Hiroshima Favorites

Favorite thing: Renowned as one of the 'three most beautiful' scenic spots in Japan, Miyajima Island is easily accessible from Hiroshima and well worth visiting. As they approach the island by ferry, visitors are greeted by the famous red Trii gate standing in the water. On shore, there awaits a multitude of traditional and modern delights, ranging from quiet beaches on the other side of the island, where the deer are still wild, to the more heavily populated shrines, temples, aquarium, folklore museum, treasure house, 5 story pagota and thousand mat hall. The island contains a nature preserve of over 3,000 plants maintained by the botanical research department of Hiroshima University. At the same time, it boasts of having the biggest summer fireworks festival in Western japan and also presents a number of ancient cultural traditions such as Bugaku (sacred shrine music and dancing), Jin No (sacred No drama) and torch, Oyster and other colorful traditional festivals.

Favorite thing: Besides the red torii gate that stands guard in the water in front of it, Itsukushima Shrine is undoubtedly the most famous landmark on Miyajima. Originally dating from the sixth century, the present structure was redesigned in the Shinden architectural style in the 12th century. Viewed at high tide, the shrine appears to be floating on the water. Its open areas ceremonies and performances throughout the year.

Favorite thing: Ninoshima Island is just a short 30 minute ferry ride from Hiroshima Port (Ujina Port) and one can cycle completely around the island in an easy 2 hours. Orange and nectarine trees abound and from the back side a beautiful view of the Seto Islands spreads before you. Along the shore line are located a senior citizen's home and a Youth Nature Center.
There are also trails up to the summit of the highest 'mountain' on the island, Aki-no-Kofuji.

Favorite thing: Hiroshima was destroyed by a single atomic bomb in 1945. It was said that the city would be bare of trees and plants for seventy years. But with the citizens' sustained efforts, and material and moral support at home and a broad, the city was restored to life. Looking at this modern city today, it is difficult to imagine the devastation of 1945. At the heart of this typical regional center of commerce and culture loes Peace Memorial Park , withfacilities for looking back to its awesome atomic past. The Park, easily reached in about 10 minutes from Hiroshima Station by bus or streetcar, it dotted with many monuments memorializing the bomb's victims. Across the river, northeast of the park, stands the A-bomb Dome, a stark reminder of August 1945. Pope John Paul II, on his February 1981 visit here, said that to remember Hiroshima is to commit oneself to the fucially meaningful if you can hear the silent voices of those memorialized in Peace Park. Today Peace Memorial Park is filled with rich greenery. This memorial site, which now evokes sympathy for those tragicaly lost here, was once a thriving district in central Hiroshima where people peacefully went about their daily lives. Its neighborhoods of Tenjin Kitagumi, Zaimoku, Nakajima, and Motoyanagi had many shops, inns, restaurants, and theaters during the Edo Period (1603-1867) and during Japan's modern era which began in 1868. There were also many Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines. The northern point of this area between two rivers was the A-bomb's target. The whole area vanished in an instant except for the debris of tombstones in temple graveyards. The A-bomb Dome, one of the few bombed buildings remaining today, was one the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. There the prefecture's principal products were exhibited, and fairs and art shows were held. Its unique design, then and even now, is a familiar landmark.

Favorite thing: The Kojin Market near Hiroshima Station is another one of those character-filled places where one can see the real Japan. Wondering its narrow, crowded rows, you can shop for the freshest fish, fruit and vegetables in Hiroshima.
The vendors are boisterous and friendly and you can move freely among the booths searching for odd and interesting wares. Because its merchants don't utilize fancy packaging, most things are cheaper as compared to the supermarkets.

Favorite thing: Go to Miyajima island! It's the most beautiful place I've visited in Japan, and I've been to many places. From Hiroshima it's 1/2 hour by train and then a brief crossing by ferry. See the travelogue!

(photo by Neiquel)

Favorite thing: Look at the river and even the person with the smallest imagination will feel like s h i t to think about all the people who've died inside.. looking for shelter from radiations..