Located in western Japan, Hiroshima Prefecture is nestled between the Chugoku mountain range to the north and the Seto Inland Sea in the south. Although its geography may make Hiroshima seem like a tricky destination to get to, getting to Hiroshima City is easy. Situated on the shinkansen (bullet train) network, you’ll arrive within hours whether you’re coming from Kyushu or Kanto. Hiroshima Airport also welcomes domestic travelers with plentiful flights daily.
While Hiroshima will likely forever be synonymous with the mass destruction caused by an American atomic weapon, both the city and the prefecture beyond offer much more than memories of wartime devastation. From slices of Edo life in Takehara complete with faithfully restored architecture to the well renowned nihonshu (Japanese rice wine) breweries in Saijo, Hiroshima Prefecture has a diverse historical, cultural and culinary landscape to fuel your next trip.
History and culture
From the Edo period to the 20th century, Hiroshima has a rich history to explore.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
On the morning of Aug. 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the commercial and political heart of Hiroshima, killing upwards of 80,000 people instantly. By the end of the year, more than 140,000 had died as a result of the blast. In the ensuing decades, the city decided to construct the Peace Memorial Park to remember those who perished and the horrors of atomic weapons.
Covering more than 120,000 square meters, the park houses several monuments. The A-Bomb Dome is one of the few structures that survived the bombing and has been preserved in its skeletal form as a stark reminder of the weapon’s destructive powers. The Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb contains the names of all who have died as a result of the atomic bomb. For an in-depth look at the history of Hiroshima, the bombing and its aftermath, head to the Peace Memorial Museum.
Takehara City
Lying in the southern part of the prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea, Takehara City is one of several Japanese locales known as “Little Kyoto.” Featuring well preserved buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods, the historical district continues to capture the mood of a bygone era. Once a powerhouse in the salt industry, Takehara eventually began to make a name for itself in nihonshu production.
Take a stroll through time on Honmachi-Dori, a half kilometer stretch of road housing several old structures. The oldest in the area, the Yoshii Residence was built at the end of the 17th century and was once owned by a prominent merchant in the salt and rice wine industries. To learn more about local history, stop by the Takehara City Museum of History and Folklore.
Off the coast
With the Seto Inland Sea on its southern doorstep, it's not surprising that Hiroshima has more to offer just off its shores.
Itsukushima
Also known as Miyajima, Itsukushima sits off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture in the northwestern area of Hiroshima Bay in the Seto Inland Sea. Many people make the ferry trip to visit Itsukushima Shrine, a site with roots in the sixth century. Famous for its vermillion-colored architecture and its distinctive large torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the surface of the water during high tide.
But, there is plenty to see and do elsewhere on the island. In the autumn, head to Momijidani Park and enjoy over 700 maple trees bursting in fiery reds above. While there, pick up a momiji manju, a maple leaf-shaped Japanese sweet filled with red bean paste. Take the ropeway up Mount Misen for picturesque views of the island and the sea that surrounds it. Finally, don’t worry if you come across some deer during your trek. More than 1,000 of these sacred animals call the island home, so please be respectful.
Okunoshima
Falling within the boundaries of Takehara City, Okunoshima lies in the Seto Inland Sea and is accessible via ferries departing from Tadanoumi. The island is a popular destination for travelers to Hiroshima because of Okunoshima’s large wild rabbit population. The rabbits tend to be comfortable around humans and can be fed with food bought from the port.
As you wander the island in search of fluffy creatures, you’ll notice architectural remains dotting the landscape that stand in contrast to the whimsical image of rabbits. During World War II, the Japanese government secretly used the island to produce chemical weapons. The origins of the rabbits are murky, but some research suggests that rabbits may have been used as test subjects for the weapons. While you make sense of the juxtaposition of warfare and rabbits on Okunoshima, visit the Poison Gas Museum to delve deeper into this dark past.
Cuisine
Hiroshima has enough local food and drink to keep your appetite satiated.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
While okonomiyaki is considered soul food in many parts of Kansai, it is done a little differently in Hiroshima. Unlike the Osaka version that tends to mix flour, konbu dashi (seaweed soup stock), yams, cabbage and pork or seafood together before cooking it on a grill like a pancake, the Hiroshima one separates the ingredients.
Beginning with the pancake base made with flour, each ingredient is then added on top individually before being flipped over for its final round of cooking. Also, yakisoba noodles often comprise their own layer. By some estimates, the prefecture has the highest number of okonomiyaki shops per capita in the whole country. Pop into one during your trip and see for yourself why it’s a beloved dish.
Nihonshu
Taking advantage of its ideal climate and access to high quality water and rice, Saijo has a long history producing nihonshu stretching back to the 17th century. Rapidly developing over the 20th century, Saijo has become one of the three sake capitals in Japan. The region makes several varieties including the light and fruity ginjo-shu and thehonjozo ends with a crisp finish.
Throughout the year on the 10th day of every month, some breweries open their doors to the public to give a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. Plus, these tours usually end with a tasting! Every October, Saijo hosts a nihonshu festival that attracts over 100,000 enthusiasts and foodies.
More to explore
We’ve covered some of Hiroshima’s highlights, but they're only the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a few more ideas to add to your itinerary:
- National Bihoku Hillside Park
Enjoy more than two million spring flowers and holiday illuminations in November and December. - Oysters
With its prime location off the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima makes up about 60-70% of Japan’s oyster production. - Shobara
Located in the northeastern corner of Hiroshima Prefecture, this small city is a quiet getaway and perfect base for hiking the Chugoku Mountains.
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