Atomic Bomb Dome — Attraction in Hiroshima

Hiroshima was founded in 1589 as a castle town on the Ōta River delta. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Hiroshima rapidly transformed into a major urban center and industrial hub. In 1889, Hiroshima officially gained city status. The city was a center of military activities during the imperial era, playing significant roles such as in the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and the two world wars.

Hiroshima was the first military target of a nuclear weapon in human history. This occurred on August 6, 1945 in the Pacific theatre of World War II, at 8:15 a.m., when the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy" on the city. Most of Hiroshima was destroyed, and by the end of the year between 90,000 and 166,000 had died as a result of the blast and its effects. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) serves as a memorial of the bombing.

Since being rebuilt after the war, Hiroshima has become the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu.

During World War II, the Second General Army and Chūgoku Regional Army was headquartered in Hiroshima, and the Army Marine Headquarters was located at Ujina port. The city also had large depots of military supplies, and was a key center for shipping.

The bombing of Tokyo and other cities in Japan during World War II caused widespread destruction and hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths. There were no such air raids on Hiroshima. However, a real threat existed and was recognized. To protect against potential firebombings in Hiroshima, school children aged 11–14 years were mobilized to demolish houses and create firebreaks.

On Monday, August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m. (Hiroshima time), the nuclear weapon "Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima from an American Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the Enola Gay, flown by Paul Tibbets (23 February 1915 – 1 November 2007), directly killing at least 70,000 people, including thousands of Korean slave laborers. Fewer than 10% of the casualties were military. By the end of the year, injury and radiation brought the total number of deaths to 90,000–140,000. The population before the bombing was around 345,000. About 70% of the city's buildings were destroyed, and another 7% severely damaged.

The public release of film footage of the city following the attack, and some of the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission research on the human effects of the attack, were restricted during the occupation of Japan, and much of this information was censored until the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco in 1951, restoring control to the Japanese.

Hiroshima was proclaimed a City of Peace by the Japanese parliament in 1949, at the initiative of its mayor, Shinzo Hamai (1905–1968). As a result, the city of Hiroshima received more international attention as a desirable location for holding international conferences on peace as well as social issues. As part of that effort, the Hiroshima Interpreters' and Guide's Association (HIGA) was established in 1992 to facilitate interpretation for conferences, and the Hiroshima Peace Institute was established in 1998 within the Hiroshima University. The city government continues to advocate the abolition of all nuclear weapons and the Mayor of Hiroshima is the president of Mayors for Peace, an international Mayoral organization mobilizing cities and citizens worldwide to abolish and eliminate nuclear weapons by 2020.

On May 27, 2016, Barack Obama became the first sitting United States president to visit Hiroshima since the atomic bombing.

Hiroshima is situated on the Ōta River delta, on Hiroshima Bay, facing the Seto Inland Sea on its south side. The river's six channels divide Hiroshima into several...

A Journey Through Hiroshima: A City of Tragedy, Peace, and Unshakable Hope

Visiting Hiroshima was one of the most emotionally powerful experiences of my travels in Japan. Known worldwide for the devastating atomic bombing in 1945, the city today stands not only as a memorial of destruction but also as a symbol of resilience, peace, and hope.

I started my visit at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a vast and serene space dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the bombing. Walking through the park, I was struck by the overwhelming silence—despite being in the heart of a bustling city, the area felt sacred. At the center stands the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved just as it was after the blast. Seeing the ruins up close brought a strange mix of sorrow and awe. It was a stark reminder of what happened, and how much the city has rebuilt since.

Inside the Peace Memorial Museum, the atmosphere is quiet and heavy. Exhibits show the before-and-after images of Hiroshima, belongings of victims, and firsthand stories that are difficult but important to read. I found myself slowing down, taking time with each display. It wasn’t easy to look at, but it felt necessary.

But Hiroshima is not only about tragedy. It’s about recovery. Outside the museum, the city is full of life. Children laugh in the park, trams rattle through the streets, and the people are warm and welcoming. I spent an afternoon exploring Hiroshima Castle, a beautifully reconstructed site that tells a different side of the city’s long history. The contrast between this traditional structure and the modern cityscape around it was striking.

A highlight of my trip was trying okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with cabbage, noodles, pork, and a special sauce—Hiroshima-style. I had it at a small local restaurant where the cook made it in front of me on a hotplate. The taste was rich, comforting, and unforgettable.

I also took a day trip to Miyajima Island, home to the famous floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine. The island was peaceful and green, with tame deer wandering freely and a calm sea stretching into the distance. It was a perfect place to reflect after the intense emotions of the Peace Park.

Leaving Hiroshima, I felt a deep respect for this city and its people. It’s a place that carries unimaginable pain in its past, yet it chooses to look forward—with grace, compassion, and strength. I think that’s the most powerful message Hiroshima offers: the ability to heal, and to build peace not just in structures, but in the...

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, commonly known as the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, is a place of profound historical significance, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war and a symbol of peace. For American tourists visiting Hiroshima, the experience here is deeply moving, intertwining personal reflections with the broader context of history.

Standing before the dome, it’s impossible not to be overcome by a sense of awe and sorrow. The Dome is all that remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall after the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. Its skeletal structure, partially collapsed and scarred by the blast, speaks volumes about the horrors of war. This is not just a tourist attraction; it is a solemn site where the past is very much alive, reminding visitors of the human cost of conflict.

For American visitors, it’s a place where history becomes personal. Many may feel a mix of emotions: guilt, sadness, reflection. It is important to remember that this site represents not just the suffering of the people of Hiroshima, but the broader impact of war on humanity. As an American, it’s crucial to approach this site with sensitivity, acknowledging the complex history that involves both nations—Japan and the United States. While many Americans might feel compelled to take a “peace sign” photo here, it is equally important to recognize that this site is not a place for such casual gestures. It requires a more profound understanding and respect for the victims and their stories.

The Peace Memorial Museum inside provides a deeper context, offering exhibitions and personal testimonies that tell the stories of the bomb’s aftermath from multiple perspectives. It’s a sobering reminder of the destruction and suffering caused by the bomb, not just for the Japanese people, but also for the future generations. Visitors can learn about the bomb’s impact on Hiroshima and the subsequent history of nuclear disarmament, as well as the collective efforts towards peace.

In the end, standing before the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, American tourists are urged to reflect on the broader implications of war and peace. It’s a humbling experience, a moment to understand the weight of history and the need for a commitment to a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons. The Dome teaches us about the importance of remembrance and the pursuit of peace, reminding all who visit of the importance of empathy, understanding, and hope for a...