Through the winter months, Hiroshima strings its broad Peace Boulevard and the adjacent Heiwa-odori park with elaborate illuminations, in an annual display long known to locals as Dreamination. Themed light sculptures, arches and tunnels of glowing bulbs line the avenue for several hundred metres, turning an ordinary walk into a cheerful evening outing that draws couples, families and photographers from across the city. It is free to walk, runs nightly for several weeks over the coldest part of the year, and offers a warm, bright counterpoint to a city that otherwise feels quiet in winter.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Naka-ku, Hiroshima |
| Hours | Evenings, roughly 17:30–22:30 in winter |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 45–75 minutes |
| Best time | Winter evenings; check the annual dates |
What to Expect
- Tunnels and arches of light along Peace Boulevard.
- Themed illuminated sculptures in the central park.
- A free nightly walk through the winter months.
- A bright, cheerful side of the city after dark.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Peace Memorial Park nearby.
- Pair with dinner and okonomiyaki in the centre.
- Read our Hiroshima overview .
Getting There
- By tram: central stops along Peace Boulevard put you at the displays.
- On foot: an easy stroll from the central shopping arcades.
Tips
It’s free and central, making it an easy add-on to any winter evening in Hiroshima rather than a destination to plan around. Check the dates each year, as the run and even the name of the event have changed over time, wrap up warmly for the walk, and come on a weekday evening if you want to photograph it without crowds.
