ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR 2 DAYS IN HIROSHIMA | GECKOS ADVENTURE TRIP
During our travels through Japan with Geckos Adventures we had the opportunity to spend 2 days in Hiroshima. Internationally famous for the horrific event on August 6, 1945, when it became the site of the world's first atomic bomb attack, Hiroshima is now a place promoting peace and an incredible city to visit.
Day 1: Hiroshima Peace Memorial
At the centre of the city is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and, rather than redevelop, it was decided to dedicate this area to the legacy of Hiroshima. The park contains a number of memorials to the atomic bomb - a very moving place to visit.
Atomic Bomb Dome
The A-Bomb Dome was only 160 metres from the centre of the bomb and the metal framework of the building remained intact as the bomb exploded almost directly overhead. The building is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands almost exactly as it did after the bomb dropped. It now stands both as a memorial and a symbol of peace.
Peace Memorial Museum
We’ve visited some incredibly sad sites during our travels and the Peace Memorial Museum truly broke our hearts. The museum shares the horrific details of the dropping of the bomb and the aftermath of the devastating event.
Shop: Downtown Hiroshima
Bright, busy and bustling with life, downtown Hiroshima is worth a visit to uplift your spirit. You need to spend some time at Hondori Street, a pedestrian street filled to the brim with shops and restaurants and the food available is delicious. We also recommend heading to some of the arcade stores - we had never been to an arcade with SO many games (and yes, we one a pikachu first try)!
Eat: Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, a fried noodle and cabbage dish, is a must try when here! There are some fantastic places in the downtown area to try this famous dish.
Day 2: Miyajima Island
Miyajima, an island of the coast of Hiroshima, is worth spending an entire day at. Here you will find a mix of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and wild deer roaming the streets combined with the sense of stepping back in time.
Itsukushima Shrine
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the main attraction on the sacred island and its floating tori gate is a sight worth seeing in person. At high tide it appears to float on the water and at low tide it is reachable by foot, which means if you want to experience both you will need to come midday and hang around for the sunset.
The Roaming Deer
Wild deer wander freely through the streets of Miyajima, happily walking amongst the tourists hoping for their share of some deer cookies which are sold across the island. It’s a beautiful sight!
Eat: Momiji Manju
After so many of you recommended Momiji Manju we had to find some, which was super easy as it is sold all over the island. Shaped like a Japanese maple leaf, Momiji Manju is a steamed bun filled with a bean jam filling. This is a must try when on the island!
NEXT STOP: OSAKA
Want to explore Japan? Make sure you check out Geckos Adventures 10 Day Discover Japan Tour
Thanks to Geckos Adventure for allowing us to be apart of your ambassador program for 2017!
