Highlights
Miyajima Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as the Island of the Gods, the ultra-scenic Miyajima Island lies within Hiroshima Bay. The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine is recognised around the globe for its iconic torii gate, built over the water and sometimes seen to be floating. Multiple buildings include a stunning main hall, theatre stage and ornate prayer hall, while the complex is beautifully lit at night. As well as a range of shrines (Miyajima translates to “Shrine Island”), the area is characterised by virgin forests and sacred Mount Misen, offering a range of exceptional hiking routes.
Peace Memorial Park
On 6th August 1945, Hiroshima was hit by the first atomic bomb in history, wiping out 90 percent of the city and killing hundreds of thousands of people. The Peace Memorial Park houses several poignant monuments in memory of the horrific attack. The Flame of Peace has burned continuously since 1964 and is vowed to burn until earth is free from all nuclear weapons. The Children’s Peace Monument is dedicated to the child victims of the attack, while the Memorial Cenotaph features the names of everyone killed. The UNESCO-listed Atomic Bomb Dome is located directly where the bomb hit, though miraculously survived and has been left just as it was after the attack.
Peace Memorial Museum
Housed within the park, the Peace Memorial Museum comprises two buildings that highlight the history of Hiroshima, the arrival of the history-changing bomb and the horrific aftermath that followed. Displays, pictures and moving films provide a harrowing reminder of the unspeakable effects of nuclear weapons.
Shukkei-en Garden
Hiroshima City is home to the gorgeous Shukkei-en garden, a designated National Site of Scenic Beauty. Constructed in the Edo period, it features unique miniature valleys, mountains and forests, as well as a scenic pond surrounded by traditional tea houses. The gardens are particularly striking in spring when the iconic cherry blossom blooms, and autumn, when the leaves turn a stunning shade of red.
Hiroshima Castle
Five storeys tall and surrounded by a moat, Hiroshima Castle was originally built in 1589 as an important seat of power in Western Japan. Like much of the city, it was destroyed during the atomic bombing, though was carefully rebuilt using historical documents and is now a designated National Historical Site. You can overlook the city from the castle’s observatory, before learning more about its history in the informative museum. A number of events are held around the castle throughout the year – including food festivals and historical re-enactments.