Hiroshima, a name etched in history, beckons travellers not just for its sombre past but for its vibrant present. With the kind of history that the city has, it is safe to say that the city was rebuilt from ashes and stands tall with its grandeur in the present day.
With the kind of experiences that the city and the people have had in the past, it isn’t surprising that Hiroshima is a unique blend of peace memorials, historical landmarks, mouth-watering cuisine, and stunning natural beauty.
If you have been looking for a fun, learning and engaging travel guide to explore Hiroshima, you have come to the right place.
How to Travel to Hiroshima?
You can travel by train from Osaka to Hiroshima and experience the wealth of history that awaits you. Ideally, from the Shin-Osaka station, one has to take the Sanyo Shinkansen Line to be able to reach your destination.
For a faster travel experience in less than 2 hours, one can take the Nozomi and Mizuho trains. They are efficient and quite accessible too. Hiroshima is also accessible from other popular cities in Japan, including the capital city of Tokyo.
Start the trip with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
There’s no point visiting and exploring Hiroshima if you don’t have a comprehensive understanding of its past, history and what it took to build the city from the ground up.
The iconic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a reminder, a haunting reminder of the atomic bomb. You’d need to pause, stop and explore the area to gain more understanding of the place.
Within the park, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This poignant museum chronicles the events leading up to the bombing, its devastating impact, and the city’s inspiring recovery. Graphic exhibits and survivor testimonies offer a harrowing yet necessary look at history. Across the park, light a flame for peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Flame, a symbol of hope for a world free from nuclear weapons.
Exploring Hiroshima’s history beyond the Memorial Park
While the park holds a lot of history and knowledge about Hiroshima’s past, it doesn’t even scratch the surface. There’s so much more left to explore and this is where you have to step out and explore more of the space around you.
The city’s feudal past is further explained in-depth at Hiroshima Castle, which is a must-visit spot that’s surrounded by serene gardens on all sides. You’d have to make quite a hike to be able to reach the top of the castle and get a panoramic view of the city.
For a glimpse into the lives of ordinary citizens before the bombing, visit the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, showcasing everyday items and artwork from the pre-war era.
Head over to witness the various temples and shrines
Beyond the history of bombing, we know that Japanese culture is entwined with a lot of cultural and religious beliefs. So, finding temples and shrines isn’t something that you need to be shocked about.
Visit the Shukkei-en Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. Stroll through its serene paths, admire the meticulously manicured ponds, and find solace in its tranquil atmosphere.
Venture outside the city centre to Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the Floating Gate Shrine, on Miyajima Island. This vermilion-colored shrine appears to float on water during high tide, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Explore the island’s serene Momijidani Park, carpeted with vibrant maples during autumn.
Indulge in culinary delights in Hiroshima
As you are done exploring the place, Hiroshima offers a lot of local delicacies that you simply can’t afford to skip or miss out on.
One of the most important dishes that need to make a spot in your meals during your Hiroshima visit is the classic okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake layered with cabbage, noodles, meat, and a variety of toppings.
Besides that, Japan is known for its classic seafood dishes, which are available readily in Hiroshima as well. One of the most popular local delicacies is plump and fresh oysters. Make sure you try them from a reliable eatery around.
For a taste of tradition, visit the historic Hiroshima Hondori arcade, a vibrant labyrinth of restaurants and shops. Here, you can sample local favourites like Hiroshima-style ramen and indulge in a mug of sake at a cosy izakaya pub.
Tips for exploring Hiroshima with ease
With a proper itinerary in place, one common question is people asking for tips to get around the city. Here are a few:
- You can take bullet trains from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to reach Hiroshima. The public transportation is quite well woven, so you can travel on a budget.
- There are a variety of accommodation options suited to one’s needs. We’d suggest you secure the bookings ahead of time.
- There are some other kinds of festivals happening in Hiroshima, like the Hiroshima Flower Festival in spring, the Hiroshima summer festival, etc. You can choose to visit during those times.
Conclusion
Finalizing your travel plans to Hiroshima is further simplified with this comprehensive guide. All that’s left to do is sort out all your bookings with Bookaway and pack your bags for your trip. Having everything secured ahead of time simplifies the travel experience.
