About the Atomic Bomb Dome

In order to accurately measure the power of the bomb, the United States selected a potential target city as a city center with a diameter of more than 3 miles (between 4 to 5km). On May 28, bombing of potential US target cities was halted to keep the city intact. On July 25, an order was issued to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima, Kokura, Niigata, and Nagasaki. One reason for this decision was that American planners believed that no American prisoners of war had been arrested in Hiroshima. The atomic bomb had to be dropped using visual targeting. On August 6, the sky in Hiroshima was clear, so targets were visually identified, and bombs were dropped.

Unlike other heritage buildings, the atomic bomb dome must remain in the exact state of destruction caused by the bomb. This is important for understanding its relevance and importance as a World Heritage Site. However, recent efforts to combat deterioration and make the site earthquake-resistant show that the best way to maintain the original building for years to come will be a challenge. This challenge to protect the dome carefully using the best methods and techniques for site conservation is essential for future generations.

At that time, the atrium of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Development Center was located just below the center of the bomb. The building suffered heavy damage, but it was possible to avoid complete destruction.

The turning point to preserve the atomic bomb dome in its current state was the heartbreaking diary of a female student called Hiroko Kajiyama. Hiroko died of leukemia at the age of 16 due to exposure to the bomb's radiation as a toddler. It serves as a reminder of strength and immense suffering, symbolizes the struggle to rid the world of nuclear weapons and bring world peace.

The monument was built to commemorate Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of innocent children who died in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Sadako Sasaki was a young girl who died of leukemia 10 years later after being exposed to the radiation of the explosion when she was two years old. Sadako, who continued to fold paper cranes due to her long illness, carried a wire crane over her head. It can be seen from the top of the monument holding it. Even today, folded paper cranes symbolizing the pursuit of peace arrive at monuments around the world.

Officially named the “Hiroshima Monument to the City of Peace”, it is more commonly known as the Monument to the Atomic Bomb Victims. The names of all those who lost their lives, regardless of nationality, are inscribed in a central stone vault.

Every year a new names are added to the list. The monument was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange.

A building that mourns the victims of the atomic bomb and prays for eternal peace. The structure in the center indicates the exact time of the bomb explosion (8:15 a.m.). Memoirs of survivors and portraits of victims are displayed inside the memorial.

Before the bombing, the building was a shop selling kimono fabric. The first floor of the building is now a tourist information center, rest area, and gift shop. The basement was kept as if it were after the bomb. Register at the reception to explore the basement. Rest area is free to use.

This bridge, which crosses the point where the Otagawa River and Motoyasu River diverge, is one of the bridges connecting the Atomic Bomb Dome to the Peace Park. It is easy to spot and locate in the air, and the bridge is thought to have been used to target atomic bombs. When the bomb exploded, a crowd of people on or around the bridge died immediately. River lanterns are light up every 6 of August to mourn the victims of the bombing.