The Children’s Peace Monument (原爆の子の像, Genbaku no Ko no Zō) stands in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park at 1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0811, on the Nakajima peninsula between the Motoyasu and Honkawa rivers. Unveiled on 5 May 1958 (Children’s Day in Japan), it honors the children who died as a result of the 6 August 1945 atomic bombing and is inseparably linked to Sadako Sasaki, the girl who folded paper cranes while battling radiation-induced leukemia. Travelers come to stand beneath the bronze figures, read the inscription, and see the glass booths filled with colorful cranes sent from around the world.
What to Expect at Children’s Peace Monument
The monument is a compact but emotionally dense site. A tall, stepped mound of stone supports a bronze statue of a girl with arms outstretched, lifting a folded crane above her head, flanked by a boy and a second girl. The sculpture was designed by Kazuo Kikuchi, then a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, and funded by a nationwide campaign launched by Sadako’s classmates, which collected donations from schoolchildren across Japan. A small bell hangs inside the base, and a crane-shaped clapper swings with the wind, producing a gentle chime.
On the front of the monument, a plaque carries the words: “This is our cry. This is our prayer. For building peace in this world.” Along the sides, glass-fronted display cases hold thousands of paper cranes, which are replaced regularly as new offerings arrive. Visits are quiet, and the atmosphere shifts noticeably when school groups gather for short ceremonies and sing near the monument.
- The Bronze Trio: A girl holding a crane aloft stands atop the mound, with a boy and a second girl at her sides, representing the hope of a peaceful future.
- The Crane Bell: A bell inside the monument’s base rings with a crane-shaped clapper, a detail often missed by first-time visitors.
- Paper Crane Display Booths: Glass cases around the monument hold senbazuru (strings of 1,000 cranes) sent by schools, groups, and individuals worldwide.
- The Inscription: The plaque’s three-line text, “This is our cry. This is our prayer. For building peace in this world,” is the monument’s central message.
- Sadako’s Story: Sadako Sasaki was two when the bomb fell and died in 1955 at age 12. Her classmates’ campaign to commemorate her and other child victims led directly to the monument.
Children’s Peace Monument at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0811, Japan |
| Neighborhood / Area | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Nakajima, Naka Ward |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours, every day (outdoor memorial) |
| Admission / Price Range | Free |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 30 minutes at the monument; 2 to 3 hours with the full park |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Hiroden tram to Genbaku-Dome-mae (about a 5-minute walk) or Chuden-mae; limited paid parking near the park |
| Official Website & Phone | hiroshimaforpeace.com / +81 82-242-7831 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The monument is reached by Hiroden streetcar (Lines 2 and 6 run to the Genbaku-Dome-mae stop; Line 1 stops near Chuden-mae), followed by a short walk into the park. Early morning, before tour groups arrive around 9:30 a.m., offers the quietest atmosphere. Around 6 August, the anniversary of the bombing, the park is crowded with ceremonies and lantern events, so allow extra time. The paths are paved and flat, with step-free access to the monument’s base and viewing area. Park restrooms and benches are located nearby. Visitors are asked to keep voices low and avoid touching or removing the cranes in the display cases.
Within a 5 to 10 minute walk you can reach the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims. The Orizuru Tower, a short walk east of the park near the Dome, offers a rooftop view over the city and a chance to fold and release your own paper crane. Okonomiyaki restaurants cluster along nearby Hondori and in Okonomimura, a few tram stops away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the Children’s Peace Monument?
The monument is an open-air memorial within Peace Memorial Park and is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Daytime visits are recommended, ideally in the morning for fewer crowds and better light for quiet reflection.
Is there an admission fee?
No. The Children’s Peace Monument is free to visit, as is the rest of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Only the nearby Peace Memorial Museum charges an entrance fee.
How much time should I plan for the monument?
Most visitors spend 20 to 30 minutes reading the inscription and looking at the crane displays. If you combine it with the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph, and the museum, plan on a half day of two to three hours or more.
Is the monument accessible and suitable for children?
Yes. The approach is paved and level, so wheelchairs and strollers can reach the viewing area. The site is suitable for children of all ages, though parents may want to explain Sadako’s story beforehand; quiet behavior is expected out of respect for the memorial.
When planning your Hiroshima travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Hiroshima, pair this stop with standout local spots including HOTEL INTERGATE Hiroshima, Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph, Ekohiiki, and Flame of Peace (nearby).
