Heiwa Park

Heiwa Park

Heiwa Park was established to express the Japanese people's condemnation of war and their aspiration for world peace. Heiwa Park is not only deeply meaningful, but its serene and elegant scenery is also part of its charm.

The park covers a large area of ten thousand tsubo, with typical Japanese garden architecture, a giant fountain lake, a small zoo, and a wide variety of trees and flowers planted throughout, resembling a beautiful paradise on earth. It is also one of the best spots to view Mount Fuji from afar, and on clear days, the majestic sight of the mountain can be seen in full. The most famous attraction in the park is undoubtedly a stupa housing sacred relics from India. The white pagoda stands upright in the large plaza of Heiwa Park, with a golden Buddha statue placed beneath it. From the compassion of the Buddha, it conveys an anti-war message.

In addition, the park has two bells of different sizes. Visitors can take photos under the large bell or ring the smaller one, listening to the solemn and peaceful chimes echoing through nature. On the way back down the mountain, there is a temple with statues of deities placed on either side of the gate, and interesting decorations such as oversized straw sandals outside the entrance, filled with traditional Japanese charm.

The Heiwa Park Memorial Statue is located on the hillside north of the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion, built to commemorate the victims of the Nagasaki atomic bombing. This Peace Prayer Statue was completed in 1955 after five years of construction. Its right hand points to the sky, symbolizing the threat of the atomic bomb, while its left hand extends horizontally, representing eternal peace. The gently closed eyes signify prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims. Every year on August 9th, a peace prayer ceremony is held here.

Admission & Opening Hours

600 yen

Transportation

Take a bus or train to Matsuyama-chō Station, and it’s a 3-minute walk from there.