Buzz
Discover the historical and cultural landmarks of Hiroshima for unforgettable experiences. Explore with Klook Vietnam!
Located in western Japan, Hiroshima is not only known for its tragic history but also as an exciting and captivating tourist destination. With its blend of serene natural beauty and dynamic modernity, Hiroshima attracts millions of visitors annually. Here, #teamKlook can experience impressive landscapes alongside Japan's rich culture. Join Klook Vietnam to explore 11 famous attractions in Hiroshima to better understand this unique city!
General Information About Hiroshima
Where is Hiroshima Located?
Hiroshima, a city situated on the western part of the Japanese archipelago, lies facing the Seto Inland Sea, also known as Japan's Mediterranean. With a history spanning over 400 years, the city was founded in 1589 to serve as the capital for Mori Motonari. Subsequently, it rapidly developed into a significant port city and industrial center following the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
However, during World War II, Hiroshima was heavily devastated by an atomic bomb. Through resilience and effort, the city has remarkably rebuilt and developed. Today, Hiroshima stands as a symbol of recovery and peace. With its strategic location and convenient transportation, Hiroshima is an ideal tourist destination for #teamKlook to explore a period of tumultuous history along with the unique culture of Japan.
What to Do in Hiroshima?
Nestled amidst beautiful nature and historical heritage, Hiroshima is an ideal destination for #teamKlook enthusiasts who love to explore and experience. If you're a nature lover, you can trek through ancient forests, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the sparkling blue sea. For those passionate about cultural exploration, you can visit famous temples with vibrant red gates standing out amidst the sea.
Furthermore, Hiroshima is renowned for its landmarks and cultural heritage sites symbolizing peace. Additionally, the city entices visitors with its distinctive cuisine such as savory okonomiyaki pancakes, steamed saltwater eel anago, and many other delicious dishes.
Guide to Traveling to Hiroshima Independently
To travel independently to Hiroshima, #teamKlook can choose flexible means of transportation based on their preferences and plans:
- Shinkansen Bullet Train: The shinkansen railway connects Hiroshima with Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You can opt for the Nozomi shinkansen, traveling directly from these major cities to Hiroshima.
- Bus: If you're looking to save costs, buses are a great option. Willer Express offers bus services between Hiroshima and other major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto at affordable prices.
- Airplane: For quick travel, you can choose to fly from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Hiroshima Airport, taking only about 90 minutes. The average ticket price is around 35,000 Yen. #teamKlook should book flights at least one month in advance for discounted fares.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Hiroshima
1. Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, or Carp Castle, is one of the few castles built in the city center rather than on a hill or mountain like others. The main tower of the castle has five floors, surrounded by a moat. Within the castle grounds are shrines, some ruins, and restored structures of Ninomaru (second defensive circle).
The castle was built in 1589 by Lord Mori Terumoto and served as a significant point in western Japan. Despite preservation efforts during the Meiji Restoration, like many parts of the city, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945.
Thirteen years later, the main tower of the castle was reconstructed using steel, concrete, and wood with an impressive appearance. Inside the tower is an information museum about the history of Hiroshima city, Hiroshima Castle, as well as Japanese castles in general. The top floor of the castle is an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is a must-visit tourist spot in Hiroshima. The vast park spans over 120,000 square meters, distinguished by lush greenery and pathways, secluded from the bustling central area.
At the heart of the park lies the Peace Memorial Museum, A-Bomb Dome - Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The A-Bomb Dome is one of the few structures left standing after the blast, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nestled between the Museum and A-Bomb Dome is the Memorial Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims. Each year, on the anniversary of the bombing, the park holds a commemorative ceremony and observes a minute of silence at 8:15 a.m., the exact time of the explosion.
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Located within the premises of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an unmissable destination when exploring Hiroshima city. It serves not only as a repository of historical relics but also as an educational venue for future generations on peace.
When visiting the museum, #teamKlook will explore exhibits showcasing the devastating impact of the atomic bomb explosion, from personal belongings of the victims to images and artifacts from the war. Additionally, you'll have a closer look at a model depicting the A-Bomb Dome structure under the atomic bomb's destruction.
Moreover, modern presentation methods such as 3D models and multimedia explanations at the museum will help you understand the painful consequences of war and further appreciate the current era of peace.
4. Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Hiroshima, also known as the origin of Miyajima Island's name - the island of shrines. Miyajima Island has a long history associated with Shintoism. The island's highest peak, Mount Misen, has been revered since the 6th century.
This place attracts tourists with its unique shrine and torii gate built above the water surface. The shrine complex includes various structures, such as the main hall, the main shrine, and a noh theater stage, all built over the sea.
At dusk, the shrine and torii gate are illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere for #teamKlook to enjoy the serene and romantic ambiance. Visitors can also admire the beauty of the bay and torii gate through boat tours around the island.
5. Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island, less than an hour by train from Hiroshima, is a fantastic natural tourist destination. It's renowned as one of Japan's top three scenic spots, offering visitors romantic settings, especially when staying overnight at one of the island's ryokans.
Miyajima, also known as the 'Island of Shrines,' is particularly famous for Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic torii gate. The island is also home to wild deer, which are very friendly to tourists and often seen in tourist areas.
Interesting spots like the History Museum, Daisho-in Temple, and Senjokaku Pavilion are historical and cultural tourist attractions on Miyajima. The island also features Mount Misen and the Miyajima Aquarium, offering a diverse and rich travel experience.
6. Kosanji Temple Museum
Kosanji Temple, located on Ikuchijima Island, is a unique destination that attracts tourists when exploring Hiroshima. The temple was constructed over 30 years, featuring many structures modeled after Japan's most famous temples, such as Nikko Toshogu's Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin's Phoenix Hall.
The temple grounds boast a diverse array of colorful structures yet maintain a cohesive style. Another highlight is an extensive cave system displaying depictions of Buddhist hell scenes. At the summit of Miraishin no Oka, meaning 'Eternal Hope Hill,' stand abstract sculptures. While Miraishin no Oka serves no religious function, it's one of Kosanji Temple's artistic specialties.
Many other artworks are showcased within the main buildings of the temple complex, including Buddhist sculptures, paintings, modern art, and items related to Japanese tea culture.
7. Shukkei-en Garden
Shukkei-en Garden, or 'shrunken-scenery garden,' nestled in the heart of Hiroshima, is a unique masterpiece of landscape design art. Established in 1620, Shukkei-en is a symbol of traditional art in Japanese gardening culture. Its unique feature is the recreation of valleys, mountains, and grasslands in miniature form, crafting delicate scenes.
The journey through the garden via pathways connecting all the miniature scenes of Shukkei-en offers the finest experience for visitors. Meticulous soil and plant care help the garden recreate unique natural landscapes, making Shukkei-en an unmissable destination for those who appreciate exquisite beauty and history in Hiroshima. Surrounding the main pond of the garden are numerous tea pavilions, providing excellent opportunities for visitors to admire the surrounding scenery.
8. Orizuru Tower
Explore Hiroshima, the Orizuru Tower, is an impressive tourist spot located next to the A-Bomb Dome. Standing 50 meters tall, it stands out amidst the Peace Memorial Park area and offers a magnificent view, overlooking the A-Bomb Dome from above.
Designed by Hiroshima-born architect Sanbuichi Hiroshi, renowned for integrating architecture with the surrounding environment. With a 450-meter spiral staircase, art-lined corridors, the tower offers a unique experience. The top observation deck opens up for visitors to feel the spaciousness, overlooking the cityscape. At the 12th floor, an interactive multimedia area displays intriguing animations, from the bombing site to predictions about Hiroshima's future, making it a special attraction for all ages.
9. Saijo Sake District
The Saijo sake district is an intriguing destination for #teamKlook to delve into Japanese culture and cuisine. Renowned for its innovative sake brewing style, it produces a unique flavor - ginjo sake. Made from the region's special soft water and meticulously polished rice fermented at low temperatures. Currently, there are 7 sake breweries characterized by white walls and red brick smokestacks.
Annually, in October, Saijo hosts the Saijo Sake Matsuri, Japan's largest sake festival featuring over 800 varieties of sake. Visitors can leisurely enjoy sake during the 2.5-hour festival.
Apart from the festival, you can stroll along the serene streets around Sakagura Dori - sake brewery street, visit shops and tasting rooms at sake breweries. Kamotsuru also has a sake production museum where visitors can take photos in a large wooden fermentation tank, watch videos about production, and taste special sake varieties.
10. Okunoshima Rabbit Island
Located east of Hiroshima, Okunoshima Rabbit Island is a small oasis where hundreds of wild rabbits roam freely in forests and fields. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the coast, this island attracts visitors from around the world.
The rabbits often live in large colonies and are famous for their high reproductive rate. Therefore, they are often seen as symbols of reproductive safety and bring happiness to families.
In addition to rabbit-watching, the island also has many coastal and mountain hiking trails, providing a dynamic travel experience. In summer, you can also enjoy swimming in the cool blue sea. Okunoshima Rabbit Island is not only an interesting tourist destination but also a place to enjoy relaxation and unique vacations. Experience Cycling and Exploring Rabbit Island in Hiroshima with Klooker to get closer to these adorable rabbits.
11. Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido, also known as the Nishiseto Expressway, is a 60-kilometer-long toll road connecting the main island of Honshu with Shikoku Island. Starting from the city of Onomichi on Honshu, Shimanami Kaido passes through six islands: Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima, then ends in the city of Imabari on Shikoku. Along this journey, #teamKlook not only gets to admire the stunning beauty of the Seto Inland Sea but also explores the quaint towns on the islands.
Besides its scenic beauty, Shimanami Kaido offers many other attractions along the way, such as the Hirayama Museum on Ikuchijima Island and Kosanji Temple. If you want to immerse yourself in nature and relax for a few days, you can also stay at the campsites on the islands. Experience Cycling Shimanami Kaido in Hiroshima, and enjoy the stunning island sea nature of Hiroshima!
The famous tourist spots in Hiroshima will take #teamKlook on a journey to discover a different Japan. Historical stories, unique cultural features, and pristine natural landscapes will bring you an unforgettable vacation.
Explore Hiroshima and Japan through Klooker's articles: Cherry Blossom Viewing Journey in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, Spring Travel in Japan: Wonderful Destinations, 6-Day 5-Night Budget Japan Itinerary, Hakone: Enjoy an Ideal Vacation in Japan's Mountainous Region, 13 Diverse Tokyo Parks for Unique Experiences, 11 Fantastic Tokyo Aquariums for Families, 2-Day 1-Night Kyoto Travel Experience from Tokyo, 4-Day 3-Night Okinawa Trip, 3-Day 2-Night Japan Travel Itinerary, Exciting Tokyo Attractions for Independent Travel,...
How many of these enticing Hiroshima tourist spots have you discovered already?
