Hiroshima

広島

While technically in the Chugoku region, it's a crucial day-trip from northern Kyushu and home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. This solemn site is essential for understanding 20th century history and Japanese resilience.

Things to do

• Peace Memorial Park and Museum — This solemn complex commemorates the 1945 atomic bombing with exhibits, monuments, and a reflection pool that documents the city's destruction and recovery.
• Hiroshima Castle — A reconstructed feudal castle offering panoramic views of the city and insights into samurai history, surrounded by scenic gardens.
• Itsukushima Shrine and Torii Gate — Located on nearby Miyajima Island, this iconic floating shrine gate is one of Japan's most photographed landmarks, best visited during high tide.
• Shukkeien Garden — A beautifully landscaped 17th-century stroll garden featuring miniature landscapes, walking paths, and seasonal flora reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics.
• Hiroshima Museum of Art — Houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary Japanese art, along with Western works, in a striking modernist building.
• Children's Peace Monument — A touching memorial dedicated to young victims of the bombing, where visitors fold paper cranes as a symbolic gesture of peace.

Food to try

• Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki — A savory layered pancake with noodles, cabbage, and protein cooked on a griddle, distinctly different from Osaka's version and served with a rich sauce and mayo drizzle.
• Anago Meshi — Rice topped with grilled conger eel (anago) in a light soy glaze, a local specialty often served in elegant bento boxes and best enjoyed warm.
• Momiji Manju — Maple-leaf-shaped sponge cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, a famous souvenir from nearby Miyajima Island.
• Hiroshima Ramen — Rich tonkotsu or seafood-based broths topped with egg, pork, and vegetables in a distinctive local style that differs from Tokyo and Fukuoka varieties.
• Oyster Dishes — Fresh grilled, fried, or raw oysters (kaki) celebrated as a seasonal delicacy, particularly in autumn and winter months.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Silence at Peace Memorial Park — Visitors should observe a contemplative, quiet demeanor throughout the park and museum, as it remains a sacred space for reflection and remembrance of the bombing's victims.
• Bowing and Gratitude — It is customary to bow slightly when thanking staff, shopkeepers, or guides, and locals appreciate genuine expressions of respect and humility during conversations.
• Remove Shoes Indoors — In traditional restaurants, temples, gardens, and many museums, visitors should remove shoes upon entry; look for shoe racks and other visitors' cues.
• Cash Payment Preference — While cards are increasingly accepted, many local restaurants, small shops, and the ferry to Miyajima prefer cash in Japanese yen, so carry sufficient coins and bills.