Background

Aioi Bridge: A Symbol of Hiroshima's History and Resilience

Visit the Aioi Bridge in Hiroshima, a unique T-shaped landmark with a powerful history, symbolizing peace and resilience.

4.4

The Aioi Bridge is a distinctive T-shaped bridge in Hiroshima, Japan, that has become a symbol of the city's history and resilience. Originally built in 1932, it gained notoriety as the aiming point for the atomic bomb in 1945 due to its unique shape. Today, it stands as a testament to Hiroshima's recovery and a reminder of the importance of peace.

A brief summary to Aioi Bridge

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the bridge and the surrounding area.
  • Take a leisurely walk across the bridge to fully appreciate its unique T-shape and historical significance.
  • Look for benches along the bridge to rest and enjoy the serene river views.
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to see a surviving girder from the original Aioi Bridge.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Atomic Bomb Dome, walk east along the river. Cross the Motoyasu River via the Motoyasu Bridge. Continue walking north, and the Aioi Bridge will be directly in front of you. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Tram (Line 1 or Line 2) to the 'Genbaku Dome-mae' stop. From there, the Aioi Bridge is a short walk. The tram fare is approximately 200 yen.

Unlock the Best of Aioi Bridge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Aioi Bridge

Aioi Bridge, an unusual T-shaped three-way bridge, spans the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers in Hiroshima, Japan. Constructed in 1932, the bridge was initially built to accommodate streetcars and quickly became a vital part of the city's infrastructure. Its unique T-shape made it easily recognizable from the air, leading to its selection as the aiming point for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Though the bomb missed the intended target by approximately 800 feet, detonating instead over the Shima Hospital, the Aioi Bridge still sustained significant damage from the blast. Eyewitnesses recounted the bridge being lifted several meters into the air before settling back onto its foundations. Despite the damage, the bridge remained standing and continued to serve the city for nearly four decades. In 1983, a new bridge was constructed as a replica of the original, preserving its historical form while modernizing the structure. A surviving portion of a floor girder from the original bridge is now displayed at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, serving as a poignant reminder of the past. Today, the Aioi Bridge connects the main city area to the Nakajima-cho district and serves as the northern gateway to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. It stands as a symbol of peace, resilience, and the city's journey toward recovery.

Popular Experiences near Aioi Bridge

Popular Hotels near Aioi Bridge

Select Currency