Hiroshima Walking Tour Why A Bomb was dropped to Hiroshima
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join us on a profound journey through Hiroshima to understand why the atomic bomb was dropped on this city. Our thematic tour covers three key sites: Gokoku Shrine, Hiroshima Castle, and the Peace Memorial Park. Each location provides unique insights into Hiroshima's military significance during World War II, the strategic reasons behind its selection as a target, and the devastating human and cultural consequences of the bombing.
Explore the historical and military context at Gokoku Shrine and Hiroshima Castle, and then reflect on the tragic aftermath and the enduring call for peace at the Peace Memorial Park. This tour offers a comprehensive look into the events leading up to the bombing, fostering a deep appreciation for peace and reconciliation. Join us to explore the profound impacts and the ongoing legacy of one of the most pivotal events of the 20th century.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Bottled water
What To Expect
Hiroshimagokoku Shrine
Visitors begin their experience at Hiroshima Gogoku Shrine by exploring its elegant architecture and tranquil surroundings. Originally established to enshrine the protective deities of Hiroshima domain, the shrine now also serves as a place of solace and remembrance for those affected by historical events.
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is a historic landmark in Hiroshima, Japan. Originally constructed in the 1590s, it served as the home of the daimyō (feudal lord) of the Hiroshima han (domain). The castle was an important military and administrative center until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. It has since been reconstructed and now functions as a museum that offers insights into Hiroshima's history, Japanese feudal architecture, and the samurai culture of the Edo period. The castle's grounds, surrounded by a moat and lush gardens, provide a scenic walk and a peaceful retreat from the modern city surrounding it.
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Hiroshima Walking Tour Why A Bomb was dropped to Hiroshima
Reviews
309 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Moving and memorable
John K,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent short tour which covers the old ruins of a castle and a walk through the peace park to see the ruined observatory and the peace memorials. Also a talk about the dropping of the bomb from a Japanese perspective. A memorable two and a half hours.
Very informative tour
THATSGOTTABEOUT,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very informative and pleasant tour with very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Sometimes there are so many tour offerings you just have to jump in; fortunately this one will not disappoint you.
Great tour!!!
aislinnmay1994,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I really enjoyed this tour!! Our tour guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. I definitely recommend this tour if you’re are interested in the history of Japan and Hiroshima.
Hiroshima
Dorteefstathiou1243,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great tour with a kind a very and knowledgeable guide. Few private anecdotes added to an overall great experience. Highly recommend.
We thought out guided tour, great experience of history and current culture.
georgejohnk,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The two-hour tour was a great experience. The tour-guide is very knowledgeable, bringing historical facts, intertwined with historical stories from her own family, who experienced the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. She also, mixed in tips of some of her favourite restaurants, which we later, after the tour, explored the delights of Japanes food with a Hiroshima twist. We experienced how to present ourselves at shrines, which was fun. So the tour is interactive and well planned by a wonderful, engaging tour guide. All three of on the tour, along with about ten others, highly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend to others.
The history of Hiroshima and the A bomb
Mrshort,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Her family living through this added another dimension to the tour. She provided a lot of historical information. She spoke clearly and was engaging.
Good not great
X6709YUpeterl,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I think the guides name was Chiba/u or something like that(apologies for not remembering properly). She was certainly pleasant and spoke English pretty well, however i failed to understand a good bit due to mispronunciation(i was left guessing what she might have said at times - i get it Japanese speaking English, some of the words are difficult to pronounce). I am a tour guide myself and spend hours every day speaking to various nationalities, clear diction is quite important. Sure we visited important sights and it was interesting but lacking or a bit of a let down in some ways, the 5 minute break that was given could be lengthier.... and I honestly felt like I was an under 12 year old being spoken to by my class teacher when guide was delivering, and her tendency to repeat words up to 3 or 4 times when once, possibly twice would be enough. Maybe a good thing to do would be at the beginning, to get all participants to say their name, where they are from, and how long they've been in Japan so far or what their favourite thing about Japan is..... I feel that would make everyone on the tour feel a little more togetherness or something. Good whilst not 4.9 (as the current rating is, 4.9 means as good as it gets almost - not this with the small issues I encountered). Most people will rate it highly - people don't like saying things they did or paid for (if that's the case) weren't as good as they hoped, coz they have to say everything they did was great (in my opinion). P. Lennon
A great way to see the...
Nigel D,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00A great way to see the city our guide just needed to be a quicker at taking us around and be nore decisive
Highly recommended!
mariesF6828KJ,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emmi gave us an intimate insight from Japan’s perspective into the history of the atomic bomb and its impact on Hiroshima and its inhabitants. We particularly liked the historical background, but brought it close in a serious yet casual narrative. The tour is suitable for all ages; the individual stops are easy to reach for everyone. Overall, the tour is a must and Emmi is an excellent tour guide! Arigato Gozaimasu Emmi!:-)
Key sites of Hiroshima with some history
Lecien,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My tour guide was Emi. Local guide, so sweet and energetic. She shared so much history about Japan to help us to understand how it led up to the bombing of Hiroshima. And also the culture of Japan. Very well-paced tour, with the key sites of Hiroshima. Highly recommended.
From US$45.00
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