Located in Dobashi-cho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, the Honkawa Public Restroom is one of the few surviving structures from the atomic bombing. Remarkably, it is the only public restroom officially registered as a bombed building. Situated along the old Ota River (Honkawa) across from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this small structure holds a powerful story of survival and history.
History and Atomic Bomb Impact
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The exact year of construction and builder are unknown, but the restroom is a reinforced concrete structure measuring approximately 11.57 m².
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Located about 480 meters from the bomb’s hypocenter, it became a gathering point for people seeking water during the aftermath. Historical records mention that children and adults congregated around the washbasins, tragically with some not surviving.
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Although owned by the city in 1965, the building was not recognized as a bombed structure for decades.
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In 2015, a local civic group identified the building in historical U.S. military footage and confirmed its status. Later that year, the city officially registered it as a bombed building.
Preservation and Challenges
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The Ota River system has ongoing river improvement plans for flood and storm surge prevention. Construction or relocation may affect the site, but as of now, the exact timeline is undetermined.
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Authorities may require relocation or temporary movement to preserve the building during future riverbank construction.
Why Visitors Should See It
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The Honkawa Public Restroom, like the Atomic Bomb Dome, is a rare surviving structure offering insight into Hiroshima’s history.
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While it appears as a simple public restroom, it symbolizes the lives affected by the bombing and the struggle for survival.
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Visitors are encouraged to observe quietly and reflect on the historical significance, appreciating a piece of Hiroshima that is often overlooked.
