Hiroshima stands as a city of resilience, peace and vibrant culture. World-renowned for the events of 1945, it now dedicates itself to the pursuit of peace and remembrance. The Peace Memorial Park, with its ponds, monuments and the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome, offers visitors the chance to reflect on history and hope for a better future. The adjacent museum is deeply moving, with first-hand accounts and memorials that encourage thoughtful understanding.

Modern Hiroshima is lively and approachable. Its thriving food scene is most famous for okonomiyaki, a hearty savoury pancake filled with noodles, pork and cabbage, often prepared on a grill right in front of you. Walking through the city centre, you will find bustling shopping streets, lively izakayas, and green riverside parks where locals gather for picnics and festivals.

A highlight of any visit is a trip to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic Itsukushima Shrine and “floating” torii gate visible at high tide. The island’s peaceful forests and climbing trails up Mount Misen reward both casual walkers and keen hikers with sea views and quiet temple settings. You might even spot deer wandering through the narrow streets.

Hiroshima’s effective tram system makes the city easy to navigate, while its welcoming atmosphere and reflective sites leave a lasting impression. Whether drawn by history, scenery or food, travellers in Hiroshima will discover a city that honours the past but pulses with dynamic energy and warmth in the present.