Prince Hotel BlogsJapan is a country filled with stunning cities and gorgeous landscapes- so what is it about Hiroshima that makes it so special?
The devastation that occurred after the horrific events of 1945 when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city is something that we are all familiar with- but it does not define the city.
What defines Hiroshima is the pervasive atmosphere of courage, determination and hope. The city sprang back to life and worked hard to reestablish itself.
The events of 1945 will never be forgotten, but the city has grown into something very special.
It’s a gorgeous bay surrounded by mountains and lush forests, and is packed with islands and cultural attractions.
During your time in this stunning city book a room in the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima; it’s one of the very best hotels in Hiroshima and puts you in the perfect location to explore the city’s wonders.
Let’s dive in.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is one of the most moving and crucial centers in the city.
It is located right next to the epicenter of the blast that took place on the 6th of August 1995; the very first use of an atomic bomb in warfare.
This devastating memorial tells the stories of the people who lost their lives, or were affected by the blast for the decades following it.
The domed building that withstood the effects of the blast became a symbol of hope and peace, and is one of the most recognised buildings around the world.
This memorial park remains as a symbol of hope and as an important reminder of the damage a nuclear weapon can do.
Despite the city now being much more than the location where a nuclear bomb was first used, it is still important to remember past mistakes; so visiting this hauntingly beautiful place is one of the city’s must dos.
Itsukushima, or Miyajima Island, is a heavily forested and stunning part of Hiroshima’s legacy.
There are several temples and shrines on the island, including the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating Torii Gate in the bay.
You can walk the trails through the stunning Japanese Maples, meet the resident deer and enjoy the sheer peace and tranquility of this spiritual island.
Hiroshima Castle was destroyed, like most of the city, in the 1945 atomic blast. But the castle was lovingly recreated as an exact replica of the gorgeous 1599 CE structure.
The top floor offers an amazing view of the surrounding area, and when the seasonal gardens are in bloom, it becomes one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Fascinatingly, you can also visit three trees that survived the atomic blast thanks to the castle’s walls; a eucalyptus, a willow and a holly tree all still stand in the grounds of the castle to this day and are symbols of hope in Japan.
Hiroshima is famous for many things, but the food is one of the very best.
The city’s signature dish is Okonomiyaki which can be found all over the place. There are many variations and each is as delicious as the last.
It’s a savoury pancake that contains squid, egg, pork, noodles and many other things.
Visit one of the many street food vendors in the city for a real treat!
So there you have it; a city reborn from the ashes to become stronger and more beautiful than ever before.
Make your visit extra special and stay in the Grand Prince Hotels stunning Hiroshima hotel; it’s the perfect starting point for an adventure!
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