The word Hiroshima conjures up a single image in most peoples' heads. For this very reason, it is worth visiting this city not only to understand the horrors of that day but also to understand the spririt of the residents who rebuilt such a wonderful city out of the ashes.
Located roughly halfway between the main Kansai town of Osaka and the south island of Kyushu, Hiroshima is a modern city with a past that it wants people to understand and take away wit them. It also harbors one of the most beautiful scenic spots of Japan.
A visit really has to start off with a tour to the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Contrary to what one may expect, the museum is very objective in its discussion of the events surrounding the time of the first use of nuclear weapons. It is designed to say:
"This is what nuclear weapons do to people, lets think carefully before we want to use them again!"
Visiting the museum is an intensely personal thing and no description here would adequately express what most people feel upon exiting.
The next port of call really has to be the "floating shrine" at Miyajima. Twice a day, the tide rushes into the temple grounds giving the appearance to the temple that it is floating on on the sea. The surrounding mountains and unspoilt alleys & buildings add to the charm.
Yet a further reason to visit Hiroshima is the town itself. Having been almost completely rebuild after the second world war, it has the feel of a thriving city but none of the big-city 'toughness' associated with other places in Japan.
Given the outdoor nature of the excursion, the best time to go is either late-April-May or September-October. Like anywhere in Japan, the Summer heat can be oppressive. However, Hiroshima should definitely be on your list of locations to sample during a trip to Japan.
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Advantages: smaller, friendlier Japanese city Disadvantages: nightlife isnt quite as varied as larger cities in Japan although it is possible to have a good night out, expensive
emma_chan 29.08.2001 ·
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Review of Hiroshima (Japan)
Advantages: smaller, friendlier Japanese city Disadvantages: nightlife isnt quite as varied as larger cities in Japan although it is possible to have a good night out, expensive
emma_chan 29.08.2001 ·
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Review of Hiroshima (Japan)
Advantages: Great places to visit, many things to do, new technologies Disadvantages: some things are pricey especially the latest technologies, jet lag
rambo 01.05.2005 (01.05.2005)
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Review of General: Japan
Advantages: Enormous temples, exciting centre & good wooded walks. Disadvantages: Disappointment if you let the guidebooks build it up too much & expensive.
Hmatt 08.10.2002 (08.10.2002)
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Review of Kyoto (Japan)
Advantages: Exotic for people from the west, it is a very safe place, toilets :-) Disadvantages: Expensive accommodation, language barrier can cause problems, a bit crowded
gard 27.07.2005 (27.07.2005)
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