For many people around the world, Hiroshima will always be remembered as a City of tragic loss and devastation. This is due to the atomic bomb that hit on August 6th 1945. Consequently, many lives were lost and the City was left in total destruction. Today, however, Hiroshima has managed to rebuild its root to become a vibrant city with a lot of appeal for tourists.
Having never been to Hiroshima, we jumped at the opportunity when Singapore Airlines invited us to explore the area. In fact, how could we say no! Below we have a look at our top 6 things to do in Hiroshima. Let’s see if you would agree!
Where is Hiroshima? And How to Get there
The City of Hiroshima can be found in southwest Japan. The area is surrounded by the Chugoku Mountains to the North and the Seto Inland Sea to the South.
We arrived on a SilkAir flight from Singapore to Hiroshima (the regional carrier for Singapore Airlines). The direct flight took 6 hours. If arriving from another part of Japan, the bullet trains (Shinkansen) are your best option! The distance that they can travel in a short time frame is unreal. For example, Kyoto to Hiroshima takes 2 hours on the Bullet Train. We will definitely do another blog post about travelling throughout Japan by rail because while it may seem confusing at first, their rail system is incredible!
Things to do In Hiroshima
If you are looking for interesting and fun things to do in Hiroshima, here are some ideas:
1. Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome is a must-see on any visit to Hiroshima. Although it is located almost directly underneath where the explosion hit, it is one of the few buildings that withstood the atomic bomb. As such, the building has become an icon of the City. Therefore, we believe all travellers should take the time to visit this location. It is gated off, so you are only able to view this structure from a distance. Also, be sure to check out the nearby trees. We found them very unusual – almost as if they were growing grass from the branches! Bizarre.
In 1996, the site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is truly an extraordinary structure helping to promote the hope for world peace.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is another prominent feature of the City. It retraces the events that took place before tragedy
The Museum highlights the devastation of the lives lost. Additionally, it looks at the aftermath of the survivors and what they endured. It recounts many personal stories particularly those who survived but later died from radiation poisoning. It is an eye opening experience and one that leaves you in shock, utter disbelief and saddess.
Admission for Adults cost ¥200 (AUD $2.80). Time spent in the Museum can be anywhere from an hour onwards. We had anticipated spending 45 minutes there but actually ended up being there for 1 hour 30 minutes!
3. Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island is considered to be one of the most picturesque locations in Hiroshima. In fact, travellers come from all over Japan to see this island. In particular, Itsukushima Shrine and Itsukushima Otorii Floating Gate. The Shrine is a location where people have come to worship for many years. In fact, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island is open daily from 6.30 am – 5 pm. The price is ¥300 (AUD $4.20) per Adult. You would be best to visit this location earlier in the day before it becomes too crowded! Unfortunately, during our trip to Japan, the Ototii Floating Gate was under reconstruction so we decided to take a day trip to Rabbit Island instead (see below).
4. Hiroshima Castle
Built in 1589, Hiroshima Castle was developed at the heart of the City. While it was destroyed by the atomic bomb, 15 years later it was redeveloped. Today it recognises the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.
While it is beautiful to admire the Castle from the outside, from the top of the Castle is a magnificent view over Hiroshima City as well as the grounds of the Castle.
The Castle is open daily from 9am to 5pm from December to February. In March to November, from 9am to 6pm. Admission to the Castle is ¥370 (AUD $5.18) per Adult.
5. Rabbit Island
While further afield, Rabbit Island (Okunoshima) is a unique and
So you may be wondering what is the attraction of Rabbit Island? Well, it is literally that – an island filled with Rabbits. There are over 1000 Rabbits that call the island home. They are harmless and will approach you! At the ferry wharf before boarding the boat, it is possible to buy rabbit biscuits. So feel free to feed them as they come up to you!
As well, the island is also home to a lot of history. During World War 2 the island was home to a poison gas factory. Today, some of the structures from the factory remain,
6. Try Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)
If you fancy trying the well known Japanese dish, Okonomiyaki, a good place to start is Okonomi-Mura. Here there are over 25 restaurants over 4 levels which serve the speciality dish. For those who don’t know, Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake. Fillings include shredded cabbage, green onions, with strips of pork belly, octopus or shrimp inside.
There are some other great restaurants in Hiroshima including the one in the photo below. Unfortunately, the name of the restaurant was Japanese and the staff did not speak much English so we are not sure what it would translate to. If you come across a restaurant that allows you to cook your own meat and vegetables, definitely try it!
Where to stay in Hiroshima
We would recommend staying at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima due to its central location. It will only take you 10 minutes to walk to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. Walking to Hiroshima Castle takes 20 minutes.
The Hotel is also conveniently located to many great dining options, bars and shops including Okonomi-Mura.
ANA Crowne Plaza offers a number of room types depending on your budget and preference. We chose a room that allowed us to have Club Access. Club Access provides you with snacks and drinks that are complimentary throughout your stay! Other notable features of the Hotel include the health club with a pool, spa and various dining options. These include a French restaurant on the 22nd floor as well as a Japanese and Chinese restaurant.
#SquadSQ Adventure
Hiroshima was our first stop on our #squadSQ adventure. If you want to see what else we got up to with Singapore Airlines have a look here.
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