Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Monument, was originally the Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Award Hall, located on the banks of the Yuanyasu River in the center of Hiroshima. On August 6, 1945, the U.S. bombed Hiroshima with an atomic bomb, and almost all the buildings near the center of the explosion were razed to the ground. Today the ruins of the building are preserved as a memorial to the event and are listed on the World Heritage List. Family members of atomic bomb radiation victims are often encountered near the dome, and they will enthusiastically tell foreign tourists the story of the atomic bombing and their families in English. It is also a place frequently visited by local elementary and middle school students, and every year, peace groups from all walks of life in Japan hold commemorative activities here. The Hiroshima City Government built a Peace Park around the atomic bomb dome. In addition to numerous statues and monuments, the park also has a Peace Memorial Museum, which displays clothing, glasses, hair and other items that have experienced the atomic bomb. It is worth visiting one time. Every year on August 6th, the locals will hold a river lantern event on Yuanan River, and put various lanterns with eulogy and prayers into the river.