Children's Peace Monument Guide
A Thousand Cranes for Peace: Remember and Reflect at the Children's Peace Monument Guide
The Children's Peace Monument, a poignant and moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing, stands in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. More than just a statue, it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of children's dreams for a world free from nuclear weapons. Visiting this monument is a deeply emotional experience, a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of striving for peace. The monument is inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia as a result of the radiation from the atomic bomb. Inspired by the Japanese legend that folding a thousand paper cranes would grant a wish, Sadako began folding cranes in the hope of recovering. Sadly, she passed away before reaching her goal, but her classmates continued folding cranes in her memory. The monument, featuring a statue of Sadako holding a golden crane, was erected in 1958 through donations from students across Japan and around the world. It serves as a memorial to all children who died as a result of the bombing. When you visit, take time to observe the thousands of colorful paper cranes that are constantly being offered by visitors from all corners of the globe. These cranes, often strung together in elaborate displays, represent prayers for peace and a future without nuclear weapons. You can participate by bringing your own cranes to add to the collection, or simply by taking a moment to reflect on the monument's message. The monument is located within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it easy to combine your visit with other important sites like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with the monument, the surrounding area offers a wide variety of Hiroshima's local cuisine, including *okonomiyaki* (savory pancake) and fresh seafood.
Transportation
From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar lines 2 or 6 to the Genbaku Dome-mae stop. The Children's Peace Monument is a short walk from the streetcar stop within Peace Memorial Park.