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Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan

Rise from the Ashes: Discover the Resilience and Beauty of Hiroshima Hiroshima, a city forever etched in history, offers a journey unlike any other. While forever marked by the tragedy of 1945, Hiroshima today stands as…

#Historical#Peaceful#Atomic bomb#Cultural#Scenic

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hiroshima.

Top Hotels in Hiroshima

Top Flights to Hiroshima

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hiroshima.

Tours

Peace Memorial Park

A prominent park featuring the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the iconic A-Bomb Dome, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing.

Itsukushima Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 'floating' torii gate, located on the island of Miyajima.

Shukkeien Garden

A historic Japanese garden in Hiroshima featuring scenic landscapes and a picturesque central pond.

Hiroshima Castle

A reconstructed castle originally built in the 1590s, offering views of the city and historical exhibits.

Shopping

Hondori Shopping Arcade

A bustling covered shopping street in downtown Hiroshima filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Outdoor

Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park

A zoo located on a hillside outside of Hiroshima, home to various animals from around the world.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hiroshima.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

1.2 million

Languages

Japanese, Japanese

Average weather

Hiroshima

Jan

8°0°

Feb

9°1°

Mar

13°4°

Apr

19°9°

May

24°14°

Jun

27°19°

Jul

31°23°

Aug

33°24°

Sep

29°20°

Oct

23°14°

Nov

17°8°

Dec

11°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hiroshima.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Hiroshima, Japan. Here are some detailed reasons why visiting Hiroshima can be a worthwhile experience:

Historical Significance: Hiroshima is known worldwide for being the first city to suffer a nuclear attack during World War II. Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum offers a somber yet important look at the impact of nuclear warfare and serves as a reminder of the importance of peace.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its tragic history, Hiroshima has emerged as a city dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation. Visitors often find the city's atmosphere to be serene and reflective, with a strong emphasis on promoting harmony and understanding.
Beautiful Scenery: Hiroshima is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Seto Inland Sea and the beautiful Miyajima Island with its iconic floating torii gate. The city also offers picturesque parks, gardens, and riverside paths for visitors to enjoy.
Delicious Cuisine: Hiroshima is famous for its local culinary specialties, including Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (a savory pancake filled with various ingredients) and fresh oysters from the nearby Seto Inland Sea. Food lovers will appreciate the diverse dining options available in the city.
Vibrant Culture: Hiroshima is a city rich in culture and traditions, with numerous festivals, performances, and events throughout the year. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese arts, crafts, and entertainment while exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

Overall, traveling to Hiroshima can provide a profound and enlightening experience, combining historical significance, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and a deep commitment to promoting peace and understanding.

What to know

Traveling to Hiroshima, Japan, can be an incredibly enriching experience due to its historical significance and beautiful sights. However, there are a few potential cons to consider:

Distance: Hiroshima is located quite far from major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, so getting there can involve a longer journey. This might require additional travel time and expense.
Weather: Hiroshima experiences hot and humid summers, which may not be ideal for everyone. The summers can be uncomfortable for those not accustomed to such weather conditions.
Language Barrier: While Hiroshima is a popular tourist destination, English may not be as widely spoken compared to other cities in Japan. This can sometimes make communication challenging, especially in more local or rural areas.
Crowds: Popular attractions in Hiroshima, such as the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, can attract large crowds of tourists. Visiting during peak seasons may result in long lines and crowded spaces.
Nuclear History: Visiting Hiroshima may evoke strong emotions due to its tragic history of being the target of a nuclear attack during World War II. Some visitors may find this aspect of the city distressing.

Overall, while Hiroshima has much to offer in terms of history and culture, it is important to consider these potential drawbacks when planning a trip there.

Hiroshima, located in the western part of Japan's Honshu Island, is a city with a rich history that has been significantly shaped by events in the 20th century.

Early History

Feudal Era: Hiroshima was founded as a castle town in 1589 by the feudal lord Mori Terumoto. The construction of Hiroshima Castle established it as a significant regional center.
Edo Period: During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Hiroshima developed as a prosperous city under the control of the Asano clan, who were appointed as the daimyō (feudal lords) of the Hiroshima Domain.

Meiji Restoration and Modernization

Meiji Period (1868-1912): The Meiji Restoration led to significant changes in Japan, including modernization and industrialization. Hiroshima became an important industrial center, contributing to Japan's military and economic strength.

20th Century and World War II

World War II: On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima became the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon. The atomic bomb, dropped by the United States, resulted in the immediate deaths of an estimated 70,000 people, with total deaths by the end of the year reaching around 140,000 due to injuries and radiation sickness.
Post-War Reconstruction: After World War II, Hiroshima focused on rebuilding and became a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The city was reconstructed with the help of national and international efforts.

Significant Landmarks

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: This park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing and includes several significant sites:
- Atomic Bomb Dome: Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it survived the blast and is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: The museum provides a comprehensive history of the bombing and promotes the message of peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
- Children's Peace Monument: Inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from radiation-induced leukemia, it is adorned with thousands of paper cranes symbolizing wishes for peace.

Prominent Historical Figures

Mori Terumoto: Founder of Hiroshima as a castle town.
Asano Nagaakira: The first Asano daimyō who ruled during the Edo Period.
Sadako Sasaki: A victim of the atomic bomb whose story has become a symbol of the impact of nuclear warfare and the desire for peace.

Modern Hiroshima

Today, Hiroshima is a vibrant city that continues to promote peace and international dialogue. It is also recognized for its historical sites, cultural heritage, and contributions to education and industry.

Hiroshima's history is a testament to resilience and the enduring hope for a world without nuclear weapons.