tour hiroshima orizuru

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Orizuru Tower

Take in the cityscape of the city of peace.

Since the devastating aftermath of the atomic bombing, Hiroshima has pushed to show the world of its revitalization post-World War 2 on top of advocating global peace. None is more evident of this than the ORIZURU Tower, aptly named as the orizuru, or paper crane, represents hope and dreams.

The ORIZURU Tower stands in the heart of the city, only a short distance away from the famous A-Bomb Dome and provides not only interactive attractions and eateries but also a stunning view of Hiroshima like you have never seen before. The interactive activities are suited for visitors of all ages all the while promoting a sense of peace and relaxation.

The Best View in Town

The wooden rooftop observatory, Hiroshima Hills, provides a panoramic view of the City of Peace. Set up as an open-air deck, with no walls creating obstructions, you will get a 360 degree experience of the city. One a clear day, expect a magnificent view of both the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Park . If you are lucky enough, Miyajima Island’s Mt. Misen will also be visible in the distance. The opportunity to see two UNESCO World Heritage Sites from such a unique perspective will surely be worth the visit. Be sure to grab a refreshing beverage and snack in the café located on the floor as you relax and take in the view.

The Paper Crane Wall

The 12th floor houses numerous interactive stations where children and adult alike can enjoy time with friends and family. Aptly named Orizuru Square, the floor focuses on the popular paper crane . Various stations are set up where you can fold your own paper crane. Rest assured, there will also be instructions available for those who are not familiar with folding one. Once you have folded your own paper crane, you can drop your crane in the Wall, a unique feature where you can be part of a wonderful project sharing your good wishes alongside everyone else. Interactive stations are also sure to entertain visitors of all ages. See yourself rendered on a screen as a number of origami shapes create a virtual you, fold a massive virtual paper crane using gesture controls to complete the task, or make your own firework display as you arrange paper crane shaped objects on an interactive desk.

Take A Walk: Spiral Slope

Another unique feature of the Orizuru Tower is the spiral staircase which spans 9 levels that you can enjoy a leisurely stroll as you make your way up and down the tower. As you make your way up or down the staircase, be sure to enjoy exclusive pieces of artwork focusing on the daily life and everyday scenes in Hiroshima from postwar through present day. A special addition to the staircase includes a 70-meter-long spiral slide that runs along the staircase which both children and adults can enjoy. Never has making your way down a building been so exciting!

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A-Bomb Dome

Symbolizes Hiroshima's wishes for everlasting peace after the atomic bomb attack

Peace Memorial Park

Dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack

Itsukushima Shrine

Famous floating torii gate on Miyajima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The history of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bomb dropping

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Origami tower for peace.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is a high-rise with an observation platform offering an unobstructed view on the historical center of Hiroshima in Japan. Standing just behind the Genbaku Dome, the 50 meters high tower is also home to origami paper cranes making activities and other interactive attractions.

Called in English Hiroshima Hills (ひろしまの丘 Hiroshima no oka ), Orizuru Tower’s observation terrace was laid out like Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island. Entirely made of wood and with wooden pillars supporting a protecting roof, the large platform gives a renewed view on the historical center of Hiroshima city.

A Zen point of view on Hiroshima

The terrace allows to observe from a moderate height the city center which is all at once historical, modern, urban and where nature managed to kept its own space. The panorama is indeed quite green thanks to the many trees of the Peace Memorial Park , that gradually change color in autumn   🍁 . There is also a clear view on the city’s layout : it is crossed by several rivers and surrounded by mountains in its background. As for historical monuments, there is an unobstructed view on the Genbaku Dome , located only a few meters away, and a bit further, the Peace Museum as well as Hiroshima Castle   🏯 .

The platform’s edges are protected with nets in place of barriers, and a mirror installation on the sides help focus the view on the most iconic cityscape. Temporary installations are also set up on the roof-top following the seasons.

The top of Hiroshima Orizuru Tower provides an enjoyable sense of calmness . The entrance fee is purposely high so as to limit the number of visitors and avoid crowding. This strategy was initially a wish of Tetsuya Matsuda, the CEO of Mazda at the time of buying the office building. He proceeded to have the facility ecologically renovated and opened it to the public in 2016.

Paper crane making

To take pictures without the protection nets, go down at the 12th floor , where the large windows offer the same panorama. At the same level, the space Orizuru Hiroba (おりづる広場) is dedicated to the folded paper crane . All visitors are invited to make their own traditional origami and let it here as a message of peace . For an additional few hundred yens  💴 , it is possible to drop the crane along the building’s glass facade and take part into the collective creation of a multicolored crane wall.

Interactive attractions retell the recent history of the city, before and after the A-bomb. It is also possible to virtually fold an orizuru paper crane through a screen.

The Akushu Cafe as well as a souvenir shop are at the building’s ground floor, that visitors reach thanks to:

• A spiral staircase with a gentle incline;
• Or slides for a more entertaining way back down.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, while having a quite expensive entrance fee, is one of the only urban observatories on the city of peace.

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Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Projecting hopes for peace from Hiroshima to the world

Officially opened in September 2016, Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is located beside the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. The 50 meter tall tower is one of the few tall buildings around the Peace Memorial Park and offers a great view of the surroundings, including the less commonly seen view of the A-Bomb Dome from above.

The idea to convert the existing office building into a mixed facility tower was planted in 2010, and construction on Hiroshima Orizuru Tower was completed in 2016. The main areas for visitors to the tower are the cafe and souvenir select shop on street level, the observation deck on the top floor and the interactive multimedia zone on the 12th floor, while the rest of the floors in between are office space.

Given Hiroshima's reputation as a creators' town, it is also the pride of the city to have local talent playing a large role in the construction of Hiroshima Orizuru Tower. Wood used in the building was sourced from either Hiroshima or nearby Okayama, while local artists provided the artwork that line the walkway inside. Sanbuichi Hiroshi, an architect born and based in Hiroshima, designed the building's distinctive looks. How buildings blend and interact with their environments plays a large role in Sanbuichi's designs, and the tower was no different.

The observation deck on the top floor is open to the elements, allowing one to feel the wind as you take in the panoramic view. Visitors choose to take the elevator or walk up a spiraling walkway up to the top. Walking up gives one the chance to view the artwork which tells a story of a fictional family and projects what life may be like for them from then on.

On the 12th floor, just one level below the observation deck, is the interactive multimedia zone laid out in the open-plan floor. Large glass panels protect one from the elements. Visitors can see the actual ground zero where the atomic bomb denoted about 600 meters above ground, as well as the A-Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in the distance. In the middle of the room lies the interactive multimedia which provides fun for people of all ages. There is also a timelapse showing Hiroshima city from after the war and envisions what it would be like about a hundred years from now.

The Orizuru Square on the 12th floor is a station where visitors can purchase origami paper to fold orizuru, or paper cranes. These cranes can be kept as a souvenir or dropped down into the Orizuru Wall, a glass panel wall that will be filled up with these folded cranes in time to come.

Moving down to the souvenir select shop and the Akushu cafe on street level, where visitors can choose from about a thousand made-in-Hiroshima products as well as take a rest at the cafe. The souvenir select shop is testament to Hiroshima's reputation as a creator's town judging from the vast number of products from all over the prefecture (although Mazda car products are not available there). These two areas are open to the public and do not require an admission ticket unlike the observation deck and the multimedia zone on the 12th and top floors.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is a stone's throw away from the A-Bomb Dome as well as the Genbaku Dome-mae stop if arriving by streetcar. Otherwise, it is also an easy stroll from the main shopping district. Entry to the 12th and top floor requires an admission ticket which costs 1700 yen per adult and can be used for repeated entry in one calendar day.

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Orizuru Tower

• #peacetimes

The Orizuru Tower standing right next to the Peace Memorial Park includes a variety of facilities such as Hiroshima Hills, a roof observation deck where you can overlook the Atomic Bomb Dome, The Orizuru Square, where a variety of digital attractions can be enjoyed, and SOUVENIR SELECT Hito-to-Ki, where famous products from Hiroshima are sold. Also, it includes “Akushu Café” where you can stop by during sightseeing and strolling. Since its opening in 2016, it has welcomed many guests from Japan and abroad, and is now popular and essential for sightseeing in Hiroshima.

From the roof observation deck of the Orizuru Tower, you can see the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the city of Hiroshima at once.

The tower was built by MATSUDA Tetsuya , the current chairman and CEO of Hiroshima Mazda Co.,Ltd. Surprisingly, the Orizuru Tower was built by a single private company at its own expense. Why would Hiroshima Mazda, a company that sells and repairs cars, build a facility to spread the word that Hiroshima is a city of peace? –It was an encounter between Mr. Matsuda and the tower.

　When the previous building of the Orizuru Tower was on the market, Mr. Matsuda happened to visit it. The view he saw on the roof of the building instantly captivated him. With Peace Memorial Park directly below and the city of Hiroshima stretching out in the distance, Mr. Matsuda was struck by the view of his hometown, Hiroshima, because he had never seen like it before.

” It seemed to him to be proof that the city which was said that “no grass or trees will grow for 75 years” had recovered from the devastation of the atomic bombing.

Everyone in the world should see this view. It is my mission to show them this view!

　It was Mr. Matsuda’s desire to show the present state of Hiroshima that would serve as the most important message of peace.

The roof observation deck is the most symbolic expression of the tower’s approach to peace. Hiroshima Hills is made of lumber such as Japanese cypress and cedar, and a pleasant breeze blows through it. It creates a serene and solemn atmosphere reminiscent of the grounds of Itsukushima Shrine, one of world heritage sites in Hiroshima.

Miyajima is one of the three most scenic places in Japan. Itsukushima Shrine, standing on the island, was built by TAIRA Kiyomori in 1168 to house a large shrine. In 1996, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

There is a wooden observation deck on the roof of the Orizuru Tower. A breeze blows through and you can feel the sounds and smells of Hiroshima as it is. On a clear day, you can see Mount Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak.

This reflects Mr. Matsuda’s wish to have this place become a “place for meditation”. He told that I want you to think about the meaning of this view, about your hometown, and think about the value of peace — not the cold concrete, but the natural environment that can soothe the soul and bring us back to our honest feelings was a necessity.

Matsuda does not stop there.

　When the tower opened in 2016, some people complained that the admission fee to Orizuru Tower was too expensive. “2,200 yen for a height of only 50 meters” “They want to make money from peace! –.

　But there’s a reason for the price. If the admission fee is low and a lot of tourists visit, the atmosphere of Hiroshima Hills like that of a Zen temple would be easily destroyed. No matter how many people come to the event, if the message you want to convey is not conveyed, that will be mistaking the priorities.

Mr. Matsuda’s determination to ensure that the value of Orizuru Tower as a place of prayer and meditation will never be diminished – his firm conviction is confirmed every time he encounters the deep and brilliant satisfaction of visitors.

Address Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City

Phone Number:+81( 0)82-569-6803

Fee (general) Adults: 2,200yen, Junior and Senior high school students: 1,400 yen, Elementary school students: 900yen, Preschool (4 years and older): 600yen *Orizuru wall posting fee: 100 yen

Open: 10:00-19:00 (Last admission to the observation deck is one hour before closing. Opening hours may change depending on the season and events)

Closed: December 31.

HP https://www.orizurutower.jp/en/ 　　

“To You Who Will Climb the Orizuru Tower in 2045”

Tetsuya Matsuda (published 2019)

Price: 1,540 yen

ISBN: 978-4862506368

* Only Japanese is available

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Introducation of initiatives by Hiroshima Prefecture

Online learning program, “think about peace- hiroshima as a starting point”.

Part of the lecture was shot at the Orizuru Tower. You can catch a glimpse of Hiroshima from the tower.

Tags associated with this article

• 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima
• Initiatives for the abolition of nuclear weapons
• Proposals for the abolition of nuclear weapons
• Research for Peace
• SDGs and Peace
• Learning for Peace
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MODEL ROUTE Hiroshima

Route (day 1).

Hiroshima Station → (30 minutes by bus and on foot) → Shukkeien Garden → (30 minutes by bus and on foot) → Okonomiyaki lunch → (on foot) → Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) and Peace Memorial Park → (on foot) → Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum → (on foot) → Orizuru Tower

Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien is a Japanese garden designed 400 years ago to resemble the famous scenery of the West Lake in China. Starting with cherry blossoms in the spring, the garden is adorned by around 30 different kinds of seasonal flowers, and visitors can enjoy the view with a delicious cup of tea at the tea house. The garden was destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, but has been restored to its original beauty through the people's efforts.

Okonomiyaki

One thing you must definitely try when you visit Hiroshima, is the famous okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki Nagataya with its old-fashioned atmosphere, can be found near the Hiroshima Peace Memorial offering both counter seats and tables, and serving exquisite okonomiyaki made by using the restaurant's original sauces and noodles.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) stands on the spot where the world's first atom bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. It was originally a hall for exhibiting local products from Hiroshima. Miraculously, because the bomb was dropped right overhead, the building escaped complete destruction, and stands still even till today in more or less in its original form. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an admonition, and with a wish to avoid repeating the tragedy.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

On the other side of the river from the Genbaku Dome is the Peace Memorial Park, which was a bustling town of around 6,500 people when the bomb was dropped. Now, swathed in silence that is hard to believe in the middle of a city, it is a place where a large number of people come to pray for lasting peace for the souls of the war dead and bomb victims. Fresh senbazuru (one thousand origami cranes) are always placed next to the statue of a young girl who died at 12 of leukaemia as a result of radiation. The Genbaku Dome is visible from the cenotaph, which never runs out of fresh flower offerings.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which displays various documents, testimonies from survivors, and articles left behind by the deceased bomb victims, continues to convey the horror of and misery caused by nuclear weapons to people all over the world through the history of Hiroshima as it is. The East Building has exhibition zones showing the danger of nuclear weapons and the recovery of Hiroshima from the tragedy. The Main Building houses articles left by the deceased, photographs, and other documents detailing the situation at that time. (Note: The Main Building is currently closed for renovations and scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2019.)

Orizuru Tower

The Orizuru Tower is a commercial complex situated right next to the Genbaku Dome. The first floor has a souvenir shop and a café. The area called the Orizuru Square on the 12th floor offers visitors the experience of folding origami (paper) cranes and dropping them into the glass wall as a form of prayer for the departed souls. Video explanations are provided in several languages, so it is a great opportunity for foreigners to participate in the Japanese tradition of origami even if it is their first time. The observation deck on the 13th floor is a great place from where to enjoy a view of the city.

Route (Day 2)

Peace Memorial Park → (45 minutes by water bus) → Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine → (on foot) → Lunch → (on foot) → Walk around Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street → (on foot) → Miyajima Public Aquarium → (on foot) → Sunset at Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima – Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima, the island in the Hiroshima Bay, is Hiroshima's number-one tourist spot and attracts a large number of tourists every year. On the island is the main building of the Itsukushima Shrine, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. The original shrine building was erected 1400 years ago. The shrine is dedicated to the gods of the sea and navigation. The vermilion colour of the shrine building contrasted against the blue sea is so striking as to make those who gaze upon it lose track of time.

Aqua Net (water bus)

The Aqua Net water bus is the quickest means of transport from the city of Hiroshima to Miyajima. It is not just convenient, but also offers the attractive opportunity of enjoying a view of Hiroshima from the river and the sea. Passengers can also opt to take a longer route that goes around the torii gate, the symbol of Miyajima. Feel free to choose the course that best matches your travel plan.

Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

The Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street has a great atmosphere, lined by old traditional wooden buildings with a view of a five-storied pagoda at the far end. It is always thronged by visitors looking for souvenirs to buy or just snacking on various delicacies being sold. Apart from the Miyajima special, wooden handicraft items, you will also find traditional Japanese sweets made of chestnuts and sweet potatoes, as well as cafés selling cool shaved ice desserts. You can easily spend a lot of time here without getting tired.

Miyajima Public Aquarium

The Miyajima Public Aquarium is distinctive for its beautiful Japanese-style architecture. The interior of the building has been designed based on the concepts of “soothing” and “interactivity,” and the diverse exhibitions introduce visitors to the mystical world of the Seto Inland Sea. There is an exhibit that shows the ecology of oysters, which Hiroshima is famous for, and a tank that features dolphins from the Seto Inland Sea. There is even an area for interacting with Humboldt penguins, which are a rarity in Japanese aquariums. All in all, it is a place where both kids and adults can have fun.

Sunset at Itsukushima Shrine

The Itsukushima Shrine is beautiful even during the day, but please do visit once again at sunset. The shrine's main building and great torii gate, lit by the scarlet of the setting sun, takes on an even more dynamic aspect and looks so spectacular as to seem unreal. Taking in this view at the end of your trip will leave you with memories that can be cherished for a lifetime.

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• Hiroshima City

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

A beautiful observation deck overlooking Hiroshima

Situated right next to the world famous Peace Park, Mazda Towers recently opened up Orizuru Tower, the newest attraction to Hiroshima. While the majority of the building’s twelve floors are office spaces, the first and top two floors are geared for tourists. A new way to view Hiroshima, the Peace Park, and A-Bomb Dome, Orizuru Tower is a must-see destination.

Visitors can shop for Hiroshima-themed souvenirs and handmade goods as well as relax and dine in the open space and hiply furnished Akushu Cafe on the first floor. Here you can also buy tickets to go to the building’s main attraction, the 13th floor tower. The base entrance is a bit high at ¥1700 and may cause some to pass on entering, but the observation deck is undoubtedly worth the price. Wooden panels flank the space from top to bottom, and various pillars support the otherwise open deck. The entrance of the deck is flanked on either side by stairs allowing visitors enjoy the view while drinking or eating snacks from the cafe inside. Those hoping for a quality Instagram photo-op need not hesitate in asking a worker dressed in uniform to take their picture. The guides can also point out various points of interest visible from the 13th floor. On a clear day, it is possible to see various landmarks of Hiroshima such as the mountains of Miyajima as well as Hiroshima Castle.

The floor below acts as half museum and half interactive space. Activities on the 12th floor include landscape video of the development and changes of Hiroshima (from the nuclear bombing two even a prediction in the near future) to more spots to look out onto the town. However, the floors main attraction is the Orizuru Origami Throw-in. Either bought in addition to the ticket for ¥500 on the 1st floor or for ¥600 on the 12th floor, visitors are given packets of paper to make their own origami cranes with video and CGI animation demonstrations. Once folded, the brave can head out onto the plexiglass floor and throw in their cranes to add to the thousands accruing along the bottom of the building. A symbol of peace, the wall’s collection of paper cranes can be seen from the street below.

After checking out other interactive installations throughout the floor, be sure to return to the entrance via the open walkway offering more views of the city as you go down. For the young at heart, skip walking and take the slides that stop at every floor to make your descent. A highly interactive and relaxing experience, add Orizuru Tower and it’s observation deck to your list of destinations while in Hiroshima.

Find out more about Orizuru Tower .

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By Sophia Warren

Community writer

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Orizuru Tower

1-2-1 Ootemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima-pref., 730-0051 ( Directions )

082-569-6200

orizurutower.jp

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Hiroshima(20:26 PM)

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Hiroshima’s post-war city leaders always envisioned that tourism would play a key role in the recovery of the A-bombed city of Hiroshima, indeed, it was a key factor in securing special funding from Tokyo for reconstruction. There has, however, always been a tension between the idea of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as a sacred space and the forces of commercialization. Just last year, the relocation of the Kanawa oyster restaurant up the Motoyasu River caused some consternation and raised concerns above overdevelopment of the area around the park. [ 日本語 ]

Today, a repurposed 13-story building, owned by car dealer Hiroshima Mazda Co., opens right on the border between the sacred space and Hiroshima’s bustling commercial center. Most of the Orizuru Tower, which overlooks the iconic A-bomb Dome, will be taken up by office space, but, its owners also have a firm eye on the burgeoning tourist market and hope it will be a strong draw for visitors.

The building’s main attraction is a stylish observation deck on the top floor which offers an amazing view. You can look almost directly down upon the A-bomb Dome, over the Peace Memorial Park, out to the Inland Sea and Miyajima to the southwest, and can see Hiroshima Castle to the north. On the 12th floor are interactive installations on the theme of the orizuru origami cranes that, via the story of Sadako Sasaki, have become a symbol of Hiroshima. At street level is a well-designed gift store and a modern cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.

While some might be tempted to dismiss the development as that of a big company jumping on the inbound tourism bandwagon, it is worth looking at Hiroshima Mazda’s “Hiroshima credentials”. Hiroshima Mazda Co., is independent of the Mazda Motor Corporation and was founded in 1933 by Shuya Matsuda, son of Mazda Corporation founder Jujiro Matsuda, when it sold the fledgling auto-maker’s 3-wheeled trucks in what was then called Sarugaku-cho (now Kamiya-cho). On incorporation in 1941, the company moved a little west to the corner directly behind the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (now the A-bomb Dome). While his father escaped the devastation of the A-bombing, only meters from the bomb’s hypocenter, Shuya Matsuda, his company headquarters and all his staff were wiped out by the blast. While, after a short stint in Niho, the company moved to Noboricho in 1949, for many years plot next to the A-bomb Dome was occupied by a rather non-descript office building.

As a company that predates the bombing and that has benefited from, as well as contributed to, the recovery of the city, Hiroshima Mazda says it feels an obligation to honor the past, repay the support of the local population and look to the future. It does make for good PR copy, but one would have to be extremely cynical to deny that when it came time to redevelop the building, the company felt a sense of responsibility to create a space worthy of a location that people from all over the world come to visit. Hiroshima Mazda thus aimed to create a place that would be open to the public, used to promote the city’s message of peace while continuing to engage in the world of commerce.

Interestingly, while buildings are continually being torn down and rebuilt all over Hiroshima and up and down Japan, Hiroshima Mazda decided to refurbish their existing building. The exterior of the old building was removed, but the original frame has been preserved and given a new, more substantial, exterior, highly resistant to potential earthquakes.

The new exterior serves to do more than provide structural support and give the building a distinctive look; it also provides a buffer against direct sunlight, reducing the cost of cooling the office floors. Recessed windows, earth tones and greenery on the side facing the A-bomb Dome are all designed to harmonize with the surrounding and to lessen visual impact on the part of people viewing the A-bomb Dome from ground level.

Using the original building frame is estimated to have saved some 67% of the amount of carbon emissions that a total rebuild would have created. The job of designing all this was given to Hiroshima-based architect Hiroshi Sambuichi, who is also responsible for the viewing platform on top of Mt Misen on Miyajima and Otafuku’s ‘Wood Egg’ building. In trademark Sambuichi style, natural airflow is utilized throughout the building, reducing carbon emissions due to cooling by 33%.

Enough about the background and the concept, is the Orizuru Tower worth visiting?

I have been highly critical of many of the city’s recent architectural developments, and I was fully prepared to hate this one too. To my surprise, however, the Orizuru Tower has quite charmed me. Entering the building, one is greeted by a surprising number of staff, dressed in smart uniforms and the lobby has the feel of an expensive hotel. The gift shop, which is stocked mostly with local food products, is very well designed and the English labels are pretty good too.

The Akushu Cafe (which means ’Shake Hands Cafe’) has a nice selection of light meals, coffee provided by Obscura Coffee Roasters and, best of all, some very nice outdoor seating.

To get to the main attraction, the observation deck, you have to purchase a ticket. Now here is the kicker; admission is ¥1700 for adults (scroll down for all prices). Buy a ticket from a machine (English directions provided) and make your way through the turnstiles, from where you can choose to take the elevator up to the 13th floor or walk up the semi-open side of the building. I recommend taking the elevator up and walking down, but if you are looking to boost your step count (and your heart rate), go for it; the walk up has both steps and a continuous slope all the way to the top.

Should you opt for the elevator, you will experience a highly polished, old school Japanese elevator lady welcome – a slow, deep bow and a very polite Japanese greeting and explanation of what the elevator is about to do, all delivered at perfect elevator lady pitch.

On exiting the elevator, you pass a cafe which sells drinks and light snacks and walk up a few steps to the entrance to the observation deck . The deck is lovely, inspired by Ise-jingu Shrine, which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was so keen to show off to the leaders of the G7, it has a low ceiling supported by wooden pillars and smooth wooden floor which slopes down towards a balcony from where you can look right down on the A-bomb Dome and over the Peace Memorial Park.

You can also see Hiroshima Castle to the north and the island of Miyajima to the southwest. Open to the elements, when I visited on a beautiful clear summer day, the breeze was delightfully refreshing and it brought to mind the Senjokaku ‘1000 Mat Pavillion’ on Miyajima. I’m not sure if it is part of the design or purely to prevent birds from inadvertently flying in (or depressed visitors taking the fast way down), but there is a wide mesh barrier, which makes it impossible to get totally unobstructed views and photos to the view (keep reading for a way around that).

See more photos of the Orizuru Tower observation deck

It would be quite easy to while away quite some time on the deck, especially as visitors are welcome to take drinks and food from the cafe out with them. I imagine that, when the weather is fine, this will be a wonderful place to watch the sun set over the mountains.

One floor below is an interactive space, called the ‘workshop zone’, which is also open to the public. Here, you can fold your own orizuru origami peace cranes (there are instructions in English and friendly helpers are on hand to assist).

You’ll also find a couple of digital installations using orizuru motifs, including ‘Air Orizuru’, a kind of big screen Wii-style origami game.

A panoramic CGI video display shows the redevelopment of Hiroshima from to a burnt plain in 1945 to the city of today. This floor also offers fantastic views through the plate glass windows, unobstructed by mesh. In one corner, a platform indicates the location of the Shima Hospital, above which the A-bomb exploded, which can been seen from the window.

One major feature of the building’s design, not yet mentioned, is a 50m tall chimney-like glass ‘crane wall’ on one side of the building. Visitors can pay an extra fee, for which they will receive specially designed origami paper with which to fold their crane and be able to squeeze into the top of the chimney and toss their creation into the dropspace the wall. Apparently, it will take half a million or so origami cranes to fill the wall, which will be viewable from outside, creating a kind of orizuru monument.

Those who a not great with heights be warned, to ’throw-in’ your crane you have to stand on a plexiglass ledge that allows you to see all the way down to the street.

Should you choose to not to pay the surcharge, you will receive some perfectly acceptable paper and you can choose to take your crane away with you or place it in a specially designed receptacle. I initially imagined that these cranes would be deployed somewhere for a time, but staff informed me that they are to be recycled to produce more origami paper for future visitors.

After you take in the observation deck and the interactive floor, the Orizuru Tower has one more thing to give; the descent. The walk down the sloped walkway that winds its way down the side of the building is also open and offers some views, though you are mostly looking out across the air conditioning units on top of the uninspiring buildings (although I must confess, as a long term resident, I quite enjoyed that). There will, we are told, also be works by manga artist Shuho Sato on exclusive display on the walls. More fun, however, is to jump on the emergency exit slides that run between each floor. You have to keep changing slides at every floor, as obviously it’s important not to build up too much speed when fleeing a fire.

As I mentioned above, I was pleasantly surprised by the Orizuru Tower and I only have a couple of qualms.

First, the reimagining of the orizuru origami cranes as a kind of entertainment didn’t sit quite right with me. It can, however, certainly be argued that the orizuru and the story of Sadako Sasaki provide a way to broach the subject of the horror which nuclear weapons can unleash to children who may find exhibits at the Peace Memorial Museum too disturbing. Personally, I would prefer my origami cranes to be collected with those of other visitors and hung up at one of the memorials in the Peace Memorial Park or elsewhere, at least for a short time.

The other is, well, it’s a little pricey. Although it’s a bargain compared to the Skytree, it’s more expensive than going 250m up Tokyo Tower. I have no doubt that it will prove to be very popular with domestic tourists, but I do wonder how many overseas tourists will be happy to pay such a high entrance fee for a view from the 13 floor, only 50m above ground. Also, to charge an extra ¥500 (¥600 if you don’t buy your extra “orizuru throw in” ticket in the lobby and choose to pay once you get to the 12th floor) seems a little excessive. Time will tell.

• 18 years and over ¥1700
• 12-17 years ¥900
• 6-11 years ¥700
• 4-5 years ¥500

I was lucky to get a look around the building free of charge. I found some things a little gimmicky; the orizuru -themed installations, the see-through platform at the top of the Orizuru Wall and the somewhat random manga displays. All that said, I would definitely be prepared to make another visit; on a clear day, around sunset with a bottle of wine and someone special to share it with.

http://www.orizurutower.jp/ (website currently available in Japanese, English and French)

• ← To eat or not to eat (konbini food?), that is the question!
• A-bombed tram runs again this August →

Paul arrived in Hiroshima "for a few months" back in 1996. He is the co-founder of GetHiroshima.com and loves running in the mountains.

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Hiroshima: 15 Exciting Tours, Activities, and Convenient Tickets

With its breathtaking natural scenery and rich culinary heritage, Hiroshima offers a vibrant and unforgettable experience. The 15 tours and activities introduced here allow you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders this city has to offer!

A hub of culture, food, and natural beauty, Hiroshima is one of the most picturesque areas to visit in the southern region of Japan's main island. Whether you're cruising along the scenic bike road along the Seto Inland Sea or savoring a delectable Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, these tour packages and tickets can assist you in arranging your ideal getaway.

Hiroshima: Tours and Activities

Package Tours 1. Hiroshima and Miyajima One-Day Bus Tour 2. Must-See Hiroshima Day Tour 3. Rabbit Island Tour 4. Shimanami Kaido Cycling Tour

Food Tours 5. Half-day Food Tour 6. Local Culinary Tour 7. Bar Crawl Food Tour

Traditional Culture Tours 8. Kimono and Sake Tour 9. Okonomiyaki Cooking Tour 10. Kagura Show and Orizuru Tower Tour

Outdoor Activities 11. Paddleboarding in Hiroshima 12. Tomonoura Sea Kayaking 13. Sea Kayaking in Hiroshima Bay

Convenient Passes 14. Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass 15. Setouchi Area Pass

Package Tours

1. hiroshima and miyajima bus tour.

Photo by Pixta

Looking for an all-inclusive tour of Hiroshima's highlights in just one day? Whether you seek the tranquil ambiance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or the breathtaking natural beauty of Miyajima, this tour has you completely covered.

With a combination of guided sections and self-guided exploration, it offers the ideal blend of structured itineraries and the freedom to discover Hiroshima at your own pace.

What adds to its convenience is the option to start this trip as an extension to your adventures in western Japan. The tour also includes the assistance of a guide who will help arrange your travel from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Hiroshima, making it the perfect addition to a Kansai trip. And don't forget to greet the friendly deer on Miyajima while you're there!

2. Must-see Hiroshima Day Tour

This comprehensive tour offers a delightful taste of what Hiroshima has to offer, making it a must-see experience. In just eight hours, you'll have the opportunity to explore various attractions, landmarks, and local cuisine of Hiroshima, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

The tour includes visits to popular sites like the Japanese garden Shukkeien and the Atomic Bomb Dome. What sets this tour apart is the ability for visitors to personalize their experience. Upon booking, guests receive a questionnaire that allows them to customize the tour according to their preferences.

3. Rabbit Island Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook

Spend a day surrounded by the most adorable furry friends you'll ever encounter, as you play with over 900 charming rabbits on the island of Okunoshima.

This enchanting location has been lovingly dubbed "Rabbit Island" by the thousands of visitors who flock here to witness the cuteness overload and freely interact with these little critters. Immerse yourself in the tranquil natural surroundings while indulging in rabbit-themed souvenirs and culinary delights. Why not treat yourself to a delightful rabbit-themed soft cream or capture a selfie with a cuddly group of bunnies?

After the Okunoshima experience, the tour proceeds to the nearby town of Saijo for a sake tasting session in this historic brewing town. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you can discover your favorite sake cup and even bring back a small memento if you wish.

4. Shimanami Kaido Cycling Tour

Experience the joy of gliding along the picturesque Seto Inland Sea on your very own electric assist bike. This is exactly what you can expect when you join the Shimanami Kaido tour available on Klook.

In just one day, this tour allows you to soak in the breathtaking views that this region of Japan has to offer. Your bike will effortlessly cruise along scenic paths, leading you over stunning cable-stay bridges that span the crystal-clear blue waters. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore charming towns and savor local delicacies, all while being guided by a knowledgeable tour group.

The tour offers flexibility and contingency plans in case of inclement weather, ensuring a seamless experience. Additionally, the company adheres to stringent safety standards to keep all riders well protected. However, it's important to be mindful of your own limits and pack appropriately for a day of cycling.

↑ Return to the top of article.

5. Half-day Food Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook This four-hour food crawl takes place in the vibrant shopping streets of downtown Hiroshima, ensuring that you won't go hungry by the end of this journey. The adventure begins with the renowned Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, showcasing crispy noodles, tender steamed cabbage, and a delectably addictive finishing sauce.

Next, you'll savor locally flavored dipping noodles before concluding with a dessert parlor that seamlessly blends old and new flavors, providing the perfect end to a satisfying day of culinary exploration.

6. Local Culinary Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook Embark on a local-style culinary tour and savor the best of Hiroshima's gastronomic offerings. This immersive journey keeps you in the heart of central Hiroshima city, allowing you to experience the true delights of its food scene.

Before satiating your appetite, capture lasting memories against the backdrop of one of Japan's most stunning gardens, Shukkeien. Nestled near Hiroshima Castle, this meticulously designed oasis provides a serene sanctuary within the bustling city.

Following a moment of relaxation, join a lively standing bar accompanied by a knowledgeable local host who will guide you through Hiroshima's culinary gems. Highlights include the renowned oysters served with a vibrant soy-based sauce and fresh spring onions, imparting a refreshing taste. And, of course, who could overlook the beloved okonomiyaki?

7. Bar Crawl Food Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook Embark on an enticing local food tour that begins with an explosion of irresistible flavors! Meandering through the charming backstreets of Hiroshima, you'll be treated to the finest culinary experiences the city has to offer.

Your knowledgeable guide has meticulously handpicked a range of must-try establishments, ensuring that even if you're new to Japanese cuisine, you're in for a delightful adventure with unique Hiroshima delicacies. Indulge in various mouthwatering renditions of Hiroshimayaki, experiencing the diverse flavors and styles of this iconic dish.

Additionally, savor the privilege of savoring freshly shucked oysters, a true specialty of Hiroshima. This culinary spectacle promises to tantalize your taste buds. No visit to Hiroshima would be complete without sampling its renowned sake. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on delectable pairings, as you may discover the perfect combination that you'll want to bring back home with you as well!

Traditional Culture Tours

8. kimono and sake tour.

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and traditional ambiance of Miyajima as you explore the island wearing a kimono! This tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience what it would have been like for Japanese individuals in the past when visiting Miyajima as a religious pilgrimage destination.

As one of Japan's esteemed Three Great Views, Itsukushima Shrine is a truly enchanting location. Watch as the sunlight dances on the water, casting rippling patterns on the eaves, and capture stunning photographs of yourself wearing a splendid traditional kimono or yukata.

Following this memorable experience, your local guide will lead you to Saijo, a captivating town known for its rich tradition of sake production.

9. Okonomiyaki Cooking Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook One of the most famous foods Hiroshima is known for is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, also known as Hiroshimayaki. And what could be a better way to experience it than by cooking it yourself, guided by an experienced griddle master?

This experience allows you to try your hand at making it while being introduced by the creators of the delicious brown sauce that is famous worldwide as a topping for any type of okonomiyaki. You will be guided through the entire process, from spooning out the thin and crispy batter to topping it with fresh ingredients and then cooking it to perfection under your watchful eye.

There are often two eating styles for Hiroshimayaki - some prefer eating from the outside towards a perfectly cooked center, while others enjoy starting from the inside towards a crispy and crunchy edge.

Hiroshima / Hatsukaichi

10. Kagura Show and Orizuru Tower Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook While it is common to take day trip tours, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the cityscape of Hiroshima during a 4-hour night tour.

The journey begins with a peaceful visit to the grounds of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the somber memorial to the victims of the atomic bomb is illuminated to reveal its stark concrete structure. The haunting serenity of the area allows visitors to contemplate the grave danger that nuclear weapons pose to humanity.

Picture from: Hiroshima Kagura

Following this, participants will enjoy the captivating beauty of a Kagura performance, immersing themselves in the traditions and also having the opportunity to meet the performers. The tour concludes with a nighttime visit to Orizuru Tower, a facility with a rooftop observatory that offers a sweeping view of the Hiroshima city skyline.

Outdoor Activities

11. paddleboarding in hiroshima.

Photo courtesy of Klook For those who prefer outdoor activities, paddle boarding offers a unique way to experience Hiroshima. The city is situated on a river delta, making paddle boarding a surprisingly enjoyable and fascinating way to explore its attractions.

You can visit beautiful parks, admire natural scenic spots, and even discover a different perspective of iconic places like the Hiroshima Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. It is recommended to dress appropriately for this activity, but rest assured that your guides on this exceptional trip are well-trained and bilingual.

12. Tomonoura Sea Kayaking

Photo courtesy of Klook Tomonoura is a tranquil fishing town renowned for its natural beauty and peaceful waters, perfect for kayaking. Embark on an exhilarating sea kayaking adventure as you explore the numerous islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea.

With the guidance of an English-speaking guide, you will learn about the fascinating history of these islands as you paddle along.

Additionally, the historic port of Tomonoura holds special significance for film enthusiasts, having been featured in popular movies like "The Wolverine" and serving as inspiration for the serene seaside town depicted in the Studio Ghibli classic "Ponyo."

13. Sea Kayaking in Hiroshima Bay

Photo courtesy of Klook Visitors from all around the world come to experience the beauty of Itsukushima Shrine, a revered place of worship for those connected with the sea. During this one-hour kayaking excursion, you will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the sailors who once navigated Hiroshima's waters.

Experience the awe-inspiring sight of paddling towards the floating torii gate, just as traditional Japanese sailors have done, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural splendor of Hiroshima Bay. You can also explore the tranquil inlets and bays around Miyajima Island, gaining a unique perspective that few visitors have the chance to witness.

Convenient Travel Passes for Exploring Hiroshima

14. visit hiroshima tourist pass.

Looking to save some money or explore the charming transportation options in Hiroshima, such as its renowned streetcar?

The convenient Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass is a great way to save on transportation costs. Available in 1, 2, or 3-day options, it provides flexibility and ensures worry-free travel.

15. Setouchi Area Pass

Another pass worth considering is the Setouchi Area Pass provided by JR West. This pass expands your coverage to the wider region encompassing the Seto Inland Sea, allowing you to not only explore Hiroshima but also venture to Okayama and other areas surrounding the inland sea.

With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on various popular means of transportation in the region, including the Shinkansen. For fans of pop culture, the pass even grants you the exciting opportunity to ride the famous Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which operates on the tracks covered by this pass.

Enjoy Hiroshima through Activities and Tours

Hiroshima and its surroundings are home to many hidden cultural gems and locations with beautiful scenery. In order to learn about the local culture more in-depth and enjoy this area to the fullest, join one of the guided tours and activities featured in this article.

Main image by Pixta

Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.

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The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Orizuru, the Origami Paper Crane

Orizuru ( ori meaning “folded,” and tsuru meaning “crane”) or paper crane is famous in Hiroshima for its symbolic significance. It is said that folding a thousand paper cranes will grant you one wish. You might be very familiar with this, but what you might not know is that this became Hiroshima’s symbol for peace because of the efforts of a girl named Sadako Sasaki. She is one of the victims of the historical bombing of Hiroshima, and she became famous for her efforts in completing a thousand paper cranes for her hometown. This ritual folding a thousand paper cranes is called senbazuru , and it eventually became Hiroshima’s symbolic wish for peace and recovery. 

• 01. Orizuru Tower Experience
• 02. Orizuru - Origami Paper Crane Folding
• 03. The Souvenir Shop
• 04. Moment of Joy

Hiroshima Kure

This symbolic practice is very much alive. In fact, a whole building is dedicated to this, and it is called the Orizuru Tower. The Orizuru Tower was built to commemorate history, experience the present, and look forward to a peaceful future. Also, this tower offers an excellent overview of the atomic bomb dome and ground zero. 

Orizuru Tower Experience

The Orizuru Tower is accessible via the tram (Miyajima or Eba line) from Hiroshima station. You get off at the Atomic bomb Dome station, and it’ll be about a 3-minute walk. The entrance fee cost 1,000 yen, and there’s an additional 100 yen for the paper crane or orizuru experience, which I highly suggest.

There are several must-try experiences in the Orizuru Tower.

First and foremost, the “Sampo” (meaning “to take a walk”) Spiral Slope is, as the name suggests, a slope from the first floor up to the observation deck. Despite the 12 floors you have to climb, it’s no sweat because it was designed to be a leisurely stroll going up. Along this slope is a flight of stairs, a spiral slide, and an exhibit you can enjoy.

The Spiral Slope Exhibition is a work of Shuho Sato, a famous manga artist. You can only experience and witness this exhibit exclusively at the Orizuru Tower along the walls of the “Sampo” Spiral Slope. This exhibit was inspired and centered on the concept of “peace” in the context of postwar Hiroshima. Shuho Sato displayed works that showed daily life and typical scenes in Hiroshima over time. 

The Spiral Slide “Cool-Cool-Cool” is a spiral slide from the 12th floor to the 1st floor, running about 70 meters. It’s the “cool” and fun way to go down. They offer slide sheets, helmets, and protectors for free when using the slide. And worry not for couples out there; they allow people to slide in pairs! This, of course, is also the safest option for very young children who would want to go on the slide. While it sounds fun, it might not always be a smooth ride, which is why the slide has an exit on each floor in case you would like to get off. 

The Orizuru Square is found on the 12th floor. It is an interactive wall where you can play games. They have three activities you can try.  

• Avatar . Avatar is a reflection of yourself made out of confetti. You stand in front of the wall, and paper cranes start to form a silhouette of you. Then, it copies your actions and movements. 
• Air . Air is where you can virtually make a paper crane by gesturing to fold the origami paper. You reach the corners of the origami paper and drag it to fold the form until you have finished a virtual origami crane.
• Flap . As the name suggests, Flap is where you flap your arms to control the flying paper crane. The paper crane flies over the city, and you flap your arms to keep it from hitting the buildings and falling to the ground. 

Orizuru - Origami Paper Crane Folding

As I’ve mentioned, for an additional 100 yen, you can dedicate an orizuru to make a wish for peace. Many people worldwide visit the orizuru tower to make a paper crane and toss them in the orizuru wall. The orizuru wall is a glass wall filled with paper cranes folded by the visitors, and it is found right in front of the building. They say that the orizuru wall is “filled with hopes and wishes gathered from all around the world.” 

So once you enter the 12th floor, a staff member will approach you and ask if you availed of the orizuru experience. To make the paper cranes, the staff will give you origami paper and lead you to a table with an iPad where you can find the instructions on folding the paper. It’s super easy to follow. Then, you line up to the side, and people in pairs can toss their paper cranes to the Orizuru Wall.

The Souvenir Shop

The last stop you have to visit is the souvenir shop. But going down, if you do not want to go down the “cool-cool-cool” slide, you have the option to take the elevator to the first floor. I was wearing white pants, so I chose to take the elevator, and I was amazed by how pretty the inside of the elevator was. They were on point with their decorations.

So, lastly, the Souvenir Shop on the first floor is where you can find all sorts of orizuru-themed souvenirs. From jewelry and hair accessories to stationery, they have them. They also offer famous Hiroshima goods along with some delicacies and other Japan-themed souvenirs. I suggest getting orizuru-themed souvenirs like the ones I got for myself. Some of these souvenirs are made from recycling the paper cranes people tossed in the Orizuru Wall.

Moment of Joy

Overall, my favorite part of the whole adventure was chilling on the Hiroshima Hills. It was super windy, but that air rushing through my hair was just refreshing. I enjoyed my iced coffee as well as the spectacular view it had to offer. It was just the perfect spot to enjoy Hiroshima and pay respect to the victims of the bombing. It was indeed a breath of fresh air, and it gave off an aura of peace and resilience. 

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This is a must do! - Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

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• Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

This is a must do!

This was part of my tour of Hiroshima. You go up to the top, Roof level and there is an open air observation deck which overlooks all of Hirsoshima, the A-Bomb dome and Peace Park. It's beautiful. Then when leaving you can easily walk down 12 flights or you can do a spiral slide. A lot of kids did this and were having great fun. At the bottom there is a good tourist shop and restaurant. Don't miss this!

Nice pano view from the top which viewing is sloped to allow everyone access to the views and not just those at the railing. Activities include a wall from which you drop paper cranes, a sloping walkway down with murals and an indoor slide from floor to floor.

This was a highlight when visiting Hiroshima. You feel a sense of peace amongst such a reminder of tragedy. There is an insane view over one of the only buildings to survive an atomic bomb, and it is a piece of great architecture

A wonderful observation deck and some floors of interactive activities including paper crane making where you get to drop it into a huge window and it falls several floors. Your day ticket also gives you free entry for the evening where a bar is opened and there is a wonderful ambient setting to enjoy a peaceful drink.

My girlfriend, dad and brother went here just to check out the rooftop that we noticed from the street. We didn't know that they had a number of other things included with admission. We had a wonderful time and we're very impressed!! The Japanese girls working there treated us extremely well and taught us oragami. Then they introduced us to a guy named kevin who worked there. Talked with him for a while and it was great asking him questions about life in Japan, as he was from the United States and were interested in his story. Super awesome person!!!! Then we got to take the slide down from the top down! Really cool! I would definitely come back here again!!! Highly recommended!

A must if you are visiting Hiroshima. This location is so much more than just an observation deck over the A-bomb dome and skyline of Hiroshima; it is a place for reflection and celebration of peace. You will learn how to make an Orizuru (paper crane) and then set it free from the see thru floor side if the tower. There is also an interactive exhibition where you can learn about the site then and now and how Hiroshima has developed and progressed since 1945. A quirky end to your visit; you will have an option to go down to the ground floor via a spiral slide (optional) Ground floor has a great souvenir shop as well as a really good restaurant serving the local dish; okonomiyaki (vegetarian option also available)

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Tickets to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

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Develop a newfound appreciation for the historic city of Hiroshima by visiting the rooftop observation deck of the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower and gaze at the city’s most iconic landmarks from one of the highest points in the city.

Surround yourself with sweeping 360-degree views of Hiroshima city from a height of 50 meters at the stunning Hiroshima Orizuru observation deck.

Admire the city’s most distinguished landmarks like the Atomic Bomb Dome, a designated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and the Peace Memorial Park.

During your visit, relish the unique sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling city from the soothing ambiance of the open-air wooden observatory.

• Entry to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

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These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, you can use them any time within the next 3 months.

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These tickets are valid for 3 months from the date of purchase.

Your Experience

A peek into the hiroshima orizuru observation deck.

Step inside a one-of-a-kind wooden observation deck located at the top of the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower. The rooftop deck, also known as Hiroshima Hills, has become one of the best sightseeing spots in the city since its opening in 2016. Visitors are promised a unique experience as the platform is built using lumber like Japanese cypress and cedar and is enveloped in a thin mesh covering on all sides. Its soothing ambiance and the pleasant flow of breeze make it the ideal spot to take in all of the city’s breathtaking sights. This open-air deck was specially built to encapsulate the city’s hope for world peace.

What Can One See From This Vantage Point?

On a clear day, visitors will be greeted with panoramic views of the city from atop the observation deck. You can look north to find the stunning Hiroshima Castle. Direct your gaze southwest to admire the island of Miyajima and its highest peak, Mt. Misen rising 535 meters above sea level. Another distinguished landmark situated within the park is the Atomic Bomb Dome, which can be seen in its entirety from here. As the only structure that stood tall among the ruins left behind by the atomic blast, it is easy to see why the structure has captivated people’s fascination. You will also be privy to an exclusive top view of the building from this position. All in all, the Hiroshima Orizuru rooftop deck is a great place to admire the serene beauty of this city and also reflect on the tragedy that changed the course of human history forever.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

An adult must accompany children aged 17 and below at all times.

Lockers: Coin-operated lockers are available next to the gate on the 1st floor to store your bags and luggage.

The slide sheets are available for use free of charge. Moreover, visitors are encouraged to read through the safety information thoroughly before making use of the slide.

Visitors should wear helmets and protectors when using the slide. Additionally, this service may not be available during force majeure.

Restrictions

Luggage: Wheeled luggage, oversize bags, suitcases, etc. are not permitted inside the building for safety reasons.

Outside food and drinks cannot be carried inside the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower premises.

Strictly prohibited photography with tripods and similar equipment.

In the case of strong winds or any hazardous conditions, the observation deck will most likely be closed for safety purposes.

Daily: 10am to 6pm (last admission at 5pm)

Closed on 31 December

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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the attraction.

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Show your ticket at Hiroshima Orizuru Tower.

Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan.

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Getting There

The closest bus stop is Kamiyacho [Mielparque mae]. It is a quick 2-min walk to the attraction.

Board buses 11-2 Osako Danchi Line, Kawauchi Line: Via Hirokei University Bus to get you there.

• The closest train station is Genbaku Dome-Mae Station. It is a quick 2-min walk to the attraction.

-cBoard trains Hiroden Streetcar Route 3, Hiroshima Dentetsu No.2 to get you there.

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Orizuru Tower

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INFORMATION

An origami wall filled with thoughts and prayers for peace. from the observation space, you can see two world heritage sites at the same time..

This facility is located to the east of the World Heritage Site, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and you can feel the weight and desire for peace through the changes in the cityscape before the atomic bombing, after the atomic bombing, and now. From the observation space on the wooden deck, you can see Hiroshima's two world heritage sites at the same time, including Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and even Mt. Misen on Miyajima on a clear day. You can also fold orizuru paper made exclusively for Orizuru Tower and throw it into Orizuru Tower's symbol, the Orizuru Wall. Please join us in the "Orizuru Wall," which is a collection of thoughts and prayers for peace gathered from all over the world. There is also a product store with locally loved souvenirs and a cafe where you can enjoy Hiroshima ingredients.

〒 730-0051 　 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

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• About this activity

Hiroshima Best Spots 6h Private Tour with Licensed Guide

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Explore the highlights of Hiroshima with our friendly local guides who are not only Knowledgeable but also passionate about their city. They will take you around the sites in most efficient way and provide you with in-depth insights into each site, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.

Hiroshima is known worldwide for its hisotry that the first atomic bomb was deropped in 1945. The city stands today as a beacon of peace and resilience. Learning its tragic history is a must. Beyond its historical significance, Hiroshima enchants visitors with its scenic beauty such as the magestic Miyajima Island and its culinary scene famed for the delicious Okonomiyaki. Hiroshima provides a perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty and culinary delights.

Join us for an unforgettable experience in Hiroshima!

Please choose 2-3 must-see spots from “What To Expect” that you wish to visit.

Activity location

• 2-37 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku
• 732-0822, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 732-0822, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
• Wed, Apr 10 -
• Thu, Apr 11 -
• Fri, Apr 12 -
• Sat, Apr 13 -
• Sun, Apr 14 -
• Mon, Apr 15 $220
• Tue, Apr 16 -
• Wed, Apr 17 -
• Thu, Apr 18 -
• Fri, Apr 19 -
• Sat, Apr 20 -
• Sun, Apr 21 -
• Mon, Apr 22 $220
• Tue, Apr 23 $220
• Wed, Apr 24 $220

Hiroshima Best Highlights

• Activity duration is 6 hours 6h 6h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• What's excluded What's excluded Transportation Fees (Participants + Guide)
• What's excluded What's excluded Entrance Fees (Participants + Guide)
• What's excluded What's excluded Lunch (Participants + Guide)
• What's excluded What's excluded Other Private Expenses
• What's excluded What's excluded Private Vehicle
• What's excluded What's excluded Hotel Pick-up

Know before you book

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A moderate amount of walking is included. Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• This is a walking tour. A private vehicle is not included.
• Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between spots.
• The tour will take place rain or shine.

Activity itinerary

Hiroshima station, atomic bomb dome.

• Admission ticket not included

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima castle, itsukushima shrine, shukkei-en garden, hiroshima orizuru tower, best deals on things to do, top experiences in hiroshima.

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• Floor Guide

Hiroshima Hills

ORIZURU SQUARE

Spiral Slope

• Bahasa Melayu

Observatory/Souvenir Shop

Akushu Cafe

Opening hours of an observatory and the souvenir shop

Ticket sales and the entrance to the rooftop observatory will be closed at 18:00.

Ticket sales and the entrance to the rooftop observatory will be closed at 19:00.

• Regular Opening Hours　 10：00～18：00

※Ticket sales and admission to the Observation Deck are available until 30 minutes before closing. ※Business hours may change due to events or private parties.

• Closed dates 12/31

For latest information,please click here.

Due to prolonged spreading of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER will have changes in business hours and days. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your kind understanding of the situation. For latest information,please click here.

1F ＆ RF Akushu Cafe Opening Hours

• Regular Open Hours 10:00-21:00

Akushu Cafe -park side- closes at 21:00.(L.O.20:30) Sunday closes at 19:00(L.O.18:30) unless public holiday weekend, then will be close early on the last day of the holidays.

HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER will have changes in business hours and days. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your kind understanding of the situation. --> For latest information,please click here.

Mitchan Sohonten HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Opening Hours

• Regular Open Hours 10:00-18:00

Akushu Cafe -wind side- at rooftop observatory closes at 18:00.(L.O.18:00)

Closed days

Tuesday, December 31

Hiroshima World Heritage site 20th Anniversary Photo Collection

"The Atomic Bomb Dome" and "The Itsukushima…

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