Nagasaki Peace Park is a memorial park laid out in 1955 on a hill near the hypocenter, commemorating the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945. At its north end stands the roughly 10-meter bronze Peace Statue by sculptor Seibo Kitamura, and at the south end the Fountain of Peace honors those who died searching for water after the blast. Together with the adjacent Hypocenter Park, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, and the National Peace Memorial Hall, it forms a single memorial complex.
The Peace Statue, whose raised right hand signals the threat of nuclear weapons, extended left hand symbolizes eternal peace, and closed eyes pray for the victims' souls
The Fountain of Peace, a roughly 18-meter dove-wing-shaped fountain completed in 1969, dedicated to those who died of thirst after the bombing
The 'Peace Symbols Zone,' a collection of sculptures donated by cities and countries worldwide (Portugal, USA, Australia, New Zealand and others) as tokens of reconciliation
The nearby Hypocenter Park with its black stone monolith marking where the bomb detonated (about 500 m above ground), and surviving wall remnants of Urakami Cathedral
The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held each August 9 before the statue, where the Mayor of Nagasaki delivers a Peace Declaration
Good to know
MannersThis is a place of mourning. Speak quietly, avoid loud conversation and phone calls, and follow the naturally subdued mood of local visitors.
MannersDo not climb on the statue or monuments, and avoid eating while walking through the memorial areas.
MannersIf leaving paper cranes as an offering, place them in the designated glass cases. Leaving them elsewhere becomes litter and breaks local etiquette.
SeasonThe area around August 9 is the busiest time of year. Arrive early (roughly before 10:00) for a spot near the ceremony, or consider visiting just before or after the anniversary for a quieter, reflective atmosphere.
SafetyAn escalator runs beside the long staircase toward the Fountain of Peace, but it is not wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchair users should check step-free routes, such as the elevator from the underground parking lot, in advance.
Practical info
The park itself is open 24 hours with free entry. From Nagasaki Station take tram line 1 or 3 to Matsuyama-machi stop, then walk about 5 minutes. The adjacent Atomic Bomb Museum charges admission and has set hours (about 08:30-17:30) with year-end closures, so confirm current fees, hours, and closures on the official site before visiting.
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