From a peaceful spot along the Yahata River, gaze upon Kankōbashi Bridge. It gracefully connects the city to Miyajima, an island of breathtaking beauty. Kankōbashi Bridge, completed in November 1937, draws its name from the “Kankō Dōro,” or “sightseeing road.” This road, stretching from Koi to Miyajima, inspired the bridge’s moniker. The bridge stands approximately 2,560 meters from the hypocenter of the atomic bomb blast. Remarkably, Kankōbashi Bridge survived the devastating explosion with minimal damage. This makes it a poignant testament to resilience and a silent witness to history. Imagine the scene in 1945. People fleeing the devastation used this very bridge as an escape route. Kankōbashi Bridge became a lifeline, offering a path to safety amidst unimaginable chaos. The bridge’s sturdy construction, with its steel-reinforced concrete, withstood the blast’s immense force. Today, Kankōbashi Bridge stands not only as a functional pathway but also as a symbol of hope and survival. As you cross the bridge, remember the stories it holds, stories of escape, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Hiroshima.
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