Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is near the Atomic Bomb Dome and is a tourist attraction themed around peace and paper cranes. The paper crane tradition comes from the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Hiroshima girl who developed leukemia after the atomic bombing and kept folding paper cranes in hopes of recovering. Paper cranes later became an important symbol of prayers for peace in Hiroshima. Inside the tower, you can fold a paper crane as a prayer and drop it into the Orizuru Wall from an upper floor, watching it flutter all the way down. It feels especially meaningful and ceremonial.
However, admission is about JPY 2,200, which isn't cheap. If you're not particularly interested in the views from above or the other activities inside, you may want to consider whether it's worth going up. The gift shop on the first floor, on the other hand, is well worth browsing. It sells lots of stylish stationery, household items, and snacks with a distinctly Hiroshima feel. Many of the products are high quality and quite unique. If you're looking for souvenirs to give someone, this is a good option.
