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A ride in beautiful city- Hiroshima
The moment I hear about Hiroshima city, the atomic bombings of 6th Aug 1945 during World War II flashes in my mind. When I was kid, I still remember there was lengthy chapter in my history book on atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, how both the cities were turned into ashes, one of the blackest day of mankind.
I am preferably a solo traveler. I went on a solo trip of Japan covering Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. I traveled in the month of Nov, which is an autumn season in Japan. The season is famous for its colourful autumn leaves, perfect time to watch vibrant colours of leaves with shades of orange, red, yellow and brown. As Nov is onset of winter, the temp is very pleasant. But days get shorter, generally sunset is around 5PM, so you need to plan your day accordingly.
I still couldn’t believe I traveled to Hiroshima, the place which I always wanted to go since my childhood. The day I landed there, I was awestruck by its vivacity, couldn’t believe this was the city which was totally devastated in the bombings. It looked as if, it rise like a phoenix from the ashes, more stronger than ever before. Whole city was so beautiful. Perfect example of never die human spirit.
How to reach
Easiest way to reach Hiroshima is directly fly to the city, it has Hiroshima Airport or you can travel by Shinkanesen as well. I was staying in Tokyo, I travelled via Shinkansen and if you have Japan Rail Pass , you will have the easiest of rides.
Hiroshima is 804 km from Tokyo. In a single day I travelled whopping more than 1600 Km, all thanks to Japan’s Shinkansen.
There is direct Nozomi trains to Hiroshima from Tokyo, which takes about four hours. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Nozomi trains, it’s only valid on Hikari and Sakura trains. By Hikari and Sakura trains, it takes about five hours with a transfer of trains at Shin-Osaka Station.
After coming out from the station, you can board JR-operated Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Buses, which serves all of Hiroshima’s major sightseeing attractions. There are three routes: the orange, green and lemon routes with buses every hour. These buses are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, you can board them without waiting for ticket queue. The buses have stops to all major sight seeing spots.
Apart from these buses, Hiroshima has Japan’s largest tram network. You can travel by them as well, but Japan Rail Pass is not valid on trams.
If you are planning a trip to Hiroshima these are definitely must visit places.
1) Atomic Bomb Dome
A UNESCO World Heritage Site commonly called as Genbaku Dome. This is only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocenter.
The skeletal remains of the building were preserved as a memorial of the bombing and a symbol of peace.
It was included in the UNESCO list as a symbol of survival from an atomic bomb and first use of nuclear weapons on a human population.
2) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Memorial park dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack, and to the memories of the bomb’s victims.
3) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A must visit. Museum has displays belonging left by the victims, photos, and other materials that convey the horror of the atomic bombings.
Wars in any form is not good for humanity.
4) Hiroshima Castle
Castle was built in 1589, it was the home of Hiroshima feudal lords. The castle was destroyed by the atomic bombing on 6th Aug 1945, it was rebuilt in 1958, now it serves as museum of Hiroshima’s history. I had just a day, couldn’t visit it.
5) Miyajima Island
The island less than hour from Hiroshima. There are frequent ferries to the island. JR pass is valid on JR ferries. It is famous for its floating gate. Island is one of the most scenic spots in Japan. Due to limited time was not able to visit the island.
