About this activity

Orizuru Tower – Hiroshima’s Skyline of Memory, Hope, and Renewal

A Planetale Story on Perspective, Peace, and the Power of Looking Forward

Where History Meets the Sky

Hiroshima is a city that transforms you—not only through the weight of its past, but through the hope embedded in its present. And among all the places where this duality becomes visible, Orizuru Tower stands out as one of the most meaningful.

Situated directly beside the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, the tower offers one of the most emotionally profound views in Japan. From its open rooftop deck, visitors look out across a city rebuilt from devastation—alive with rivers, greenery, architecture, and people simply living.

Here, Hiroshima’s story unfolds in 360 degrees.

But Orizuru Tower is much more than an observation deck.
It is an experiential space that blends memory, art, reflection, and creativity, inviting each visitor to participate in Hiroshima’s message of peace.

With its blend of modern design, immersive exhibits, and symbolic “orizuru” paper cranes, the tower becomes a bridge between past and future—a place where looking outward helps us look inward.

Planetale brings you on a journey through this landmark, exploring not just what you see, but what you feel.

🏯 A Landmark Rooted in Culture — The Meaning of Orizuru

Before entering, it’s important to understand the symbolism behind the name.

Orizuru (折鶴) means folded crane.
In Japanese culture, cranes represent longevity, hope, and healing. During the post-war era, the crane became a global symbol of peace through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl affected by radiation who folded a thousand paper cranes in hopes of recovery.

Orizuru Tower embraces this symbolism by inviting visitors to fold cranes and contribute them to a massive glass installation—a growing monument to collective hope.

The tower is not just a viewpoint.
It is a living, evolving artwork shaped by everyone who visits.

🌿 Architecture in Harmony with Hiroshima

Opened in 2016, Orizuru Tower stands as a modern architectural presence intentionally designed with simplicity and warmth.
Its exterior uses natural wood and soft lines to blend into the surrounding landscape, symbolizing harmony rather than dominance.

Inside, the tower features:

• A gentle, gradually sloped ramp instead of stairs

• Open-air spaces that allow wind and sound to flow naturally

• Minimalistic interiors inspired by Japanese aesthetics

• Large windows overlooking Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome

The coexistence of modern beauty and historical sensitivity makes Orizuru Tower an ideal place for contemplation.

🔭 The Rooftop Observation Deck — A View That Speaks Without Words

The highlight of Orizuru Tower is the “Hiroshima Hills” rooftop deck.
Unlike many observation platforms encased in glass, this open-air space lets you feel the breeze of the city and listen to its quiet sounds.

From here, you can see:

• The Atomic Bomb Dome, standing silent yet powerful

• The flowing Motoyasu River

• The green expanse of Peace Memorial Park

• Hiroshima Castle rising in the distance

• The modern skyline that symbolizes renewal

It is a view that merges sorrow and hope, destruction and rebirth. Many visitors say this is the moment when Hiroshima’s story becomes personal.

Day or night, the scenery carries emotional depth.
Sunsets from the tower are especially moving, offering golden reflections on the river as city lights begin to glow.

🕊️ Interactive Exhibits — The Story of Hiroshima in New Forms

1. The Orizuru Wall

Visitors can fold paper cranes and drop them into a massive vertical glass installation, creating a kaleidoscope of color.
Each crane becomes a message, a wish, a gesture of solidarity.

The wall grows every year—a living memorial shaped by the hands of many.

2. Multimedia Peace Exhibits

Various areas in the tower use:

• Digital projections

• Animated storytelling

• Archival photographs

• Soundscapes

…to guide visitors through Hiroshima’s transformation.

These exhibits do not attempt to recreate trauma. Instead, they encourage empathy, understanding, and reflection.

3. Cultural and Historical Story Panels

Panels throughout the tower explain:

• Hiroshima’s pre-war life

• The events of 1945

• How the city rebuilt itself

• The origins of the orizuru tradition

• Global peace efforts inspired by Hiroshima

Presented in a visually accessible style, the information helps visitors understand the context behind the landmarks seen from the rooftop.

🌈 The Orizuru Experience — Folding Peace with Your Own Hands

One of the most beloved aspects of Orizuru Tower is the chance to fold your own paper crane.

The act is simple, but the meaning runs deep:

• It connects you to Hiroshima’s cultural traditions

• It turns remembrance into action

• It adds your presence to the city’s peace journey

Visitors can choose to:

• Drop their crane into the Orizuru Wall, or

• Take it home as a symbol of hope

Kids especially love this activity, making Orizuru Tower a family-friendly attraction that balances education with creativity.

🛍️ The Orizuru Square & Souvenir Shop

The tower includes a spacious, beautifully curated shop offering:

• Local crafts

• Food specialties

• Books on Hiroshima

• Orizuru-themed goods

• Art pieces by regional artisans

The items focus on traditional craftsmanship and regional identity, making it easy to bring home meaningful souvenirs rather than generic ones.

A café area also provides a resting spot, perfect after exploring Peace Memorial Park.

🌸 Why Orizuru Tower Matters — The Planetale Perspective

Planetale celebrates places that combine history, humanity, and hope.
Orizuru Tower is precisely such a place.

It gives travelers the chance to:

• See Hiroshima in full context

• Understand the city’s emotional landscape

• Participate in symbolic peace rituals

• Reflect on global issues through a local lens

• Balance heavy historical sites with creative experiences

Where the Peace Memorial Museum educates and the A-Bomb Dome commemorates, Orizuru Tower provides space to breathe, process, and look toward the future.

It is not only an observation deck—it’s part of Hiroshima’s ongoing dialogue with the world.