Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Hiroshima, the main city in the Chugoku Region. It is home to a population of over a million residents. Following the dropping of the first atomic bomb on August 6th, 1945, Hiroshima gained global recognition for this unfortunate event. The bomb’s devastating impact resulted in the near-complete destruction of everything within a two kilometer radius.

Despite initial predictions of uninhabitability, extensive efforts were made to rebuild the city post-war, proving those assumptions wrong. Notable historical landmarks like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, which were previously destroyed, were reconstructed. Additionally, a significant park was established at the city center, named Peace Memorial Park to symbolize the city’s rebirth and aspirations for peace.

Hiroshima is also known as the Water City Hiroshima. People take pleasure cruises on the six rivers and relax at the open-air cafes along the riverside. During the cherry blossom season, crowds of people gather to enjoy the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Street event held in mid-April offers the opportunity to admire a variety of cherry blossoms.

Surrounded by mountains and embracing the sea, Hiroshima City offers an abundance of culinary delights. Hiroshima’s specialty oysters and Seto Inland Sea’s fresh fish and shellfish are highly nutritious. There are also spicy dipping noodle sauce and Hiroshima-style Japanese pancakes. The top Hiroshima specialty is the “Maple Leaf Dessert,” which comes in various flavors such as traditional red bean, cheese, chocolate, and cream. The locally produced sake, renowned among connoisseurs, is also known as Women’s Sake. Hiroshima pickles are one of the three major pickles in Japan.

Here are some places of interest that Visit Japan Web recommends.