How long does it take to walk the Hiroshima architecture route?

This self-guided walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The total walking distance is approximately 3.5 kilometers, allowing for 15-30 minutes at each significant architectural stop.

Is the Hiroshima architecture walk accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, this walking route is very accessible. Hiroshima is a flat city with well-maintained, wide sidewalks, and all the modern stops like Orizuru Tower and the City Hall have elevator or ramp access.

Can I see A-bombed buildings on this walk?

Yes, you will see several 'Hibaku' buildings. These include the Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan and the 1928 wing of the Hiroshima City Hall, both of which survived the 1945 blast and were later restored.

What is the most famous modernist building in Hiroshima?

The Memorial Cathedral for World Peace (Assumption of Mary Cathedral) is considered a modernist masterpiece. Designed by Togo Murano and completed in 1954, it is one of the first post-war buildings in Japan to be designated an Important Cultural Property.

Is there an entry fee for the stops on this architecture walk?

The Former Bank of Japan and the Cathedral are generally free to enter, though donations are welcome. The Orizuru Tower observation deck and the Museum of History and Traditional Crafts require a modest admission fee.

When is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

The best time is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This ensures that the museums and the Bank of Japan are open, and the sunlight is best for photographing the building exteriors and the views from Orizuru Tower.

Are there places to eat along the walking route?

Yes, the route passes through central Hiroshima. You will find many cafes near the City Hall and the Orizuru Tower, as well as the Hondori shopping arcade which is famous for its variety of local restaurants.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Hiroshima is a city that rose from the ashes of 1945 with a unique architectural identity, blending the scars of the past with a visionary future. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the city's 'Modernist Rebirth,' a journey through the structures that defined its recovery. While many visitors focus solely on the Peace Memorial Park, the surrounding streets hold a wealth of design history, from heavy pre-war brickwork to the soaring, light-filled spaces of contemporary Japanese design. By following this walking route, you will see how the city transitioned from the rigid imperial styles of the early 20th century to the symbolic, humanist architecture of the post-war era. Starting at the Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts, you'll encounter a rare survivor of the atomic blast—a red-brick warehouse that showcases the Western-influenced industrial aesthetic of the Meiji era. As you move toward the city center, the landscape shifts. You will explore the Hiroshima City Hall, where the 1928 wing stands as a testament to administrative continuity, and the Former Bank of Japan, a robust classical structure that famously withstood the heat and pressure of the blast. These 'Hibaku' or A-bombed buildings serve as the foundation for the city's rebirth. This self-guided walk also highlights the innovative spirit of modern Hiroshima. You will experience the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, a 21st-century landmark designed by Hiroshi Sambuichi that offers a panoramic view of the changing skyline. The route concludes at the stunning Assumption of Mary Cathedral, also known as the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace. Designed by the legendary Togo Murano, this masterpiece of Japanese modernism uses exposed concrete and symbolic light to create a space of profound reflection. This architectural walking tour Hiroshima provides a deeper understanding of the city's soul, moving beyond the tragedy to celebrate its design-led resurrection. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this neighborhood stroll offers a quiet, contemplative way to experience the urban fabric of Hiroshima independently and at your own pace.

Highlights

Explore the rare Meiji-era red-brick Museum of History

See the 'Hibaku' (A-bombed) architectural details of the Former Bank of Japan

View the blend of old and new wings at the Hiroshima City Hall

Take in 360-degree urban views from the modern Orizuru Tower

Visit Togo Murano’s modernist masterpiece, the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace

Tour Stops (5)

Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts

Start exploring with Zigway at this striking red-brick building, originally constructed in 1911 as an Imperial Army provisions warehouse. This structure is a rare example of the Western-influenced industrial architecture that flourished in Japan during the Meiji era. While much of Hiroshima was leveled in 1945, this sturdy warehouse survived due to its distance from the hypocenter and its thick masonry walls. Today, it serves as a museum, but the building itself is the primary artifact. Notice the rhythmic arched windows and the decorative brickwork, which represent a time when Hiroshima was a major military and industrial hub. It sets the stage for our walk, representing the 'old' Hiroshima that refused to disappear.

Hiroshima City Hall

As you arrive at Hiroshima City Hall, you are looking at a bridge between eras. The original building was completed in 1928, featuring a grand, neo-classical facade that reflected the civic pride of the pre-war period. During the atomic bombing, the interior was gutted by fire, but the reinforced concrete shell remained standing. In the post-war years, rather than demolishing the ruin, the city integrated it into a modern administrative complex. Look for the contrast between the heavy stone-clad lower levels of the old wing and the functionalist glass and steel of the newer additions. It is a physical manifestation of the city's resilience and its pragmatic approach to rebuilding.

Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan

This 1936 structure is one of the most significant architectural survivors in the city. Located only 380 meters from the hypocenter, its exceptionally sturdy construction—designed to protect the city's wealth—saved it from total destruction. The building is a prime example of the 'Show-style' classical architecture, with massive granite columns and a heavy cornice. Step inside to see the high ceilings and elegant ironwork that were meticulously restored. The bank resumed operations just two days after the bombing, making it a powerful symbol of the city's immediate determination to return to normalcy. It stands today as a gallery and a quiet monument to the strength of pre-war engineering.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

For a shift into contemporary design, we visit the Orizuru Tower, completed in 2016. Designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Sambuichi, this building is a masterclass in 'environmental architecture.' Sambuichi is known for using natural airflow and light rather than heavy machinery to regulate his buildings. The 'Hiroshima Hills' observation deck at the top is constructed entirely of wood and is open to the elements, allowing you to feel the breeze and hear the sounds of the city. The tower’s facade features a glass-enclosed 'Orizuru Wall' where visitors can drop paper cranes. It represents the 21st-century face of Hiroshima: transparent, airy, and deeply connected to the surrounding urban landscape.

Assumption of Mary Cathedral (Memorial Cathedral for World Peace)

We conclude our walking route at one of Japan's most important post-war religious buildings. Completed in 1954, this cathedral was designed by Togo Murano, a giant of Japanese modernism. Murano chose to use exposed concrete and brick, but he softened the Brutalist edges with traditional Japanese motifs, such as the phoenix ornaments on the roof. The interior is a cathedral of light; the stained glass windows were gifts from various nations, symbolizing international reconciliation. The building was one of the first post-war structures in Japan to be designated an Important Cultural Property. It serves as a soaring finale to our tour, embodying the peace and modernist vision that defined Hiroshima's rebirth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Modernist Rebirth' route is highly recommended for architecture enthusiasts. It covers a unique range of styles, from the 1911 Meiji-era brickwork of the Museum of History to the 2016 sustainable design of the Orizuru Tower, focusing on how the city’s design reflects its recovery.