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Hiroshima Hypocenter: Ground Zero

A somber memorial marking the point directly below the atomic bombing, a place for reflection and remembrance in Hiroshima.

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Marking the spot directly beneath the atomic bomb's detonation on August 6, 1945, the Hiroshima Hypocenter serves as a stark reminder of the devastation and loss of life. Located on a quiet street near the Shima Hospital, a simple plaque commemorates this pivotal point in history.

A brief summary to Hypocenter

  • 1 Chome-5-25 Otemachi, Hiroshima, 1 Chome Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, JP
  • +8182-242-7831

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with the nearby Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome for a comprehensive understanding of the event and its aftermath.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Take a moment for quiet reflection at the site. It's a place of deep significance and remembrance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Hypocenter is located a few blocks southeast of the Atomic Bomb Dome. From the A-Bomb Dome, walk south along the main road, then turn right onto the side street where Shima Hospital is located. The plaque is on the street in front of the hospital.

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroden streetcar lines 2 or 6 towards Miyajima-guchi or Eba, respectively. Get off at Genbaku Dome-mae station. The fare is a flat rate of ¥240 for adults. From the station, it's a short walk to the Hypocenter, following the walking directions above.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Hiroshima. A taxi from Hiroshima Station to the Hypocenter will cost approximately ¥1200 and take about 10 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to Shima Hospital (島病院, Shima Byōin) in Otemachi.

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Discover more about Hypocenter

The Hiroshima Hypocenter marks the precise location where the first atomic bomb used in warfare exploded, approximately 580 meters (1,900 ft) above the ground. On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., the U.S. B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the bomb, instantly killing those in the immediate vicinity with heat rays reaching 4,000°C (7,232°F), blast winds, and radiation. The site is marked by a simple plaque on a downtown sidestreet. It's located just outside the modern-day Shima Hospital, which was identified as the hypocenter by researchers shortly after the bombing. The monument includes a photo of the post-blast devastation and a statement of facts. Visitors often leave flowers and paper cranes as a sign of remembrance. Nearby, you can find the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a skeletal ruin preserved as a memorial, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which features museums, monuments, and gardens dedicated to preserving the memory of the event and promoting peace.

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