"Hiroshima - City of Peace" Top 5 Page for this destination Hiroshima by pure1942

Hiroshima Travel Guide: 368 reviews and 898 photos

Resilience

Everyone has heard of Hiroshima but the city’s fame has less to do with ancient temples, historic sites and beautiful landscapes than the horrific incident which shocked the world and devastated Hiroshima at 8.15 AM on Monday, August 6, 1945. With the dropping of the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, WWII ended but effectively heralded the beginning of the Nuclear age, which to this day, leaves a heavy cloud of uncertainty and fear hanging over the world.

Cenotaph, Peace Flame and A-Bomb Dome

Walking the streets of Hiroshima today, it could be easy to forget the devastation which flattened the city 65 years ago. The bustling energy of the city and its people is only deflated by the mournful shell of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Hall more commonly known as the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome. This crumbling ruin is the only building in Hiroshima’s city centre remaining from pre-1945. The dome is left standing as a constant reminder as to the horrors and devastation of nuclear war and marks a central focal point to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park which spreads out across the river. Away from the dome and Peace park, the city hides it’s tragic past, with an energy and friendliness which makes visitors feel more at ease, after visiting the disturbing reminders of devastation and horror on show in the park and museum. This openness and energy shows the true resilience and optimism of the people of Hiroshima who, despite past pain and loss, have rebuilt their city and lives with a hugely admirable determination.

Deer at Miyajima

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of those sobering places which can’t fail to move everyone who visits. Laid out in a an area of land in the city centre which was left abandoned after the atomic bombing, the park is a beautiful and moving memorial to the atrocity.
Central to the park is the eternal peace flame and cenotaph sculpture which are located in front of the Peace Museum which itself makes for an interesting but ultimately humbling experience for all visitors.
Most people come to Hiroshima to visit the scene of one of man-kinds worst mistakes, but the city has much more to offer visitors. Most of your time will be taken up with the peace park and museum, but Hiroshima’s less depressing sites are well worth checking out. Hiroshima Castle, park and adjacent royal buildings are well worth a look and if there at the right time of year, a visit to the Hiroshima Municipal Stadium to watch the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team, is a popular way to spend an evening, both for locals and visitors alike. Of course every visitor to Hiroshima with more than a day or two to spare, will definitely want to make for the beautiful and sacred island of Miyajima, just a short trip from central Hiroshima.

Last visit to Hiroshima: Feb 2010
Intro Updated Sep 20, 2010
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Reviews (20)

The Bombing of Hiroshima Favorites (1)

This isn't exactly a 'fondest' memory but I didn't know where else to put this info... In 1945, as World War drew to... more travel advice

TRams Transportation (3)

The Hiroshima tram system is a convenient but slow way to get around the city. The quality of the trams themselves vary... more travel advice

Train Transportation (3)

Hiroshima is well served by the Sanyo line on the JR network. From Tokyo, the journey will take around 4 hours by Nozomi... more travel advice

Paper Cranes Local Customs (1)

The Crane has become an unofficial symbol of Hiroshima since the story of Sadako Sasaki became world famous. Sadako... more travel advice

Things to Do (14)
See All Itsukushima Shrine

Hotels (1)
Comfy Central Hostel

Comments (3)

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csordila Jan 15, 2012 at 1:16 PM

Fine page you have here, Brian! Best L.
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HORSCHECK Sep 25, 2010 at 3:41 AM

Brian, fantastic page with outstanding photos of Hiroshima. I especially like your practical transportation and accomodation tips. Keep up the good work. :-)
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mircaskirca Sep 15, 2010 at 12:35 PM

Hi Brian! I did not know much about the present Hiroshima, so thanks for sharing. What a moving story about Sadako! I think I would enjoy Miyajima, sounds like a nice place to spend a day. 'Nobody is allowed to give birth or die on the island'... hmmm...