Children’s Peace Monument 🇯🇵

Located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, the Children's Peace Monument is a moving tribute commemorating Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of child victims of the August 6, 1945 atomic bombing. Sadako died of leukemia from radiation poisoning on October 25, 1955. Following her passing, Japanese school children, including her classmates, led a fund-raising campaign to build this monument designed by Kazuo Kikuchi and Kiyoshi Ikebe, which was unveiled on May 5, 1958.

When you visit, you will see a main statue featuring Sadako at the top holding a wire crane above her head, representing her wish for a world free of nuclear weapons. Nearby figures of a boy and a girl honor the children lost to the bomb and those worldwide who desire peace. You will also discover thousands of colorful origami cranes offered around the monument from people all over the world.

Beneath the main structure hangs a bronze crane and a traditional peace bell donated by Nobel Prize winner Hideki Yukawa, creating a wind chime effect when pushed. Visiting allows you to honor Sadako's memory and join global visitors in reflecting on world peace.

What to see at Children's Peace Monument

• Main statue of Sadako Sasaki holding a wire crane above her head
• Thousands of origami cranes offered around the monument from global visitors
• Bronze crane and traditional peace bell wind chime donated by Hideki Yukawa
• Base featuring a black marble slab with a peace inscription
• Figures of a boy and a girl representing child victims and global youth seeking peace

Visiting tips

Bring your own folded paper cranes to donate at the monument as a symbolic wish for world peace.

How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Children's Peace Monument is easy to reach on Hiroshima’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hiroshima Castle. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hiroshima travel guide.