Tourist Attractions
World Heritage Sites
Atomic Bomb Dome
On 6th August 1945, 8:15 a.m., the first atomic bomb used in the history of mankind exploded approximately at a height of 600 meters, 160 meters southeast of this facility. The force of this terrible blast was 35 tons per square meter with a blast speed of 440 meters (blast speed - 440 m/s?440 m/min? the unit of speed needs to be included). The atomic blast and heat wave washed over the Dome setting its roof ablaze and completely gutting the building. The blast wave that traveled in a nearly vertical direction killed all the people working in the building while the center of the main building was miraculously spared from destruction. The metal frame of the Dome, which was laid bare, formed the ruins that over time came to be called the "A-bomb Dome" by the local residents.
On 27th May 2016, the former US President Barack Obama laid a wreath at the cenotaph for A-bomb victims and viewed the A-bomb Dome across Peace Memorial Park during his historic visit to the city.
Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine was constructed more than 1,400 years ago using the Shinden style of architecture, symbolic of the type of construction used for the residences of the noble classes. It seems as if it is floating on water. Visitors get the sensation of being on a boat. The beauty of the Otorii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine are illuminated from dusk until 11pm.
The most beautiful season
November, the month which we are intending to host you, is the best season to visit Miyajima Island, because the island will be covered with bright red Japanese maple forests. Momijidani Park is famous for the beautiful red colors of maples and other varieties of trees in Autumn. The best time to visit is in November. The walking trails throughout the park are lined with cherry blossoms in the spring, deep greens in the summer, vibrant reds in autumn, peaceful pines in the winter and a gorge that runs through the mountains, making this a pleasant spot year round. Fall foliage is also beautiful in the city of Hiroshima, especially around at the Peace Memorial Park where the A-bomb Dome is located. You can enjoy colorful leaves of different types of maple species.
- Other seasons
https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/feature/sakura/
https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/feature/10-recommended-summer/
https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/feature/10-recommended-winter/
Shopping
Hondori Shopping Arcade
Running through the center of Hiroshima city, Hondori Shopping Arcade is the largest shopping arcade in Chuugoku-Shikoku region. Along the 567m long shopping street, you will find a variety of shops ranging from souvenir shops and specialty shops for famous Kumano brushes, top quality brushes produced in Hiroshima, to drugstores or cafes. Every weekend, the shopping arcade is crowded with about 100 thousand people wandering around shopping. During the Edo era (18th century) it was a part of the highway called Saigoku-kaido.
HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER
The HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER is a tourist attraction located beside the Atomic Bomb Dome. You can enjoy the breath-taking view of Hiroshima city and relax at the roof observation deck.There's also a souvenir shop and café on the street level, and the space called "ORIZURU SQUARE" on the 12th floor, where you can try making Orizuru paper cranes. Many made-in-Hiroshima foods and products from all over the prefecture are waiting for you at souvenir shop.
Hiroshima Marina Hop
This is the only shopping mall that faces the Seto Inland Sea as well as having an unique yacht harbor. The huge variety of shops and restaurants allow you to enjoy your meals and shopping activities right next to the ocean. In addition, you can utilize speedboats to get to Miyajima. Enjoying a delicous meal at one of the seaside restaurants while enjoying the view of the yacht harbor certainly brings a sense of relaxation.
Attractions
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle was built by Mōri Terumoto, one of the council of five elders appointed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. During the Edo period, it was used by the Fukushima clan and the Asano clan. The castle tower was designated as a national treasure in 1931, but it was later destroyed by the bomb. The castle was restored in 1958 and as part of its 400th anniversary in 1989, the interior was fully refurbished and now acts as a museum detailing the history and culture of Japanese samurai families.
Hiroshima Museum of Art
It is an art museum located in the heart of Hiroshima city, surrounded by lush greenery. The museum is also a unique venue for evening events. You can conduct a ceremony in the hall and enjoy a courtyard party, while appreciating its excellent collection of French modern paintings including works by Monet and Renoir.
Cuisine
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is the most famous dish and is known as Hiroshima's soul food, and as for the number of the Okonomiyaki restaurants per population in each prefecture in Japan, Hiroshima prefecture ranks first. Okonomiyaki is cooked with the mixing of cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, egg and noodles, which is soba or udon, on thin flour dough spread like crepe. There are more than 2000 Okonomiyaki restaurants around Hiroshima city.
Oyster
Hiroshima Oyater is very big, thick and tasty, and Hiroshima is number one when it comes to oyster harvests in Japan. Kakino- Dotenabe (Oyster in the pot with miso on its edge) is Hiroshima's local dish and Hiroshima residents often cook fried oysters and oysters on rice in winter. Also, there are some oyster shops that serve grilled oysters and raw oysters to visitors on Miyajima Island.
Setouchi Seafood
Setouchi means the Seto Inland Sea, and it provides very fresh fish. The reason of freshness is that the south side of Hiroshima prefecture faces the most productive fishing ground, the Seto Inland Sea. You can try grilled sea eel on rice near Miyajimaguchi port, and octopus dish is famous in Mihara city, which is located at the east of Hiroshima prefecture. Moreover, in the north of Hiroshima, the countryside, people eat shark which they call “Wani" as their local dish.
Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish that made of Chinese style noodle. Onomichi Ramen, which originates from Onomichi city, is famous for its soup with soy sauce and backfat of pork. Around Hiroshima city, Hiroshima style Tsukemen is loved by locals. Tsukemen is cold noodle served with boiled cabbage, boiled egg, some other boiled vegetables and also is served with spicy hot soup which is made of hot pepper, chili oil and sesame.
Cafe / Dessert
In downtown Hiroshima, there are many cafes and you can easily find a good one for a cup of refreshing coffee. Famous American style Cafés are good, but why don’t you try Japanese style cafés? Japanese style cafés provide some traditional Japanese tea and sweets, like green tea, sweet beans jam “azuki”, and mochi. Some of the cafés changes to bars after the sun sets.
Izakaya (Japanese Sake)
If you are interested in the Japanese style nightlife, Izakaya is the good choice for trying nice Japanese famous homemade dishes, alcohol and Japanesque night atmosphere. An Izakaya restaurant is something like a Japanese pub and you can get many kinds of Japanese alcohol - Sake, Shochu and so on - with nice meal included.
Saijo in the Higashi Hiroshima city is the famous town of making Sake since the Edo era and there are still very old buildings of Sake breweries in this town. The Sake made in Saijo is one of the top three big products of Sake in Japan. You would feel relaxed when you have good Sake in one hand with a side dish at an Izakaya.
Japanese Delicacy
Japanese cuisines served at Japanese restaurants often surprises customers by the fantastic look. You can enjoy not only taste, also colors, shape, and how to dish up food as well. Sushi and Tempura are most famous Japanese food, but there are many other kinds of Japanese cuisines that are delicious and attractive and represents the uniqueness of Japanese food culture. In Hiroshima, you can try many kinds of Japanese homemade cookings made of beef, pork and vegetables and so forth and many of these ingredients are locally produced.
Special Experience
Oyster Farm Tour
In Hiroshima Bay, rich nutrients carried by the Otagawa river enhance phytoplankton growth, and they make Hiroshima oysters fat and tasty. Hiroshima Bay is also suitable for the oyster culture because the bay is very calm thanks to its surrounding islands. Why don’t you go visit the largest oyster farming area in Japan and taste some mouth-watering oysters?