The torii gate at Sanno Shrine was located approximately 900 meters from the atomic bomb's hypocenter when it detonated on August 9, 1945. The massive blast completely destroyed the right pillar of the gate and half of the crossbeam, leaving only the left pillar and partial upper structure standing. Despite the devastation and its seemingly unstable condition, this remaining half has stood for nearly 80 years without collapsing, defying initial expectations that it would fall.
The half-destroyed torii has been intentionally preserved in its damaged state as a historical monument and testament to the atomic bombing's destructive power. Japanese authorities determined that maintaining the gate as it survived the blast serves as a more powerful memorial than restoration would. The structure has been monitored and stabilized when necessary to prevent collapse, but its appearance remains unchanged to honor its significance as an authentic witness to the events of 1945.
Yes, Sanno Shrine remains an active place of worship and is open to the public free of charge. Visitors can walk through the grounds, approach the damaged torii gate, and view it from multiple angles. The shrine continues to function as a religious site where locals come to pray, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers and maintain appropriate decorum. The four surviving camphor trees that were also damaged in the blast can be seen throughout the grounds.
From Nagasaki Station, take the Nagasaki streetcar Akasako Line (Route 3) heading toward Akasako and get off at Matsuyama-machi Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. From the station, the shrine is about a 5-minute walk through a residential neighborhood. The shrine is also within 800 meters of the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, making it easy to visit multiple memorial sites in one trip.
Sanno Shrine is less internationally famous than the main Peace Park and museum, which means it typically receives fewer tourists and offers a quieter, more intimate experience. While the Peace Park attracts large crowds, the shrine provides a more contemplative atmosphere for reflection. Many visitors to Nagasaki focus primarily on the central memorial sites and miss the shrine, but those who make the short detour often find it to be one of the most emotionally powerful atomic bomb remnants in the city due to its authentic, unrestored condition.
