Orizuru Tower stands right next to the Atomic Bomb Dome and gives you a view you cannot get from the ground: the Dome's ruined frame, the Peace Memorial Park laid out beyond, the rivers and the rebuilt city that spreads to the hills. The building's rooftop observation deck is the headline, and on clear days visitors can pick out Mount Misen far to the southwest. On the 12th floor is Orizuru Square, where you can fold a paper crane, the symbol of peace linked to Sadako Sasaki, and drop it through a glass wall, adding it to the Orizuru Wall that fills with colorful cranes over time. On the way down, a spiral slope walkway lets you stroll around the building at your own pace, with art installations along the route. The tower also has a cafe, a shop and a viewing lounge, so it makes a comfortable break between the heavier museum and park visits. A ticket includes the observation deck and the paper crane experience.
Orizuru Tower works best as a counterpoint to the Peace Memorial Museum. After an emotional morning on the ground, the rooftop lets you see the whole story spread out in one glance: where the bomb fell, how the park sits on the river delta and how the modern city has grown around it. Many travelers go late in the afternoon for the light, then stay for an early dinner nearby.
Visiting is straightforward. Tickets are timed in some situations and re-entry on the same day is allowed with your wristband or stamp, so you can step out and return. Booking in advance through Tiqets avoids a queue and is useful in busy seasons. The paper crane folding takes only a few minutes and is simple enough for children. Cranes are posted onto the wall as part of the ticket.
Be realistic about the tower. It is a modern, commercial attraction, not a memorial, and some visitors find a rooftop cafe next to such a solemn site slightly jarring. Others find it a welcome place to rest and think. Clear days are best, because haze and rain reduce the views significantly, and windy weather can make the deck cool even in spring and autumn. If you only have time for one viewpoint, this is the one that ties the Dome and the Peace Park together.
What to expect
The experience
A rooftop observation deck, a paper crane folding corner on the 12th floor and a spiral walkway descending through the building.
Best time
A clear afternoon for the best views, ideally paired with a late-day walk in the park.
How long
About an hour, or longer if you linger over the cafe and the crane wall.
Tips
Book ahead, choose a clear day, fold your crane on the 12th floor and use the re-entry stamp if you step out for lunch.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want the big picture of the Dome, the park and the city from above.
- Families
- Good with children because of the crane folding and the easy spiral walkway down.
- Couples
- A quiet late-afternoon view followed by dinner in the downtown streets.
- Pair with
- The Atomic Bomb Dome next door and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Time needed
- One hour is enough, longer on a clear sunset visit.
Good questions
What does the Orizuru Tower ticket include?+
It includes admission to the tower and the paper crane experience, with a fee for posting your crane on the Orizuru Wall. Food, drinks and shopping are extra.
Where is it?+
It stands beside the Atomic Bomb Dome, next to the Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima. It is a short walk from the Genbaku-Dome-mae tram stop.
Can I leave and come back on the same day?+
Yes, re-entry is allowed on the same day if you show your ticket, wristband or stamp at the entrance. Check the instructions on your voucher for details.
Can you see Miyajima from the rooftop?+
On very clear days you may be able to make out the line of Mount Misen to the southwest. Haze often hides it, so treat it as a bonus.
Is the ticket refundable?+
The ticket is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled, according to the booking page. Choose your day with the weather in mind.
