Hiroshima: Peace Park VR Tour & Survivor Stories Walk

Summary

Walk Hiroshima’s past & present with survivor voices and VR

You’ll walk through Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park with a local guide and use VR goggles to see life before and after 1945. Hear survivor stories in their own words, visit places like the Atomic Bomb Dome and Eizo Nomura’s shelter, then leave your own message for peace by the river.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that threw me off was how clumsy I felt with the VR goggles. Our guide, Yuki, just grinned and helped adjust the strap — apparently I’m not the only one who can’t get it right on the first try. We started in this quiet reception area, but as soon as we headed down to the basement of what used to be the fuel building (now just called the rest house), it felt heavier. The air was cool and a little musty, and Yuki told us about Eizo Nomura, who somehow survived right here when everything above was destroyed. I kept touching the wall — it’s rough, cold stone — thinking about how someone actually lived through that moment in this exact spot.

Once we put on the headsets, things got weirdly real. Through the VR, you see Hiroshima before “that day” — kids playing by the river, streetcars rattling past. Then suddenly it all changes; there’s this silence that’s almost physical. Yuki didn’t rush us. She let us just stand there for a while before explaining how the Atomic Bomb Dome ended up like it is now. You can still hear birds outside (real ones), which made everything feel even stranger — like time was folding over itself for a second.

I wasn’t ready for how raw some of the survivor testimonies would feel, even though they’re just voices in your ear. One woman described walking through streets two months later, everything burned out and smoky. I glanced at another guest next to me — she had tears running down her face and didn’t wipe them away. After that part, Yuki talked about how people started rebuilding almost immediately. She shared an old photo of her grandmother helping clear rubble; I guess everyone here has some family story tied to this place.

At the end, we stopped by this wall along what they call the “river of hope.” People write messages or prayers for peace there — some in shaky handwriting, some in bright marker. My own words felt small but I wrote them anyway. I still think about that view across the water, honestly — not sure if it’s hope or just sadness mixed together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Virtual tour of Hiroshima Peace Park

• Meet guide at reception
• Learn to use VR goggles
• Relive life of Eizo Nomura
• Experience before and after atomic bomb
• See destruction of Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hear testimonies of A-bomb survivors
• Learn about town reconstruction efforts
• View Atomic Bomb Dome World Heritage site
• Discuss recovery and peace appeal
• Post comment on River of Hope wall

Top questions

Is this Peace Park tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does this Hiroshima tour include a local guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads your group throughout.

Are VR goggles provided during the tour?

Yes, VR headset rental is included in your booking.

How long does the Peace Park VR experience last?

The reference content doesn’t specify duration; check with operator for details.

Will we visit inside any buildings during this tour?

You’ll go into the basement of Hiroshima Rest House (former fuel building).

Can I leave a message or prayer during this tour?

Yes, you can post a comment on the “river of hope” wall at the end.

What’s included

Your day includes guided access through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park with an English-speaking guide who helps you use your VR headset (rental included). You’ll visit key sites like Eizo Nomura’s shelter and have time to reflect or write your own message for peace before finishing up.