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What to see in Hiroshima
Hiroshima Attractions
Most of Hiroshima's must-see attractions revolve around the tragedy of the atomic bombing during World War II. Primary among these is the Peace Memorial Park which includes Ground Zero, the Cenotaph monument to the dead, the extremely moving Children's Peace Monument, dedicated to the children who died in the bombing, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. These sites are naturally sombre and saddening but the emphasis on peace and forgiveness is hopeful and most people don't find the experience too depressing.
Other popular attractions in Hiroshima include the Shukkei-en Garden, the Hiroshima Museum of Art, the Mitaki Temple, Hiroshima Castle, and the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art. Hiroshima is surrounded by some lovely countryside and two of the best excursions are a trip to the breathtaking scenic area of Sandankyo Gorge and the beautiful little island of Miyajima.
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima's original castle, built in the late 16th century, was totally destroyed in the atomic blast during World War II but has been reconstructed as a perfect replica. When the castle was established…
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art
Hiroshima boasts the first public art museum in Japan devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The museum was founded in 1989 and is housed in an interesting building designed by Japanese architect…
Miyajima
The romantic little island of Miyajima lies about eight miles (13km) off the mainland in the Seto Inland Sea. Apart from being scenically beautiful with steep wooded hills, the island is famous for…
Peace Memorial Park
Around the epicentre of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima in 1945, a complex of buildings and monuments has been erected in the Peace Memorial Park to commemorate the earth-shattering event. The…
Sandankyo Gorge
The erosion of a limestone plateau has left a beautiful deep gorge, stretching for about 11 miles (18km) of primeval forest, waterfalls, monkeys, and unusual rock formations. The Onbashi Bridge formation…
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