Hiroshima Major Spots

Itsukushima Shrine is a famous shrine located on Miyajima Island in the Hatsukaichi city limits of Hiroshima Prefecture. Itsukushima Shrine was initially built in the year 593, but it was not until the year 1168 that the military leader Taira no Kiyomori rebuilt the shrine into its present magnificent state. The gods enshrined at the shrine are known as the Munakata Sanjojin. (Three Goddesses of Munakata) They are believed to have power over maritime safety, fishing, traffic safety, and business prosperity. In 1996, Itsukushima Shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Atomic Bomb Dome.

(Admission Fee)
Adult – ¥300
High School student – ¥200
Elementary/Junior High School
student – ¥100
(Admission & Treasure House
set)
Adult – ¥500
High School student – ¥300
Elementary/Junior High School
student – ¥150
※ If you are a student, please
present your passport or
school ID at reception when
purchasing your ticket.

The Miyajima Aquarium is the only aquarium on Miyajima Island, and is a popular tourist spot for both domestic and international visitors. The aquarium is divided into 15 areas, where you can see the rare fish and aquatic creatures that live in the Seto Inland Sea, where Miyajima is located. A sea lion show is held every day in a special pool outside the facility. Watch the sea lions perform tricks, see their powerful jumps and experience a great view as you watch them swim up close.

August 6, 1945. The world’s first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. To this day, the Atomic Bomb Dome conveys the horror of the bomb’s destructive power and the extent of the damage it caused. The Atomic Bomb Dome avoided total destruction, although it was only about 160 meters from the blast’s hypocenter. However, all the people inside the building died instantly, and the beautiful Western-style exterior and interior were utterly destroyed, with only the building’s steel frame remaining intact. In 1996, the Atomic Bomb Dome was registered as a World Heritage Site to be an architectural reminder of the horrors of nuclear weapons.

Orizuru Tower is a tourist attraction located next to the Atomic Bomb Dome. The walls of the building are decorated with illustrations of a paper cranes, which represent a symbol of peace. There are also occasionally peace related events that are held inside the building. The first floor has a café and souvenir shop, and the 12th floor has a “Paper Crane Plaza” where visitors can try their hand at making paper cranes. From the rooftop, there is an observation floor called “Hiroshima-no-kaze” where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hiroshima City and spend time relaxing.

The Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is located on the site of Hiroshima Castle, and is the largest shrine in the city center. Various festivals are held at the shrine, including the Toshidansai (New Year’s Day Festival) held every year on January 1st. Another popular festival is the Tondomatsuri. Held on January 15, every year it attracts many people who come to see the huge bonfires to pray for good health and family safety. If you are lucky, you might also see a wedding ceremony in the traditional Japanese kimono style, however you will have to watch from a distance.