Hiroshima Vacations

Located in the western part of Japan's Honshu Island, Hiroshima is a city that has transcended its tragic past to become a symbol of resilience and peace.

The story of Hiroshima can’t be told without acknowledging what happened in 1945. The Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved in its skeletal form, stands as a haunting and powerful reminder of that day. It’s part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a thoughtful, moving space dedicated to memory, understanding, and the hope for a more peaceful world.

Wandering through the park, you'll find the Children's Peace Monument and the Memorial Cenotaph, surrounded by quiet gardens and messages of peace. It’s a space for pausing, thinking, and feeling — but it doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming. There’s a quiet dignity to it all.

Outside the park, the city pulses with life. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a local favourite — a hearty, layered savoury pancake that’s made fresh right in front of you. Hiroshima Castle, with its reconstructed keep and leafy grounds, offers a great view over the city and a chance to connect with another side of its story.

Just offshore, Miyajima Island makes for a perfect day trip. The iconic torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine seems to float at high tide, and the island’s forested trails, curious deer, and local treats (like maple leaf-shaped cakes called momiji manju) offer a gentle contrast to the city’s energy.

Getting there is simple — Hiroshima is well connected by bullet train from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, making it an easy and rewarding stop on your journey through Japan.

Today, Hiroshima feels like a place shaped by its past, but not defined by it — open, welcoming, and quietly inspiring.