Hiroshima holds a heart-wrenching past and the bombing is often synonymous with the city's name, but the city strives to prove that the event did not stop them from moving forward.
If you want to be inspired by the strength of the city and the hopefulness of its people, then you should definitely visit Hiroshima at least once in your lifetime.
This brave city has an immense amount of historical places and stories to offer. Apart from that, it's also blooming into a modern city that is presently striving to re-establish itself.
The historical places, museums and attractions around Hiroshima represent its past, present and future. If you're still not curious to experience how the city is today, here are 7 reasons why it should be the next destination for you and your loved ones.
We will start off by letting you know when is the best time to visit Hiroshima. This special season allows you to appreciate Hiroshima at an important and unique moment.
Spring is known to be the time of rebirth, as the iconic cherry blossoms of Japan start to bloom. It is a significant season for Hiroshima as it represents how they have rebuilt themselves after the devastating hit.
Spring symbolises the timeless notion of renewal where the nature boasts its natural beauty in adversity. Here's how you can witness and capture those stunning views.
Picture: Hiroshima
Every year without fail, a flower festival will be held from May 3rd to 5th. This festival welcomes participants to brighten up Hiroshima with colourful flowers and music.
It aims to share the dignity of life with everyone and appeals for a warm-hearted cultural interchange between Hiroshima and the world.
As seasons return each year to provide hope and regrowth, this festival serves as a beautiful collection that highlights the circle of life.
Picture: Hiroshima
A small town of no more than 20,000 people, located at the northeast of Hiroshima offers many flower parks for visitors. The parks are unlike any other as they are covered with a sea of specific flowers.
Some of them include the Kozan Lavender Hill, which is a blanket of lavender and the Sera Fuji En (Wisteria Park) which is home to around 1,200 vibrant wisteria trees.
There are also tulip parks, lily gardens and of course the gorgeous cherry blossoms everywhere. They simply cannot be missed especially when in full bloom.
This shrine was built in 593BC and is completely surrounded by waters as a dedication to the Island which was considered to be a god. This world heritage site from 1996 is the perfect example of Japan’s rich past.
Its traditional architecture represents the beautiful and prosperous Japanese history as well as its detailed way of life and religious culture.
The complex is huge and holds many shrines that were added along the years in dedication to other deities. This shrine is considered one of the biggest in all of Japan. It has been extremely well-preserved and taken care of.
Head down here to admire the handiwork from centuries ago and the impressive architecture that still stands today in immaculate condition.
Address: １−１ Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588, Japan
Website: ItsukushimaJinja
Whether it’s wearing a beautiful hand-picked kimono while walking down Miyajima or watching Kagura in Hiroshima Prefecture, the Japanese culture is something very much presented proudly in their every-day life.
People of Hiroshima are very welcoming towards tourists who want to experience their culture. There are a few places, including the Okeiko Japan Miyajima, where you can sit through a traditional tea ceremony and learn Japanese calligraphy.
If you wish to bring home some souvenirs, there is the Miyajima Traditional Product Hall which boasts exhibits and traditional crafts from centuries ago.
Hiroshima's fusion of the past, present and future showcases how it’s possible to preserve traditional craftsmanship and skills for the what lies ahead.
Halal food in Hiroshima is not impossible to find. If you don't mind going on a vacation without eating meat, Japan is known for its abundance of seafood, ranging from oysters to a wide variety of sushi.
Apart from vegetarian and seafood eateries, there are also Halal restaurants and restaurants with Halal menus available in Hiroshima. Here are a few options you can choose from.
Zicon - C.D. (Japanese cuisines with a Halal menu)
Address: Honju Hall 2F, 6-10 Shintenchi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi
Contact: 082-258-2229
Karsiyaka (Halal Turkish and middle-eastern food)
Address: 2-6-20 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051, Hiroshima Prefecture
Contact: +81 82-247-2202
Kanak Otemachi (Halal and vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisines)
Address: 2-2-10 Otemachi, Naka, Hiroshima 730-0051, Hiroshima Prefecture
Contact: +81 82-236-7308
Coco Ichibanya (Halal Vegetarian and Seafood)
Address: 2 Chome-7-2 Otemachi
Contact: +81 82-543-5535
Picture: ExploreHiroshima
The park was opened as a reminder of the devastating event and a memorial for all those who were lost. It represents a pledge for permanent peace.
This memorial may be one of the more emotional visits on your trip but do remember that its very design and foundation showcase the forgiving and hopeful nature of the people of Hiroshima.
There are also other memorials worth visiting including the Children’s peace monument which is dedicated to the lives of innocent children that were lost.
Address: Japan, 〒730-0811 Hiroshima Prefecture, 広島市中区中島町1丁目1
Contact: +81 82-504-2390
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Representing the future and abstract nature of life, this museum showcases exhibitions of all kinds. It is a great way to be transported away and allows you to understand Japanese contemporary life through visual representation rather than words.
The museum is structured in a way to let you feel and interpret as you desire. It incorporates political, cultural, environmental ideas and applies it aesthetically to give you an idea of Hiroshima’s present and future.
Address: 1-1 Hijiyama koen, Minami-ku, Japan 732-0815
Contact: +81-82-264-1121
Operating Hours: 10AM - 4.30PM (Tues to Sun)
In a nutshell, a lot can be learned from Hiroshima depending on your perspective and openness. Despite their dark past and injustices, Hiroshima proves that there will always light and countless positive possibilities.
