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Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan: A Silent Witness

Witness Hiroshima's resilience at the Former Bank of Japan, a historical landmark that survived the atomic blast and symbolizes the city's recovery.

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The Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan stands as a poignant reminder of the atomic bombing and Hiroshima's resilience. Built in 1936, it miraculously survived the blast just 380 meters from the hypocenter and served as a vital financial center and refuge in the aftermath. Today, it's a free museum and gallery, a symbol of hope and recovery.

A brief summary to Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan

  • Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, 5-21 Fukuromachi, Hiroshima, Fukuromachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0036, JP
  • +8182-227-4100
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the building and its exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Peace Memorial Park and Museum for a comprehensive understanding of Hiroshima's history.
  • Check the schedule for special events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, head east along Peace Boulevard (Heiwa Odori). Turn right onto Aioi-dori Street and walk south for two blocks. The Former Bank of Japan will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar line 1 or 5 towards Hiroshima Port (Ujina). Get off at the Fukuro-machi stop. The Former Bank of Japan is a short walk north from the station. The streetcar fare is a flat 240 yen for adults. Alternatively, the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) stops near the bank. A single ride is 240 yen, or a one-day pass is 600 yen.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Hiroshima. From Hiroshima Station, a taxi ride to the Former Bank of Japan will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is around 3120 JPY.

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Discover more about Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan

The Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan is more than just a historical landmark; it's a powerful symbol of Hiroshima's endurance and recovery following the devastating atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Constructed in 1936, the building stands as a testament to early Showa-era architecture, showcasing a blend of Western design with Japanese aesthetics. Its robust steel-reinforced ferro-concrete structure allowed it to withstand the atomic blast, despite being a mere 380 meters from the hypocenter. While the exterior retains much of its original appearance, the building bears silent scars of the bombing. The top floor was gutted by the blast, tragically claiming the lives of all 20 people working inside at the time. However, the armored shutters on the first and second floors remained closed, shielding the interior from complete destruction. In the days following the bombing, the bank played a crucial role in the city's recovery. It reopened just two days after the event, providing essential financial services and serving as a temporary office for other financial institutions that had been destroyed. The building continued to function as a bank until 1992. Today, the Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan is open to the public as a museum and gallery. Visitors can explore the building's historic spaces, view exhibits on Hiroshima's economic history and post-war reconstruction, and reflect on the events of 1945. The first floor hosts rotating exhibitions, often featuring artwork related to peace by local schoolchildren. The second floor displays the director's office, where scratches on the wooden walls serve as a chilling reminder of the blast. In the basement, the warped metal doors of the bank's vault offer further evidence of the atomic bombing's destructive power. Admission is free, making it accessible to all who wish to learn about Hiroshima's past and the bank's role in the city's recovery.

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