Gokoku Shrine, Hiroshima
Gokoku Shrine is a place of deep historical and cultural significance. Its origins can be traced back to the early days of the Meiji period, as it was originally established in 1868 in Futabanosato Hiroshima. The shrine was built to honor and mourn the victims of the Boshin War, a pivotal conflict that marked the end of the samurai era and the beginning of Japan's modernization.
In 1934, the shrine underwent a significant change as it was dismantled and relocated to its current location, where the Hiroshima Municipal Stadium now stands. This move was followed by a renaming, and the shrine became known as the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine in 1939. Its name "Gokoku" signifies its role as a protector of the nation and its people.
Tragically, the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine fell victim to the horrors of the atomic bombing in 1945. The devastating impact of the bombing destroyed the shrine and left behind a landscape of destruction and sorrow.
Despite the immense challenges faced by the city in the aftermath of the bombing, the citizens of Hiroshima remained determined to rebuild and preserve their cultural heritage. With the aid of generous donations from the local community, the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine was reconstructed within the grounds of Hiroshima Castle in 1965. This momentous effort not only restored the shrine to its former glory but also served as a symbol of hope and resilience for the city and its people.
Today, the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine stands as a cherished place of worship and reflection. It holds a special place in the hearts of the residents, making it one of the most popular sites for celebrating important traditional ceremonies such as Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, and Shichi-Go-San, a celebration of children's growth and well-being.
In 1934, the shrine underwent a significant change as it was dismantled and relocated to its current location, where the Hiroshima Municipal Stadium now stands. This move was followed by a renaming, and the shrine became known as the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine in 1939. Its name "Gokoku" signifies its role as a protector of the nation and its people.
Tragically, the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine fell victim to the horrors of the atomic bombing in 1945. The devastating impact of the bombing destroyed the shrine and left behind a landscape of destruction and sorrow.
Despite the immense challenges faced by the city in the aftermath of the bombing, the citizens of Hiroshima remained determined to rebuild and preserve their cultural heritage. With the aid of generous donations from the local community, the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine was reconstructed within the grounds of Hiroshima Castle in 1965. This momentous effort not only restored the shrine to its former glory but also served as a symbol of hope and resilience for the city and its people.
Today, the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine stands as a cherished place of worship and reflection. It holds a special place in the hearts of the residents, making it one of the most popular sites for celebrating important traditional ceremonies such as Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, and Shichi-Go-San, a celebration of children's growth and well-being.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hiroshima. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Gokoku Shrine on Map
Sight Name: Gokoku Shrine
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hiroshima, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Hiroshima
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hiroshima is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a solemn testament to one of the darkest chapters in human history. This park is a haunting reminder of the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare during World War II. Its grounds, marked by heart-wrenching attractions, bear witness to the immense suffering and loss that occurred on August 6, 1945.
Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hiroshima Introduction Walking Tour
Tucked away within the contours of Japan's southwestern expanse, the green and picturesque city of Hiroshima emerges as a profound testament to history's arc and an unwavering beacon of hope for a world united in harmony.
Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles