Hiroshima City Center

The Peace Memorial Park is a large park at the center of Hiroshima City dedicated to peace. The park includes memorials such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph, and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall, among many others. All are in remembrance of the victims who died in the bombing. On August 6 of each year, an annual Peace Memorial Ceremony is held at the Victims Memorial Cenotaph, located in the park’s center. The site has been the focus during visits from people such as former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2016 and Pope Francis in 2019.

Orizuru Tower is a tourist attraction located next to the Atomic Bomb Dome. The walls of the building are decorated with illustrations of a paper cranes, which represent a symbol of peace. There are also occasionally peace related events that are held inside the building. The first floor has a café and souvenir shop, and the 12th floor has a “Paper Crane Plaza” where visitors can try their hand at making paper cranes. From the rooftop, there is an observation floor called “Hiroshima-no-kaze” where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hiroshima City and spend time relaxing.

Shukkeien is a Japanese garden located next to the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. The garden was ordered to be built during the Edo Period in the year 1620 by the the Feudal Lord of Hiroshima at the time, Asano Nagaakira. The design of this historic Japanese garden was made by Ueda Soko, the famous tea ceremony master. In 2020, the garden celebrated its 400th anniversary. The garden is filled with a variety of flowers and trees that bloom in every season of the year, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Japan’s four seasons. If you visit the park in combination with the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, you can get a discount on both admission fees.

(Entry fee)
[Garden only]
General admission – ¥260
High School/University student
¥150
Elementary/Junior High School
student – ¥100
(Garden & Museum set)
General admission – ¥610
High School/University student
¥350
※ For students and senior
citizens, please present
identification to verify your age
such as your passport, or
school ID, at reception before
entering the garden.

The bustling downtown area is called Hondori, named after the pedestrian-only arcade shopping street that symbolizes the city. This shopping street is lined with clothing stores representing Japan and countries around the world. At night, the neon lights of izakaya (Japanese pubs) and pubs come on all at once. Ramen specialty stores and sushi restaurants with counter seating are open until midnight. Nearby, Okonomimura is a collection of restaurants specializing in Hiroshima’s special okonomiyaki.

The OKOSTA Okonomiyaki Cooking Studio is a facility dedicated to the experience of cooking Okonomiyaki. It is located in the “Ekie” shopping center right next to Hiroshima Station. The Okonomiyaki is a homemade dish originating in Hiroshima, made of flour, eggs, cabbage, and other ingredients cooked in the shape of a Mille-feuille. At the OKOSTA Okonomiyaki Cooking Studio, you can learn how to make delicious Okonomiyaki from scratch with the help of a professional Okonomiyaki chef. Of course, when you finish, you can eat the Okonomiyaki you made right there in the studio.