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Hiroshima
Hiroshima, located on the historic and scenic Seto Inland Sea is home to two World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Itsukushima Shrine.
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| Hiroshima City |
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| The world's first A-bomb victim, Hiroshima's main goal is promoting world peace. Millions of pilgrims are drawn from around the world to witness, remember and renew their commitment to a lasting and peaceful co-existence. Learn, feel and spread the great Spirit of Hiroshima. |
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
August 6 in 1945, the world's first atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima. In a flash it snuffed out some 140,000 lives while instantaneously leveling most of the city's buildings. The enormity of this tragedy must never be forgotten by future generations. Created at the hypocenter (ground zero) of the detonation, the park is a symbol for the absolute need to achieve world harmony; many monuments including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims has been constructed as a heartfelt appeal for lasting world peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons, the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims and the Children's Peace Monument. Each year, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony is held on August 6, and so is 'Toro Nagashi' (floating lantern ceremony) with messages of peace and prayers for victims that are sent off on the waves by floating lanterns in the setting sun.
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| The horrific aftermath of the A-bomb on display at the Peace Memorial Museum. |
The engraving on the Cenotaph for the A-bomb victims reads: "Let all the souls here rest in peace; For we shall not repeat the evil." |
The pleasant river cruise offers a different perspective of Hiroshima. |
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| Paper Cranes and the Children's Peace Monument |
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 Two-year-old Sadako was exposed to the A-bomb and then diagnosed with leukemia at the tender age of eleven. According to Japanese folklore, folding paper cranes helps lengthen your life-span and sweet Sadako tried hard to make a thousand while praying and wishing but she died the following year, before completing her cranes. Inspired by her tragic death, a campaign was started by her classmates to build a monument to mourn all the innocent children who perished from the atomic bombing. It spread nationwide and across the world, and in 1958, the monument was completed. Today, brightly colored paper cranes are placed on monuments in the Peace Memorial park. In your heart never forget little Sadako and the preciousness of peace.
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| Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum |
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| In 1955, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum opened its doors in the Peace Memorial Park, in accordance with the federal Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law. The East building contains exhibits about Hiroshima before and after the world shattering event, as well as a history of the development of the atomic bomb. The main building depicts what occurred at 8:15 A.M. on August 6, 1945, and the horrors following the atomic flash with graphic displays and artifacts donated by resident victims such as burned and tattered clothing, lunch boxes, a tricycle, even human hair fallen out due to radiation sickness. Large items such as twisted iron girders and bridge columns deformed by the catastrophic blast pale in comparison to the recorded testaments and drawings made by stunned survivors. The exhibit ends with hopeful messages of peace presented by visitors from all over the world, including those of the Dalai Lama and the late Pope John Paul II.
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| 3D models of Hiroshima City after bombing. |
Human shadow etched in stone. The spot where the person was sitting remained dark like a shadow after exposed to the flash from the atomic bomb explosion. |
Shin, a three-year-old boy, was riding his tricycle at the time of the explosion.
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| The clock is frozen at 8:15 a.m. at the exact time of horror and destruction. |
Real size replica of the roof of A-bomb Dome at the entrance hall. |
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| Museum Info |
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Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Tel: 082-241-4004
Admission: 50 yen
Open: Mar. to Nov.: 8:30-18:00, Dec. to Feb.: 8:30-17:00, Aug.: 8:30-19:00
* Entrance closed at 30 mins. before the closing time. Closed: Dec. 29 - Jan. 1
URL: www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp
* Audio guide headsets in other languages are available at the front desk at 300 yen.
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| Atomic Bomb Dome |
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 Located at the north end of the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome originally housed the Hiroshima Prefecture Commercial Exhibition Hall. Parts of the outer wall survived without collapsing since the blast was centered directly above the hall. The still standing iron-framed top of the otherwise destroyed building soon after became aptly named the A-bomb Dome. As a vividly grim reminder to the world, Hiroshima City decided in 1966 to forever preserve the Dome in its shattered shape. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site the same year.
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| Transportation |
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 Hiroshima is the last major Japanese city with 'Hiroden', an extensive tram network that's a reliable mode of transportation. Most lines start or finish at Japan Rail Hiroshima Station with frequent runs daytime and evening. Enjoy riding old and new types of trams.
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| Day Pass |
1 day trip (streetcar)
Unlimited, one day fare on streetcar
(Adult:600 yen Child: 300 yen )
1 day trip (streetcar + ferry)
Unlimited ride for streetcar and ferry boat to Miyajima Island for one day
(Adult:840 yen Child: 420 yen )
* Day Passes are available at Train Info Desk at Hiroshima Sta.32
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| >> Go To Top [ HIROSHIMA ] |
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| Miyajima |
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| Hallowed ground and revered since ancient times as 'the resting place of gods', Miyajima island is a World Heritage Site located less than an hour from Hiroshima City by train and ferry. |
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Itsukushima Shrine
Dating to 593 and subsequently remodeled in 1168 by Taira-no-Kiyomori into the present beautiful structure, Itsukushima Shrine has been miraculously preserved for over 800 years. Standing in the sea, it is universally known for a grand and unique construction, underscoring the artistic beauty of the 'Shinden' style of architecture, typical of the type of building used for the residences of Japan's nobility. At high tide, the shrine miraculously appears to rise out of the sea and awe-struck on-lookers feel the sensation of being aboard a boat. Visitors are greeted by the most noted symbol of Miyajima, the striking vermillion 'O-torii' (Grand Gate) standing in the water and majestically set in front of the main shrine. For its natural beauty and tranquil aura, historically significant Miyajima earned a place on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1996. The superb Grand Gate and Itsukushima Shrine are daily illuminated from dusk till 11 p.m.
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| 'O-torii' Gate, the symbol of Miyajima stands 16m high and weighs 60 metric tons. Amazingly the bases of the columns are not buried in the sea-floor but stand balanced by weight and the creative ingenuity of its builders. |
A tour boat can dock alongside of 'Harai-den' at 'Maroudo Shrine'. |
The West Corridor reputed as beautiful and gorgeous as 'O-torii' Gate. |
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| 'Bugaku' (ancient court dance) elegantly performed atop a high stage inside the shrine grounds. |
Seen at high tide from the East Corridor, the 'O-torii' Gate is splendid. |
Shrouded in mysterious beauty, the silhouette of 'O-torii' Gate. |
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| Night View |
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 Stay overnight in Miyajima and take an evening stroll to view the dream-like illuminated shrine. Let the inimitable aura of the 'island of the gods' take your breath away.
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| Shrine Info |
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Address: 1-1 Miyajima town Hatsukaichi city Hiroshima
Tel: 0829-44-2020
Admission: 300 yen
Open: Open year-round: 6:30-17:00 (6:30-18:00 in Summer)
Access:15 min. walk from ferry terminal
URL: www.miyajima-wch.jp
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| Senjokaku, Five-level Pagoda |
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  Senjokaku was constructed in 1587 by order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, however, following his death in 1598, it was never completed. The huge interior hall decorated with numerous wooden plaques is large enough to lay down 857 'tatami' mats, hence its name 'Senjokaku' (literally meaning hall of a thousand mats). The 27m high pagoda building is thought to date back to 1407; it displays a splendid structural beauty artfully combining Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. The image of Buddha in full color is painted on an inside wall of the pagoda. |
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Address: 1-1 Miyajima town Hatsukaichi city Hiroshima
Tel: 0829-44-2020
Admission: 100 yen
Open: Open year-round: 8:30-16:30
Access:10 min. walk from ferry terminal
URL: www.miyajima-wch.jp
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| Misen |
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 Offering spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea from the summit, at 535m above sea level, Mt. Misen is the high point on Miyajima. A ropeway whisks the visitor from 'Momijidani' Park at the foot of the mountain, over a pristine forest to near the summit and from there another 30 minute walk to the top. The energetic hiker can choose from several walking trails winding their way to the top. |
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| Momijidani |
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 At the foot of Mt.Misen, Momijidani Park is famous for the vivid red colors of the maples and other tree varieties in autumn. The walking trails throughout the park abound with cherry blossoms in the spring, vibrant greens in the summer, a kaleidoscope of colors in autumn, serene pines in the winter and a cool, deep gorge through the mountains, create a year-round idyllic setting. |
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| Miyajima FM Guide System |
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Miyajima Tourist Info Center, as well as some 'Ryokan' (Jananese-style inn) and hotels provide visitors with sightseeing guide receivers with useful English language descriptions of 20 locations of interest.
Rental Fee: 300 yen per day
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| Recommended Route for Miyajima |
Miyajima-guchi (Ferry)
¦ (Walk 15 min.)
1. Itsukushima Shrine
2. Senjokaku, Five-level Pagoda
Omotesando Shopping Street
Enjoy some tea and dining for a break from walking. One of best spots for buying souvenirs.
3. Momijidani Park
4. Misen
Miyajima-guchi (Ferry)
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| Kintaikyo(Yamaguchi) Enjoy More! |
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 Located between Hiroshima and Yamaguchi, Kintai Bridge (193 m. long) is constructed with five elegant wooden arches. Renowned as one of Japan's 'three celebrated bridges', it's a national designated scenic area by virtue of a superb combination of structurally sophisticated wooden framework amid an attractive surrounding natural setting. Take an excursion off the main path and admire this stunning bridge.
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| Access to Miyajima From Hiroshima |
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| >> Go To Top [ HIROSHIMA ] |
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| Onomichi, Shimanami-kaido |
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  In Onomichi City, it's possible to visit no fewer than 25 temples scattered along an ancient cobblestone road. Along the way, on the mountain slopes, narrow, intersecting, winding streets feature rows of neat houses nestling alongside one another. This typical settlement on the Seto Inland Sea, allows the traveler an authentic glimpse into the customs and daily lives of the local residents. Across the opposite shore in Ehime, the 'Shimanami-kaido' road connects Onomichi City to Imabari City. This spectacular, 80 kilometers long route takes the traveler across unique islands in the Seto Inland Sea and over 10 bridges; each of these structures, beautifully set off against the blue and green of the surrounding waters and islands, vary from cable-stayed to arch and suspension designs. Hop-scotching from island to island can be done by car, bicycle or on foot. Enjoy splendid views of the Seto Inland Sea as well as personally connecting with friendly, local residents by riding a bicycle. Rentals are conveniently available at over ten outlets on the islands.
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| Kosanji Museum |
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 Located on Ikuchi-jima (island) and a section of 'Shimanami-Kaido' road, the extensive grounds of Kosanji Temple Museum include reproductions of towers and gates, also a full-scale replica of the famous Nikko gate (thus often referred to as the Nikko of West Japan), structures that replicate the architecture and a reminder of the history of Japanese Buddhism. Explore 'Senbutsudo Hell Valley Cave of a Thousand Buddha Images' where indeed are found no less than a thousand Buddha images created out of Mt.Fuji lava and the fantastic marble carvings created by internationally renowned carver, Kazuto Kuetani. |
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Address: 553-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
Tel: 0845-27-0800
Admission: Adults: 1,200 yen, High school students: 700 yen
Open: Open year-round: 9:00-17:00
URL: www.kousanji.or.jp/etop.htm
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| Tomo-no-ura |
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| Scenic and historic, Tomo-no-ura located on the tip of the peninsula south of Fukuyama City on the shores of Seto Inland Sea, has flourished as "a port where boats wait for the tide to turn" since ancient times when ships ruled the seas for commerce and travel. The town has lovingly preserved its traditions, cultural artifacts and historic buildings such as 'Tomo Taichoro' Guest house and 'Tomo Shichikyo-ochi' Ruins. Visitors enjoy strolling along ancient streets dating to the Edo Period. |
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| Enjoy exciting Shimanami route across islands and bridges with splendid views of Seto Inland Sea. |
Old Temples Tour: one of 25 temples, 'Jodoji' Temple is designated a National Treasure with many cultural assets. |
Tomo-no-ura: ancient town streets allow visitors the unique experience of re-living the Edo Era. |
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| Kure |
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  Once the largest naval base in the Far East , Kure has continually developed through advanced ship design and construction. This dynamic growth was depicted in the popular 1970's "Star Blazers" 'anime' production, 'Senkan Yamato' (Battleship Yamato). Nationally renowned, the city's fine Yamato Museum informs the public of the gallant history of the Imperial Navy and Shipbuilding. The focal attraction is an impressive one-tenth scale model of the famed Battleship Yamato with accompanying historical articles about torpedoes and fighter planes. Visitors cannot help but feel immersed in the tragedy of war and a fervent desire for lasting world peace. South of Yamato Museum, are located the busy dockyards and giant cranes of shipbuilding companies that are at the base of Kure's industrial development. JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) Kure Museum is first in the nation to display a retired submarine. Visitors learn about JMSDF through historic archives and are welcomed aboard to see, touch and imagine life on an authentic submarine.
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| Food & Souvenir |
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Okonomiyaki
 'Okonomiyaki' made of vegetables, meat, eggs, noodles and other ingredients sandwiched between tasty crapes (pancakes) is a culinary symbol of Hiroshima. 'Okonomiyaki' is so deeply rooted in Hiroshima' daily life, it's a passionate subject of discussion almost anytime, anywhere and with any resident. Local favorite, 'Niku-tama soba' is a good choice for the first time taster.
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Oyster Cuisine
 Hiroshima is Japan's largest oyster producing area. Popular with shoppers, baked oysters are found on most commercial streets in Miyajima. Oysters can be enjoyed all year as a topping or grilled on a hot plate at most 'Okonomiyaki' shops.
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Momiji Manju(sweet bean paste cakes)
 A soft sponge cake, 'Momiji Manju' is filled with refined red beans in the shape of a maple leaf, the tree symbol of Hiroshima Prefecture. Various flavors, including cream, cheese and chocolate fillings are all tasty.
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Miyajima Crafts
 The wooden ladle, representative of arts and crafts on Miyajima Island, is locally a good luck charm and often used (in good fun) against the adversary at sporting events. Other artifacts made of wood are also popular.
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| Access to Onomichi, Shimanami From Hiroshima |
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