広島 Hiroshima
For most of us, Hiroshima is synonym of the atomic bomb. Thus, it is not the first place we consider visiting when traveling Japan but Hiroshima has a lot to offer and is definitely worth a stopover.
Hiroshima is sadly famous for its devastating history when the first atomic bomb was dropped over the city on August 6, 1945 and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius.
All I knew about Hiroshima was related to this tragic event, and this is why I was so surprised to find a city so beautiful and full of life - by just walking around, you could never guess what happened there 70 years ago. And as a matter of fact, the city was rebuilt after the war. It took great efforts build a city from anew and to reconstruct historical monuments like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden and the results are nothing but impressive!
In the center of the city a large park was built and was named after the aspirations of the re-born city: the Peace Memorial Park.
If you get the chance to visit Hiroshima, some places must be on your must-visit list.
First, The shell of the Atomic Bomb Dome on the Ōta river bank which was one of the only few structures that was still standing after the bombing. The remains of this building are here to pay tribute to the countless life lost, and to remind us not to forget the dramatic events that took place in 1945 and to understand the dedication of Hiroshima to eliminating nuclear weapons.
Then walk along the river to the Peace Memorial park.
The flame is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed.
I really recommend spending time at the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Museum. The experience is really emotional and you should give yourself the time to go over the individuals' stories. Keep in mind when planning a visit at the museum that its content may be graphic when exploring the reconstructions, which include visual depictions of radiation burns.
Besides the historical part that should not be missed, Hiroshima has a lot to offer like the Hiroshima castle that offers on display a great collection of antique samurai armors and weaponry.
The city has a nice and peaceful atmosphere, many delicious restaurants, cute coffee places and some really good vintage shops.
