Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Memorial, and Atomic Bomb Museum


2017.06.23

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

PeaceTown

Though the war days are long gone in Nagasaki, for obvious reasons the memory still remains. Having been one of the two cities destroyed by an atomic bomb, the city is left today with significant remnants of the past. As horrific as the atomic bomb blast was to the city, this event also shaped what Nagasaki is today. As a result, the city’s Heiwamachi or “Peace Town” is home to some chilling, emotional, and yet beautiful sites that top the lists of most of the travelers to this amazing city. A half-day itinerary will take you around Peace Town and give you a close look at the unforgettable events of 1945.

  • To start, hop on the streetcar’s Line 1 or Line 2 for Akasako. You can board these trains as far south as Shokakuji-shita Station and Hotarujaya Station respectively, and get off at Hamaguchi-machi Station. From here, head west and up this hills until you reach the Atomic Bomb Museum and the National Peace Memorial. This is your first stop. The museum and peace memorial have separate entrances but are connected underground. Entrance to the museum is 200 yen per person while the memorial is accessible for free.

    Once inside the museum you should take your time. There are a lot of historical materials recounting all the events surrounding the atomic bomb attack and although some details can be chilling, they have to be seen. After the museum, crossover to the peace memorial. In here, you will through the bunker-like structure that leads to the green glass towers popping through the skylight. Complete silence and a feeling of peace fill this room where the names of all the victims are kept inside a transparent vault. After a few minutes here, head to the main floor where you can leave your personal message of peace.

    AtomicBombMuseumStreet

    AtomicBombMuseumStreet

    PeaceTown

    PeaceTown

    Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
    rating

    4.5

    2014 Reviews
    place
    Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Hiranomachi 7-8
    phone
    0958441231
    opening-hour
    [Apr./Sep.--Mar.] 8:30-17:30…
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    Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki

    4-16,Hirano-cho Nagasaki

    Agoda
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims
    place
    Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Hiranomachi 7-8
    phone
    0958140055
    opening-hour
    [4/1-4/30]8:30-17:30[5/1-8/3…
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    Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki

    4-16,Hirano-cho Nagasaki

    Agoda
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki
    • Hotel Saint Paul Nagasaki

    From the memorial, head west through the neighbouring parks until you reach the atomic bomb’s epicenter. This is the exact location where the atomic bomb was detonated. The area is beautiful and puzzling at the same time. Next to the epicenter cenotaph you will find a portion of what was left of Urakami Cathedral after the bomb’s impact; it was brought here as a reminder of the destruction. From this point, head north following the signs for the Peace Park along the river. On the way to the park keep your eyes out for the improvised bunkers built at the bottom of the mountain. A set of stairs will lead you to the park at the top.

    PeaceTown

    PeaceTown

    At the memorial park you will be greeted by the Fountain of Peace. The impressive Peace Statue at a distance, is framed perfectly by the splashing fountain water which acts as the gate to the rest of the park. Walk through the gardens to reach the towering statue symbolizing the people’s wish for peace. A peace memorial ceremony is held here every August 9th. Take a break and refresh with a Chirin Chirin ice cream cone sold at the park, and then head back over to Matsuyama-machi Station and back into town.

    Peace Park

    Peace Park

    Peace Park

    Peace Park

    Nagasaki Peace Park (Ground zero Area / Peace Statue Area)
    place
    Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Matsuyamamachi
    phone
    0958291162
    opening-hour
    Free visit
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