Hiroshima & Himeji
A city reborn from tragedy โ today Hiroshima stands as a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and hope, paired with the magnificent "White Heron" castle of Himeji nearby.
A Journey Through Time and Peace
Hiroshima's story is one of humanity's most profound โ the city that rose from the devastation of August 1945 to become a thriving, beautiful metropolis and a global centre for peace advocacy. A visit here is deeply moving, but Hiroshima today is also warm, vibrant, and filled with outstanding food, art, and culture.
Just 45 minutes away by Shinkansen, Himeji Castle stands as Japan's finest surviving feudal fortress โ a six-storey UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece that has never been destroyed in battle and dazzles in every season. Together, Hiroshima and Himeji make for one of Japan's most rewarding and emotionally resonant journeys.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum is one of the most important and moving experiences a traveller can have in Japan.
๐๏ธ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The museum's redesigned east and west wings tell the story of August 6, 1945 with powerful humanity. Accounts of individual victims, recovered artefacts, and photographs make this a deeply important visit. Open daily 8:30amโ6pm (later in summer). Admission: ยฅ200.
๐๏ธ Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)
The haunting skeletal ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall โ one of the only structures to survive near the hypocentre โ now stand as a UNESCO-listed monument and eternal witness to peace.
๐ธ Children's Peace Monument
Dedicated to Sadako Sasaki and all children who died from the bomb. Millions of paper cranes are offered here annually from schools around the world โ you can bring one too.
๐ก Visiting Tip
Allow a full half-day minimum for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The museum can be emotionally intense โ take breaks as needed. Evening visits to the park, when the lanterns are released in August, are extraordinarily moving.
๐ Don't Miss: Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima's answer to Osaka's okonomiyaki is layered rather than mixed โ with noodles, cabbage, and egg. The Okonomimura building (6 floors of okonomiyaki restaurants) on Shintenchi Street is the place to try it.
Miyajima Island (Itsukushima)
A short 10-minute ferry from Hiroshima, Miyajima is one of Japan's most sacred and scenic destinations.
โฉ๏ธ Floating Torii Gate
The great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the sea at high tide โ one of Japan's Three Views and an iconic image of the country.
๐ฆ Sacred Deer
Sika deer roam freely across the island and are considered sacred messengers. They are fearless, friendly, and will cheerfully attempt to eat your map or guidebook.
๐๏ธ Mount Misen
A challenging but rewarding 90-minute hike up Miyajima's sacred mountain offers panoramic views across the Seto Inland Sea. A ropeway offers a shorter alternative.
๐ข Getting to Miyajima
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 min), then the JR ferry (10 min). Both the train and the ferry are covered by the JR Pass. Staying overnight lets you see the torii gate lit up at night โ absolutely spectacular.