Hiroshima

Hiroshima seamlessly blends its profound historical legacy with a vibrant, forward-looking energy. The city's layout is defined by its six rivers, which flow into the Seto Inland Sea, earning it the nickname 'City of Water.' Visitors can spend their mornings reflecting at the Peace Memorial Museum, afternoons strolling through the meticulously landscaped Shukkeien Garden, and evenings enjoying the bustling nightlife in the Nagarekawa district. The local culture is deeply tied to its culinary specialties, particularly oysters harvested fresh from the bay and the ubiquitous okonomiyaki. Beyond the city limits, the Chugoku region offers stunning coastal views and mountainous terrain, making Hiroshima an excellent base for broader exploration.

Reasons to Visit

• Historical Significance: Pay respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, offering a profound look at the impact of the atomic bomb and the city's dedication to global peace.
• Miyajima Island: Witness the breathtaking 'floating' torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic views.
• Culinary Delights: Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh Seto Inland Sea oysters.
• Resilient Beauty: Explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and the beautiful Shukkeien Garden, symbols of the city's rebirth.
• Accessible Transit: Navigate easily using Japan's largest streetcar network, adding a nostalgic charm to your commute.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid being loud or disrespectful in the Peace Memorial Park; it is a place of solemn reflection.
• Do not feed the wild deer on Miyajima Island anything other than approved deer crackers, and watch out for them trying to eat paper maps or tickets.
• Avoid taking up priority seating on streetcars and trains if you do not need it.
• Do not leave chopsticks sticking vertically out of a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
• Avoid traveling during the Golden Week holidays (late April to early May) if you dislike massive crowds and fully booked accommodations.

Local Transportation Tips

Hiroshima boasts Japan's most extensive tram network, operated by Hiroden. These streetcars are the most convenient way to navigate the city center, with flat fares for inner-city travel. For tourists, the 'Meipuru-pu' (Maple-oop) sightseeing bus connects major attractions and is free for Japan Rail (JR) Pass holders. To reach Miyajima, take a local JR train or streetcar to Miyajimaguchi Station, followed by a short 10-minute ferry ride. Taxis are readily available but more expensive, while walking is highly recommended in the flat, pedestrian-friendly downtown area.

Travel Etiquette

• Bow slightly when greeting locals or expressing gratitude.
• Remove your shoes when entering traditional ryokans, temples, or certain restaurant seating areas.
• Keep your phone on silent mode while riding public transportation and avoid talking on the phone.
• Wait for passengers to exit the streetcar or train before boarding.
• Do not tip at restaurants or hotels; exceptional service is standard and tipping can cause confusion.

Recommended Age Group

Hiroshima is a welcoming and highly accessible destination suitable for travelers of all ages.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. Japan is highly accommodating with clean facilities, nursing rooms in department stores, and flat, stroller-friendly paths in major parks.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will enjoy the ferry ride to Miyajima, interacting with the tame deer, and exploring the interactive exhibits at the Hiroshima Children's Museum.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The historical significance of the Peace Memorial Museum provides a profound educational experience, while the bustling Hondori shopping arcade offers great food and fashion.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can fully appreciate the deep historical context, vibrant nightlife, local sake breweries, and exceptional culinary offerings.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The city's flat terrain, excellent public transportation, and accessible major sites make it a comfortable and enriching destination for older travelers.

Accessibility Level: High

• Hiroshima is highly accessible, with flat terrain throughout the city center and Peace Memorial Park.
• The Peace Memorial Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• Most Hiroden streetcars are low-floor models, allowing easy boarding for wheelchair users and strollers.
• Miyajima Island's main paths and the Itsukushima Shrine are mostly flat and accessible, though some traditional shops may have a small step at the entrance.
• Tactile paving is prevalent on sidewalks and at transit stations to assist visually impaired travelers.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Hiroshima's streetcar network includes vintage trams donated from other cities around the world, as well as a few original cars that survived the 1945 atomic bombing and are still in operation today?

Cool Statistics

• Population: Approximately 1.19 million residents.
• Reconstruction: The city's population returned to its pre-war level by 1958, just 13 years after the bombing.
• Oyster Production: Hiroshima accounts for over 60% of Japan's total oyster production.
• Streetcars: The Hiroden network serves over 100,000 passengers daily across 35 kilometers of track.
• World Heritage Sites: Home to two UNESCO sites: the A-Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine.