Hiroshima and Miyajima 2 Day Trip, Printable Guide
Hiroshima
Hiroshima (広島) is the primary city of the Chugoku Region and home to over a million people.
Hiroshima became famous around the world after the atomic bomb was dropped over the city on August 6, 1945. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius.
After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild the city. Predictions that the city would be uninhabitable proved false. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima’s historical heritage were reconstructed. In the center of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park.
While visiting Hiroshima, one must try the local specialties okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of ingredients. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning “what you like” or “what you want”, and yaki meaning “grilled” or “cooked” Okonomiyaki is mainly associated with Kansai or Hiroshima areas of Japan, but is widely available throughout the country.
Miyajima
Miyajima is a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima, but only a short ferry ride away. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views.
Miyajima is a romantic place, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island’s ryokan. There are usually many day tourists, but in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. There are wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths.
Miyajima is famous for Momiji Manju, a Japanese confection with an outside made from flour, rice powder and buckwheat and a filling of red bean paste, made from boiled azuki beans and sugar. Momiji Manju have a maple flavor to match their maple leaf shape.
Video: Japan’s Island of the Gods, Miyajima