The city symbolizes how wars leave memories, and in Hiroshima, the memories are still visible. A beautiful city full of history and culture, 2 hours by train from Osaka. Hiroshima was the scene of the first atomic bombing of history, on 6 August 1945, during the Second World War. Check my 15 days itinerary in Japan to know everything about my Japanese trip. Book the Hiroshima Night Tour!
HOW TO GET TO HIROSHIMA
Normally those who choose to visit Hiroshima do it in one day. The central station is located in the city center, which makes it easy to visit.
From Shin-Osaka Station, is 1h30 by direct train, not included in theJapan Rail Pass. Remember that NOZOMI trains are not included in the JR pass, for more info here!
From the central station of Kyoto there is a direct train that in 1h40 takes you to Hiroshima, but not included in the JR pass. If you want to travel with JR you must take a Hikari train, your journey will only last 15min longer.
WHAT TO SEE
Hiroshima is a city that in recent years has focused heavily on tourism. For this reason, at the train station exit, you can take one of 4 tourist buses that run around the city. Each line has a different route, you can go down or up at each stop. Personally I’m not a lover of tour buses but in this case, it’s free if you have a Japan Rail Pass.
The 5 stops are:
- Hiroshima castle = is a good example of a castle built on a plain in the center of a city as opposed to hilltop and mountaintop castles. Its main keep is five stories tall, and its grounds are surrounded by a moat.
- Peace monuments = Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building was preserved exactly as it was after the bombing. Today it serves as a memorial monument to nuclear devastation and a symbol of peace and the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum = The museum not only exposes in detail the catastrophe of August 6 but also shows information about atomic weapons in the world. Adults ¥200, open daily 8:30-18:00.
- Hijiyama Park = as a famous place for cherry blossoms o just a beautiful walk.
- Shukkeien park = Shukkeien has a long history dating back to 1620, just after the completion of Hiroshima Castle. The garden displays many features of the traditional aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Around the garden’s main pond there are a number of tea houses that offer visitors ideal views of the surrounding scenery.
ITSUKUSHIMA TEMPLE
Hiroshima is crossed by many tourists who visit the Itsukushima Shrine during the day. In fact, it can be an excellent solution to visit the temple in the morning and in the afternoon to pass it to Hiroshima.
To get to the temple you will need to take a regional train, (included in the JR pass) and get off at Miyajimaguchi Station. From the station take the ferry (included in the JR pass) which will take you to Itsukushima island in 20 minutes.
