Hiroshima Travel Guide

  • 0 followers

City Introduction

Hiroshima is a Japanese metropolis that entered world history on August 6, 1945, when the world’s first atomic bomb used in war detonated 600 meters/2,000 feet above the city center.

Since 1945, Hiroshima has been rebuilt into a modern city with a vibrant city center, a great cultural variety and several sights. The most famous monuments and buildings are connected with the atomic bomb impact, which you still can see remnants of.

Hiroshima also has its temples, museums, shopping and tasty Japanese food. And then the city is beautifully surrounded by a nature that invites to tours on the water and in the hills around the big city.

The most popular excursion destination is the island of Mijayima, which is a wonderful boat or train ride from the city center. Here you can e.g. see one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, the torii at Itsukushima Shrine.

Top Attractions

Genbaku Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial/碑 島 平和 記念 碑: This memorial is probably Hiroshima’s most famous monument, and it is also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome or the Genbaku Dōmu/原 爆 ド ー ム. The building is a ruin and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    The atomic bomb dome was one of the only partially surviving buildings near the center of the detonation of the atomic bomb that wiped out large parts of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The building was erected as an exhibition hall in the years 1914-1915, and it was built of stone as opposed to most of the city’s other constructions, which were wooden buildings.
    The exhibition building was directly below the detonation point in 1945, and therefore the pressure wave was smaller than elsewhere, leaving some walls and the dome of the house. In 1966, the city council decided that the ruin should be preserved, and a peace park was built around it.

Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park/広 島 平和 記念: This park in the center of Hiroshima was laid out in memory of the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and it marks Hiroshima as the first city in the world to be hit by a nuclear bomb attack.
    The area of ​​the park was before the 6th of August 1945 the busiest area of ​​the city, but that changed when the atomic bomb was detonated. The busy neighborhood was transformed into an open area where almost everything was completely ruined.
    The park consists of a large area with several buildings and other facilities. You can i.a. see the so-called Atomic Bomb Dome and The Rest House, which also partially survived the blast. There are various monuments in the park as well, and it is here you can visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum/広 島 平和 記念 資料 館: This interesting museum is located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and it documents the atomic bombing of the Japanese metropolis on August 6, 1945.
    The museum was opened in 1955 and there are several themes in the exhibitions. You can i.a. get acquainted with life in Hiroshima before August 1945 and learn more about the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Here is also a model of the destruction of the city and themes about the consequences of the atomic bomb.

Hiroshima Castle

  • Hiroshima Castle/城 島 城: Hiroshima Castle was built in the 1590s and the beautiful complex was the residence of Hiroshima’s feudal lord; the so-called daimyō. It was Mōri Terumoto who built the castle in the delta of the Otagawa River. At the time, there was no major city here, and the area was called Gokamura, meaning ‘five villages’. With the construction of the castle, the place was renamed Hiroshima.
    The castle was a large facility with three concentric moats and a number of buildings in the inner castle area. The buildings were located about 740 meters from the hypocenter of the atomic bomb in 1945, and the castle was badly damaged by the bomb. After World War II, parts of Hiroshima Castle were rebuilt. These include the central tower, where you can visit the city’s historical museum for the period before 1945. In the castle area you can also see some trees that survived the atomic bomb.

Other Attractions

Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima

  • Shukkeien Garden: In 1619, Asano Nagaakira began the construction of this garden, which was located by his villa. It happened the year after he was appointed daimyō in Hiroshima. Today, the garden is a beautiful example of Japanese garden art, and it is centrally located along one of the city’s river arms.
  • Assumption of Mary Cathedral/昇天 の 聖母 司 教 教 座 聖堂: This is the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, also known as the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace. The church is Catholic, and it was built in the years 1950-1954 as a memorial church for the victims of World War II and for the atomic bomb in 1945.

Rest House, Hiroshima

  • Rest House: Rest House is a building close to the atomic bomb’s hypocenter in 1945. At that time there was a kimono shop here, while now there is a tourist information. The basement of the building has been preserved as after the bomb, and in the basement there were survivors on August 6, 1945.
  • Ground Zero Plate: In central Hiroshima, there is a memorial plaque at the site of the exact hypocenter of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. It marks the place where the bomb detonated at an altitude of 600 meters/2,000 feet. The Ground Zero Plate can be seen outside the current Shima Hospital.

Mitaki-dera Temple, Hiroshima

  • Mitaki-dera Temple/三 瀧 寺: Mitaki-dera is a temple founded in 809 during the so-called Daidō era. The name of the temple means ‘the temple of the three waterfalls’, which is because there are three waterfalls in the temple grounds. You can also see a pagoda with a Buddha statue and the temple is also known for its beautiful trees. Spring offers cherry blossoms, while the red leaves of autumn also attract many visitors.
  • Fudoin Temple/不 動 院: The Fudoin Temple is one of Hiroshima’s ancient buildings, which largely survived the atomic bomb in 1945. The temple was located approx. 4 kilometers/2.5 miles north of the bomb’s hypocenter and remained relatively intact. The history of the temple is thought to date back to the 8th century. When you get to the temple, you first come to the gate Niomon from 1594. After the gate you arrive at the temple condo, which is the central hall. The hall was built in 1540 and is an example of the Chinese-inspired karayo style. You can also see the temple bell tower from 1433 and the temple garden.

Hiroshima Museum of Art

  • Hiroshima Museum of Art/美術館 美術館 し ま 美術館: Hiroshima’s Museum of Art was established in 1978 and since then, it has exhibited an exciting and varied art collection. The focus is on the 1800s-1900s with emphasis on French works. There is also a collection of Japanese works inspired by Western art. It was Hiroshima Bank that, 30 years after the atomic bomb in 1945, made funds available for the construction and establishment of the collection as a symbol of peace. Today you can enjoy works by i.a. Delacroix, Manet, Monet and van Gogh.
  • Ikari Shrine: This place goes back about 700 years in time and it was founded by sailors who usually anchored up at a sandbank. The temple was dedicated to the dragon god Ôwatatsumi, who was the god of the seas, and the name Ikari means ‘anchor’ in Japanese. The temple was located at the anchorage, but it was moved during the Edo period to its present location. The temple trees survived the atomic bomb in 1945, while the temple itself was rebuilt in 1952.

Numaji Transportation Museum, Hiroshima

  • Numaji Transportation Museum/マジ交通ミミージジア: At this museum you can see a wide range of models of cars, planes, trains, etc., and here is also a model of a city of the future with its possible transport solutions. Of particular interest is tram no. 654 in the museum’s outdoor exhibition. The tram was in operation on August 6, 1945. It was in Eba, located about 3 kilometers/2 miles from the hypocenter. It was put back in service in December 1945 and was running the city streets until 2006.
  • Bank of Japan Building: There were not many buildings in central Hiroshima that survived the bombing in 1945, but the Bank of Japan’s then seat in the city remained almost intact despite a distance of only about 380 meters/1,250 feet from the hypocenter. The bank building was erected in 1936, and today it stands among exclusively newer constructions.

Day Trips

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima

  • Itsukushima Shrine/厳 島 神社: This is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as Miyajima. The sanctuary consists of a beautiful building complex, and the most well-known part of the place is the so-called torii, which stands as one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. In addition to the gate, the complex consists of the Honsha Temple and the Sessha Marodo Jinja as the two main buildings. The place was founded in the 5th century and got its current appearance in 1168. Today, the sanctuary is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

  • Miyajima/宮 島: Miyajima is the most widely used name for the island of Itsukushima, known for the beautiful Shinto shrine of the same name. The island is close to the big city and is a beautiful place, where almost tame deer walk around visitors, and where you can walk along many lovely hiking trails. You can walk or take the cable car to the top of the mountain Misen, where there are some beautiful temple buildings. From the mountain there is also a good view of the island and its surroundings.
  • Sandankyo Gorge/三 段 峡: Sandankyo is located in the mountains northeast of Hiroshima, and the place is known for its nature with a beautiful gorge as the highlight. The gorge is 13 kilometers/8 miles long and it has been formed by the rivers Shibaki and Yokogi. There is a hiking trail along the rivers, so you can experience the steep cliffs, waterfalls and clear water up close. In the season from April to November you can also sail on a piece of Shibaki at Kurofuchi.
  • Takehara/竹 原: Takehara is a small town that has historically been known for the production of sake and salt. Today it is known by tourists for the area around the street Honmachi, which is characterized by traditional wooden houses from the Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1867. You can go for a walk here and thereby experience a small glimpse of historic Japan. You can also visit a museum of sake and yes, it is possible to taste local sake in Takehara.

Shopping

  • AEON Mall, 3-2-1 Gion, Asaminami-ku, gion-aeonmall.com
  • Fuji Grand Hiroshima, 2-1 Takaramachi, Naka-ku, the-fuji.com
  • LECT, 2-1-45 Ogi, Nishi-ku, lect.izumi.jp
  • SOGO Hiroshima Store, 6-27 Motomachi, Naka-ku
  • SunMall, 2-2-18 Kamiyacho, Naka-Ku, sunmall.co.jp
  • The Outlets Hiroshima, 4-chome-1-1 Ishiuchihigashi, Saeki-ku, the-outlets-hiroshima.com
  • YouMe Town, 2-8-17 Minamimachi, Minami-Ku, izumi.jp
  • Shopping streets: Hondori, Aioidori

With Kids

  • Cars and Transportation: Mazda Museum, 3 Chome-1 Shinchi, Fuchu, mazda.com
  • Science: Hiroshima Children’s Museum, 5-83 Motomachi, Naka, hiroshima.jp
  • Zoological garden: Asa Zoological Park, Asacho Dobutsuen, Asakita-ku Hiroshima-shi, asazoo.jp

Practical Links

City History

Geolocation

In short

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

Overview of Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a Japanese metropolis that entered world history on August 6, 1945, when the world’s first atomic bomb used in war detonated 600 meters/2,000 feet above the city center.

Since 1945, Hiroshima has been rebuilt into a modern city with a vibrant city center, a great cultural variety and several sights. The most famous monuments and buildings are connected with the atomic bomb impact, which you still can see remnants of.

Hiroshima also has its temples, museums, shopping and tasty Japanese food. And then the city is beautifully surrounded by a nature that invites to tours on the water and in the hills around the big city.

The most popular excursion destination is the island of Mijayima, which is a wonderful boat or train ride from the city center. Here you can e.g. see one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, the torii at Itsukushima Shrine.

About the upcoming Hiroshima travel guide

  • Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
  • Published: Released soon
  • Author: Stig Albeck
  • Publisher: Vamados.com
  • Language: English

About the travel guide

The Hiroshima travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Japanese city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.

Hiroshima is waiting for you, and at vamados.com you can also find cheap flights and great deals on hotels for your trip. You just select your travel dates and then you get flight and accommodation suggestions in and around the city.

Read more about Hiroshima and Japan

Buy the travel guide

Click the “Add to Cart” button to purchase the travel guide. After that you will come to the payment, where you enter the purchase and payment information. Upon payment of the travel guide, you will immediately receive a receipt with a link to download your purchase. You can download the travel guide immediately or use the download link in the email later.

Use the travel guide

When you buy the travel guide to Hiroshima you get the book online so you can have it on your phone, tablet or computer – and of course you can choose to print it. Use the maps and tour suggestions and you will have a good and content-rich journey.

Itsukushima Shrine • Genbaku Dome • Skukkeien Garden • 6 August 1945

Street lights, Tokyo, Japan

Overview of Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the world’s largest metropolises, and certainly one of the most fascinating with the mix of centuries-old Japanese traditions and modern Japan’s success, architecture and common use of technology that you will easily notice as a tourist.

 

There are approximately 30 million people living in the Tokyo-Yokohama area, and the vibrant street life is 24/7 in several places. Shopping and restaurants offering the tasty Japanese cuisine are of course great ways to enjoy Tokyo, as is walking the streets getting impressions.

 

About the upcoming Tokyo travel guide

  • Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
  • Published: Released soon
  • Author: Stig Albeck
  • Publisher: Vamados.com
  • Language: English

 

About the travel guide

The Tokyo travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Japanese city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.

 

Tokyo is waiting for you, and at vamados.com you can also find cheap flights and great deals on hotels for your trip. You just select your travel dates and then you get flight and accommodation suggestions in and around the city.

 

Read more about Tokyo and Japan

 

Buy the travel guide

Click the “Add to Cart” button to purchase the travel guide. After that you will come to the payment, where you enter the purchase and payment information. Upon payment of the travel guide, you will immediately receive a receipt with a link to download your purchase. You can download the travel guide immediately or use the download link in the email later.

 

Use the travel guide

When you buy the travel guide to Tokyo you get the book online so you can have it on your phone, tablet or computer – and of course you can choose to print it. Use the maps and tour suggestions and you will have a good and content-rich journey.

Other Attractions

Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima

  • Shukkeien Garden: In 1619, Asano Nagaakira began the construction of this garden, which was located by his villa. It happened the year after he was appointed daimyō in Hiroshima. Today, the garden is a beautiful example of Japanese garden art, and it is centrally located along one of the city’s river arms.
  • Assumption of Mary Cathedral/昇天 の 聖母 司 教 教 座 聖堂: This is the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, also known as the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace. The church is Catholic, and it was built in the years 1950-1954 as a memorial church for the victims of World War II and for the atomic bomb in 1945.

Rest House, Hiroshima

  • Rest House: Rest House is a building close to the atomic bomb’s hypocenter in 1945. At that time there was a kimono shop here, while now there is a tourist information. The basement of the building has been preserved as after the bomb, and in the basement there were survivors on August 6, 1945.
  • Ground Zero Plate: In central Hiroshima, there is a memorial plaque at the site of the exact hypocenter of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. It marks the place where the bomb detonated at an altitude of 600 meters/2,000 feet. The Ground Zero Plate can be seen outside the current Shima Hospital.

Mitaki-dera Temple, Hiroshima

  • Mitaki-dera Temple/三 瀧 寺: Mitaki-dera is a temple founded in 809 during the so-called Daidō era. The name of the temple means ‘the temple of the three waterfalls’, which is because there are three waterfalls in the temple grounds. You can also see a pagoda with a Buddha statue and the temple is also known for its beautiful trees. Spring offers cherry blossoms, while the red leaves of autumn also attract many visitors.
  • Fudoin Temple/不 動 院: The Fudoin Temple is one of Hiroshima’s ancient buildings, which largely survived the atomic bomb in 1945. The temple was located approx. 4 kilometers/2.5 miles north of the bomb’s hypocenter and remained relatively intact. The history of the temple is thought to date back to the 8th century. When you get to the temple, you first come to the gate Niomon from 1594. After the gate you arrive at the temple condo, which is the central hall. The hall was built in 1540 and is an example of the Chinese-inspired karayo style. You can also see the temple bell tower from 1433 and the temple garden.

Hiroshima Museum of Art

  • Hiroshima Museum of Art/美術館 美術館 し ま 美術館: Hiroshima’s Museum of Art was established in 1978 and since then, it has exhibited an exciting and varied art collection. The focus is on the 1800s-1900s with emphasis on French works. There is also a collection of Japanese works inspired by Western art. It was Hiroshima Bank that, 30 years after the atomic bomb in 1945, made funds available for the construction and establishment of the collection as a symbol of peace. Today you can enjoy works by i.a. Delacroix, Manet, Monet and van Gogh.
  • Ikari Shrine: This place goes back about 700 years in time and it was founded by sailors who usually anchored up at a sandbank. The temple was dedicated to the dragon god Ôwatatsumi, who was the god of the seas, and the name Ikari means ‘anchor’ in Japanese. The temple was located at the anchorage, but it was moved during the Edo period to its present location. The temple trees survived the atomic bomb in 1945, while the temple itself was rebuilt in 1952.

Numaji Transportation Museum, Hiroshima

  • Numaji Transportation Museum/マジ交通ミミージジア: At this museum you can see a wide range of models of cars, planes, trains, etc., and here is also a model of a city of the future with its possible transport solutions. Of particular interest is tram no. 654 in the museum’s outdoor exhibition. The tram was in operation on August 6, 1945. It was in Eba, located about 3 kilometers/2 miles from the hypocenter. It was put back in service in December 1945 and was running the city streets until 2006.
  • Bank of Japan Building: There were not many buildings in central Hiroshima that survived the bombing in 1945, but the Bank of Japan’s then seat in the city remained almost intact despite a distance of only about 380 meters/1,250 feet from the hypocenter. The bank building was erected in 1936, and today it stands among exclusively newer constructions.

Similar

Similar to Hiroshima Travel Guide