Aioi Bridge e panorami verso fiume e bomb dome
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Aioi Bridge

4.4
·213 reviews·Hiroshima, Japan

A T-shaped bridge in Hiroshima, the intended aiming point for the atomic bomb, now a symbol of peace and resilience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful reflection

CrowdLow
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Aioi Bridge e panorami verso fiume e bomb dome

Aioi Bridge

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A T-shaped bridge in Hiroshima, the intended aiming point for the atomic bomb, now a symbol of peace and resilience.

4.4
(213 reviews)

"An unremarkable bridge noted for being the aiming point for the world’s first atomic bomb used in warfare."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Walk the Bridge

Stroll across the T-shaped bridge and imagine its historical significance. Connects directly to Peace Memorial Park.

📸 Capture the Unique Shape

The T-shape is visually striking. Get different angles from the riverbanks for the best photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The T-Shaped Structure

The T-Shaped Structure

Ota River

A unique three-way bridge, its distinctive shape made it a visual landmark for the atomic bombing.

Symbol of Resilience

Symbol of Resilience

Peace Memorial Park

Reconstructed after the war, it stands as a testament to Hiroshima's enduring spirit and a reminder of peace.

Historical Aiming Point

Historical Aiming Point

Ota River

The bridge was the intended target for the atomic bomb, a stark historical fact that resonates deeply.

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Planning Your Visit

Understanding Its Significance

The Aioi Bridge, with its distinctive T-shape, was the intended aiming point for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. While the bomb detonated slightly off-target, the bridge remains a powerful symbol of the event and the city's resilience. Visiting offers a profound connection to history.

Timing Your Visit

To best absorb the atmosphere and reflect on the history, consider visiting during quieter times. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more contemplative experience, allowing you to appreciate the bridge's context within the Peace Memorial Park without large crowds.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Aioi Bridge, the intended target for the Little Boy 💣 dropped on Hiroshima on Aug 6th, 1945. *Little Boy detonated 43 seconds after being dropped, for those curious. #history #historytok #wwii #worldwar2 #war #militaryhistory #japan #USHistory #hiroshima
@yourhistorygal
48.8K likes • 981.9K views

🚶 Walk the Bridge

Stroll across the T-shaped bridge and imagine its historical significance. Connects directly to Peace Memorial Park. Reddit

📸 Capture the Unique Shape

The T-shape is visually striking. Get different angles from the riverbanks for the best photos. Instagram

reddit.com

Aioi Bridge, unusual "T"-shaped three-way bridge in Hiroshima, Japan. The original bridge, constructed in 1932, was the aiming point for the 1945 Hiroshima atom bomb because its shape was easily recognized from the air. [1600x900]

reddit.com

Aerial view of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bombing on August 6th, 1945

📍 Connect to Peace Park

The bridge is a gateway to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it a natural starting point for your visit. Reddit

🤔 Reflect on History

Take a moment to consider its role as the intended target of the atomic bomb. TikTok

reddit.com

Hiroshima 75 years ago

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Walk the Bridge

Stroll across the T-shaped bridge and imagine its historical significance. Connects directly to Peace Memorial Park. Reddit

📸 Capture the Unique Shape

The T-shape is visually striking. Get different angles from the riverbanks for the best photos. Instagram

📍 Connect to Peace Park

The bridge is a gateway to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it a natural starting point for your visit. Reddit

🤔 Reflect on History

Take a moment to consider its role as the intended target of the atomic bomb. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(213 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Aioi Bridge to be a significant historical landmark, noting its unique T-shape and its role as the intended target of the atomic bomb. While the bridge itself is a reconstruction, its symbolic importance is deeply felt, especially when viewed in conjunction with the Peace Memorial Park. Some find it an unremarkable structure physically, but acknowledge its profound historical weight.

"The Aioi-bashi Bridge was rebuilt in 1932, and in 1934, its central section was extended to the northern point of Nakajima (now the northern point of Peace Memorial Park), resulting in its unique T-shape. Immediately to the south were the two original wooden Aioi-bashi Bridges which spanned east to west. In the short period of time until they were taken down, the Aioi-bashi Bridge looked rather like the letter H."

Supakorn Jaroenwongtrakoon

"This is the view from the bridge. The bridge is an unusual T-shaped three-way bridge that connects to the Peace Memorial Park. Since the bridge was so easily recognisable from the sky, and been in the center of the city, it was used by the bomber plane as the visual aiming point for the atomic bomb back in 1945."

V L

"An unremarkable bridge noted for being the aiming point for the world’s first atomic bomb used in warfare… an aiming point that was ultimately missed."

Shadow Banned

What People Like

Unique T-shape
Historical significance
Symbol of peace

What People Dislike

Physically unremarkable

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aioi Bridge is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a tram (streetcar) to the 'Aioi-bashi' stop, which is right by the bridge. It's also a short walk from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it convenient to combine visits. Reddit

Yes, the Aioi Bridge is located adjacent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and is a short walk from the Peace Memorial Museum. It's a central point in the area. Reddit

While you can drive near the bridge, parking in the immediate vicinity of the Peace Memorial Park can be limited and costly. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting Aioi Bridge itself is free as it's a public bridge. Access to the surrounding Peace Memorial Park is also free. Reddit

Aioi Bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's a public thoroughfare. However, the surrounding Peace Memorial Park has specific opening hours. Reddit

There is no admission fee for Aioi Bridge or the main areas of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Some museums within the park may have separate entrance fees. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Aioi Bridge, with its distinctive T-shape, was the intended aiming point for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. Though the bomb detonated slightly off-target, the bridge remains a powerful symbol of the event and the city's resilience. TikTokReddit

From the bridge, you can see the Ota River, the surrounding Peace Memorial Park, and various monuments. It offers a central perspective of the area. Reddit

Yes, the unique T-shape of the bridge makes it a visually interesting subject for photography. Capturing it from different angles, especially with the park in the background, is popular. Instagram

You can walk across the bridge in a few minutes. However, to truly appreciate its context and explore the adjacent Peace Memorial Park, plan for at least 1-2 hours. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the Aioi Bridge serves as an important historical lesson. While the subject matter is sensitive, it can be approached in an age-appropriate manner. The bridge's unique T-shape is visually interesting for children, and it provides a clear connection to the Peace Memorial Park. Reddit Consider focusing on the themes of peace and resilience when discussing the bridge's history. The park itself offers open spaces for children to move around, and the nearby museums can provide further context. Ensure to prepare children for the sensitive nature of the exhibits in the Peace Memorial Museum.

🚶 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors

Solo travelers will find the Aioi Bridge to be a deeply moving and reflective experience. Its historical significance as the intended target of the atomic bomb offers a profound point of contemplation. TikTokReddit Visiting during quieter times, like early mornings, allows for a more personal connection with the site. The bridge's proximity to the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome makes it an integral part of a thoughtful itinerary. Take your time to stand on the bridge, observe the river, and consider the immense history it represents.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Aioi Bridge's Historical Context

The Aioi Bridge (相生橋, Aioi-bashi) is a T-shaped bridge that spans the Ota River in Hiroshima, Japan. Its unique design, completed in 1932, made it a prominent landmark. Tragically, this very visibility led to its designation as the primary aiming point for the B-29 bomber 'Enola Gay' on August 6, 1945. The atomic bomb, codenamed 'Little Boy,' was intended to detonate directly above the bridge. TikTokReddit

However, due to factors such as wind drift and the bomb's detonation altitude, the actual hypocenter was approximately 800 meters south-southwest of the bridge. Despite missing its precise target, the bridge sustained significant damage and became an enduring symbol of the devastation. The bridge was later reconstructed, and today it stands as a poignant reminder of the past and a testament to Hiroshima's commitment to peace. Reddit

Visiting the Aioi Bridge offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in history. Standing on its structure, one can reflect on the events of that fateful day and the subsequent rebirth of the city. It serves as a crucial starting point for understanding the broader narrative of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Experiencing the Aioi Bridge Today

Modern visitors will find the Aioi Bridge to be a well-maintained and accessible structure. Its distinctive T-shape is immediately recognizable and offers unique photographic opportunities from various vantage points along the riverbanks and within the adjacent Peace Memorial Park. Instagram Many visitors describe walking across the bridge as a chilling yet important experience, providing a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the bustling city. Reddit

The bridge seamlessly connects the city to the solemn grounds of the Peace Memorial Park, which includes the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum. It's common for visitors to start their exploration of the park from the Aioi Bridge, using it as a reference point. The area around the bridge is generally peaceful, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, allowing for a more personal reflection on its historical significance. Reddit

While the bridge itself is a historical marker, its true impact is felt when viewed in the context of the surrounding memorial. The contrast between the modern, functional bridge and the profound history it represents is a powerful element of the visitor experience. It's a place where history is not just read about, but felt.

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