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As a National Geographic journalist, I had the opportunity to visit Hiroshima, Japan, and discover the city’s beauty and culture. This city is widely known for its devastating past, as the first city to suffer a nuclear attack, but it has since become an inspiring example of perseverance and resilience.
The scenery of Hiroshima is breathtaking, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture surrounded by lush greenery. The city is set in a large bay, giving it access to the sea, and is framed by mountains in the background. My favorite aspect of Hiroshima was the peace memorial park and the museum that highlighted the city’s history and symbolized its message of peace to the world. However, there was the slightest downside to the city’s beauty in some parts being destroyed or developed with modern buildings.
The average cost of living in Hiroshima is moderate compared to other major Japanese cities. A typical day’s cost could range from 60-100 USD, including accommodation, food, and transportation. However, of course, these prices can fluctuate on individual situations and choices made.
Hiroshima has plenty of places to visit, and even three days can feel too short to see everything. Here are the top 20 popular points of interest recommended for tourists:
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
3. Itsukushima Shrine – 1-1 Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
4. Hiroshima Castle – 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
5. Shukkei-en Garden – 2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
6. Hiroshima Museum of Art – 1-1 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
7. Mitaki-dera Temple – 411 Mitaki-cho, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
8. Mazda Museum – 3-1 Moriya-cho, Fuchu-shi, Hiroshima
9. Momiji-dani-koen Park – 27-1 Ushitayama, Higashi-hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
10. Hachiman-gu Shrine – 5-20 Hachiman-cho, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
11. Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park – 3-1-48 Asa-minami-kami, Asakita-ku, Hiroshima
12. Miharashi-tei Tea House – 24-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
13. Hiroshima Children’s Museum of Art – 5-46 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
14. Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum – 2-22 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
15. Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art – 1-1 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
16. Fudo-in Temple – 388 Mitaki-cho, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
17. Hijiyama Park – 20-10 Hijiyama-koen, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
18. Hiroshima City Manga Library – 4-31 Yokogawa-cho, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
19. Hiroshima Museum of Literature – 2-3-24 Moto-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
20. Fukuyama Castle – 4-1 Marunouchi, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima
Additionally, Hiroshima is well-known for its street food scene, and tourists can try out some of these top 20 popular street foods:
1. Okonomiyaki – Japanese savory pancake – 5-13 Dobashi-cho, Naka-ku
2. Oysters – grilled or fried – Miyajima Island, around Itsukushima Shrine
3. Momiji-manju – maple-shaped cake with red bean filling – Various shops
4. Tsukemen – cold noodles served with dipping sauce – 1-6-3 Otemachi, Naka-ku
5. Miso-katsu – deep-fried pork cutlets with miso sauce – 1-9-9 Otemachi, Naka-ku
6. Oyster soba – buckwheat noodles topped with oysters – Miyajima Island, around Itsukushima Shrine
7. Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers – 6-1, Hatchobori, Nishi-ku
8. Nikomi-udon – thick noodles in a soy-based broth – Various shops
9. Hiroshima-style yaki-ramen – stir-fried noodles and vegetables topped with meat and served with a fried egg – Various shops
10. Hiroshima-style tsukemen – cold noodles served with dipping sauce, Hiroshima-style – 5-5-10 Nagarekawa, Naka-ku
11. Kakuni-manju – steamed buns with pork belly filling – Various shops
12. Kaki-furai – deep-fried oysters – Miyajima Island, around Itsukushima Shrine
13. Warabi-mochi – jelly-like dessert made with bracken starch and kinako powder – 1-5-13 Honkawa-cho, Naka-ku
14. Buta-manju – steamed buns with pork filling – Various shops
15. Hiroshima-style okonomi-yaki soba – stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and seafood topped with an okonomiyaki block – 5-13 Dobashi-cho, Naka-ku
16. Age-manju – fried buns filled with red bean paste – 7-32 Tenmachi-cho, Naka-ku
17. Yakisoba – stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat – Various shops
18. Anago-meshi – salt-grilled eel with rice – 1 Chome-2-2 Hakushima, Nishi-ku
19. Kaki-ramen – ramen noodles topped with oysters – Various shops
20. Momo-buta – pork belly skewers – 2-2-3 Mitakada, Aki-ku
For tourists looking for the best accommodations while visiting Hiroshima, here are the top ten most popular hotels and Airbnb stays:
Hotels:
1. Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel – Hiroshima Station Area – $142 per night (4.5/5 rating)
2. Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima – East Hiroshima – $76 per night (4.4/5 rating)
3. Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima – East Hiroshima – $109 per night (4.3/5 rating)
4. Hotel Granvia Hiroshima – Hiroshima Station Area – $96 per night (4.3/5 rating)
5. Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima – East Hiroshima – $64 per night (4.2/5 rating)
6. Hotel Sunroute Hiroshima – Hiroshima Station Area – $63 per night (4.2/5 rating)
7. Hiroshima Grand Intelligent Hotel – Naka-ku – $60 per night (4.1/5 rating)
8. Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Otemachi – Naka – $50 per night (4.1/5 rating)
9. Hiroshima Washington Hotel – East Hiroshima – $53 per night (4.0/5 rating)
10. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima – East Hiroshima – $90 per night (4.0/5 rating)
Airbnb:
1. Quaint House – Minami-ku – $82 per night (4.9/5 rating)
2. Modern House – Minami-ku – $98 per night (4.8/5 rating)
3. Cozy Apartment – Nishi-ku – $55 per night (4.8/5 rating)
4. Traditional House – Naka-ku – $120 per night (4.8/5 rating)
5. Stylish Apartment – Nishi-ku – $64 per night (4.7/5 rating)
6. Bright Room – Nishi-ku – $48 per night (4.7/5 rating)
7. Spacious House – Minami-ku – $88 per night (4.7/5 rating)
8. Private Room – Nishi-ku – $24 per night (4.7/5 rating)
9. Japanese Apartment – Naka-ku – $50 per night (4.7/5 rating)
10. Cozy Studio – Naka-ku – $43 per night (4.6/5 rating)
After researching these accommodations and their rating, I have selected the top five that are worth and budget-friendly for cost-effective with price:
1. Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Otemachi – Naka ($50 per night) – This hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with an excellent breakfast spread, great value for the price!
2. Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima – East Hiroshima ($64 per night) – Provides proximity to Hiroshima’s primary attractions with quality interiors and comfortable rooms.
3. Cozy Apartment – Nishi-ku ($55 per night) – An affordable, cozy apartment, providing guests with a comfortable space to relax and unwind.
4. Spacious House – Minami-ku ($88 per night) – A lovely house at reasonable pricing offers ample space for groups or families.
5. Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel – Hiroshima Station Area ($142 per night) – The finest experience at affordable rates with plush facilities.
In the end, Hiroshima city doesn’t disappoint us being a tourist destination with so much to offer from sightseeing to street foods and places to stay. Out of ten stars, I give Hiroshima a nine-star rating for its historical and cultural significance, the stunning scenery and friendly locals who make your visit amazing.
If tourists are interested in an itinerary in Hiroshima, I would recommend the following 3-day trip plan with food nearby:
Day 1:
– Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum in the morning
– Lunch at Okonomimura, where you can find more than 20 stalls for the best okonomiyaki in the city.
– Visit the Hiroshima Castle
– Dinner at Nagataya, one of the city’s most renowned restaurants providing authentic Japanese cuisine.
Day 2:
– Take a ferry to Miyajima Island
– Go to see Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate and enjoy local street food by wandering around multiple street stalls
– Participate in oyster farming activity
– Grab lunch at Momijian, where you can find momiji-manju around the corner.
– Visit Mt. Misen Shrine
– Dinner at Itadakimasu, one of the best places to indulge in traditional Japanese grilled dishes.
Day 3:
– Visit Mitaki-dera Temple
– Take a trip to Shukkei-en Garden
– Lunch at Shukaen, serving good quality matcha and other traditional Japanese dishes
– Visit Mazda Museum to learn about the renowned automobile company.
– Have dinner at Kinefuku, famed for its exquisite sushi on conveyer belts!
Hiroshima city welcomes every tourist with all its glory and cultural richness, which makes it one of the best tourist destinations in Japan.
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