Hiroshima will give you a pleasant suprise!
While the harrowing thought of visiting a former nuclear bomb site might unsettle you, Hiroshima will present you with a pleasant surprise.
With SilkAir’s announcement on Tuesday (May 30) that it will now be providing non-stop flights from Singapore to Hiroshima, the Japanese city could very well become the next top travel destination this year for Singaporeans.
So, before you pack your bags and apply for your annual leave, take a step back and read our guide on what this underrated city from the island of Honshu has to offer!
Yes, It’s Safe To Go There
With its dark history, everybody probably has the same memory of Hiroshima in their minds. As one of the two cities hit by an atomic bomb during World War 2, the city suffered massive damage and lost an estimated 40,000 lives.
Miraculously, the radiation in the area dissipated rather quickly. In fact, 27 days after the bombing, a tropical rainstorm hit Hiroshima, which washed away the radioactive substances in the surrounding environment.
So, here’s the answer to the question on the top of everyone’s head: Yes, Hiroshima is a safe place to visit.
Cultural Enclave
While it may not be as bustling or vibrant as more popular destinations like Tokyo or Osaka, Hiroshima has definitely carved out a space for itself as a cultural and historical enclave.
For history buffs, they can visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which contains several memorial spaces dedicated to the bombing.
Within the park, places like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum provide visitors with a chance to understand the suffering of the tragic event. Through a collection of films, pictures and exhibits, visitors can educate themselves on Hiroshima’s mixed history.
Along the way, you will find attractions like the Children’s Peace Monument, a structure accompanied by over 10 million paper cranes. The cranes began with 12 year-old Sasaki Sadako, a Hiroshima native who died from Leukemia after the incident, and stands today as a memorial to the lives of children lost during the event.
Nearby, you can also find the Cenotaph For A-Bomb victims. As a symbolic tomb, it contains a registry of all victims from the bombing. If you pass by it, do remember to take a moment to pay your respects.
If you would like to see the effects of the destruction first hand, you can explore the park and try to find the Atomic bomb dome, a building that somehow survived the 1945 bombing.
That said, your visit to Hiroshima is not all doom and gloom. For those interested in Japanese culture, you can take a trip down to the Hiroshima Castle, a stunning five story castle nestled along the Ottagawa River.
While the castle was initially destroyed, it was rebuilt and restored to its full beauty in 1958. Here, you can take your Instagram-worthy shots of stunning Japanese architecture while being surrounded by lush and green nature.
Speaking of nature, don’t forget to check out the beautiful Senkouji Park.
Coupled with a stunning view of the city landscape, the park’s many cherry blossom trees will provide you with endless photo-taking opportunities.
Feast For The Senses
Hiroshima is not just known for its scenery – its also famous for its unique and amazing food.
Arguably one of the city’s culinary highlights is Okonomiyaki, a type of Japanese pancake unique to Hiroshima and a few regions. What sets it apart is that its ingredients are layered, giving you a crispy, succulent pancake with a myriad of tastes.
In fact, there is even an Okonomiyaki Food Theme Park – made up of many Okonomiyaki restaurants – located within the city’s central square.
The Saijo district within the city is also known for its many sake breweries. Every October, Hiroshima hosts a Sake Festival, where people can sample and try the different sakes from the many breweries.
Also, at the end of October every year, a food festival pops up in Chuo Park. Here, you can treat yourself to a variety of dishes like Japanese curry, ice cream, yakitori, oysters, and even wine. With the non-stop flights beginning in October, you’re just in luck!
Comfortable Living
After a long day exploring the city, you’d want a nice, warm bed to end the day off. Fortunately, Hiroshima offers accommodation at all levels.
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, indulge yourself and book a room at the 5 star Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel. With its spacious rooms, top notch facilities, you’ll feel like you’re in a home away from home.
Alternatively, if you’d like a more mid-level budget hotel with a better location, you can check out the Hotel Sunroute Hiroshima, which is only a bridge across the Peace Memorial Park.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little more authentic and homely, Airbnb provides plenty of local Ryokan styled houses that you can stay in!
So, forget everything you once knew about Hiroshima. With its modern landscape, the city has moved on from its dark past, and it’s time to make a getaway to one of Japan’s most underrated tourist destinations!
