Walking through the quiet streets close to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a visitor’s eyes may catch a shimmering glimpse of a tall glass chute connected to a tall building close by. Upon closer inspection one can spot millions of tiny origami cranes filling the glass wall. Orizuru Tower is a modern structure overlooking one of the most historically significant landmarks in the world.
Located across the street from the Genbaku Dome, or Atomic Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower blends modern architecture with deep cultural symbolism. Opening in 2016, the tower was built to give visitors a peaceful way to reflect on Hiroshima’s past while looking to the future. The tower’s name “Orizuru” means “folded crane,” a symbol of peace and hope in the country of Japan.
Exploring the tower
The ground floor is where the experience begins by learning about the story of Sadako Sasaki and the tradition of folding 1,000 cranes for peace. This sets the tone for the rest of the visit, even more so for visitors unfamiliar with Hiroshima’s history.
Visitors have the option of either taking the elevator or the Spiral Slope, a winding ramp that circles upward to the top floor. The slope is covered in wooden panels, artwork on the walls and open windows for the view of the city.
Reaching the Hiroshima Hills Observation Deck on the top floor, visitors are greeted with a beautiful view of the city, Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and Museum. While many observation decks are covered by glass, this one is opened all around. This allows visitors to feel the breeze while also spending time to meditate on the past of the city as the Atomic Bomb Dome sits right below giving visitors a reminder of the past while seeing a vibrant, modern and full-of-life city.
The Orizuru Wall
One of the main highlights takes place after seeing the observation deck: folding an origami crane. Origami cranes hold deep significance as the meaning of it is peace, hope, healing and good fortune. Visitors are given the opportunity to learn how to fold their very own crane. After doing so, they are brought over to a small room with a glass chute also known as the Orizuru Wall. This is where they drop their crane down with the millions of other cranes.
This gives travelers and families a hands-on connection with Hiroshima’s message which is an urgent, global plea for the total abolition of nuclear weapons and an end to war.
Amenities and experience
The tower also includes:
- A café with locally sourced snacks and drinks
- A souvenir shop featuring Hiroshima crafts
- Digital exhibits showing the city before and after the bombing
- A rooftop lounge area with seating and shade
Depending on how long visitors spend on the observation deck or in the exhibits, the experience can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
The hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission ends at 5:30 p.m. The tower is open year-round for visitors to explore everything at their own pace. Tickets cost ¥2,200 for adults, ¥1,400 for children, ¥900 for 6-11 year olds, ¥600 for 4-5 year olds and ¥100 yen for the origami crane experience.
As the visit ends and travelers descend the spiral slope back to street level, a soft rustle of the cranes inside the Orizuru Wall lingers in their minds as they step outside. The Atomic Bomb Dome stands unwavering and unchanged, but the view from above gives them hope. Orizuru Tower is more than an observation deck to see the city; its a bridge that spans peace, memory and renewal.
Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s past and a renewed appreciation for its message of peace. Sometimes, all it takes is folding a single crane to feel connected to a city that rebuilt itself with resilience and quiet strength.
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