Located in the western part of Honshu, Hiroshima is a city known worldwide for its tragic history as the first target of an atomic bomb. However, visitors today are often surprised not by sorrow, but by the city’s vibrant, leafy boulevards and its powerful message of hope and resilience.
Just a short ferry ride away lies Miyajima (Itsukushima), an island considered one of the most sacred places in Japan, offering a stunning contrast of spiritual beauty against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea.
Peace Memorial Park: A Prayer for the World
The heart of the city is the Peace Memorial Park, a vast green space dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing and the pursuit of lasting world peace.
- The Genbaku Dome: The skeletal remains of the former Industrial Promotion Hall stand exactly as they did after the explosion on August 6, 1945. It is a haunting yet essential UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a stark reminder of the destructiveness of nuclear weapons.
- The Peace Memorial Museum: This museum conveys the reality of the bombing through personal belongings, photos, and testimonies. It is a deeply moving, often heart-wrenching experience that leaves visitors with a profound appreciation for peace.
- Paper Cranes: The Children’s Peace Monument is surrounded by thousands of colorful paper cranes folded by people from around the world, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who folded cranes wishing for recovery from leukemia.
Miyajima: The Island of Gods
Technically named Itsukushima, the island is popularly known as Miyajima (Shrine Island). It has been worshipped as a god itself since ancient times.
- The Floating Torii: The iconic vermilion Great Torii Gate appears to float on the water during high tide. It is one of the most photographed sights in Japan.
- Walking on the Seabed: At low tide, the water recedes, allowing visitors to walk across the mudflats right up to the gate’s massive camphor wood pillars.
- Itsukushima Shrine: The shrine buildings are built on stilts over the water, connected by boardwalks. It is a marvel of architecture designed to harmonize with the changing tides.
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: The Layered Soul Food
You cannot talk about Hiroshima without talking about Okonomiyaki. However, do not confuse it with the Osaka style.
- The Layers: Unlike the Osaka version where ingredients are mixed together, Hiroshima-style is built in layers. A thin crepe is topped with a mountain of cabbage, bean sprouts, pork belly, and—crucially—yakisoba noodles and a fried egg.
- Okonomimura: For the ultimate experience, visit “Okonomiyaki Village,” a building packed with over 20 different stalls. Watching the chefs construct these towering savory pancakes on the hot iron griddle in front of you is part of the fun.
Momiji Manju: The Maple Sweet
The symbol of Hiroshima Prefecture is the maple tree, and this is reflected in its most famous souvenir: Momiji Manju.
- The Cake: These are small, maple-leaf-shaped cakes made of castella sponge.
- Varieties: While traditional ones are filled with sweet red bean paste (anko), modern versions come in flavors like custard, chocolate, cheese, and even deep-fried versions called Age-Momiji (Fried Momiji), which are crispy, hot, and delicious.
The Citrus Kingdom
Thanks to the mild climate of the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima is the largest producer of lemons in Japan.
- Setouchi Lemon: You will find lemon-flavored everything here: lemon cakes, lemon squid snacks, and the increasingly popular Lemon Sour (a shochu-based cocktail), which is refreshing and perfect for washing down rich Okonomiyaki.
From the solemn reflection at the Peace Park to the magical beauty of the floating shrine and the sizzling energy of the food stalls, Hiroshima offers a journey that touches the heart and the stomach.
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