Why you should see Hiroshima on your visit to Japan
Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 1000, 24 mm, f/8, 1/400 s)
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The history of Hiroshima is unfortunately a sad one, but the city should not be defined by past events. Indeed, people from Hiroshima acknowledge past peril but are incredibly resilient and serve the city as messengers and promoters of peace. The city is often overlooked by tourists who favor Kyoto and Tokyo, however this is an unfortunate mistake.
The size of Hiroshima is perfect; big enough and ripe with shopping areas, restaurants, bars, without being too intimidating to explore the gardens and temples that are around. Furthermore, easily accessible areas such as Miyajima Island are fantastic for hiking and getting away from the city sounds (also the location of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and accessible for free using your Japan Rail Pass). Hiroshima is easily accessible by the Shinkansen from most major cities in Japan.
You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post. If you also have time to check out more cities in Japan, I highly recommend Tokyo (Blog Post: A Guide to Exploring Tokyo) and Kyoto (Blog Post: Why Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan).
A-Bomb Dome, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 1000, 24 mm, f/8, 1/400 s)
I cannot recommend getting the Japan Rail Pass enough for your trip to Japan. It greatly simplifies your intercity travel, is easy to use, and gives you the most flexibility for your trip. Furthermore, I managed to save a good amount of money (to be used instead for all of the great FOOD of course), by using the JR Pass on the longest parts of my trips. To order one yourself, click on the links below and choose between 7, 14, or 21 day pass in 1st or 2nd class.
When you arrive at Hiroshima station, it looks just like any other city. As you walk westward, you will eventually stumble onto the Hiroshima A-bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum. The former is one of the only free standing structures that remains after the bombing in 1945. The area is moving, with information boards describing the history of the structure and before/after photos of the entire city. The Hiroshima Peace Park is adjacent to the A-bomb Dome and is a monument dedicated to the continued peace and prosperity of the Japanese people. What I found fascinating was the hundreds of Japanese school children on field trips around the site, everyday of my stay. Knowing one’s history is important; it was interesting to see how these children were at an age to be able to comprehend what happened decades ago.
Hiroshima Peace Park, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 400, 105 mm, f/8, 1/1000 s)
For accommodation that is centrally located, clean, and classy, check out Guesthouse Hiroshima MangeTak. Just nearby is Cafe Ratti, which almost looks more like a chic lounge than a cafe. It is very well decorated, cozy, and has good coffee. If you want food that is specifically from Hiroshima, try their Okonomiyaki, specifically at Okonomiyaki Carp. Here they make it right in front of you and you eat it directly from a hot grill.
For great city view views, especially around sunset, you can venture up the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, located right next to the A-bomb Dome. Your ticket includes accessing the viewing platform as well as a small origami lesson where you try to make a paper crane. At the top of the tower, you can also opt to grabbing food or drinks and enjoy the sun setting over the mountains surrounding the city.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes in Japan, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames).
Himeji castle is considered to be the most gorgeous castle in all of Japan since it has never been a victim of earthquake or fire damage, and has never been attacked. Despite this, Hiroshima Castle is a close 2nd. The grounds are gorgeous (and free to access), especially in the autumn, and is centrally located within the city center along with Shukkei-en, a historic Japanese garden.
You can’t go to Hiroshima without seeing Miyajima Island. You can get there from the city center by taking the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass). You can also take tram line 2 from central Hiroshima bound for Miyajimaguchi (not covered by the JR Pass). From Miyajimaguchi Station the ferry pier is close by. Be sure to take JR ferries which is covered by the JR Pass.
View of Hiroshima from Mt. Misen, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 800, 35 mm, f/8, 1/5000 s)