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.

HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER is a tourist attraction located next to the Atomic Bomb Dome. The north walls of the building are decorated with illustrations of ‘Orizuru’ paper cranes, which symbolize peace. The building also occasionally plays host to seasonal events. The first floor has a café and souvenir shop, and the 12th floor is “ORIZURU SQUARE,” where visitors can try their hand at making paper cranes. On the rooftop, there is an observation deck called “HIROSHIMA HILLS,” where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hiroshima City and spend time relaxing.
The most attractive part of HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER is the spectacular view of Hiroshima from the rooftop observation deck, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the the Wolrd Heritage A-bomb Dome Site, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and other parts of the city. The observation deck is covered, so you can enjoy the view even in the rain. Also, at the “ORIZURU SQUARE” on the 12th floor, you can enjoy making ‘Orizuru’ paper cranes. You can then throw your ‘Orizuru’ into the “ORIZURU WALL.”- a distinct glass display filled with paper cranes and the hopes and wishes that accompany them from all around the world!

The bustling downtown area called Hondori is 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.

Located in the center of Hiroshima City, the museum is adjacent to the Shukkeien, a national scenic beauty with abundant greenery. From the lobby and restrooms, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery of the Shukkeien, which was built as a feudal garden for the Asano family, lords of the Hiroshima domain. The museum is also home to a wide variety of artworks, including the “Imari Bowl with Design of Flowers and Plants in Color” and “Itsukushima” (Important Cultural Property), artworks related to Hiroshima by Ai Mitsu, Entsuba Shozo, Hirayama Ikuo, etc., Japanese and Asian Crafts including folk art works by Kawai Takujiro and Hamada Shoji, Central Asian dyeing and weaving, as well as metalwork. The collection includes over 5,000 works (including those deposited) under the theme of “Art of the 1920s and 1930s,” such as Salvador Dali’s “Dream of Venus” and Isamu Noguchi’s “Reminiscence.” The collection is changed four times a year and introduced in exhibitions. Volunteer guides from the Tomo no Kai provide easy-to-understand information about the works.
In addition, the Special Exhibition Room holds about six special exhibitions a year. Many events such as lectures and concerts are held in conjunction with the special exhibitions.

ekie (stylized with lowercase letters only) is a relatively new shopping center attached to the northern and eastern ends of Hiroshima Station. It’s actually broken down into several sections, but on the whole, it’s a bookstore, a convenience store, a food court, a nightlife destination, a souvenir store, and a supermarket at the same time! Grab a bite to eat here right after stepping off the Shinkansen, or buy a last-minute present for someone special right before catching your train!