Under construction Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall now Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall

Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (Atomic Bomb Dome): Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall—known worldwide as the Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Dome—stands as a haunting symbol of the devastation of August 6, 1945, when Hiroshima became the first city ever attacked with an atomic bomb. Originally designed in 1915 by Czech architect Jan Letzel, this building was nearly beneath the bomb’s hypocenter and, remarkably, its skeletal frame survived while the surrounding city was destroyed. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the Dome is an enduring call for peace and a reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons. This guide details Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall visiting hours, tickets, historical context, travel tips, nearby attractions, and how to plan a meaningful visit.

For up-to-date visitor information, consult the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum official website, Japan Guide, and Explore Hiroshima.

Historic postcard of Hiroshima Prefecture Product Exhibition at Hiroshima Prefecture Products Pavilion in 1915 showing original building now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Historic post card of Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition in 1915, featuring the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Pavilion now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Night view of Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall in 1915, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima City

Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima City

Hiroshima Prefectural Product Display Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

Interior view of the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, showing a display room with exhibits

Interior view of the exhibition room in Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, currently known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Traditional Japanese garden at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall now known as Atomic Bomb Dome

Western style garden at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, now Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Prefectural Product Exhibition Hall, now the Atomic Bomb Dome, historic building in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Prefectural Product Exhibition Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Prefecture Product Display Hall, now Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome)

Hiroshima Prefectural Product Exhibition Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Japan

Hiroshima Prefectural Product Exhibition Hall now known as Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

Aioi Bridge and Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, now the Atomic Bomb Dome, in Hiroshima City

Aioi Bridge and Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall (currently Atomic Bomb Dome) in Hiroshima City

View of Aioi Bridge, Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (Atomic Bomb Dome), and Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hiroshima City

Aioi Bridge and Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall with Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce buildings in Hiroshima city

Postcard of Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition held at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall (now Atomic Bomb Dome) in 1915

Aioi Bridge and Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) in Hiroshima City

Motoyasu Bridge and Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (Atomic Bomb Dome) in Hiroshima City

Hiroshima Prefectural Product Display Hall (current Atomic Bomb Dome) and Aioi Bridge viewed from Motoyasu Bridge

Historic postcard of the 1915 Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition held at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Display Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Entrance of the 4th National Confectionery and Candy Exhibition in 1921 at Hiroshima Prefecture Product Exhibition Hall (now Atomic Bomb Dome)

Historical image of Morinaga Cocoa Hall from the 4th National Confectionery and Candy Exhibition held in 1921 at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall

1921 Morinaga Confectionery booth at the 4th National Confectionery and Candy Exhibition held in Hiroshima Prefecture Product Exhibition Hall

Exhibition hall of the Shoko-kai oil painting exhibition held at Hiroshima Prefectural Product Exhibition Hall (Present-day Atomic Bomb Dome) in early Showa period

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) ruins of Hiroshima Commercial Museum building

Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the preserved ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome

Exterior view of Hiroshima Commercial Museum with modern architectural design

Nighttime photo of Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly Hall in 1921

Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in 1929 before atomic bombing

Motoyasu Bridge over river with Hiroshima Commercial Museum in background under clear sky

Construction of Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall building in early 20th century

1915 Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Display Hall, now Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall 1915

Scene from the 1915 Hiroshima Prefecture Products Exhibition held at Hiroshima Prefecture Products Exhibition Hall (now the Atomic Bomb Dome)

1915 exhibition of Hiroshima Prefecture products at Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, now Atomic Bomb Dome

Introduction
Historical Background
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
- Visiting Hours and Tickets
- Guided Tours and Special Events
Travel and Accessibility Tips
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Etiquette and Emotional Impact
FAQ
Conclusion

Historical Background

Origins and Early History

The building, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, was completed in 1915 and later renamed the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in 1933. Jan Letzel’s design incorporated Western architectural styles, making the hall a prominent landmark and hub for local industry and culture (Wikipedia).

Hiroshima’s Strategic Importance Before 1945

By the early 20th century, Hiroshima had developed as a military and economic hub. It housed army headquarters during World War II, and its infrastructure, including Ujina Port, contributed to its strategic value (Hiroshima Prefecture).

The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima

On August 6, 1945, the US B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb “Little Boy” over Hiroshima, with the Dome situated just 160 meters from the hypocenter. The blast instantly killed tens of thousands, with the death toll reaching 140,000 by the end of the year due to injuries and radiation (History Skills; Wikipedia). The building’s steel skeleton survived, and its preservation has become a symbol of both destruction and hope.

Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Atomic Bomb Dome: The Dome is an outdoor monument and accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. No ticket or reservation is required to visit or walk around the perimeter (Japan Guide; Any Travel Tips).
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Open typically from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (may vary seasonally), with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Admission fee is 200–500 yen depending on age group (Japan Guide).
Guided Tours: Free guided walking tours are often provided by Hiroshima Peace Volunteers. Audio guides are available for a small fee at the museum (Jasumo).

Best Times to Visit

Early Mornings & Evenings: Quieter and more contemplative, with softer light ideal for photography.
Peak Seasons: Weekends, midday, and cherry blossom season (mid-March to mid-April) are busier (Any Travel Tips).
August 6th: The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony draws large crowds and dignitaries; plan ahead if visiting on this day (Japan Guide).

Travel and Accessibility Tips

Getting There

From Hiroshima Station: Take tram line 2 (Miyajima Line) or line 6 (Eba Line) to Genbaku Dome-mae. The ride is about 15 minutes and costs 240 yen (Japan Guide; Trip to Japan).
By Bus: The Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) stops at the Peace Memorial Park area.

Accessibility

The park and Dome area are wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps (Dive! Hiroshima). Public restrooms and the museum are also barrier-free.

Parking

No dedicated lot at the Dome, but public parking is available nearby, including at the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Hall (Dive! Hiroshima).

On-Site Experience and Visitor Etiquette

What to Expect

The Dome is fenced off for preservation, but visitors can walk the perimeter and read multilingual information boards (Japan Guide; World Heritage Site).
The surrounding Peace Memorial Park contains many other memorials and is a tranquil space for reflection (Explore Hiroshima).

Conduct and Sensitivity

Speak quietly, avoid disruptive behavior, and be mindful when taking photos.
Leaving paper cranes is a common gesture of peace, inspired by Sadako Sasaki’s story (The Broke Backpacker).

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Moving exhibits, survivor testimonies, and artifacts (Japan Guide).
Children’s Peace Monument: Honoring Sadako Sasaki and child victims (Trip to Japan).
Memorial Cenotaph: Arched monument with the names of all known victims.
Peace Bell & Flame of Peace: Symbols of hope for nuclear disarmament.
Rest House: Café, tourist information, souvenir shop, and restrooms (Dive! Hiroshima).

Nearby, Hiroshima’s downtown offers a variety of restaurants, including those specializing in okonomiyaki.

Emotional Impact and Reflection

Standing before the Dome often evokes a profound sense of sorrow and contemplation about the past and the ongoing quest for peace. The site’s quiet atmosphere and the presence of survivors and students from around the world make this a powerful place for reflection (Japambience).

Special Events and Anniversaries

Peace Memorial Ceremony (August 6th): Annual event with speeches, a moment of silence at 8:15 AM, and the release of paper lanterns (Dive! Hiroshima).
Seasonal Highlights: Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and special exhibitions at the museum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need tickets to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome?
No, access is free and open 24/7. Tickets are only required for the museum.

What are the Atomic Bomb Dome visiting hours?
The Dome is accessible at all hours; the museum typically operates from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (seasonal variations apply).

Is the Dome wheelchair accessible?
Yes, as are the park and museum.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided walks and audio guides are available—check the official museum website for details.

When is the best time to visit for cherry blossoms?
Mid-March to mid-April.

How do I reach the Dome from Hiroshima Station?
Take tram lines 2 or 6 to Genbaku Dome-mae.

Can I take photographs at the Dome?
Yes, but please be respectful; some museum areas restrict photography.

Visuals and Maps

High-quality image suggestion: Atomic Bomb Dome at sunrise with the city skyline in the background.
Alt text: “Atomic Bomb Dome visiting hours at sunrise in Hiroshima historical site.”
Map suggestion: Route from JR Hiroshima Station to Genbaku Dome-mae.
Virtual tour suggestion: Embedded video of Peace Memorial Park and Dome.

Conclusion

The Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (Atomic Bomb Dome) is a vital destination for anyone seeking to understand the history and human cost of nuclear warfare. Open 24/7 and free to visit, the Dome and its surrounding park invite quiet reflection and offer a deeply moving experience. Whether you are interested in history, peace advocacy, or cultural heritage, planning your visit with respect and awareness—of both the site’s significance and practical details—ensures your time in Hiroshima is meaningful and memorable.

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