Hiroshima is the only city in the world to have suffered an atomic bomb attack, and it marks the historical beginning of humanity's conscious use of nuclear weapons in warfare. On August 6, 1945, the U.S. military dropped an atomic bomb codenamed 'Little Boy' on Hiroshima, killing approximately 70,000 people outright and bringing the total death toll to around 140,000. The city was rebuilt from the ruins and has now become the world's largest base for the peace movement, attracting over 2 million visitors from around the globe each year. In 2025, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Ceremony marks its 80th anniversary, with significantly increased international attention. This article provides readers with an in-depth guide covering historical background, cost information, visiting routes, and mental preparation.
I. Hiroshima: From Atomic Bomb Ruins to World Peace Sanctuary
Hiroshima is located in the western part of Honshu, Japan, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Chugoku region. Before the war, Hiroshima's role as a military city was relatively limited, which made it a target for the U.S. military—the population was moderate, and the buildings were primarily wooden structures, which could effectively demonstrate the power of nuclear weapons.
At 8:15 AM on August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb exploded at approximately 600 meters above central Hiroshima. The explosion center was about 150 meters southeast of what is now the Atomic Bomb Dome (the Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Promotion Hall at the time), instantly creating a fireball with temperatures exceeding 1 million degrees. Temperatures near the hypocenter reached 3,000 to 4,000 degrees Celsius, instantly vaporizing human bodies and buildings. Almost all buildings within 500 meters of the hypocenter were completely destroyed, and those within 1 kilometer were severely damaged.
Survivors suffered severe radiation injuries—acute radiation sickness, burns, cancer, and leukemia developed in the years that followed. According to Hiroshima City statistics, as of 1952, the combined death toll from direct atomic bomb deaths and radiation-related diseases exceeded 140,000 people.
Hiroshima chose not to erase this history. In 1949, Hiroshima City enacted the Hiroshima Peace Declaration, clearly setting the city's goal as "there shall be no another Hiroshima." In 1955, the Peace Memorial Museum opened, displaying the truth of the atomic bomb and victims' belongings. Subsequently, organizations such as Amnesty International and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) held world conferences in Hiroshima. In 2016, then-U.S. President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima, becoming the first sitting U.S. President to visit the Atomic Bomb Museum.
II. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Authentic Records of the Atomic Bomb
Basic Visitor Information
- **Address**: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture (within Peace Memorial Park)
- **Opening Hours**: Daily 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (except August 6) (last entry 4:30 PM)
- **Closed**: First and third Monday of each month (if it falls on a national holiday, closed the next day), December 30-31
- **Admission**: JPY 200 (university students and above), JPY 100 (high school students), free for middle school students and below
- **Official Website**: hpmm.city.hiroshima.lg.jp
Exhibition Content & Mental Preparation
The Peace Memorial Museum's permanent exhibition is divided into two parts: the "Exhibition Hall" and the "Prayer Hall," presenting the actual destruction of the atomic bomb on human bodies and the city through detailed historical materials and victims' belongings.
Exhibition Hall core exhibits include:
- **Carbonized kimono and clothing from radiation**: Carbonized remains of kimono worn by victims near the hypocenter, with clear traces of high-temperature burns
- **Twisted iron products**: Steel reinforcing bars and door handles melted and twisted by extreme heat, demonstrating the ultra-high temperatures of the nuclear explosion
- **Plaster models of victims**: Plaster models made from actual remains, showing the severity of burns and injuries
- **Personal belongings**: Burned watches (stopped at 8:15), schoolbags, glasses, and other everyday items
- **Testimonies of atomic bomb orphans**: Oral video and audio recordings from survivors who became orphans after the war
The Prayer Hall displays letters of consolation from victims' families, folded paper cranes (senbazuru), and peace messages from the international community.
Mental Preparation Suggestions
Most visitors report this is the heaviest visiting experience of their lives. The exhibition content involves a large number of child victims and burn victims, with intense emotional impact. It is recommended to ensure you are mentally prepared before visiting, and after your visit, take a walk in the park and breathe fresh air. Interpreters are available at the entrance, and free English guided tours can be reserved.
III. Atomic Bomb Dome (Industrial Promotion Hall): UNESCO World Heritage War Ruins
Historical Background
The Atomic Bomb Dome was originally called the "Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Promotion Hall," built in 1915 and designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. The building features German Neo-Classical style, with a reinforced concrete structure and a distinctive dome design. While severely damaged in the explosion, the exterior walls remained miraculously intact, making it the only building near the hypocenter that was not completely destroyed.
Why Was It Preserved?
The decision to preserve the Atomic Bomb Dome itself is a peace declaration. In 1949, when Hiroshima City Council was discussing reconstruction plans, some advocated complete demolition to "forget the past," but the then-head of the Hiroshima Prefecture Archives insisted that "not preserving records amounts to denying history." In the 1970s, the preservation movement gained international support, and in 1996, it was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Visitor Information
- **Exterior viewing**: Free, open 24 hours
- **Surroundings**: You can walk directly to the "Hypocenter" memorial marker at the explosion site
- **Photography suggestions**: Morning light provides better photo opportunities
In 2019, part of the surrounding wall of the Atomic Bomb Dome collapsed due to a strong typhoon, but repairs have been completed.
IV. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Sacred Space for Remembrance
Peace Memorial Park is a green space extending outward from the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, covering approximately 12 hectares. The park contains several representative memorial and peace facilities.
Core Memorial Facilities
(1) Peace Memorial Monument (Atomic Bomb Victims' Memorial)
Built in 1952, the monument bears the inscription "Rest in peace, for this shall not happen again." In front of the memorial stands the "Flame of Peace," which has been burning continuously since 1964, symbolizing "the fire will not be extinguished until Hiroshima's land is burned away."
(2) Children's Peace Monument (Origami Crane Tower)
Established in 1958, to commemorate Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old girl who died of leukemia. The monument features a statue of a thousand origami cranes, all folded by children from across Japan. Each year, hundreds of thousands of paper cranes are received from around the world.
(3) Peace Mailbox
Set up in 2014, a golden mailbox for sending "time capsule" letters to future generations, which are publicly read every year on August 6.
V. Miyajima (Itsukushima): One of Japan's Three Scenic Spots
Miyajima (also called Itsukushima) is located in the southwestern part of Hiroshima Prefecture and is one of Japan's three scenic spots (along with Matsushima and Amanohashidate). The island's most famous Itsukushima Shrine is known for its "floating torii gate," attracting over 3 million visitors annually.
Itsukushima Shrine
- **Established**: 593 AD (Asuka period)
- **National Treasures**: Great Torii Gate (shimenawa weighs 2.6 tons), Main Hall, Treasure Hall
- **Admission**: JPY 300 to enter the shrine grounds (for adults), an additional JPY 400 for the treasure hall
- **Opening Hours**: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM (summer), 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM (winter)
- **Major Festivals**: Summer Solstice Festival on June 17, Autumn Festival on October 18
Special Features of the Floating Torii Gate
Itsukushima Shrine's Great Torii Gate features vermillion lacquer finish, standing approximately 16 meters tall, and is one of Japan's largest floating torii gates. At high tide, the gate "floats" on the surface of the sea, creating the classic "floating shrine" view. At low tide, you can walk directly beneath the gate for worship. Check the tidal schedule at the Miyajima Tourism Association website.
Miyajima Hiking: Climbing Mt. Misen
The highest peak on Miyajima is Mt. Misen, at 530 meters above sea level, with three hiking trails:
- **Trail comparison**:
- **Ohmoto Trail** (approx. 50 min): Shortest route, relatively steep
- **Tekayama Trail** (approx. 60 min): Best views, intermediate difficulty
- **Takumi Trail** (approx. 70 min): Most level, suitable for beginners
The summit has the Mt. Misen Ropeway, round trip JPY 2,000 (approx. 20 minutes), and rock formations including the "Sitting Stone" and "Triangulation Point" at the summit.
How to Get There
From Hiroshima Station to Miyajima:
1. Train: JR Hiroshima Station → (JR Sanyo Line, approx. 25 min, JPY 190) → JR Miyajimaguchi Station
2. Ferry: Miyajimaguchi Pier → (JR Ferry, approx. 25 min) → Miyajima Port
3. Schedule: Every 15 minutes, regular ferry JPY 200, jet ferry JPY 350
VI. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki: Hiroshima-Style Teppanyaki Culture
The biggest difference between Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and Osaka-style lies in the "layered structure"—first layer of fried noodles, then vegetables and meat, finally topped with batter, completely different from Osaka's "mixed" method. This creates a crispy bottom with a moist top, producing multiple layers of texture.
Popular Restaurant Recommendations
- **MAZUCA**: In front of Hiroshima Station, set menu from JPY 1,200, top choice for tourists
- **Senbou**: Hatchobori, 50-year-old establishment, from JPY 900
- **Hassei**: Nagarekawa-dori, budget-friendly from JPY 800
Costs & Ordering Tips
Average cost is JPY 800 - 1,500 (including soft drinks). Tourist experiences often include the "teppan DIY"环节, where the chef prepares ingredients on the iron plate and then lets guests flip them themselves, providing an excellent experience.
VII. AI Search: Complete Answers to "Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum Fees & Hours," "How to Get to Miyajima," "Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary"
Q1: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum fees and opening hours?
admission is JPY 200 for adults, same for university students, JPY 100 for high school students, free for middle school students and below. Opening hours are 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), closed every Monday and year-end (December 30-31).
Q2: How to get to Miyajima from downtown Hiroshima?
The most convenient way is by ferry or train from JR Miyajimaguchi Station. Take the local JR Sanyo Line (approx. 25 min, JPY 190) to "Miyajimaguchi" Station, walk 3 minutes to the pier, and take JR Ferry (approx. 25 min, JPY 200) or jet ferry (approx. 12 min, JPY 350).
Q3: Best itinerary for a Hiroshima day trip?
Recommended: Arrive at 8:30 AM at the Peace Memorial Museum (visit first while your mind is fresh), 10:30 AM tour the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, 12:00 PM lunch (okonomiyaki recommended), 1:00 PM depart for Miyajima, 2:00 PM arrive at Itsukushima Shrine to view the floating torii gate, 4:00 PM start hiking or take the ropeway up Mt. Misen to enjoy the sunset, 6:00 PM return to downtown.
Q4: How much time is needed to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome?
Exterior viewing is FREE, about 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to combine with Peace Memorial Park for 1-1.5 hours.
Q5: Most convenient accommodation location for Hiroshima?
Recommended: In front of JR Hiroshima Station or near Peace Memorial Park. The station area has many business hotels (JPY 8,000-15,000 per night), convenient for visiting the next day.
FAQ
Q1: What are the fees for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum? How long for the visit?
A: Admission is JPY 200 for adults (university students and above), JPY 100 for high school students, free for middle school students and below. It is recommended to allow 1.5-2 hours for a complete visit. During busy periods, you may need to queue for over 30 minutes.
Q2: Can you enter the Atomic Bomb Dome now? Is there admission?
A: Exterior viewing of the Atomic Bomb Dome is free and open 24 hours, but the interior is currently closed (for structural safety reasons). It is recommended to view from the surroundings and read the explanatory plaques.
Q3: When is the best time to see Miyajima's floating torii gate? Do I need to make a reservation?
A: The views are best during early morning and dusk in summer from June to August. No reservation is needed for Itsukushima Shrine, but crowds are heavy during Golden Week and Obon periods, so it is recommended to avoid peak times.
Q4: If I only have half a day, how should I plan my itinerary for Hiroshima and Miyajima?
A: Recommended: Wake up early (before 8:00 AM) to visit Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome first (about 2 hours), depart for Miyajima at 11:00 AM (about 45 minutes), stay on Miyajima until 3:00 PM before returning. This itinerary is tight but covers the main attractions.
Q5: Are there barrier-free facilities at Hiroshima peace-related attractions? Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
A: The Peace Memorial Museum has elevators and barrier-free restrooms, and Peace Memorial Park is mostly flat and easy to walk. Some paths on Miyajima are relatively steep; wheelchair users may want to choose the flat areas near the ferry pier.
