Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims
A solemn monument sheltering victims' souls, symbolizing peace and the hope for a nuclear-free world.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn monument sheltering victims' souls, symbolizing peace and the hope for a nuclear-free world.
"A quiet, dignified, and deeply moving site that encourages deep reflection and strengthens belief in peace."
🙏 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor. This is a solemn memorial for reflection and remembrance.
📸 Capture the Alignment
Frame the A-Bomb Dome through the arch for a powerful photo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Archway's Alignment
Center of the Cenotaph
Through the arch, perfectly frame the Flame of Peace and the A-Bomb Dome. A powerful visual link between memory, loss, and hope.
The Book of Names
Inside the Cenotaph
A stone chest holding volumes of names of all known victims, updated annually. A testament to the immense human cost.
The Flame of Peace
Near the Cenotaph
This eternal flame burns until all nuclear weapons are abolished. A symbol of enduring hope for a nuclear-free world.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Reflection
Understanding the Symbolism
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor. This is a solemn memorial for reflection and remembrance.
📸 Capture the Alignment
Frame the A-Bomb Dome through the arch for a powerful photo.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan - an essential reminder of what matters
For the first time, G-7 leaders will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum together, and lay flowers at the cenotaph for victims of the 1945 U.S. atomic bomb
📚 Learn the History
Understand the inscriptions and symbolism for a deeper experience.
🚶♀️ Allow Time for Reflection
Don't rush. Sit, observe, and absorb the atmosphere of peace.
TRIP REPORT: Hiroshima Peace Sites (aka the other day someone asked what visitors thought about the Peace Museum and I got way too carried away with my answer)
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor. This is a solemn memorial for reflection and remembrance.
📸 Capture the Alignment
Frame the A-Bomb Dome through the arch for a powerful photo.
📚 Learn the History
Understand the inscriptions and symbolism for a deeper experience.
🚶♀️ Allow Time for Reflection
Don't rush. Sit, observe, and absorb the atmosphere of peace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Cenotaph as a deeply moving and visually powerful memorial. Its simple yet profound design, coupled with the symbolic alignment and the Book of Names, evokes strong emotions and encourages reflection on peace. The peaceful atmosphere within the park enhances the solemn experience.
"This was a moving and visually powerful memorial that we saw during our visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The Cenotaph is simple in design, it’s shaped like a saddle to shelter the spirits of those who died in the atomic bombing, with the inscription reading: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”
Built in 1952, the cenotaph holds the names of all known victims of the bombing on August 6, 1945, and is updated each year with newly identified individuals. What stood out to me was how beautifully aligned it is you can see the Eternal Flame and the Atomic Bomb Dome perfectly framed through the arch, creating a powerful visual line that links memory, loss, and hope.
The entire setting is incredibly peaceful, with flowers placed at the front and a quiet walkway leading up to it. Despite being in the middle of a large public park, the atmosphere here feels incredibly still and respectful.
This spot encourages deep reflection and is a central part of understanding Hiroshima’s past and message for peace. A must-visit if you're in the area."
John Winter
"Visiting the Peace Memorial Park was a very humbling experience. We got to know the history of the very first atomic bombing in human history. It’s chilling to know that the cenotaph contains the names of all the victims of the bombing in Hiroshima, but at the same time, further strengthening our belief in the importance of peace for humanity. The flame is kept alive until all nuclear weapons no longer exist. The Cenotaph and the entire city of Hiroshima will always be a reminder to us of the destructive force of nuclear weapons. May all the souls who suffered rest in eternal peace."
Boojie Recto
"A quiet, dignified, and deeply moving site. The cenotaph’s curved stone structure symbolically shelters the souls of the atomic bomb victims. At its center lies a Book of Names listing all known victims. Looking through the arch, you can see the Flame of Peace and the A-Bomb Dome aligned — a powerful composition inviting reflection. You can see this view in my video as well."
Jakub Šesták
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cenotaph is located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. You can easily reach the park by tram from Hiroshima Station (lines 2 or 6, get off at Genbaku Dome-mae or Peace Memorial Park stop). It's a short walk from there.
There are several parking lots available around the Peace Memorial Park, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Public transport is generally recommended.
Yes, the Cenotaph is centrally located within the Peace Memorial Park, making it easily accessible on foot from other sites like the Peace Memorial Museum and the A-Bomb Dome.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cenotaph itself is an outdoor monument and is free to visit. The surrounding Peace Memorial Park is also open to the public without charge.
The Cenotaph and the Peace Memorial Park are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, including the Cenotaph, is free to enter. There is a fee for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Take your time to walk around the monument, read the inscriptions, and observe the alignment with the Flame of Peace and A-Bomb Dome. Allow for quiet reflection.
Photography is generally permitted, but please be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid loud noises or disruptive behavior.
Most visitors spend 15-30 minutes at the Cenotaph itself, but many combine it with a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum and A-Bomb Dome, dedicating several hours to the entire park.
The Peace Memorial Park is largely flat and paved, making it accessible. The Cenotaph area is also generally accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shot is framing the A-Bomb Dome and Flame of Peace through the arch of the Cenotaph. Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful.
While generally allowed, be mindful of the solemn atmosphere. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb others and always be respectful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Explain the Cenotaph as a place to remember everyone who was hurt by the bomb and to wish for a peaceful world. The Flame of Peace can be explained as a light that stays on until there are no more weapons of war. Keep explanations age-appropriate and emphasize the positive message of peace and remembrance.
🤔 Reflective Travelers
Take your time to sit by the monument, read the inscriptions, and absorb the palpable sense of peace and remembrance. Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enhance the introspective nature of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Remembrance
The monument is strategically aligned to create a powerful visual narrative. When viewed through the central arch, visitors can see the Flame of Peace and the A-Bomb Dome perfectly framed. This alignment is crucial, linking the memorial itself to the enduring symbol of destruction and the ongoing commitment to peace. It creates a direct line of sight from remembrance to hope, emphasizing the memorial's purpose.
Inside the Cenotaph lies the Book of Names, a stone chest containing volumes that list every known victim of the bombing, regardless of nationality. This registry is updated annually, a poignant reminder that the human cost of the bombing continues to be acknowledged. The inscription on the Cenotaph, "Let all the souls here rest in peace; For we shall not repeat the evil," serves as a universal plea for peace and a solemn vow against future atrocities.
A Message of Peace
Many visitors, including those who have studied the horrors of war, find the experience deeply moving and humbling. The sheer scale of loss, represented by the thousands of names inscribed, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict. The cenotaph encourages deep reflection on the past and reinforces the importance of peace for humanity's future.
This site serves as a crucial educational tool, offering a tangible connection to the history of the atomic bombing. It's a place where visitors can confront the realities of war and internalize the message of peace, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand Hiroshima's profound legacy.
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