World Peace Memorial Cathedral

This Catholic church was completed in 1954 (Showa 29). It was built with donations and support from both within Japan and abroad, particularly Germany, as a memorial to the victims of the atomic bomb and a prayer for world peace. It was designed by architect Murano Togo, and in 2006 it became the first postwar building to be designated an Important Cultural Property. Its stately brick exterior, which blends Western and Japanese aesthetics, is beloved as a masterpiece symbolizing Hiroshima's reconstruction and its journey toward peace.
The sturdy pillars supporting the high ceilings and the beauty of the stained glass adorning the walls are some of the church's highlights. This stained glass, the bells hanging from the tower, the pipe organ that produces its deep tones, and the furnishings were all gifts from volunteers from Germany and around the world, expressing their wishes for peace. The light streaming in through the high windows casts vibrant patterns, and simply sitting and gazing at the light will have you feeling the preciousness of peace seeping into your heart. You can freely visit the museum during opening hours, except during mass and other events. Simply sitting in a chair and quietly gazing at the light will give you a moment of peace and tranquility. It's about a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This is a special place where you can feel Hiroshima's reconstruction and its desire for peace.