There is no doubt that the most historical and as a result the most popular location in Hiroshima City is the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. These 2 iconic locations always come up first on everyones agenda when planning a trip to Hiroshima, no matter whether you are Japanese or any other nationality from around the world.
It really is a bucket list location that we all must visit at least once in our lives and especially whilst traveling around Japan. In fact, all Japanese school students must visit Hiroshima and or Nagasaki at least once in their school education as mandated by Japanese law. For this reason, whether you are in Nagasaki or Hiroshima it is more than likely that you will encounter at least one school group at the Peace Park or Atomic Bomb Museum. I have been told numerous times by my clients that it was amazing and beautiful to see the next generations of Japanese youths being educated about the horrors of war and why we should try and attain peace for humanity to thrive.
For me personally, it had been about 6 years between visits to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park but it was just as I had remembered. The main attractions including the Prayer Fountain, Pond of Peace, Peace Flame, Bell of Peace and of course the main monument the Atomic Bomb Dome which is the most famous and iconic image as a result of these 2 devastating Atomic explosions during WW2.
However, what really delighted me, is to see the park being expanded and many more public spaces being created. The vibe and atmosphere of the area now is very different and the 2 separate parks have definitely improved the overall concept and image of the City. It is not just a sad and depressing place where contemplation of humanity is fore-front in every visitors minds but an area where vision and a strong, vibrant and positive future can be visualized by everyone. It is for these reasons that you could easily spend 2 or 3 hours just in the parks let alone the Peace Memorial Museum.
Our professional guides will be able to show you all the main sights both on and off the beaten track to leave you fully satisfied at days end.
Please check out the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the map below:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
The peace fountain
It's a very iconic view
The eternal flame
Always many school children
A place to contemplate
The peace bell
Lots of info to digest
The atomic dome
Close up
Powerful images are everywhere
So much to see
The symbol of Hiroshima
Entrance to the Museum
A place for all to enjoy
Main entrance
Please check out these videos below to see more of the Hiroshima Peace memorial Park:
There couldn't be a more popular place in Japan right now (except Mount Fuji) then Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture.
It literally has everything that you would ever need from an attraction. It has beauty, history, nature, a variety of experiences and to top it off a picturesque Ferry ride from the mainland to the island, which is only a 10 minute journey but a highlight in itself.
The island of Itsukushima, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 12th century and the harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill. The shrine plays on the contrasts in color and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity.
The name Itsukushima literally means 'island of worship' and from ancient times the island itself was worshipped as a god. The mystical Itsukushima Shrine built on the water was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. A place where people have long carried out ancient rites, Itsukushima Shrine has become world renowned, attracting visitors from all over Japan and the rest of the world.
I have been to Itsukushima Shrine at least 5 or 6 times since my arrival in Japan. It's absolutely a location that draws you in and keeps you coming back with its quintessential features and highlights. On this day my family (my children's 1st visit) joined me for a day trip from Fukuoka. At first they were like, do we have to come and drive that far just to see a Shrine! But when they got on the island and saw all the amazing sights their attitude absolutely reversed full circle. In the end, it was a effort to get them off the island as they were so into the location.
Firstly, it was the deer that got them excited. They really enjoyed the closeness and of course the deer aren't aggressive, can be touched and petted. and generally enjoyed from up close. After that, they checked out the Shrine and its pathways which feel as though you are standing directly on top of the sea in many parts. Once the tide had disappeared then it was off to the standing Torii gates, which just aren't massive but quite a joy and experience to walk around as well as to throw coins onto. If you do get on on to the wooden structure, of course years and decades of good luck will be bestowed upon you!
Its been a few years now between visits but I can feel another trip to Hiroshima being on the cards. I am sure there are many more shops and restaurants on the main street as foreign tourists now exceeds Japanese domestic numbers. I am sure you will be as impressed as me on how amazing this location really is.
Please look hereto see the Itsukushima Shrine here on a map:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
My daughter was doing cartwheels of excitement
Family shot
Low tide at the Shrine
Visible from all angles
Lets walk to the torii gate
Low tide
The ferry come and go all day long
Another family shot
The gate at high tide
Magnificent
My daughter especially loved this place
Panorama Shot
Every angle is superb
Plenty of deer to feed
Please watch this video below to see more about the Itsukushima Shrine:
