Nagasaki Peace Park is a place of remembrance, reflection, and hope. Located near the site of the 1945 bombing, it sits close to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and the National Peace Memorial Hall, forming a powerful trio of historic sites. For families, this is a thoughtful stop, with wide open spaces, quiet walking paths, and meaningful art that sparks gentle conversations with kids about history, peace, and kindness.
As you plan your trip to Nagasaki with kids, our resources are here to help! Check out our full Nagasaki Family Travel Guide for cultural stops, fun neighborhoods, and activity-filled itineraries. Then, visit the Nagasaki with Kids Hub to find all our guides, family adventures, and travel tips conveniently in one easy spot.
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Why Book Ahead? It’s often quicker, avoids long lines, and helps skip language barriers at the ticket counter. *Prices are subject to change.
Why It’s Great for Families
- It’s an outdoor, open-air park that gives children space to move, think, and ask questions at their own pace.
- The monuments and sculptures throughout the park offer visual entry points to complex topics, especially for school-aged kids.
- It’s a peaceful and calming setting, ideal for reflection and learning, but not overwhelming.
- Can be easily paired with the Atomic Bomb Museum or just enjoyed as a quiet walk.
Parent Insight: Visiting memorials with children opens the door to important, age-appropriate conversations about peace, empathy, and history. You don’t need to explain everything, simply inviting reflection (“What do you think this place is trying to tell us?”) helps children connect with the value of compassion and hope.
Top Family Highlights
- Peace Statue: This towering blue figure is the park’s most iconic symbol. One hand points to the sky (representing the threat of nuclear weapons) while the other stretches outward (symbolizing peace).
- Fountain of Peace: Built to honor those who searched for water after the bombing. The sound of flowing water and circular design create a tranquil spot for families to pause.
- Global Peace Symbols: Sculptures from countries around the world form a visual scavenger hunt. Challenge your kids to find their favorites!
- Peace Bell: Often rung by school children. Ask staff if visitors are allowed to ring it when you arrive.
- Nearby Epicenter Marker: A quiet memorial just downhill from the park, showing the exact location of the atomic bomb’s detonation.
Good to Know
- Cost: Free – Book museum tickets here.
- Best Age Range: Ages 5+ for deeper understanding, but all ages welcome
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, wide paths, flat walkways, and ramps throughout
- Rest Areas: Benches, shaded areas, and vending machines nearby
- Food: No eating in the main memorial areas, but you’ll find food and picnic spots just outside the park
Getting There
- Take the tram to Matsuyama-machi Station, Peace Park is just a short walk away.
- It’s also walkable from the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, or can be visited on the way to/from Urakami Cathedral.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Turn the peace sculptures into a quiet scavenger hunt. How many animals or different countries can you find represented around the park?
To discover more family fun in Nagasaki, explore our Best Things to Do in Nagasaki with Kids guide. It’s packed with ideas for penguin encounters, mountaintop views, glowing lanterns, and cultural adventures across one of Kyushu’s most fascinating cities.
FAQs: Visiting Nagasaki Peace Park with Kids
Planning a visit with little explorers? Here are the most common questions families ask about Nagasaki Peace Park, and everything you need to know before you go.
A: Yes. The park is calm and non-graphic, making it a safe space for younger kids. It’s not overwhelming, and the sculptures provide a natural way to introduce deeper ideas through observation and conversation.
A: Most families spend around 30 to 45 minutes, but if your kids are curious or you’re combining it with the Atomic Bomb Museum, allow more time for discussion and exploration.
A: Yes! The park is fully accessible with wide, flat walkways, ramps, and shaded areas, easy for families with strollers or wheelchairs.
A: While the park itself doesn’t offer hands-on exhibits, the sculptures, symbols, and layout encourage natural reflection. You can create your own interactive experience through scavenger hunts or simple questions.
A: Morning or late afternoon is ideal, it’s quieter, cooler, and less crowded. Early visits are best for reflection, while late afternoon light makes for beautiful photos.
A: Absolutely. The space is thoughtfully designed. The visuals and messages promote reflection, and with parent guidance, even young children can begin to understand the importance of peace.
A: The Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park symbolizes both the horror of nuclear war and the hope for world peace. The raised right hand points to the sky to warn of nuclear threats, while the left hand stretches outward to represent peace. The statue’s closed eyes invite silent prayer for the victims of the atomic bomb and a future without violence.
Until Next Time…
Nagasaki Peace Park isn’t just about remembering history, it’s about learning how to build a kinder, more peaceful world. For families, it offers a gentle opportunity to explore what peace means, ask thoughtful questions, and connect emotionally in a beautiful outdoor space.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
