Old Bank of Japan (Hiroshima Branch)

Located right in the centre of the city of Hiroshima, the Old Bank of Japan is a structure that still bears the gross scars of the atomic bombing. Established in its present location in the year 1936, it stands very close to Ground Zero, a mere 400 m to be precise. However, owing to its exceptionally strong foundation including the strict anti-earthquake measures known during the time, the building survived most of the damages caused by the ‘Little Boy’ unlike the other establishments around it. It was only the third floor of the bank that was ravaged by fires immediately after the explosion. The most remarkable is the fact that just two days after the attack, the bank opened its doors for people to conduct withdrawals and even served as a temporary home for other banks that were rendered out of service. It sought to reconstruct Hiroshima financially and continues to do so.
An embodiment of the historical buildings of Hiroshima, the classical appearance of the Old Bank has made it one of the most important cultural properties of the city. It is now used to hold events and engages in a plethora of preservation projects. There is no entrance fee for visitors and you are free to walk around the underground vaults, the offices and the lobby although the experience can be a tad bit sad.