Hiroshima Walking Tour: Why A Bomb was dropped to Hiroshima

Discover Hiroshima’s history and the reasons behind the atomic bomb. Visit Gokoku Shrine, Hiroshima Castle, and Peace Memorial Park on this insightful walking tour.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hiroshimagokoku Shrine - Visitors begin their experience at Hiroshima Gogoku Shrine by exploring its elegant architecture and tranquil surroundings. Originally established to enshrine the protective deities of Hiroshima domain, the shrine now also serves as a place of solace and remembrance for those affected by historical events.
  • Hiroshima Castle - Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is a historic landmark in Hiroshima, Japan. Originally constructed in the 1590s, it served as the home of the daimyō (feudal lord) of the Hiroshima han (domain). The castle was an important military and administrative center until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. It has since been reconstructed and now functions as a museum that offers insights into Hiroshima’s history, Japanese feudal architecture, and the samurai culture of the Edo period. The castle’s grounds, surrounded by a moat and lush gardens, provide a scenic walk and a peaceful retreat from the modern city surrounding it.
  • Hiroshima Green Arena - Hiroshima Green Arena, officially known as Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center, is a multi-purpose indoor sporting arena located in Hiroshima, Japan. It is often used for a wide range of sporting events such as basketball and volleyball matches, as well as for martial arts competitions. The arena also hosts a variety of other events, including concerts, exhibitions, and cultural festivals, making it a versatile venue within the city.
  • Hiroshima Orizuru Tower - Orizuru Tower is a modern and innovative addition to Hiroshima’s cityscape, located right next to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Opened in 2016, this 13-story building is known for its distinctive architecture and the panoramic views it offers of the surrounding city, including the Peace Park and the A-Bomb Dome, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Atomic Bomb Dome - The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating power of nuclear weapons. Located near the blast’s epicenter, it was one of the few structures left standing after the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. This haunting ruin, with its exposed steel and crumbled walls, has been preserved as a peace monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It symbolizes the hope for global peace and the abolition of nuclear arms, serving as a poignant educational and contemplative site for visitors worldwide.
  • Children’s Peace Monument - The Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima, located in the Peace Memorial Park, commemorates Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of child victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Inspired by Sadako, who developed leukemia from radiation exposure and folded origami cranes as a symbol of peace and healing, the monument features a statue of her holding a golden crane overhead. Surrounding the statue are thousands of colorful paper cranes sent from children around the world, symbolizing a universal wish for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
  • Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph - Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a poignant site dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Located in the heart of Hiroshima, near the epicenter of the explosion, the park is home to several important monuments, memorials, and museums, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Children’s Peace Monument.

The park itself is designed to promote reflection and peace, featuring lush greenery, tranquil water features, and broad pathways. It serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences of nuclear warfare and as a symbol of a continuing commitment to world peace. Each year, thousands of visitors from around the world come to the park to learn, remember, and reflect on the events of 1945 and the importance of peace.

What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

Join us on a profound journey through Hiroshima to understand why the atomic bomb was dropped on this city. Our thematic tour covers three key sites: Gokoku Shrine, Hiroshima Castle, and the Peace Memorial Park. Each location provides unique insights into Hiroshima’s military significance during World War II, the strategic reasons behind its selection as a target, and the devastating human and cultural consequences of the bombing.

Explore the historical and military context at Gokoku Shrine and Hiroshima Castle, and then reflect on the tragic aftermath and the enduring call for peace at the Peace Memorial Park. This tour offers a comprehensive look into the events leading up to the bombing, fostering a deep appreciation for peace and reconciliation. Join us to explore the profound impacts and the ongoing legacy of one of the most pivotal events of the 20th century.

Location
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Guide will be waiting you in front of Hiroshima Gogoku Shrine
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(26 Ratings)
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Michael
Sep 13, 2024
A lovely insiders guide to the key parts of Hiroshima - Really enjoyed our tour today. Felt like we got a really good understanding of the history and our tour guide was great. You could tell she was passionate
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jbm296
Sep 8, 2024
Great tour - Informative and well presented - Very good tour. Guide was enthusiast and spoke very clearly with considerable knowledge of the history of the city and the A bomb.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_b
Sep 1, 2024
Fascinating and Fun! - Fascinating and fun! Great tour. Learned a lot and had so much fun. I would highly recommend this experience
Review provided by Viator
Departure56079845729
Aug 28, 2024
Great tour experience - Amazing review. Our tour guide Emi was very informative and energetic. A great experience.very sober to hear about the history of this fascinating city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James
Aug 19, 2024
Highly recommended Hiroshima walking tour - Our Hiroshima tour guide was excellent with in-depth knowledge of the history of the city. As well as recommendations of other ways to experience Hiroshima for example restaurants that highlighted the cities food culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
227elisabetht
Aug 17, 2024
Emi is the best! - We had an amazing tour with our great tour guide Emi. She did a perfect job and her happiness was contagious. 🧡 Thank you Emi 🙌🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventure54218483581
Aug 3, 2024
Good snapshot of Hiroshima - Emi was a very friendly and enthusiastic guide. She has family connections in Hiroshima and shared her family experiences. We received a comprehensive history of what lead up to the dropping of the bomb. We would highly recommend. Shout out to Emi - thank you! :-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Notsupposedto
Jul 22, 2024
Great, intimate tour. - Very informative walking tour and one of the longer ones I've done, especially considering the short distance covered, yet extremely thorough in telling the story of Hiroshima. There were three of us and another couple, making it very easy to ask questions and follow the guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
48franciscot
Jul 19, 2024
Hiroshima, what a great city and people - Great tour, easy walk and very informative. We just have the right amount of information which help to make this tour very enjoyable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N1a2t3a4l5
Jul 13, 2024
An enjoyable and informative local tour - This was an informative and enjoyable tour, one of the highlights of our trip. The length was good, and the attention to detail was excellent, especially the opportunity to look at pictures, maps to provide context for information about the war, and local recommendations for food and souvenirs. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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