On the morning of 06 August in 1945, at some 1100 meters above the ground, the infamous Atomic Bomb exploded causing mass damage to the City of Hiroshima and its residents. Only 4 years later after the black rain and residual radiation had subsided Hiroshima began to reconstruct itself, first with the Peace Park. Now, Hiroshima is one of the largest Cities in Japan, and a most popular tourist destination. Take the local tram from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Park and see Atomic Bomb Dome, the sole surviving structure. Stand in the same spot as former President Obama, and it is highly recommended to enter the Archive Center (museum) and make your tour a little educational.
Enjoy the local soul food of Hiroshima, Hiroshima-yaki (Okonomiyaki – Japanese style pizza or pancake). Different from the Osaka version, Hiroshima-yaki uses soba noodles in addition to flour. Add any type of topping to satisfy your taste buds, and while in Hiroshima do what the locals do.
Located 20 minutes from Hiroshima Station, you can arrive at the most photogenic Shrine in Japan, The Itsukushima Shrine. Registered as a Unesco World Heritage Location in December, 1996 the Shrine is popular because of the large red Torii Gate that stands under its own weight in the ocean. If the tide is out, you can walk out to the Torii gate and look back on the sacred shrine. Walk the very spiritual Shrine and here you often see weddings in progress. Spend time in the alleys that surround which give a festive atmosphere. Walk back to the pier whilst the deer follow you and take one of the boats back to the central area of Hiroshima. The World Heritage Fast boat even stops at the Peace Park Pier.
Hiroshima prefecture is very diverse and offers history, education, soul food and even the chance to see old style villages and towns. Onomichi City is a small city located to the North East of Hiroshima and gives you a chance to get away from the crowds and relax in a natural environment at a slow pace. Walk for a day to see some of the many Temples and Shrines that line the hillsides. The most impressive is Senkoji Temple and you can take a ropeway here if you don’t want to walk all the steps. Onomichi is also the gateway from the World Famous Shimanami Cycle course which spans for some 43 miles taking you over 7 different suspension bridges that join many of the islands that lay in the Seto inlet. Whether it be an E Bike or a normal Road Bike the views are spectacular. For those who want to get away from it all, a secluded style of accommodation can be found on many of the islands. Relaxation and Wellness can be found in a true natural environment.
Highlights: Atomic Bomb Dome • Peace Park • Archive Center • Miyajima Island • Itsukushima Shrine • Onomichi City • Shimanami Kaido Cycle Course • Seto inlet islands
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights