Hiroshima was attacked by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. Although the dome was close to the center of the explosion, it miraculously escaped complete destruction since the blast blew from just above. Now it has been preserved as a symbol of peace in order to remind us of the tragedy at that time. In 1996 it was registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site to wish for world peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.

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A-Bomb Dome
Hiroshima is the first city in human history which was attacked by the atomic bomb, and A-Bomb Dome is the symbol of the city. It is said that the bomb exploded at a height of 600m, 160m to the southeast of the dome. Although it escaped complete destruction, the exposed steel and the crumbling walls enable us to imagine the tragedy at that time.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located at the opposite bank of Motoyasu River facing with A-Bomb Dome. It is a well-maintained green park with some peace monuments such as the Memorial Cenotaph. The visitors standing in front of the cenotaph will see the stone monument with the words “Rest in Peace, for the error shall not be repeated”, and A-Bomb Dome beyond the monument as well. There is also the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum which displays belongings left by the victims, photos, and other materials to show the tragedy by the atomic bomb.

Access

It must be easy for you to take a bullet train “Shinkansen” and change trains at Hiroshima station to the Hiroshima Electric Railway. It takes you about 20 minutes to get from Hiroshima station to “Genbaku Dome-mae” station, which is just near A-Bomb Dome. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is also accessible by foot.

Travel Route

Let me show you an example of travel route by public transportation to visit not only A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima but also Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on Miyajima island. Although JR (Japan Railway) is the most popular transportation to move from Hiroshima to Miyajima, you will find other choices such as Hiroshima Electric Railway and a high-speed boat which takes you from A-Bomb Dome to Miyajima island directly.

Day Move Sightseeing Stay
1 Hiroshima -> Genbaku Dome-mae (Hiroshima Electric Railway) A-Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park		 Hiroshima
2 Hiroshima -> Miyajima-guchi (JR)
Miyajima-guchi -> Miyajima -> Miyajima-guchi (Ferry)
Miyajima-guchi -> Hiroshima (JR)		 Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Mount Misen
Machiya Street		 Hiroshima
3 Hiroshima -> Next