Hiroshima Orizuru Tower | Hiroshima

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower (広島おりづるタワー, Hiroshima Orizuru Tawā) is a modern landmark located in Hiroshima, Japan, that combines architecture, culture, and history, offering visitors a stunning view of the city as well as an interactive experience related to Hiroshima's symbol of peace—the origami crane.

1. Overview

Opened in 2016: Hiroshima Orizuru Tower was officially opened in 2016, and its name is derived from the Japanese word "orizuru" (折鶴), which means "folded crane". The origami crane is a symbol of peace, especially in relation to the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who became a symbol of hope and peace after being affected by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Purpose: The tower was built to be a space where visitors can engage with Hiroshima's legacy of peace through the origami crane, while also providing a modern viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the city, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

2. Design and Architecture

Modern Design: The tower itself is an elegant, contemporary structure with a sleek and minimalist design. The building stands 57 meters tall, and it features a large glass facade that allows for spectacular views of the surrounding area. The building's design blends modernity with the cultural significance of the origami crane, making it a fitting addition to Hiroshima's skyline.

Interactive Experience: Inside the tower, visitors can enjoy an interactive experience focused on the symbolism of the origami crane. The building includes various exhibitions and activities related to the art of origami, the history of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and the peace movement.

Viewing Platform: One of the main attractions of the tower is its observation deck located on the 13th floor, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. From the top, you can see key landmarks, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Castle, as well as beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding mountains.

3. Key Features and Attractions

Origami Crane Experience: A central feature of Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is its interactive origami crane experience. Visitors can participate in making their own origami cranes to contribute to the collection, which symbolizes hope and peace. This activity is inspired by the legacy of Sadako Sasaki, who folded 1,000 paper cranes in hopes of recovering from leukemia caused by radiation exposure, and it has since become an international symbol of peace.

Peace Memorial Theme: The tower’s exhibitions aim to promote peace and remembrance, with a strong focus on the legacy of the atomic bombing and the importance of advocating for peace. Visitors can learn about Sadako Sasaki's story and the historical significance of the atomic bombing, while reflecting on Hiroshima’s journey toward peace and recovery.

Artistic Installations: The museum inside the tower features various art installations related to the theme of peace. One of the most notable installations is a wall made of origami cranes, which visitors can fold and add to during their visit. This interactive artwork serves as a living memorial to those affected by the bombing, and it encourages visitors from around the world to participate in the message of hope.

Observation Deck: The 13th-floor observation deck is one of the main highlights of the tower. The deck offers breathtaking views of Hiroshima, particularly the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The observation deck is a peaceful place to reflect on Hiroshima's history and its message of peace.

Origami Cranes Display: The tower's lower floors feature a collection of paper cranes folded by people from around the world. Visitors can see these cranes and learn more about the significance of this gesture as a symbol of peace, unity, and remembrance.

4. Visitor Experience

Interactive Activities: Visitors can participate in the hands-on activity of folding their own origami cranes. The paper for the cranes is provided, and a special area is designated for people to create and add their cranes to the tower's collection. This participatory element allows visitors to personally engage with the message of peace and hope.

Multilingual Information: The tower offers multilingual displays in both English and Japanese, making it accessible to international visitors. Information about the significance of the origami crane, the peace memorial, and Sadako’s story is provided in several languages, ensuring that all visitors can understand the cultural importance of what they are experiencing.

Museum and Exhibits: In addition to the observation deck and the origami crane experience, the museum within the tower offers exhibitions focused on the history of Hiroshima, the atomic bombing, and the global peace movement. The exhibits provide important historical context for visitors, helping them to understand the significance of the city's post-war recovery and commitment to peace.

Gift Shop: The tower has a gift shop that sells a variety of peace-related souvenirs, including paper cranes, postcards, books, and other items reflecting the tower's peace theme. It’s a great place to find unique mementos of your visit.

5. Location and Accessibility

Location: Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is conveniently located in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, right next to the Atomic Bomb Dome and within walking distance of several other important landmarks, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Shukkeien Garden. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a tour of the nearby sites of historical and cultural significance.

Getting There: The tower is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take a tram or bus to the nearby Genbaku Dome-mae station, which is just a short walk from the tower.

Opening Hours: The tower is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last entries allowed before 8:30 PM. The observation deck and origami crane activities are available during these hours, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the experience.

Admission Fees: The entrance fee for the tower is generally around ¥500 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Special prices may apply for the observation deck, and prices are subject to change based on temporary exhibitions or events.

6. Cultural and Peace Significance

Symbol of Peace: Hiroshima Orizuru Tower serves as an important cultural landmark, symbolizing the city's ongoing commitment to peace and its efforts to educate the world about the importance of preventing nuclear war. The tower’s connection to the origami crane adds a deeply personal and emotional layer to this message.

Educational Purpose: The tower plays an educational role by offering a chance for visitors to learn more about the history of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its aftermath. Through its exhibitions, the tower encourages reflection on the broader themes of peace, resilience, and human solidarity.

7. Conclusion

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is a modern, innovative space that combines cultural education with stunning views and interactive experiences. It stands as a powerful reminder of Hiroshima’s dedication to peace and offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the city’s history while contributing to a living symbol of hope through the creation of origami cranes. Whether you are interested in history, art, or simply want to experience breathtaking views of Hiroshima, the tower provides a meaningful and immersive experience for all visitors.