Why The Bomb Was Dropped Walk

Overview

This two hour thirty minute walking tour, run by Localized Walking & Food Tours, sets out to explain the history behind the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Rather than simply walking past memorials, the guide builds a narrative around the decisions and events that led to the bomb being dropped, giving the sites their context. Groups are capped at a maximum of 15 travellers.

The meeting point is Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, where the guide waits near the Torii Gate by the main hall. From there the walk finishes at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, ending in front of the museum building. The route between those two points is covered on foot, so participants should be prepared to spend the full duration standing and walking.

All fees and taxes are included in the price. The tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and surfaces along the way are described in the listing as wheelchair accessible. It suits travellers who want a grounded historical account of Hiroshima rather than a general sightseeing stroll, and the listing states that most travellers can participate.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Gokoku ShrineMeet the guide at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, in front of the Torii Gate near the main hall. The listing warns that some map apps misroute travellers to the end point, so it advises checking the meeting point on a smartphone app.
2. Guided history walkThe guided walk runs for two hours and thirty minutes, covering the history behind the atomic bombing. The listing does not publish a stop by stop itinerary.
3. Finish at Peace Memorial MuseumThe tour ends in front of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum on Nakajimacho. From here travellers continue on their own.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from reviewers will help travellers prepare for this walk.

• On your feet. The tour lasts two hours and thirty minutes and reviewers describe it as a walking tour spent largely on foot. One reviewer noted the time on your feet is considerable but worthwhile. Comfortable shoes are a sensible choice.
• Asking questions. The group is limited to a maximum of 15 travellers. Several reviewers mention asking the guide questions during the walk and getting thorough answers, so bring any historical queries along.
• Bring water. Bottled water is listed as not included. Carry your own, especially in warm weather.
• Weather matters. The listing states the experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor weather, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund, so have some flexibility in mind.
• Getting there. The meeting point is near public transportation, according to the listing. Note the warning that some app routing sends travellers to the end point instead of the shrine.
• Accessibility. The listing states the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, that transportation and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and that service animals are allowed. Most travellers can participate.

Common issues. The listing gives no stop by stop itinerary, so travellers hoping for a published route will not find one. Bottled water is not included. The tour requires good weather and will be rescheduled or refunded if cancelled for that reason, and any cancellation by the traveller less than 24 hours before the start time receives no refund. One reviewer found the length of time spent standing demanding, so anyone with limited stamina should plan for that.

Common Questions