Atomic Bomb Dome

Atomic Bomb Dome is a remaining building in Hiroshima after the 1945 nuclear explosion, which witnessed horrible power of nuclear weapons. You are able to look through the fence at this dilapidated building, and the interior steel frame is clearly visible. The surviving building is a miracle, and it reminds people to cherish peace.

Story of Atomic Bomb Dome

In 1915, Czech designers established a modern building in Western style named the Hiroshima Museum of Products. Later, the building was renamed the Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Prize Museum, which was used to host a number of art exhibitions and was a lively cultural center in Hiroshima at the time. On August 6, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb attacked the building and killed everyone inside in an instant, but the building remained like a miracle and the remaining part was called the Atomic Bomb Dome. Then, in 1996, as the symbol of the destruction caused by the first atomic bomb in the world, the building was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Atomic Bomb Dome Photos ( 10

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Internal Rebar of Atomic Bomb Dome

How Did Atomic Bomb Dome Survive?

The power of a nuclear explosion is so strong that most constructions in Hiroshima were ruined. However, the Atomic Bomb Dome at the center of the nuclear explosion survived. When the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, the Atomic Bomb Dome was 600 meters (656 yards) away vertically and only 160 meters (174 yards) away horizontally from the blast center.

How did it survive while surrounding buildings were destroyed by thousands of degrees of heat and hundreds of tons of pressure from the explosion? It turned out that the Atomic Bomb Dome happened to be located in a small special space influenced by only vertical pressure waves and very little or no lateral pressure waves. The special situation resulted in the destruction of the horizontal structure of the building, such as the roof and the floors, but the vertical structure of the building, such as the walls and the frame structure, were preserved. Beyond, the structure of the Atomic Bomb Dome is reinforced concrete, and the surface of the building is covered with stone and mortar, which is solid and helped absorb a lot of heat released instantly.

Current Atomic Bomb Dome

The Cupola of Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome is located on the bank of the Motoyaskawa River and is enclosed by a fence. The copper dome is clearly visible, and the steel frame inside the building is also exposed. You can find some crows standing on the steel frames of the building. Besides, there are some boards erected around the building, which introduce detailed information about the Atomic Bomb Dome in English. Some people come here to offer flowers to honor the lives lost.

Opening Time and Ticket

It is open to public all day and no ticket is required.

Recommended Visit Time

About 30 minutes.

How to Get to the Atomic Bomb Dome

From Hiroshima Station

You can take Hiroshima Electric Railway Miyajima Line or Kamiya-cho Line, and get off at Genbaku Dome-mae. The single way takes about 20 minutes.

From Hiroshima Airport

You can take the airport bus, and get off at Hiroshima Bus Center Station. The whole way takes about 1 hour.

Surrounding Attractions to Visit

1. Hondori Street is the most popular shopping street in Hiroshima, which stands for the boom of Hiroshima after the World War II. Around 200 stores are located here, selling a variety of crafts, clothing, and food.

2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established to memorize the victims of the nuclear explosion, and it also implies the cruelty of war. In the park, you can find many monuments and statues. The Peace Memorial Museum located here displays the belongings left behind by the victims, and countless photos showing the terrible influence of nuclear radiation.

3. Hiroshima Castle is one of Japan's 100 famous castles and was rebuilt in 1958. Now, the castle is a museum that shows the history of Hiroshima before it was destroyed by the atomic bombing. You can find three trees that survived the explosion inside the castle, just 750 - 900 meters (820 - 985 yards) from the center of the blast.

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