Memorial Cenotaph, Hiroshima

Memorial Cenotaph, Hiroshima (must see)

The Memorial Cenotaph stands at the heart of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a powerful symbol of remembrance and a resolute commitment to a world free from the horrors of war. This concrete, saddle-shaped monument bears the weight of history, displaying the names of all those who tragically lost their lives to the devastating atomic bomb.

The epitaph etched onto the cenotaph solemnly reads, "Rest in Peace, for the error shall not be repeated." These words serve as a haunting reminder of the consequences of nuclear warfare and the profound loss experienced by the people of Hiroshima.

As one gazes through the center of the monument, an ethereal sight unfolds. The Peace Flame and the iconic A-Bomb Dome stand in the background, forming a poignant tableau of hope amidst the ruins of destruction. The Peace Flame, eternally burning, represents the city's unyielding desire for lasting peace, while the skeletal remains of the A-Bomb Dome bear witness to the tragic events of the past, serving as a powerful testament to the need for a world free from nuclear weapons.

The arch shape of the cenotaph carries a deeper significance. It symbolizes a shelter, a sanctuary for the souls of the victims, comforting them in their eternal rest and reminding the living of their solemn duty to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.

Every year on August 6th, a day known as "A-bomb Day," the City of Hiroshima holds the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. This solemn event serves to console the victims of the atomic bombs and to pray for a world where peace prevails. Citizens, as well as the families of the deceased, come together to participate in this poignant ceremony.

At 8:15 am, the precise moment when the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, one minute of silence is observed. The city stands still, as the present honors the past, remembering those whose lives were forever altered by the devastation of war.

The Memorial Cenotaph in Hiroshima stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding pursuit of peace. It serves as a place of reflection, healing, and unity for people from all walks of life, transcending borders and cultures.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hiroshima. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Memorial Cenotaph on Map

Sight Name: Memorial Cenotaph
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Hiroshima, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Hiroshima

Create Your Own Walk in Hiroshima

Creating your own self-guided walk in Hiroshima is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a solemn testament to one of the darkest chapters in human history. This park is a haunting reminder of the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare during World War II. Its grounds, marked by heart-wrenching attractions, bear witness to the immense suffering and loss that occurred on August 6, 1945.

Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hiroshima Introduction Walking Tour

Hiroshima Introduction Walking Tour

Tucked away within the contours of Japan's southwestern expanse, the green and picturesque city of Hiroshima emerges as a profound testament to history's arc and an unwavering beacon of hope for a world united in harmony.

Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles