Hiroshima / Miyajima Island
Hiroshima is a prefecture located in the southwest of mainland Japan, situated in the center of the Chugoku-Shikoku Region and bordered by the Chugoku Mountains to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south.
The capital city of this area is Hiroshima. It effectively incorporates all of the natural elements found in Japan, from mountains, valleys, plains and highlands to rivers, seas and islands. Mountains make up approximately 73% of the land in Hiroshima, and 138 islands dot the Inland Sea.
The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and neighboring cities also suffered damage as a result of the war. Afterwards, through the ceaseless efforts of Hiroshima citizens, the region made an impressive recovery and is now continuing to develop as a center of government, economics, and culture in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region.
There are two world heritage sites in Hiroshima; the Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine. The Peace Memorial Park (located in Hiroshima City) was created in remembrance of the precious lives that were lost in the atomic bombing, and it embodies the hope that such an event will never be repeated.
Hiroshima is well-known in worldwide as the city the first atomic bomb was dropped on 6th of August 1945. There are many sightseeing places in the city and nearby as Hiroshima castle, Shukkeien Garden and Peace Memorial park included the atomic bomb museum.
There is World heritage Itsukushima-jinja which is registered National heritage and the famous for its giant torii, which looks float on the water near Hiroshima city.
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Atomic Bomb Dome
JR Hirosima Station (South exit) → (Hiroshima Electric Railway (tram) : about 20 minutes) → Genbaku Dome-mae Station
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Genbaku Dome-mae Station (tram station)
JR Hirosima Station (South exit) → (Hiroshima Electric Railway (tram) : about 20 minutes) → Genbaku Dome-mae Station
Hiroshima Castle
Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Kamiyacho Station (tram station)
JR Hirosima Station → (Hiroshima Electric Railway (tram) : about 15 minutes) → Kamiyacho Station
Hiroshima Electric Railway official website
From Shin-Osaka Station (Osaka)
By Shinkansen [Approx. 90 minutes / 9,710yen]
Shin-Osaka Station → (JR Shinkansen "Sakura" : about 90 minutes / 9,710yen) → Hiroshima Station
From Kokura Station (Fukuoka / Kita-Kyushu)
By Shinkansen [Approx. 50 minutes / 7,010yen]
Kokura Station → (JR Shinkansen "Sakura" : about 50 minutes / 7,010yen) → Hiroshima Station
From Hakata Station (Fukuoka)
By Shinkansen [Approx. 70 minutes / 8,420yen]
Hakata Station → (JR Shinkansen "Sakura" : about 70 minutes / 8,420yen) → Hiroshima Station
Miyajima Island is a 26-minute train ride from Hiroshima Station. Since ancient times, the island itself has been worshipped as a god. Miyajima is also known as one of the three most famous beauty spots in Japan. The other two are Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture) and Amano-Hashidate (Kyoto Prefecture).
Miyajima is also the home of the aforementioned Itsukushima Shrine, which holds several notable festivals during the summer. The largest festival, known as Kangei-Sai (Kangei Festival) take place on June 17 on the lunar calendar. It also includes one of the three biggest Shinto rituals to be conducted on boats. This elegant tradition is supposedly based upon a pastime of the aristocrats of the Nara and Heian periods.
On August 14, a fireworks festival is also held at the Itsukushima Shrine.
As for food, Miyajima cuisine has several famous dishes, including it's local oysters, anago meshi (broiled conger eel on rice) and momiji manju (a waffle shaped like a maple leaf).
Itsukushima Shrine (located in Miyajima) is known for the vermilion-painted main building that rises from the sea and provides a vivid contrast against the blue sea and green mountains. It is said to have been built in 593, and the present shrine pavilions were constructed in 1168.
Those looking for something a little more modern might like to visit the Mazda headquarters, also located in Hiroshima, which has a Mazda Museum open to the public.
Hiroshima city is highly recommended for staying.
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MIYAJIMA OFFICIAL TOURISM WEBSITE
Miyajima Tourist Association
Miyajima Ropeway
MIYAJIMA GRAND HOTEL ARIMOTO
The Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is very familiar with Miyajima's history and culture, and is a hotel where you can fully experience the charm of this "Island of the Gods".
From Hirosima to Miyajima Island
- Route 1 (Train & ferry) [Approx. 45 minutes / 590yen]
JR Hirosima Station → (JR Sanyo Main Line : about 28 minutes / 410yen) → Miyajimaguchi Station → (JR West Miyajima Ferry : Approx. 10 minutes / 180yen) → Miyajima Island
- Route 2 (Train & ferry) [Approx. 70 minutes / 440yen]
Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) Kamiyachō Station → (JR Sanyo Main Line : about 57 minutes / 260yen) → Hiroden-miyajima-guchi Station → (JR West Miyajima Ferry : Approx. 10 minutes / 180yen) → Miyajima Island
- Route 3 (Ferry) [Approx. 45 minutes / 2,000yen]
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Motoyasu-sanbashi) → (Ferry : about 45 minutes / 2,000yen) → Miyajima Island
- Route 4 (Fast ship) [Approx. 30 minutes / 1,850yen]
Hiroshima port → (Setonaikaikisen Fast ship : about 30 minutes / 1,850yen) → Miyajima Island