What Happened After the Atomic Bomb. The Story of Hiroshima

On August 6, 1945, the world changed forever. The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, turning the city into a scene of devastation. Yet, amidst the destruction, one structure stood tall, scarred but unbroken. The Atomic Bomb Dome, now known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, a lasting symbol of both destruction and resilience.

The Atomic Bomb Dome

At 8:15 AM, the bomb exploded approximately 600 meters above the city, with a force equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT. In an instant, around 140,000 lives were lost. The blast wiped out nearly everything, yet the skeletal remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome miraculously remained standing. The reason? The bomb detonated almost directly above the building, and the downward force of the explosion left the structure’s framework intact.

Today, the Atomic Bomb Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rather than being restored, it has been preserved in its ruined state as a stark reminder of the horrors of war. Standing before it, you can’t help but feel the weight of history pressing upon you.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) stands as a stark reminder of the atomic bombing.

Walking Through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Just a short distance from the Atomic Bomb Dome is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a solemn space dedicated to the memory of the victims. Walking through the park, you’ll find monuments, memorials, and inscriptions echoing the powerful message: “No More Hiroshimas.”

One of the most touching spots is the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia due to radiation exposure. In her final days, she folded paper cranes in the hope of recovery. Today, visitors from around the world continue her legacy, leaving thousands of colorful paper cranes as a symbol of peace and hope.

The Children’s Peace Monument, a symbol of hope and remembrance.

Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Perhaps the most emotional part of any visit to Hiroshima is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Through belongings left behind by the victims, heartbreaking stories, and haunting exhibits, the museum offers a sobering glimpse into the immediate and long-term effects of nuclear war.

Reading personal letters, seeing charred clothing, and learning about the lives lost is an experience that lingers. One particular story moved me to tears, making me reflect deeply on the impact of war and the importance of peace.

Visitors observe a detailed scale model of Hiroshima, with a video reproduction of what happened when the bomb was dropped.

A Journey That Stays With You

Visiting Hiroshima is not just about history, it’s about understanding humanity’s resilience and the urgent need to prevent such devastation from happening again. As I stood in the Peace Memorial Park, reflecting on the stories I had learned, I felt a renewed sense of hope that history’s darkest moments can teach us valuable lessons.

This is a destination that will move you in ways few places can. If you’d like to explore Hiroshima and its powerful message of peace, book your next tour to Japan with AVG Travels here.