“Koujinbashi Bridge. A name whispered by the wind, a bridge etched in time.” Right here, spanning the Ota River, stands Koujinbashi Bridge. It’s a quiet sentinel. It has witnessed Hiroshima’s heart both break and heal. Koujinbashi Bridge isn’t just a crossing. It’s a survivor, a symbol of resilience. This dual-purpose road and rail bridge, built in 1939, holds a unique place in Hiroshima’s history. It is one of the few bridges that withstood the atomic blast. Koujinbashi Bridge, with its reinforced concrete structure, stood firm even as the world around it crumbled on August 6, 1945. The bomb detonated approximately 1.9 kilometers away. The bridge suffered damage, but did not collapse. It became a vital escape route. Countless survivors fled across its sturdy frame towards the designated evacuation point in Higashi Senda. The bridge bore witness to the horrors of that day, the searing heat, the deafening roar, the desperate scramble for safety. Yet, in the face of devastation, Koujinbashi Bridge remained a steadfast beacon of hope. Even today, Koujinbashi Bridge continues to serve Hiroshima. It carries road traffic and the city’s electric railway. It stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit. Koujinbashi Bridge. A bridge that connects not just two riverbanks but also the past and the present. A bridge that whispers a story of survival and hope. It reminds us of the strength of the human spirit.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the