Geography of Hiroshima
Hiroshima, Japan, the capital of Hiroshima prefecture and one of the nation's largest cities. It is near the western tip of Honshu island on the Ota River and the Inland Sea. Hiroshima is a transportation hub and an industrial center producing ships, motor vehicles, machinery, and processed foods. Cultural attractions include Hiroshima Castle (1593) and Shukkeien Garden (1620).
Hiroshima grew around Hiroshima Castle and remained under the control of feudal lords until the Meiji Restoration in 1869. By the 1890's a port had been built and a railway had reached the city. Rapid industrialization occurred after 1900. By the time of World War II, Hiroshima was the seventh largest city in Japan.
On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb used in warfare was exploded over Hiroshima. Estimates of persons killed ranged from about 68,000 to more than 200,000. Most of the city was destroyed. Memorials include a museum and the gutted framework of the Industrial Exhibition Hall. Hiroshima was rebuilt rapidly.
Population: 1,126,282.