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The 10 things to do in Hiroshima

Are you leaving for Japan and the island of Honshu? Here is our list of essential things to do to visit Hiroshima!

Worldly and Funestly known for having suffered, on 6 August 1945, the atomic bombing perpetrated by the United States which killed between 70,000 and 250,000 according to the sources, Hiroshima is the tenth largest city in the island of Honshu and the eleventh in the country with 1,194 million inhabitants (2015). Founded in 1589 on the north coast of the Sea of Seto, Hiroshima was a major urban centre during the Meiji era and concentrated 340,000 people during the Second World War. Fully rebuilt after the war, Hiroshima became a place of commemoration of atomic atrocities, a symbol of pacifism and a major economic centre in western Japan.

You come to Hiroshima and don't know what to do? Although almost razed on August 6, 1945, the city was rebuilt as a “city of peace” and has an unmissable historical and cultural heritage in Japan. To help you prepare your trip, we have compiled a list of essential things to do to visit Hiroshima.

1. Hiroshima Castle

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Photo credit: Flickr -Markus Meier

Completely destroyed by the atomic bomb of 6 August 1945, the Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima-jō) was erected in 1590 and rebuilt in 1958. Today it is a museum dedicated to the history of the city before the Second World War. The castle was the seat of the daimyo, the feudal chief of the Han fief of the city.

Originally built in pine wood, the current castle has only the main tower, erected on a 12.4-metre stone foundation and 5-storey styling with a height of 26.6 metres. The park that encloses the building offers a pleasant setting where to stroll or picnic during the beautiful days.

2. The Dôme de Genbaku

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Photo credit: Flickr -YU-JEN SHIH

Who ignores the famous photo of Dôme de Genbaku , symbol of peace and atomic bombing of the city? This building was built in 1915 and was used as the Palais d’exposition industrielle de la préfecture d’Hiroshima before the war. As it was built in concrete, a part of the building resisted to the deflagration – killing all people nearby – and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments list since 1996. The place, a must-see for visiting Hiroshima, symbolizes the hope of a lasting peace.

3. Peace Memorial Park

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Photo credit: Flickr -Geoff Whalan

This large park surrounded by water and greenery in the city centre commemorates the tragedy that the city suffered in the early morning of August 6, 1945, shaving a very active and very commercial area. The Peace Memorial Park It was completed in 1954 and houses several must-see monuments for anyone who loves history and comes to visit Hiroshima: the museum of the Hiroshima Memorial of Peace, the cenotaph for the victims of the atomic bomb and the statue of the children of the atomic bomb.

The park, in the spring, is very appreciated by the premises for these cherries in bloom. There are carbonized rice grains in a lunch box, a tricycle on which a 3-year-old or burnt hair was mounted, to remember that in a moment, everything was destroyed forever. 1.3 million tourists visit the site every year.

4. Flâner au Shukkei-en

What to do in Hiroshima? While the water flows peacefully in its basins where the carp is frightened, that the wind shakes the leaves of the tree, one commemorates – singular contrast – the violence of the war by thinking of the pain of a whole people who are bruised by the atomic bomb.

Built in 1620, the garden Shukkei-en lies on the other side of the castle, on the banks of the Enko River. This park – meaning "short view" – was opened to the public in 1940 and represents large natural spaces in miniature. Located a few meters away ground zero , the point of impact of the atomic bomb, the garden represents the Japanese miracle, the incredible effort made by the Japanese people to reborn of its ashes.

5. The Botanical Garden of Hiroshima

Located in the Kurashige district west of the city, botanical garden opened in 1976. You know what to do in Hiroshima? Swim in the 18.3 hectares of botanical garden land, to enjoy the tropical and subtropical greenhouses all year round: cactus, tropical lotus, begonias and fuchsias peacefully grow among 11,700 species and 23,600 different plants.

6. The temple Mitaki-dera

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – 中国

Coming to Hiroshima, you'll have to do it temple Mitaki-dera . Built in 809 by the monk Kukai, this Buddhist temple I is famous for the Sakura, the singular change of color of the leaves of the trees in autumn. It represents the place where victims of atomic bombing can find salvation. Access to the site, north of the city, is made by a hiking trail through a dense forest of maples: a place of unmissable recollection that invites peace, serenity and meditation.

7. Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Visit Hiroshima from above, do you think? Opened in 2016, this tower offers a unique view of the surrounding mountains, the city, the Dôme de Genbaku, the castle of the city and the island of Miyajima. Up the stairs to the 13th floor, you get a 360° panorama of the city. The tower Hiroshima Orizuru , 50 meters high, is located near the Peace Park.

8. Miyajima

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What to do in Hiroshima and around? Who does not know the famous photo with the tori shinto placed on pilotis to give the feeling that it floats on the water? It’s at Miyajima it is located, an island south of the city. Miyajima, a must for visiting Hiroshima, is described as one of the three most beautiful sites in Japan. A sacred island, it would be inhabited by the gods and its sanctuary, trestling above the sea, was erected in the 6th century.

Come on. one night on the island to appreciate the charms of the Machiya-dori district and the color changes according to the lighting on the temple.

9. Asa Zoo

The zoo Asa , opened since 1971 in the Asakita-ku district, is a 49.6-hectare zoo where 170 species of animals live (girafes, lions, pandas, rhinos, etc.). The zoo is very popular with the locals and offers a good idea for a walk if you know what to do in Hiroshima.

10. Okonomiyaki-mura

The village of the Okonomiyaki (Okonomiyaki-mura) is the Hiroshima district where the famous okonomiyaki , a succulent speciality of Hiroshima: it is a species of crêpe containing meat, fish, seafood and cabbage, the favorite dish of the premises. There would be more than 2,000 restaurants offering this dish typical of Japanese gastronomy. The area, very touristic, includes 24 shops ofokonomiyaki, each restaurant with its own recipe.

How do I get to Hiroshima?

To visit Hiroshima, the airport is 50 kilometres east of the city. There is no direct flight from France, but we can make a stopover in Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Taipei-Taoyuan, Seoul, Hong Kong, etc. before joining Hiroshima (account on average 17 flight hours). Whatever the company, our partner Ulysses will be your ally to find a flight at the best price. By train, many lines JR Shinkansen rally the city from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama, etc.

Where to stay in Hiroshima?

Located between the station and the castle, the Kaminoboricho area is a central area where to sleep in Hiroshima. Asaminami-ku, Nishi-ku and Minami-ku are ideal for staying near the centre. But the Aki-ku and Higashi-ku areas will be refurbished if you are looking for more calm and tranquility. The hotel offer being rather important in Hiroshima, think to take a look at this Compare hotels to find the one that best suits your expectations, especially in terms of value for money and geographical location.

Olivia Johnson

Olivia Johnson

I'm Olivia Johnson, an avid explorer and storyteller. My world is a tapestry of adventures, from hiking ancient trails to uncovering hidden gems. With every journey, I find inspiration in the colors, flavors, and people of our planet. Through my travel tales, I invite you to wander alongside me, to discover new horizons and create your own vibrant memories. Let's embark on this incredible journey together, celebrating the beauty and diversity of our world, one adventure at a time.

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