Finally found the time to curate all these intriguing insights about Hiroshima. Enjoy!
Hiroshima is famous as the first city that suffered an atomic bombing during World War II. As such, you may want to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to satisfy your curiosity. But this City of Peace has transcended its tragedy and now flourishes as a vibrant city. Here are some fun facts about Hiroshima that you can amaze locals with during your trip!
- Hiroshima is located in the center of the Seto Island Sea. That’s why Hiroshima City is known as the City of Water.
- Climb Mt. Futaba and visit the Mt. Futaba Peace Pagoda if you want to absorb spectacular panoramic views of Hiroshima City and Miyajima.
- Otherwise, feel free to indulge in a helicopter view of Hiroshima City. Call First Flying Co. Ltd to make reservations.
- The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was designed by a team led by architect Kenzo Tange.
- A ceremony is held at the memorial park every August 6 to commemorate the victims of the bombing. At night, floating lanterns called tourou nagashi float down the river in remembrance of the victims.
- War buffs will find it worthwhile to visit Kure City which houses the Yamato Museum. This museum showcases a magnificent 1/10 scale model of the Yamato, the heaviest and largest battleship built during WWII.
- If viewing war artefacts is a tad gruesome for you, try visiting the Hiroshima City Manga Library which collects manga associated with Hiroshima.
- Hiroshima produces over 60% of Japan’s oysters.
- It also boasts the highest per capita amount of okonomiyaki shops.
- Hiroshima’s climate makes it conducive for farmers to grow late-ripening citrus fruits like dekopon and haruka. Be sure to try them if you are exploring Hiroshima from January to May - the harvesting period!
- Sake connoisseurs should head over to Saijo to savour sake with a smooth and full-bodied flavour. 7 sake breweries lie within walking distance of JR Saijo Station, so you can merrily compare the sake across breweries.
- Keen to witness an estimated one thousand rabbits run wild? Make your way to Okunoshima Island from either Mihara City or Tafanoumi station. Be careful - these wild rabbits are known to chase humans for food.
- Families with children will be eager to visit the Hiroshima Children’s Museum, which comes with a fascinating planetarium.
- Itsukushima Shrine - yes, that iconic landmark with its vermillion red torii gates - is believed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes.
- Get your workout in by kayaking to get up close with Itsukushima Shrine.