Hiroshima
Hiroshima City facing the Hiroshima Bay in the Seto Inland Sea is one of the most prominent cities in the Chugoku Region (the southwest end of Japan's main island), and a center of the administration and economy of Hiroshima. Six rivers flow through the city, so it is also called the "city of water."
Hiroshima was completely razed by the atomic bomb explosion on August 6th, 1945 but has since been rebuilt into the cultural, economic and political heart of Western Honshu Island. On this day, the Peace Memorial Ceremony (free entry) is held in front of the Hiroshima Peace City Memorial Monument erected in the Peace Memorial Park to appease the souls of those killed by the atomic bomb and to pray for eternal peace on Earth.
Hiroshima also offers gastronomic pleasure, including oysters the culture of which has been going on since 1673 and okonomi-yaki Hiroshima style, unique flour crepes fried with vegetables and noodles that are different at each restaurant.
Must See / Visit Places
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Bomb Dome
The museum is located in Peace Memorial Park. The permanent exhibition shows the aftermath of the atomic bomb. Join the crowds who are hushed to silence as they enter the building and see for yourself the record of devastations when wrought by this catastrophe. Outside you can feel the effect of the bomb when looking at the Bomb Dome. Many folded paper cranes (classic examples of Japanese origami) festoon the trees bearing evidence of the many many visitors to this site.
Miyajima
The island is listed as a world cultural heritage site. You should visit Itsukushima Shrine. Built out in the ocean, the shrine looks as if it is floating on the sea when the tide comes in and is probably one of the most photographed beauty spots in Japan.
Okonomiyaki Restaurant
Hiroshima is known for okonomiyaki, cooked on a hot-plate (usually right in front of the customer). It is cooked with various ingredients, which are layered rather than mixed together as done with the Osaka version of okonomiyaki. The layers are typically egg, cabbage, beansprout, sliced pork/bacon with optional items (mayonnaise, fried squid, octopus, cheese, glutinous rice, kimuchi, etc.), and noodles (soba, udon) topped with another layer of egg and a generous dollop of okonomiyaki sauce (Carp and Otafuku are two popular brands).
The order of the layers may vary slightly depending on the chef's style and preference, and ingredients will vary depending on the preference of the customer.
