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Fukuromachi Elementary School was located near the epicenter of the atomic bomb. Most of the school was made of wood, so it was all destroyed, but a small part made of concrete survived the blast. Most of the students died, because they were playing in the schoolyard at the time. Only a few students who had been slow to put on their shoes to go outside survived.
Since the situation in the city was so dire and there were so few buildings left standing, the school was turned into a makeshift hospital to treat victims. They used the chalkboards to write about patients. People also came looking for family members and wrote messages to them in case they (or someone who knows where they are) came and they could reunite. They also wrote death messages so that people would know if their loved ones were dead.
The building has been converted into a museum. In the basement there are artifacts found in the schoolyard and accounts from the surviving students as well as a video with English subtitles. They have also preserved portions of the wall that still has writing from the atomic bomb (names and messages).
This museum with the artifacts, information, and video is WELL WORTH it and will enhance any visit to the Peace Museum. Entrance is free.
Written Sep 5, 2012
Phone: 082-541-5345
Parts of Honkawa Elementary School withstood the atomic bomb, so it served as the school for local children in the area (including those who had previously attended other schools that no longer existed) from February 13, 1946, just 6 months after the bombing.
Today, a new school has been built however, they have preserved part of the old school that survived the blast. It is now a museum. Inside there are some artifacts taken from the schoolyard. Although it is a small museum, it is still interesting to be able to enter one of the surviving structures. This school was also featured in the famous atomic bomb comic, "Barefoot Gen".
Entrance is free.
Written Aug 26, 2012
Address: 1-5-39 Honkawa-cho, Naka-ku
Phone: 082-232-3431
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Everyone who travels to Hiroshima goes to Peace Park, and one of the most inspiring monuments is that of Sadako Sasaki, the little girl who folded the paper cranes in hopes of recovering from leukemia, but sadly died.
For those who are particularly moved by Sadako's story, you may be interested in taking a walk by Nobori-cho Middle School. This is the elementary school that young Sadako attended until she was hospitalized in 1954 with leukemia, never again to return to school, although she received a diploma from her elementary school and was enrolled in junior high. In front of the school, there is a memorial statue of Sadako. Children still attend the school today.
(the website links to Sadako's life story)
Updated Aug 25, 2012
Website: http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/virtual/VirtualMuseum_e/exhibit_e/exh0107_e/exh01071_e.html
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Its a good idea to come to this lively shopping street "Hondori Douri" (Hondori Street) especially after visiting the atomic bomb site as normal persons become a little bit sad, depressed and shocked. The street runs from the east of the Peace Memorial (cross the bridge) and runs 2 blocks until Parco Shopping Mall. Its interesting to see so many different items- modern and traditional - are available for buying or just watching.
Updated Dec 1, 2010
For shopping and food options, Hondori Street is a lively spot. It is a pedestrian arcade closed to traffic. It is fun to watch people going in and out of the arcade. You can find many shops and restaurants as well as some department stores nearby.
Updated Oct 11, 2009
Address: Hondori Street
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The Memorial Cathedral for World Peace was built in 1954 by Reverend Hugo Lassalle, who's church was destroyed by the atomic bomb. He himself nearly died. He actually travelled to Vatican City to meet with the Pope and the Pope funded the building of his church in Hiroshima as a symbol of peace, hope, and love for the victims of Hiroshima, as well as the survivors. Pope John Paul II visited this church in 1981 and gave his famous Appeal for Peace.
Today, the church is still there, and it is not only a tourist attraction. You can attend Mass there. Most of the services are in Japanese, but they do have Sunday Mass in Portuguese at 11:00 am and in English at 2:30 pm. The church is a great historical experience, and if you happen to be Catholic, you can experience history AND attend Sunday Mass at the same time! Of course, even for those who are not Christian, attending a church service in Japanese may be an interesting experience! I attended Mass here. The church architecture is interesting and the Mass was very nice!
English brochures about the Church are available inside, and because it is a church, entry is free.
Written Jan 6, 2009
Address: Catholic Church Noboricho 4-42 Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Phone: 082-221-0621
Website: http://www.nobori-cho-catholic.com/
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99% of tourists come to Hiroshima to see the WW2 museums of ground zero and the atomic bomb. While those are inspiring and worth the visit, few people take in the city itself. I highly recommend simply taking a couple hours and wondering the back streets and alleys. While you wonder deep enough to get lost, and then find your way again, you can see the daily life of the city and people, as well as find a few treasures such as old temples and ancient river bridges.
Updated Jun 15, 2008
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It was a sunny day and it was nice to see several musicians around the city singing some nice tunes. Often they would sing in Japanese, however you can still admire the harmony. Like many starving artists around the world, youthful kids looking for there big break are all over the city!
Toss them a couple hundred YEN and enjoy the day!
Updated Jun 19, 2007
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Hiroshima is where some of the world's finest edible oysters are cultivated. Their texture and flavour is said to be unrivalled. You should see the plantations and taste some oysters while you're here!
Updated Jun 18, 2007
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Found that Japan has some of the most beautiful postcards and stamps.
So why not take some time and write a few postcards from Japan while you are there.
Your family and friends will enjoy receiving them for sure.
Postage of postcard to Malaysia: 70 yen
Written Dec 21, 2006
Website: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/
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