Hiroshima Peace Park

The Hiroshima Peace Park was once the commercial heart of the city until the atomic bombing of World War 2. Today, this busy downtown area of 120,000 square meters is filled with strolling paths, trees, seasonal flowers and memorial facilities dedicated towards peace and the documentation of the tragic historic event. The Hiroshima Genbaku Dome is a part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park known world-wide as the first location in the world to receive the first nuclear bomb in history. This former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall with its iconic iron frames opened showing the dome shape, was the aftermath of the devastating results caused by nuclear war dropped by the American air force on August 6th, 1945. The word “Genbaku” can be translated into “originating explosion” which emphasizes on the precise origin where the bomb erupted. Today, this building has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated towards peace, which consists of a small group of sites all around the world. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was established in 1955 with the main building constructed by famous Japanese architect Kenzo Tange dedicated towards the documentation of this historic and devastating event during World War 2. Varies exhibits in the museum displays collected items and belongings of the fallen victims including photos, clothing, watches and other personal effects. Other structures located within the Memorial Park can be explored by visitors including the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound and a Peace Monument for the victims who suffered through this tragic event. Annual memorial ceremonies take place on August 6th to comfort the spirits of those who lost their lives to the bombings, as well as praying for world peace.