Memorial Park Walk, 2 Hours

Overview

This two hour historical walk traces Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stop by stop, from the Gates of Peace near the meeting point all the way to the Atomic Bomb Dome. The walk ends at the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument rather than back at the start.

Every stop on the route is free to enter, so there is nothing extra to pay at the gates along the way. The tour does not include the Peace Memorial Museum itself, and one traveller mentioned visiting the museum on their own the next day. Food of any kind is also not included.

The tour suits first time visitors who want context before exploring on their own, and one reviewer recommended it for families with children. Many reviewers praised the guides for deep historical knowledge, and several described the telling as balanced and unbiased, though one found the approach direct on sensitive subjects. Groups can run up to 30 travellers, and children aged 10 and under, two per booking, join free of charge.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Gates of PeaceThe guide waits next to the 10 Gates of Peace, in front of the Italian restaurant Mario at 4-11 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward. The first stop, the Gates of Peace, gets 20 minutes.
2. Storm Survivors statueA 5 minute stop at the Arashi no Naka no Boshi Statue.
3. Cenotaph and Memorial HallThe Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims takes 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes inside the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. Both are free.
4. Rest House and Children's MonumentThe Rest House of Hiroshima Peace Park gets 15 minutes, then 10 minutes at the Children's Peace Monument.
5. Korean Victims MonumentA 5 minute stop at the Monument to Korean Victims and Survivors.
6. Peace BellA 5 minute stop at the Peace Bell.
7. Atomic Bomb DomeThe Atomic Bomb Dome takes 15 minutes, with free admission.
8. End at the HypocenterThe walk finishes at the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument, 1-chome-5-25 Otemachi, Naka Ward, also known as Ground Zero.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what helps before booking, based on what past travellers have written.

• Pace and terrain. There is a fair amount of ground to cover across the park, and reviewers described the pace as well judged, neither rushed nor slow. Expect roughly two hours on foot with frequent pauses at monuments. Comfortable walking shoes are the practical choice.
• Bring water in summer. Much of the route is outdoors with frequent pauses at open monuments, so seasonal preparation matters. Reviewers did not flag weather problems, but the listing notes the tour requires good weather and can be cancelled in poor conditions. Carry what is needed for the season.
• Plan the museum separately. The tour does not enter the Peace Memorial Museum, and one traveller mentioned going there on their own the next day. One reviewer also described the tour as a good fit for a first visit to the memorial and park, useful groundwork before seeing more on your own. Budget extra time if the museum is on the list.
• Content is direct. More than one reviewer noted the presentation is straightforward and matter of fact about the horrors of war and the bombing, with plenty of context. Most found this balanced and unbiased. Travellers who prefer a softer framing should be aware of the approach.
• Questions welcome. Several reviewers praised the guides for answering questions throughout and engaging the group in conversation. The small pauses at each stop leave room to ask. It helps to bring the questions that matter most.
• Getting there. The meeting point is next to the Gates of Peace by the restaurant Mario, and the listing notes the tour is near public transportation. One reviewer reported that the streetcar dropped them on the far side of the park, so allow time to find the exact gate. Checking the location on a map beforehand saves trouble.

Common issues. Food of any kind is not included, and the museum entry is not part of the tour. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and it can be cancelled in poor weather, though in both cases the listing offers a different date or a full refund. The listing caps the group at 30 travellers. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. The listing does not state whether pickup is provided, so travellers should check the booking page for that detail.

Common Questions