Hiroshima Walking Tour Why A Bomb was dropped to Hiroshima

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Hiroshima Walking Tour Why A Bomb was dropped to Hiroshima

Reviews

4.83

297 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

266

Wonderful tour!
Ron W,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a beautiful day and our guide was absolutely wonderful.She had a great sense of humor her english skills were great and she made it a fun awounun and relaxing great tour
Very interesting tour
peter k,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very interesting tour providing all the history and devastation of the atomic blast. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable which made for a great experience.
Good overview of Hiroshima
Kevin C,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent overview of Hiroshima. Nicely paced. Tour lasted three hours. Feel like I have seen the important parts of Hiroshima.
Excellent tour- time well spent!
Y4952WEelenal,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, Katia, was very engaging and very knowledgable about all things Hiroshima- from the history of the details leading up to Japan’s involvement in WWII to the sobering details surrounding the dropping of the A-bomb. The walk was at an easy pace and well worth the time and cost. Highly recommend.
Great tour to learn more about Hiroshima and the bombing
Mike U,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a great tour to learn more about Hiroshima and the bombing. Chisa our tour guide was great. I think we all know about the bombing but learning from the Japanese perspective what events led up to it and its long lasting impact on the city was things that I was not aware of. Hiroshima to this day is a city that does not try and hide from what happened but instead has turned tragedy into a mission for peace for future generations.
Excellent Tour, Wonderful Guide
connore394,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide was excellent - friendly, engaging, informative, and did a good job connecting with the various group members. She was well-spoken and presented the content from a historical perspective, supported at several points by handouts to illustrate her point. The tour itself went around several areas significant to the A bomb, both modern and historical. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in learning about how the A bomb impacted Hiroshima, why Hiroshima was chosen for the first A bomb, and how the city remembers the event today.
Great informative tour with an excellent local guide.
Daydream39035182380,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour yesterday with our local guide. She was so passionate and informative and the tour covered everything we wanted - including a brief history lesson on why Japan joined the war and how Hiroshima came to be chosen as a target for the A bomb. Would thoroughly recommend this tour if this is what you are looking for.
A fantastic tour, and amazing emotional thought provoking couple of hours
Jodi J,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The walking tour of Hiroshima was lead by the gorgeous Emi! She was so full of knowledge and passion for sharing her personal history along with the details of the reasons for the bombing of Hiroshima (and Nagasaki) details of survivors, life after the bomb and the impacts that had on the environment and the lives of those who lived there. A deeply moving experience tinged with stories of survival and hope and the pursuit of peace, including the loud voice of children from all over the world. I could not recommend this enough. Thank you Localised Walking Tours and of course Emi
Excellent introduction to Hiroshima
FarAway42567223907,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Emmy was an excellent guide. She was engaging and high energy despite the heavy subject matter. She really knew the information. I really enjoyed this tour and look forward to more Localized tours. 5 stars for the guide.
Thomas is amazing!!
I7918MGcourtneys,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thomas was amazing and very informative. Loved his printed and laminated PowerPoint slides. I loved hearing about his love of the area and his personal story. Definitely worth doing!