Hiroshima’s place in world history is quite significant as it is the first city to have been devastated by an atomic bomb. The tragic event occurred towards the conclusion of World War II, when the United States Air Force dropped the nuclear weapon on the city, creating major damage and destruction.

Today, this prime metropolis in the Chugoku Region is home to several attractions that welcome many tourists across the globe all year round.

Peace Memorial Park

The Peace Memorial Park is a commemorative landmark located in the heart of the city. It serves as a memorial dedicated to the victims of the fateful atomic bomb attack. The area contains the A-Bomb Dome ruins, Children’s Peace Monument, Memorial Cenotaph, Gates of Peace, International Conference Centre Hiroshima, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall.

Cenotaph through which the Atomic Dome can be seen at at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Castle

Unlike most of Japan’s ancient castles, Hiroshima Castle is situated on a plain right at the heart of the city. It is five storeys high and encircled by a moat. It was constructed in 1589 and used to be a key governmental base in Western Japan. At present, it is a museum that exhibits a range of artefacts collected from the city’s long history.

Hiroshima Castle in Hiroshima, Japan

Mazda Museum

Automotive manufacturer Mazda has its corporate headquarters in Hiroshima, and it has a museum that any car enthusiast would love. For many decades now, Mazda has produced more than one million vehicles each year, and it continues to be a major player in the country’s automotive industry. The Mazda Museum offers tours that provide a glimpse of Mazda’s history and allow visitors to observe the actual car manufacturing process.

Shukkeien Garden

The Shukkeien Garden is best known for its mini-gardens that show the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. With a refreshing pond as its centrepiece, surrounded by different kinds of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, the landscape and scenery of this place offers a relaxing ambiance where anyone can chill and relax after a few hours of walking around the city.

Shukkeien is a pleasant Japanese style garden in Hiroshima

Miyajima

Situated on an island a little less than an hour from Hiroshima, Miyajima is a small town renowned for the enormous torii gate that looks like it is floating on water during a high tide. It is home to a number of shrines and temples, most notably the Itsukushima Shrine, Senjokaku Hall, and Daisho-in Temple. It is also home to the popular hiking spot, Mount Misen.

Miyajima, Hiroshima, Japan floating shrine