Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch

The former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch building is a historic building with an excellent classical exterior that represents Hiroshima's early Showa period. Although it was hit by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945 (Showa 20) at a distance of just 380 meters from the hypocenter, its robustness has allowed it to remain almost exactly as it was when it was built. At the time of the bombing, the first and second floors had their shutters closed, so the interior was spared major damage, but the third floor was open and burned down, killing 20 people inside. On August 8, two days after the bombing, bank payment operations began, and temporary offices were set up for financial institutions in the city that were unable to operate. This is a valuable atomic bombing building that conveys the historical fact that it supported Hiroshima's reconstruction from a financial perspective. In July 2000, it was designated as an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hiroshima City and is currently open to the public. Following the completion of restoration and renovation work that began in March 2022 (Reiwa 4), it will open in November 2023 (Reiwa 5). As before the closure, the building will continue to be used by the general public as a venue for the presentation of art and culture, and the traces of the atomic bombing inside the building can be viewed at any time. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 Closed: December 29th to January 3rd Admission fee: Free Exhibition room on the first basement floor (permanent exhibition of materials related to "Modern Hiroshima's History and Overseas Emigration" owned by the City of Hiroshima) Opening hours: 10:30-16:30 Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday) Admission fee: Free