🗾 Where to go: 2 Days in Hiroshima

Whenever start planning your trip to Japan, make sure to include Hiroshima on your "must visit" list! The city, along with Nagasaki, it's sadly famous for the 1945 atomic bombing, but you'll be surprised to find that it managed to rise from its ashes and the overall atmosphere is all about serenity and peace. I had the chance to visit this fantastic place last month, and it quickly became my favorite city of all the ones I've been traveling to (Tokyo included, I dare say). 

ph: japanlover

Hiroshima isn't as big as Kyoto or Osaka, I'd say that two days are enough to enjoy its sightseeings, however, I bet by the end of your staying you'll never want to leave!

DAY #1

#1 Stop - Peace Memorial Park

Groundbreaking, I know, but of course the first stop of the day is Peace Memorial Park, where you can find the famous A-bomb Dome (the one building that has been left just like it was after the atomic bomb was dropped), the Bell of Peace, the National Peace Memorial Hall for the A-bomb victims and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

You might want to make Peace Museum your last visit and just start off by taking your time walking around the park: even if you're not with a tour guide, you'll find some brochures and books near the A Dome. I'm not going to lie, the mere walking through the park, knowing what happened 73 years ago will make the experience very emotional, if not overwhelming...the whole area is like a 360° immersion in Japanese and World's history!

Everything is free of charge, except the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where there's a 200¥ admission fee (1,15€ or 1.83$)...no comments needed!

Fun Fact: while heading back to Hijiyama Park I wanted to have a last glance at the A Dome and, right in front of it, a German girl was teaching people how to make cranes-shaped origami...Needless to say, I ended up with a lot of beautiful origami and had the chance to share my initial thoughts about Hiroshima. It just made my day even more incredible! 

#2 Stop - Hiroshima Castle and Shrines

Leaving the Memorial Park behind you, the next landmark is Hiroshima's Castle. I decided to walk my way there, which has been both the best and worst idea ever; 
Best because I was able to enjoy every centimeter of the city, you know the saying "If you really want to experience a city, you have to get lost in in"? That's what happened, I got a bit lost (not on purpose, obviously!), found the way back and all...

Worst because it was a freaking hot day and I had the marvelous idea of wearing black clothes! High five to me and my geniality!

So here are two tips: 

1) if the weather is nice and you decide to walk your way throughout the entire city DON'T wear black 😂

2) You're going to stop wearing black when they'll invent a darker color? That's fine, but you might want to  RENT A BIKE: my hotel provided bike rentals 700¥ per day, it's a great deal so do take it!

Back to business, Hiroshima Castle lays off on a plain and has been rebuilt 1958, since it was destroyed during WWII. The surroundings are impressive and the carps that swim all around the perimeter are the biggest I've seen in all Japan! So it's no surprise the castle is also known as Carp Castle and the shrine inside it (Gokoku Shrine) has the fish as its symbol.
From there, you can walk to a nearly infinite number of shrines, the one I suggest you to visit is Toshogu Shrine because it has a fantastic staircase you need to take in order to reach the shrine and also will allow enjoying Hiroshima street arts! 

#3 Hijiyama Park (Panoramic Escalator) and Manga Library

ph from justgola

ph from mapio

If you're down for some peace and quiet, make Hijiyama Park your next stop. It's in the perfect position to enjoy the city views and conveniently close to the Manga Library, for the joy of all otakus out there!

What makes this park a worth visit is the "Skywalk", a panoramic escalator which takes tourists all the way through the forest and it's particularly majestic during sakura season!

#4 Shopping and Baseball Game

Hiroshima's baseball team's name is Toyo Carp...come on! How can you NOT love a team with this name!? Japan's most played sport is baseball, with every city having its own team so if you're a fan and would love to enjoy a game, here's your chance.

ph from jalan2kejepang

If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to window shopping or proper shopping, I reccomend you to visit the local Don Quijote building (a favorite of my, I'll admit!) and Hatchobori, a shopping street just a few minutes walk from the A-Bomb Dome: there you can find book and souvenir shops as well as interesting clothing shops and DAISO, the famous 100¥ shop franchise.

DAY #2

Itsukushima or Okunoshima Island

Best known as Miyajima, Itsukushima is an island about 10 minutes of ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi Station (the ticket is covered by JR Pass) and it's famous mostly for being the site that hosts the Floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine.

The entrance fee is of 300¥ and after visiting the shrine you can wander around and enjoy the wild deers that walk through the tourists fearless. Climbing a bit up on the hill, you'll find the five-storied pagoda, which is an impressive wooden tiered tower, mostly red and black painted. 

If you're not interested in shrines and want to experience something..."kawaii", then where you need to go is to Okunoshima island, better known as "Rabbit Island". You can reach this fluffy filled island by from Hiroshima going to Tadanoumi JR Station, switching at Mihara Station, and getting off at Tamadori JR Station. JR Pass, however, doesn't cover the cost of the 15 minutes ferry boat ride from Tamadori Port. 

ph from hisgo

The place is inhabited by roughly 1000 rabbits who, despite their evasive behavior, chace tourists seeking for food.

This was my 2-days itinerary for enjoying the best that Hiroshima city and its surroundings have to offer. This city has some incredible vibes that will immediately make you feel more calm and serene, it's the perfect place if you like green sceneries and combining the more traditional aspect of Japan with funny and original activities.

Ph: all mine if not otherwise stated