Hiroshima lies at the head of Hiroshima Bay, an embayment of the Inland Sea. It is situated on the plain and is the prefectural capital and center of its largest conurbation. This port was founded in 1589 as a castle town on the Ota River Delta. Hiroshima is the most exciting city in Western Japan and nearby Miyajima Island, a natural and spiritual sanctuary. While the 1945 nuclear bombing forever scarred this vibrant city, it thrives with plenty of things to offer.
The city of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Prefecture is today full of life and things to do for the most part. The city of Hiroshima may always be linked to the devastating effects of the atomic bomb. Still, they are also full of things to see and do. Here are the top five things to do in Hiroshima.
The Kintai-Kyo Bridge was originally built in 1673 to afford residents an escape from river floods. It is a wooden bridge with five impressive arched spans over the Nishiki River. The bridge was destroyed in a flood in 1950 but was rebuilt as it was before. The bridge is 193 meters long and offers some spectacular views of the skyline. The bridge is a significant landmark in Iwakuni and has been admired for hundreds of years.
The Itsukushima Shrine is a world-renowned landmark and attracts people from all over the world to Japan to experience its stunning beauty, rich history, and architecture. Here at the shrine, the Japanese have performed traditional rites and worship for centuries. The island on which the shrine is situated is sacred and has been known as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Moreover, during the high tides, the shrine floats above the water, giving it an air of mystique that adds to the already fantastic experience.
Shukkei-en Garden is located northeast of Downtown Hiroshima. It has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Historical Park. The meaning of Shukkei-en is shrunken scenery, which perfectly describes the various sites hidden inside the garden, such as a sandy beach area, mountainous area, a valley area, and a lush forest area. The garden dates back to the history of 1620, which is an early Edo period, and is typically considered the quintessential Japanese-style garden. Moreover, you’ll also find some teahouses and tranquil lakes as you walk around this serene garden.
The Hiroshima Castle is the representation of Hiroshima’s traditional Japanese construction. It was built in 1589 as a vital government center for the Hiroshima region. The original castle was destroyed during the 1945 atomic blast. And the one you will see is relatively newer but just as exquisite as the original one. Moreover, the castle also houses traditional Japanese artifacts, artworks, and significant works from antimest times. To watch the most pleasant view of the city skyline, climb up the stairs and admire the gardens on the castle grounds, whose flowers bloom seasonally and are unique.
This museum explores the ramifications and consequences of the atomic bombing inextricably tied to Hiroshima's history. This intense experience is for those who long to comprehend what that atomic blast did to the Japanese, especially Hiroshima. In detail, it shows the complete chronology of the events leading up to, during, and following the bombing. If you visit the museum, you can see how it still affects them.
Hiroshima has a temperate climate so one can visit at any time. But still, if you want to visit during the best time of the year, consider the fall season – October and November and the spring season – March to May. Because here summers are from June to August, it tends to be hot and humid.
