Sightseeing in Hiroshima City? Stay with us!

Itsukushima-jinja Shrine: 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 20 minutes to Hiroshima Port by taxi → About 22 minutes to Miyajima pier by fast ferry; Itsukushima-jinja Shrine is known for its beautiful buildings and a Torii (shrine gate) which appear to be floating on the sea. The shrine is said to date from the year 593, and later Taira no Kiyomori constructed the buildings in the present form (in the 12th century). Due to disasters, the buildings have been destroyed and restored several times but allegedly they still retain their original form built by Kiyomori. Six buildings are designated as National Treasures: the main building, which enshrines “goshintai” (the object of worship), the hall for worship and four others. Furthermore, another 14 buildings including the Noh stage and the Chouzaya (gathering place) have been declared as National Important Cultural Properties.

Atomic Bomb Dome: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 20 minutes by bus; The former “Industrial Promotion Hall”, which was a site for exhibiting local specialties and holding events, stood on the east side of the Aioi Bridge above which the atomic bomb was dropped. The hall was almost destroyed and only a central part of the building with dome-like roof and some of its external walls are left. It came to be called the “Genbaku-Domu (Atomic Bomb Dome)”, and is preserved as a symbol representing the “wish for peace”. It was established as a World Heritage Site in 1996, and is also called “Fu no Isan (Legacy of Tragedy)”.

Peace Memorial Park: 1 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 20 minutes by bus; Peace Memorial Park is situated in the center of Hiroshima City, near the epicenter of the atomic bomb, which used to be one of the most prosperous areas and preserves a cityscape of old days in Hiroshima. There are memorials and museums in the park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome which is a World Heritage Site, the Peace Memorial Museum which exhibits materials related to the atomic bomb, the cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims, the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, and the International Conference Center Hiroshima.

Hiroshima-jo Castle: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 25 minutes on foot
［Hours］
9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from December to February)
［Admission］
Adults: JPY 370, People over 65 and high school students: JPY 180, Junior high school students and under: free; Hiroshima-jo was originally constructed by Mori Terumoto who was a member of the Gotairo (Council of Five Elders) of the Toyotomi government.
Although its Tenshukaku (donjon) was designated as a National Treasure in 1931, the majority of the castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb. Rebuilt in 1958, it is currently open as a historic museum. Visitors have the opportunity to try on Yoroi and Kabuto (samurai armor), Kamishimo or Uchikake (ceremonial costumes) and take photos of themselves in the outfits.

Mazda Stadium: 2-3−1 Minamikaniya, Minami-ku, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 10 minutes on foot; Mazda Stadium, the home of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team, is also known as the Hiroshima Municipal Stadium. In addition to spectator stands as large as the ones in a major league stadium and a spacious concourse, it adopted Universal Design features so that anyone can have easy access, making the stadium a comfortable place for everyone. It is also characterized by the varieties of seats, such as the “Suna Kaburi Seat” which is close to the infield, the “Party Floor” where you can watch a game while having a barbecue and the “Nesoberia” where you can lie down and relax.

Shukkei-en: 2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 14 minutes on foot; The garden’s name, “Shukkei (contracted view)”, was derived from the fact that it attempts to recreate many scenic sites in miniature. It was originally built for the lord of Hiroshima Domain, Asano Nagaakira, as his villa garden. Designed by the domain’s chief retainer Ueda Soko, a famous tea ceremony master, this garden is also known as a “circuit style garden” as visitors can enjoy views by walking along circulating pathways. Though it was destroyed by the bomb, it has been restored now showing various graceful scenes.

Hiroshima Museum of Art: 3-2 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture
［Access from our hotel］
About 23 minutes to JR Hiroshima Station from JR Fukuyama Station → About 25 minutes on foot
［Hours］
9:00 to 17:00, closed Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday)
［Admission］
Adults: JPY 1,300, College and high school students: JPY 1,000, Junior high and elementary school students: JPY 600; This museum was established by Hiroshima Bank in 1978, the 100th anniversary of its foundation, with the theme praying for peace and the repose of the atomic bomb victims’ soul. It houses and exhibits numerous type of art, including modern French paintings by Impressionists such as Monet, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh as well as contemporary Japanese artists. There is a horse chestnut tree in the museum’s garden which was sent as a gift from Picasso’s son.

Sightseeing Spots near Hiroshima City

Fukuyama: Fukuyama-jo Castle is the symbol of Fukuyama City, also known as “Rose City.” A history museum and a relaxing park are also located near the castle.

Tomonoura: Once a flourishing port town “Shiomachi-no-Minato,” or a port of waiting to catch the tide, Tomonoura is popular for its old Edo period (1603-1868) style townscape.

Onomichi: Onomichi is a town famous for its steep rolling hills, and is also a popular place among cyclists. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Seto Island Sea from the hills!

Kurashiki: Kurashiki is the most popular tourist destination in Okayama prefecture. “Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter,” where you can enjoy the historic townscape from Edo Period, is a must-see place when you visit there.