Nagasaki Peace Park
Monument to Peace and Hope for a Nuclear-Free World
On August 9, 1945, at 11:02 AM, an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, three days after Hiroshima. The bomb exploded 500 meters above the Urakami district, instantly killing an estimated 70,000 people and destroying everything within a 1-kilometer radius. By the end of 1945, the death toll had risen to approximately 140,000 due to radiation exposure and injuries.
Nagasaki Peace Park was established in 1955 on the hillside north of the hypocenter. The centerpiece is the 9.7-meter-tall Peace Statue by sculptor Seibo Kitamura, unveiled on the 10th anniversary of the bombing. The statue's raised right hand points to the threat of nuclear weapons, while the outstretched left hand symbolizes eternal peace. The closed eyes represent prayer for the victims' souls.
The park includes the Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, and preserved remnants of the Urakami Cathedral that was destroyed in the blast. These sites serve as powerful reminders of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and promote Nagasaki's message of peace to the world.
Key Highlights
- Commemorates August 9, 1945 atomic bombing
- Iconic 9.7-meter Peace Statue unveiled in 1955
- Hypocenter marker at exact detonation point
- Comprehensive Atomic Bomb Museum with survivor testimonies
- National Peace Memorial Hall with contemplative spaces
- Annual Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 9
Access Information
Location
9 Matsuyamamachi, Nagasaki 852-8118, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Matsuyama-machi Tram Stop (Nagasaki Streetcar Line 1 or 3)
- • Hamaguchi-machi Tram Stop
Opening Hours
Park: Open 24 hours | Atomic Bomb Museum: 8:30-17:30 (May-Aug until 18:30, Aug 7-9 until 20:00) | Closed Dec 29-31
Admission Fee
Park: Free | Atomic Bomb Museum: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for students (high school and under free)
How to Get There
From Nagasaki Station
Nagasaki Streetcar Line 1 or 3 to Matsuyama-machi
15 minutes
From Nagasaki Airport
Airport bus to city center, then streetcar Line 1 or 3
50 minutes
From Glover Garden area
Streetcar Line 5 to Tsuki-machi, transfer to Line 1 or 3
25 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Visit the Hypocenter Monument
The black stone pillar marks the exact point 500 meters below where the atomic bomb exploded. This solemn spot is located slightly downhill from the main park and deserves quiet reflection.
Spend Time at the Atomic Bomb Museum
Allow at least 1-2 hours for the comprehensive museum. Exhibits include survivor testimonies, artifacts recovered from the ruins, scientific explanations, and powerful displays about the immediate and long-term effects of the bombing.
Peace Memorial Hall for Quiet Reflection
The underground memorial hall features a contemplative space with 70,000 light points representing victims. Visitor can search a database of victims' names and read personal testimonies. The tranquil design promotes peaceful meditation.
Respectful Behavior Essential
This is a sacred memorial site. Speak quietly, dress respectfully, and behave with appropriate solemnity. Many visitors are survivors, family members of victims, or those paying respects to the dead.
Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 9
Each year on August 9 at 11:02 AM, a memorial ceremony is held with the mayor's peace declaration and moment of silence. If visiting in early August, attending this ceremony is a profound experience.
Walk to Urakami Cathedral Remnants
About 500 meters from the park, visit the rebuilt Urakami Cathedral and see preserved remnants from the original structure destroyed in the bombing. The cathedral was the largest in Asia at the time.
Allow Half Day for Complete Visit
To properly experience the Peace Park, museum, memorial hall, hypocenter, and surrounding sites, allow 3-4 hours minimum. The experience is emotionally heavy but profoundly important.
Multilingual Information Available
The museum offers excellent English audio guides and multilingual displays. Survivor testimony videos are subtitled in multiple languages. This makes the experience accessible to international visitors.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Nagasaki Peace Park?
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the park, museum, and memorial hall. Add another hour if you plan to visit the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum. Allow extra time for quiet reflection at the various monuments.
Is the park appropriate for children?
Yes, but prepare them for the serious subject matter. The outdoor park is suitable for all ages, while the museum content may be intense for younger children. Consider your child's maturity level when viewing exhibits.
When is the annual peace ceremony held?
The main peace memorial ceremony is held every August 9th at 10:45 AM, marking the exact time of the atomic bombing. The park becomes very crowded during this time with dignitaries and visitors from around the world.
Can I take photos at the memorial sites?
Photography is allowed in the park and most outdoor areas. Be respectful and avoid poses at solemn monuments. Inside the museum, check for specific photography restrictions in certain exhibit areas.
Is there an audio guide available?
Yes, audio guides in multiple languages including English are available at the Atomic Bomb Museum for a small fee. The guides provide detailed historical context and survivor testimonies.
What other peace-related sites are nearby?
The Atomic Bomb Museum is adjacent to the park. Also nearby are the Hypocenter Park, Urakami Cathedral remains, and the one-legged torii gate. All are within walking distance.
Is the park crowded on weekdays?
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. School groups often visit on weekday mornings. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the quietest times for contemplative visits.
Are there places to eat nearby?
Several restaurants and cafes are located near the park entrance and museum. A small cafe inside the museum offers light meals. Many visitors eat in the Hamanomachi area afterward.
How does it compare to Hiroshima's Peace Park?
Nagasaki's park is smaller and on a hillside with city views. It has a more intimate feeling with its religious monuments. Hiroshima's is larger and flatter with more extensive museum facilities.
What should I know about memorial etiquette?
Maintain a respectful demeanor, speak quietly, and bow at memorial sites if you wish. Don't climb on monuments or eat while walking through memorial areas. Many visitors offer flowers or fold paper cranes.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Dejima
A historic fan-shaped artificial island that served as Japan's sole window to the Western world during 220 years of national isolation. A crucial site in the history of Japan's international relations and scientific exchange.
Glover Garden
A hillside park featuring beautifully preserved Western-style mansions from Nagasaki's trading port era, offering panoramic harbor views and insights into Japan's modernization.
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
Abandoned coal mining island fortress known as 'Battleship Island', a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Japan's industrial revolution and urban decay.
Huis Ten Bosch
A sprawling Dutch-themed park featuring faithful recreations of Netherlands architecture, extensive gardens with millions of flowers, and cutting-edge technology attractions. Japan's largest theme park by area.
Mount Inasa Night View
Spectacular panoramic night view from 333-meter peak overlooking Nagasaki's glittering harbor, ranked among Japan's top three night views.
Unzen Onsen
A historic hot spring resort featuring dramatic volcanic hell grounds with steaming vents and sulfurous pools, set in the scenic Unzen-Amakusa National Park.