Here are 10 things to do in Hiroshima (Hiroshima city).

Atomic Bomb Dome

On August 6, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. In 0.2 seconds, the building was hit by heat rays several thousand times the energy of normal sunlight, and the surface temperature reached 3,000°C. 0.8 seconds later, the blast hit, causing an explosion at close range with a blast pressure of 3.5 million Pascals. The roof and dome of the building were made of steel, so they remain, giving a sense of history. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1996, and even today you can feel the tragedy of that time. Seeing it in person has a powerful impact that cannot be felt in photographs.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Museum

This spot conveys the vivid devastation and damage caused by the atomic bomb through documents and photographs. There are many photos of victims with injuries from the atomic bomb and those with hair loss, and their sad expressions are so painful that it is difficult to look at them, and it is heartbreaking. Seeing the ruined belongings and the heartbreaking grief and anger of the surviving families makes you realize just how terrible the atomic bomb was, and how it deeply scarred and affected the lives of so many people.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

There are three "Peace Bells." All were made to convey the message of the total abolition of nuclear weapons and permanent peace. The first is rung at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6th every year, the second is rung every morning at 8:15 (the time the atomic bomb was dropped), and the third is a bell that can be rung freely. They were made with the desire to convey to the world the prayers for the repose of the souls of those who died in the atomic bombing and the abolition of nuclear weapons. You can see the Atomic Bomb Dome along with the scenery of the park in all four seasons.

Hiroshima Castle

Built in 1599 by Mori Terumoto under the Toyotomi government, it was a sturdy castle surrounded by three moats. Later, the Fukushima and Asano clans lived here, but the castle's structure was lost in the atomic bombing. The current castle tower was restored in 1958, and the interior is a history museum themed around samurai culture.

Only the top floor of the five-story castle tower is made of wood, and on clear days you can see Miyajima in the distance. You can also see what it was like after the atomic bomb, including the burnt and cracked stone walls that were left behind by the fires caused by the atomic bomb, and four surviving trees.

Mitakiji Temple

This is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 809. There are three waterfalls within the temple grounds, which is said to be the origin of the temple's name "Mitaki-dera." Countless stone Buddhas have been placed on the sides of the approach to the temple and on the cliff ledges. There are Buddhas scattered all over the rocks, making it a great photo spot. The "Tahoto Pagoda" was moved to Hiroshima to mourn the souls of the victims of the atomic bomb. It is also famous for the spectacular views that can be seen during the autumn foliage season.

Hiroshima River Cruise

This is a sightseeing boat that tours Hiroshima city. There are courses that take you around the Honkawa and Motoyasugawa rivers, courses that go around the whole river, and courses that connect Hiroshima Station and the Peace Memorial Park. You can appreciate the tourist attractions such as the Atomic Bomb Dome while listening to explanations from a tourist guide, and see the scenery of Hiroshima throughout the seasons. You can learn about the area around Hiroshima while enjoying cycling on the water.

Okonomimura

After the war, there were as many as 50 okonomiyaki stalls gathered at Shintenchi Square in the center of Hiroshima city. In 1992, the current building was completed and the stalls were moved to the building. The passion and humanity for the reconstruction of the town at the time of the start is still talked about today. Okonomimura boasts a 40-year history and currently has 23 okonomiyaki restaurants. It is a spot where you can experience the local atmosphere with a selection of famous restaurants serving "Hiroshima-yaki", okonomiyaki made with fried noodles.

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Founded in 1868 as a shrine to honor those who died in war, the name was changed to "Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine" in 1939. The atomic bombing on August 6, 1945 caused the entire shrine building to be destroyed by radiation, leaving only the large torii gate, but it was rebuilt in its current location in 1956, and renovation and expansion work was completed in 2009. Here, along with your own prayers, it is also important to offer prayers for peace and mourning and gratitude to the war dead.

Please take a look at the unusual komainu statues, which are leaning forward.

Scenic Garden

This garden was built in 1620 as a villa for Asano Nagaakira, the first feudal lord of the Aki-Hiroshima domain. It is said that the garden was named "Shukukeien" (Shukukeien) because it was created as a miniature version of the scenic West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Various flowers bloom in the garden throughout the year. In addition to cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in the spring, you can also enjoy flowers such as camellias and winter peonies in the winter. In the fall, the leaves bloom and the garden is lit up at night, making it a must-see.

There are 4,800 trees, so you can see beautiful green scenery even in winter.

Station

This is the abbreviation for the drinking district on the west side of the south exit of Hiroshima Station. The area is lined with renovated buildings that were built between the late 1950s and the mid-1960s, and is a spot where you can enjoy a meal while savoring the Showa era atmosphere in unique stores. It is located about a 3-minute walk from Hiroshima Station. There are Japanese izakayas serving food such as okonomiyaki and Hiroshima's specialty oysters, as well as yakitori.

summary

We have introduced "10 things to do in Hiroshima (Hiroshima city)". Starting with the world-famous "Atomic Bomb Dome", there are the "Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum" and "Hiroshima Memorial Park" which are related to the Atomic Bomb Dome. You can get a glimpse of history that should never be forgotten. There is also a wide variety of food, so please go to "Okonomimura" and "Ekinishi" to enjoy Hiroshima gourmet.