Hiroshima is a city in western Japan that is best known for being the first city in history to be targeted by an atomic bomb during World War II. There are several key tourist attractions in Hiroshima related to this event, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which contains the ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (commonly known as the "A-Bomb Dome") and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.


Visitors can also pay respects to the victims of the bombing by visiting the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Additionally, visitors can take a ferry to nearby Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Potential Itinerary for a one-day visit

  1. Start the day by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and features monuments and statues, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, which was one of the few buildings left standing near the bomb's hypocenter.
  2. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum provides a detailed look at the events leading up to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, as well as its immediate and long-term effects on the city and its inhabitants. 
  3. Have a traditional Hiroshima-style lunch at a local restaurant. Some popular local dishes include okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake) and oysters (Hiroshima is known for its oysters).
  4. Visit Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, which was a fortress built in the 16th century that survived the atomic bombing. The castle has been reconstructed and serves as a museum.
  5. Visit the Shukkei-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden that was first built in the early 17th century and was also able to survive the atomic bombing. The garden features a pond, a tea house, and several bridges.
  6. End the day by visiting the Itsukushima Shrine, which is a beautiful Shinto shrine located on the island of Miyajima, just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima. The shrine is particularly famous for its "floating" torii gate.