Hiroshima 広島

The history of Hiroshima

The capital of the prefecture of the same name, Hiroshima is the most important city of the Chûgoku region, with more than one million citizens. It is universally known because of the bombings of 6 August 1945. Today, it is one of the main industrial and port centers in western Japan. It has also become a city symbolizing peace and pacifism throughout the world.

Hiroshima was founded in 1589 on the largest islet in the delta where the Ôta River meets the Seto Inland Sea. The medieval lord Mori Terumoto (1553-1625) established his castle there to take advantage of its pivotal geographical location and the proximity of the island of Miyajima and its water shrine, Itsukushima. The city took on national importance at the dawn of the Meiji era (1868-1912).

The rapid industrialization of the country transformed Hiroshima into a logistical base for the Japanese Imperial Army. The city, with a population of just over 80,000, took off economically and industrially. The port of Ujina, later renamed Hiroshima Port, was built in the 1880s. The Sanyo railway line was extended in 1894, connecting the city closer to the rest of the country. On the eve of the First World War, Hiroshima was a major economic, cultural and military center of Japan. The Great War confirmed Hiroshima's role as a major military base for Japan, supporting the Allies.

Hiroshima after the war: a symbol of peace

After the trauma, a plan to rebuild Hiroshima was launched, notably through the Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Construction Act, passed by the government in 1949, which provided funding to revive the city.

The aftermath is invisible, and rapid and vital reconstruction has erased the destruction. The ruins of the dome in the Peace Memorial Park, which stand in mute pain, are the only remnants still visible when one visits Hiroshima. Despite the reluctance of the American and Chinese governments, the monument was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 5 December 1996.

The shadow of past suffering is imprinted on the smiles of these old women, on the quivering leaves of the surviving trees of the Ikari shrine. Yet in the face of despair, Hiroshima has imposed its faith in the future. Martyrdom and then miraculous, the city has experienced the worst and the best of Man.

What to do in Hiroshima?

Today, Hiroshima is undoubtedly bustling and fascinating, like many Japanese cities. Conveniently connected to the other regions and cities of the archipelago by the shinkansen, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

• Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome

A must-see in the city, a place of remembrance and reflection. The park is home to various memorials: the famous dome, the Peace Memorial Museum, a tribute for the victims of the bomb, the Children's Peace Monument, the Peace Flame, the Peace Bell... Not to be missed, to recognize mankind's past failure.

Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima

• The Shukkei-en garden

Shukkei-en was created in 1620 for a samurai lord and is a beautiful little Japanese garden. With its large pond, hills, bonsai trees, and granite bridge, it offers miniature panoramas. A must-see!

Address: 2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Hiroshima

• Hiroshima Castle

Built in 1590, the castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but reformed identically in 1951. It now houses the city's history museum.

Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima

• Mitaki-dera temple

A little out of town, the Buddhist temple Mitaki-dera with its three waterfalls is a delight to discover, especially in autumn during the koyo.

Address: 411 Mitaki-yama, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima

• The Hondôri district and its shopping street

The Hondôri district in the city center, with its covered shopping arcade of the same name, is a must for shopping, eating, and drinking, and above all for experiencing the relaxed atmosphere of the city.

Address: Hondôri, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0035

• Okonomimura

Hiroshima is renowned for its gourmet cuisine. The great specialty of the city? Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's version: noodles are added to the classic recipe. So there's nothing like going to Okonomimura, the temple of okonomiyaki, where about twenty restaurants are gathered.

Address: 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0034

• The Museum of Contemporary Art

In the heart of a unique and original building, lies the opportunity to discover the work of contemporary Japanese artists. The museum walkway also offers a beautiful view of the city.

Address: 1-1 Hijiyama-koen, Minami-ku, Hiroshima

How do I get to Hiroshima?

The easiest way to reach Hiroshima is by plane to Hiroshima Airport. Once there, take the limousine bus to the city center in about 45 minutes.

If you're already in Japan, take the Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen from Tokyo station. It takes around 4 hours to reach Hiroshima.

From Osaka or Kyoto, take the Sanyo shinkansen. The journey takes around 1h30 from Osaka and 2 hours from Kyoto.

Economical express buses are also available from nearby major cities. They take between 8 and 12 hours to reach Hiroshima.

Finally, you can rent a car from cities such as Fukuoka or Okayama to explore Hiroshima and the surrounding area on your own.

To go further: 

• Hiroshima culinary specialties