No booking is required to ring the bell. Visitors can ring it freely during park hours, though it's a popular spot, so you might have to wait briefly if others are present.

Yes, the bell is often rung for commemorative events, most notably on August 6th to mark the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. +1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

There is a hanging log or mallet provided that you can use to strike the bell. Don't be afraid to give it a good swing to hear its deep, resonant sound!

The bell is adorned with images symbolizing peace and reconciliation between Japan and the United States, reflecting post-WWII cooperation.

Absolutely! The park features a long walking route along a beautiful creek, making it a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll.

Yes, photography is encouraged! The bell and its surroundings in A.K. Bissell Park make for beautiful and meaningful photo opportunities.

The International Friendship Bell is a substantial 8,000 pounds of bronze, standing nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide. +1

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photos. The fall season also offers stunning foliage as a backdrop.

Try capturing the bell from different heights and distances. Photos showing people interacting with the bell, like ringing it, can be very impactful.

Any modern smartphone or camera will capture great images. The key is to focus on the bell's details and the serene park setting.

Yes, the bell has intricate details and inscriptions that tell its story. Getting close-up shots can highlight these historical elements.