Top 5 Things to do in Hiroshima | japan-guide.com

A bustling city with a troubled past, Hiroshima is one of the most popular destinations among first-time visitors to Japan. With over a million inhabitants, it ranks among Japan's largest cities and is the largest in the Chugoku region. The name Hiroshima became known worldwide on August 6, 1945, when the first atomic bomb detonated here, obliterating everything within a two-kilometer radius. Today, the vast Peace Memorial Park stands as a symbol of the hope for a better tomorrow. Hiroshima is accessible by Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen in around four hours from Tokyo or around 90 minutes from Osaka and Kyoto. Within the city, easy and convenient transport is offered by Japan's largest tram network, connecting Hiroshima Station with the major sightseeing spots. Despite its sad history, the city and its surroundings today have a huge amount to offer. And to give you a good idea of where to start, here are our top 5 recommended things to do in Hiroshima. Number 5. Hiroshima Castle. Standing in the city center, Hiroshima Castle is a beautiful example of a castle built on a plain as opposed to a hill or mountaintop. Built in 1589, it served for centuries as the base and status symbol of local lords during Japan's feudal era. Although the original structure was destroyed by the atomic bomb, the main keep was rebuilt in concrete with an attractive wooden exterior. In recent years, several structures in the castle's second circle of defense have also been reconstructed using original building methods and materials. Inside the castle keep is a museum about the city's and castle's history, and Japanese castles in general, while the top floor offers panoramic views of the city. Number 4. Okonomiyaki. Described as a mixture between pancake and pizza, Okonomiyaki is a variety of ingredients cooked on top of a large hot plate. Known as Hiroshima's soul food, nowhere is this dish more popular with the possible exception of Osaka. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki varies quite a lot from the Osaka-style one found in much of the rest of the country. Contrary to the Osaka-style Okonomiyaki, only a thin layer of batter is used and it is served on top of a generous amount of yakisoba. Two of the best places to try Okonomiyaki are Okonomimura Downtown and Hiroshima Station, where diners have the opportunity to select from a number of competing Okonomiyaki shops. Number 3. Shukkeien Garden. Located not far from the castle, Shukkeien is a traditional landscape garden originally built for recreation by the local lords. Its name can be translated into English as shrunken scenery garden, which really is a perfect description. Here, valleys, mountains and forests are represented in miniature, creating an idolized landscape as if from a poem. Built in 1620, the garden is arranged around a central pond, with several tea houses offering visitors ideal views of the scenery. Following the extensive network of walking trails is the best way to enjoy all of the garden's miniaturized scenery. Number 2. Miyajima. Less than an hour outside of Hiroshima, the island of Miyajima is among the best-loved tourist attractions in all of Japan. Considered sacred for over a thousand years, the island is home to Itsukushima Shrine, which seems to float on the water during high tide, and is Jaintori Gate, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. It is also known as one of the three best views of Japan, alongside Matsushima Bay and Amanohashidate. The island is populated by wild deer, now accustomed to people, who wander around during the day and sleep along the walking paths in the night. The shrine is flanked by various pagodas, which can be accessed via the numerous walking trails. Another attraction on the island is Daishoin Temple, located at the base of Mount Misen, the highest mountain on the island. The temple's main grounds boast a variety of traditional buildings, statues, and religious artifacts for visitors to admire. From the temple, a walking trail leads all the way up to the summit of Mount Misen, from where spectacular views can be enjoyed. There are other hiking courses up the mountain, but we recommend the Daishoin course because it offers the most interesting scenery along the way and is not as steep as the others. Alternatively, a ropeway can be taken to ascend the mountain, but note that there is still a considerable amount of walking to do, even when taking the ropeway. Number one, Peace Park. Definitely the most iconic location in Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a must-see destination to learn about and reflect on the The park covers a large area near the blast's epicenter, and its trees, lawns, and walking paths stand in contrast with the urban scenery of the nearby downtown area. At the entrance stands the A-Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings that partially survived the blast. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome stands as a testimony to the destructive power of the atomic bomb and is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past. Several monuments can be found in the Peace Park, most notably the cenotaph for the A-Bomb victims, consisting of a chest containing the names of over 200,000 victims who died from the nuclear blast and subsequent radiation. Last but not least is the Peace Museum. The museum is divided into two sections. The first section focuses on human suffering, while the second focuses on documenting the historical events. The personal details displayed there can be quite upsetting and serve as a reminder that we should not take peace for granted. So there you have it, the top 5 things to do in Hiroshima. We hope this gives you a good place to start when planning your future trip to Japan. 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