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Hiroshima

Hiroshima

For most people, Hiroshima brings to mind a horrible event. The name of the city will always be associated with the launch of the first atomic bomb on an inhabited city on August 6, 1945, by the United States of America.

The Hiroshima Peace Museum is there so that this tragedy will not be forgotten and the flame of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial will be lit there until all nuclear weapons are eradicated from the planet.

But despite its dark past, Hiroshima surprises with its liveliness and energy. What we might think of as a depressing place full of resentment is actually a vibrant city with a lot of will to live.

 

What to do in Hiroshima

There is so much to do in and around Hiroshima. From visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, and the dome where the atomic bomb fell, to Hatchobori and Kamiyacho, which are like downtown Hiroshima where you can buy all kinds of things and taste local specialties such as the famous Hiroshima Okonomiyakis, different from Osaka's Okonomiyakis. There are also many temples and various tourist attractions in and around Hiroshima.

Hiroshima points of interest

In Hiroshima there are several points of interest and they are not limited to the interior of the city. For example, a few kilometres away you can admire the island of Miyajima and its famous Torii bathed by the sea.

Both inside and outside the city, we have the following points of interest:

  1. Hiroshima Peace Museum - A museum that is quite impressive. It tells the story of the whole process that led to the decision to drop the bomb and addresses the nuclear effects not only on Hiroshima but on the world as well. It has many artefacts and belongings of people who were hit by the bomb.
  2. Shukkei-en - A garden built in 1620 for the Daimyo Asano Nagaakira, it was inspired by the west side in Hangzhou, China. Its name means “contracted vision” because it tries to recreate great views in miniature.
  3. Hiroshima Castle - Or Hiroshima-jô as it is known locally, was built in 1590 and rebuilt in 1958 after being reduced to rubble by the bomb. Now the carp castle serves as a museum of pre-bomb Hiroshima history.
  4. Senko-ji - Senkoji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Senkoji Park. According to legend the temple was built by the famous Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi.
  5. Mitaki-dera - Founded in 809 during the Daido era. It is known as "Mitaki-Kannon". There are 3 waterfalls and the water is used as an offering to the atomic bomb victims during the Hiroshima peace memorial ceremony.
  6. Miyajima - A small island with the famous Itsukushima-jinja temple and its Torii immersed in the waters of Hiroshima Bay. Inside the island there is Mount Misen, with a cable car that takes us up there to marvel at the fabulous view over the bay. Going down the mountain on foot is also a unique experience but it can take more than 1 hour.

Hiroshima is a city that is remembered for its strength and rebirth. An example of the inner strength of the Japanese.

Know more about other cities in Honshu:

Tokyo

The capital Tokyo, the most densely populated metropolitan area in the world, is located in the Kanto region. It has about 30% of Japan's population.

Learn more about Tokyo

Kyoto

In the Kansai region, as it is where the first capitals were established, it is where great attractions are located, such as Nara and Kyoto. Each with its own history and culture, which makes them mandatory places on a first trip to Japan.

Learn more about Kyoto

Kobe

In the Kansai region, as it is where the first capitals were established, it is where great attractions are located, such as Nara and Kyoto. Each with its own history and culture, which makes them mandatory places on a first trip to Japan.

Learn more about Kobe

 

Nagoya

In the Chubo region, Nagoya is the largest city in Chubo and the gateway to the Chubo Mountains. Or set up base to explore Gifu and Aichi prefectures.

Learn more about Nagoya

Yokohama

In the Kanto region is Japan's second largest city, Yokohama. Yokohama is a port city practically adjacent to Tokyo. A bit like Lisbon and Amadora, but on a grand scale.

Learn more about Yokohama

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, it is also known for Japanese cuisine, which has always been the supplier of fish to the capital of Kyoto. Today it has gained status and fame as the best place to eat in Japan. Japan's greatest comedians also originate from here. Will it be the food?

Learn more about Osaka