Must-Do & Must-Visit Guide for First-Time Travelers to Hiroshima

Text by: Ding

ForHiroshima, people may still associate it with the “atomic bomb” from World War II, but in fact, the city has been successfully rebuilt and developed into an important cultural and commercial hub in westernJapan, while still retaining the charm of a small town—it’s definitely worth a visit.

With HK Express launchingHiroshimadirect flights this year at the end of October, departing every Tuesday and Saturday. What are the must-do and must-visit activities for your first trip toHiroshima? Let’s find out together.

1. Itsukushima Shrine

Built in 593 AD,Japan’s ancient shrine complex spans across the Seto Inland Sea and is surrounded by natural mountains such as Mount Misen. In spring, it is beautifully framed by blooming cherry blossoms, making it a prime spot for hanami, while autumn brings vibrant red foliage. The most iconic feature of the shrine is the “floating” O-Torii Gate standing in the sea. Other structures include the main shrine buildings, Sessha Marine Shrine, the Asa Shrine, and the Noh Stage.

To enjoy Itsukushima Shrine, you can view it not only from Miyajima Island but also from the water—want to know how? Check outItsukushima Shrine: Multiple Photography Angles (with Travelogue)

More information on Itsukushima Shrine attractions:http://www.dcfever.com/travel/attraction.php?id=11663

2. Mount Misen

Photo by Paul Mannix

The highest peak on Miyajima Island, Mount Misen has long been regarded as a sacred mountain by locals, with its primeval forest designated as a Natural Monument. At the foot of Mount Misen lies Daishoin, the island’s oldest temple, where the Eternal Flame Hall houses a flame that has been burning continuously for nearly 1,200 years.
More information on Mount Misen attractions:http://www.dcfever.com/travel/attraction.php?id=11950

3. HiroshimaPeace Memorial Museum

Photo by larrym 

TheHiroshimaPeace Memorial Museum, also known as the “Atomic Bomb Dome,” is aThe symbol is formed byJapanDesigned by Kenzo Tange, known as the father of modern architecture, its dome building was the only structure left standing after the atomic bombing. To this day, the original arched steel frame remains preserved, and it has become one of the World Heritage Sites.
MoreHiroshimaAttraction information for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum:http://www.dcfever.com/travel/attraction.php?id=11804

4. Okunoshima Island

The island is now home to around 700 wild rabbits, making it a popular “Rabbit Island” tourist destination in recent years. Before visiting, there are two things to keep in mind. First, there are no rabbit food items sold on the island, so be sure to buy some before boarding the ferry. Second, the number of rabbits varies by area on the island, and they won’t necessarily swarm up to you. It’s worth mentioning that this seemingly cheerful island was once a secret poison gas laboratory for the Japanese military, serving as a chemical weapons production base and was even deliberately erased from maps.

More attraction information for Okunoshima Island:http://www.dcfever.com/travel/attraction.php?id=12427

5. Senkoji Temple

Senkoji Park is locatedin HiroshimaPrefecture atop Senkoji Mountain. It is a landmark of Onomichi City, and visitors can reach the mountaintop observation deck in just a few minutes by cable car. This spot has been recognized as a “Lover’s Sanctuary,” one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” and one of the “Top 100 Night View Spots,” offering the best panoramic view of Onomichi City. During the blooming season, visitors can enjoy vibrant cherry blossoms, azaleas, and chrysanthemums, while autumn is a great time to see the foliage.

More attraction information for Senkoji Temple:http://www.dcfever.com/travel/attraction.php?id=12258

After discussing the attractions, let’s talk about what’s fun and delicious to do and eat when you’re inHiroshima— take a look:

6. Must-TryHiroshimaOysters 

Hiroshimaoysters account formore than half of Japan’stotal oyster production. The peak season runs from November to March each year, and there are various ways to enjoy them, with grilling and frying being the most common. They are also delicious served over rice or in soup. A highly recommended restaurant is Kakiya (Oyster House) on Miyajima Island.

Kakiya’s All-Oyster Course is about 2,200 yen per person.

Grilled oysters, about 800 yen for two.

7. Premium Eel

This isn’t your ordinary unagi don; it’sHiroshima’ssignature local dish — Hitomi-style unagi don. What makes hitomi eel unique is that it lacks scales and ventral fins, giving it a firmer texture than regular eel. The sauce is also lighter, offering a sweet and delicate taste, making it a premium choice.

8. SpecialtyHiroshimaMomiji Manju — A Must-Buy Souvenir

Besides oysters, momiji manju is alsoHiroshima's famous specialty, and it's hard to findin other parts of Japan.This sweet treat, shaped like theHiroshimaprefecture’s flower, is traditionally filled with red bean paste, but nowadays, there are also flavors such as custard and cheese. At some larger shops, customers can even make their own manju.

9. HomemadeHiroshimaYaki — Cook UpHiroshimaGoodness

UnlikeOsakayaki,Hiroshimayaki primarily features noodles. It is said thatHiroshimayaki originated as a snack for children before World War II, and after the war, it became a staple food due to rice shortages.

Today’sHiroshimayaki includes not only a noodle base but also various toppings like meat and seafood, with an emphasis on its rich sauce. At the shopping mall next toHiroshimaStation, there are severalHiroshimayaki shops where customers can make their own and cook upHiroshimagoodness together.

10. Depart from the Bicycle Hotel 

The beautiful coastline of Onomichi attracts many cycling enthusiasts every year. Moreover, Hotel Cycle in Onomichi is a comprehensive bicycle hotel, offering everything from cycling routes, rooms, a restaurant, a bakery, to bicycle rentals and sales, as well as clothing and accessories. The hotel has also put a lot of thought into its design, making it easy for both cyclists and other guests to access different areas of the property.

Acknowledgements:HK Express

HK Express There are twoflights per week direct toHiroshima(on Tuesdays and Saturdays). Passengerscan shop on board using Octopus cards and choose from a selection of dim sum platters, a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages.HK ExpressOnboard the flight, make purchases using your Octopus card and select from a variety of dim sum platters, as well as a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. 

As forHiroshima,what else is there to do? Fever Travel has handpicked 25Hiroshimamust-visit spots.
http://www.dcfever.com/travel/sightseeing.php?id=2151

Related Travel Notes
Itsukushima Shrine – Multiple Angles to Capture Its Beauty (with Travel Notes)

In addition,HK Express will open new destinations next year, with Yangon and Mandalay, two cities in Myanmar, commencing their inaugural flights on  2016 Year  2  Month  17  and  21  , respectively. Bookings are now open, with fares starting as low as 180 . Now you have another option for flying to Myanmar!
http://www.hkexpress.com/