On my first visit to Japan, we spent the majority of the trip in Tokyo and Osaka, with day trips out to Yokohama and Kyoto. One of my regrets from the trip was not making it further out to Hiroshima. So this trip, we stopped in Hiroshima for two days.

Hiroshima is perhaps best known for being the target of the first atomic bomb. On August 6, 1945, during World War II, the United States dropped “Little Boy” on Hiroshima. The explosion resulted in massive destruction and loss of life, with an estimated 140,000 people dying by the end of 1945 due to the blast, heat, and radiation effects. Today, Hiroshima is a symbol of peace and resilience, with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum serving as reminders of the devastation and a call for nuclear disarmament.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as well as the promotion of world peace and nuclear disarmament.

Located in the heart of Hiroshima, the park encompasses the area around the Atomic Bomb Dome. Also known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, this building is one of the few structures that remained standing near the bomb’s hypocenter. It serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons.

The Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph is an arched monument that honors the memory of those who died as a result of the bombing. It contains a sunken stone chest that holds the names of the victims.

Also located in the Memorial Park is the Peace Memorial Museum, which provides detailed exhibits about the bombing, its effects, and the aftermath. The Museum houses personal artifacts, photographs, and testimonies from survivors and offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the bombing and its human impact. The museum’s permanent exhibits are divided into two main sections: the East Building and the West Building. The East Building focuses on the historical context of the bombing, including the events leading up to World War II, the development of atomic weapons, and the experiences of Hiroshima before and after the bombing. The West Building focuses on the immediate effects of the bombing and the aftermath, with detailed accounts of the destruction, the impact on individuals, and the long-term consequences of radiation exposure.

The Peace Memorial Museum is not only a place of remembrance but also a center for education and advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons. It was a heavy experience, but I think it was important for us to see all the destruction that one bomb can do. It was certainly an eye-opening experience and in my opinion, a worthy stop if you are visiting Japan.