10 Things to Do in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima, Japan
Located in Hiroshima, Japan, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an important reminder of the tragic events that occurred in the city during World War II. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing more than 140,000 people, injuring many more, and leaving the city in ruins. The museum was built to commemorate the victims of the bombing and to remind us of the importance of peace. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the museum:
1. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome: The Atomic Bomb Dome is the ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was the closest building to the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the tragedy of the bombing.
2. Learn About the Atomic Bomb: The museum has numerous exhibitions and displays that provide information about the bombing and its effects on Hiroshima. The museum also has a detailed timeline of the events leading up to and following the bombing.
3. View the Memorial Cenotaph: The Memorial Cenotaph is a monument dedicated to the victims of the bombing. The names of all the victims are inscribed on the cenotaph, and visitors can pay their respects by placing a flower or a paper crane at its base.
4. See the Children’s Peace Monument: The Children’s Peace Monument is dedicated to the memory of the children who died as a result of the bombing. It is a statue of a young girl holding a paper crane, which is a symbol of peace and hope.
5. Visit the Rest House: The Rest House is a peaceful area located in the museum where visitors can sit and reflect on the events of the bombing. There are also memorial services held here on August 6th each year.
6. Participate in a Memorial Service: Every year on August 6th, the museum holds a memorial service to honor the victims of the bombing. Visitors are welcome to join in the service, which is a poignant reminder of the tragedy.
7. Visit the Memorial Hall: The Memorial Hall is located inside the museum and is filled with artifacts from the bombing, including clothing, photographs, and other personal items. It is a moving reminder of the destruction caused by the atomic bomb.
8. Attend a Lecture: The museum often hosts lectures and symposiums related to the bombing and its effects. These lectures provide visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the tragedy.
9. Take a Peace Tour: The museum offers a variety of peace tours that take visitors to other sites related to the bombing, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
10. Shop at the Museum Store: The museum store has a variety of items related to the bombing, including books, souvenirs, and postcards. Shopping at the store is a great way to support the museum and its mission.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a powerful reminder of the tragedy of the atomic bombing and the importance of peace. Visiting the museum is a moving experience that can help us remember the victims of the bombing and strive for a better future.