The Ōta River. It flows calmly now, a ribbon of silver reflecting the Hiroshima sky. But can you imagine the chaos, the utter devastation that unfolded along its banks on August 6, 1945? The Ōta River, with its seven tributaries, has always been the lifeblood of Hiroshima. It nurtured the city, bringing trade and prosperity. But on that fateful day, it became a tragic witness to the horrors of the atomic bomb. Imagine the once vibrant Motoyanagi-machi district, bustling with textile wholesalers, inns, and clinics, now reduced to rubble. Picture the countless victims seeking solace in the river’s cool waters, only to find more suffering. The Ōta River, once a source of life, bore silent witness to the immense loss. Even today, as you stand before the tranquil waters of the Ōta River, remember the past. Remember the resilience of Hiroshima, a city reborn from ashes, and let the river’s peaceful flow serve as a constant reminder of the importance of peace.
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