Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a city in western Japan, has transformed itself since the 1945 atomic bombing. Today, you can walk through the Peace Memorial Park, climb the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle, and savor the city's signature dish, okonomiyaki. A short ferry ride from the city, you'll find Miyajima Island with its iconic torii gate standing in the sea.

Local Cuisine

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a must-try local dish. Unlike its Osaka counterpart, chefs prepare Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in layers. They cook the ingredients - typically cabbage, pork, noodles, and egg - on a hot griddle and top it with a savory sauce. You'll find many okonomiyaki restaurants in the city, particularly in the Okonomimura building, which houses dozens of okonomiyaki stalls.

Hiroshima Castle

Also known as Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle dates back to the 1590s. After its destruction in 1945, the city rebuilt it in 1958 using original construction methods. Inside, you'll find a museum detailing Hiroshima's pre-World War II history. Climb to the top floor for a view of the surrounding city.

Miyajima Island

A 10-minute ferry ride takes you to Miyajima Island, home to the famous torii gate that seems to float on water during high tide. On the island, you can visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, take the ropeway or hike to the top of Mount Misen. As you explore, you'll likely encounter the island's resident deer, which roam freely among visitors.

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

The Peace Memorial Park now stands where Hiroshima's downtown district once bustled with activity. After 1945, the city transformed this area into a space for peace memorials. As you walk through the park, you'll see several monuments, including the Peace Flame and the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims. In the Peace Memorial Museum, you can learn about Hiroshima's history and the development of nuclear weapons. The museum displays personal items left by victims, photographs, and other artifacts that show the impact of the atomic bombing.

Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome, formerly the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, is one of the few structures left standing near the bomb's hypocenter. Its remaining framework serves as a stark reminder of the atomic bomb's destructive power. In 1996, UNESCO added this structure to its World Heritage list. At night, lights illuminate the dome, allowing you to see it from a new angle.

Getting Around

You can easily navigate Hiroshima using its public transportation system. The Hiroshima Electric Railway, or Hiroden, runs streetcars that cover most of the city center. For longer trips, you can use JR trains or buses. Many central attractions, including the Peace Memorial Park, are within walking distance of each other. To visit Miyajima, take a JR train to Miyajimaguchi station and then board a ferry to the island.