Hiroshima Attractions: From Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to Okonomiyaki

Most Hiroshima attractions, revolve around the Peace Memorial Park. If you somehow don`t manage to visit it, you're really missing out on what Hiroshima is all about.

On August 6th 1949, four years to the day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima the “Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law” was enacted. This law, which is still the basis for the city`s planning, has turned the once devastated wasteland into a city of peace.

As part of this effort, the Peace Park covers an area of about 120, 000 square meters. Within the area are such famous memorials as:

• Hiroshima Memorial Cenotaph

• Children`s Peace Monument and its Sadako Statue

• Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome)
• Peace Memorial Museum

Also, the Korean Victim`s Monument, Peace Bell and Flame of Peace plus many more memorials are dotted through out the park which is free to enter any time of the day or night.

Hiroshima Castle is a reconstruction of the original with a cool museum inside. If you have a spare couple of hours I would say it is worth checking out.

Off the coast is one of the top 3 most scenic spots in Japan, Miyajima Island home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its world famous floating torii gate. 

An attraction in itself is Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (see video below), most easily found in the downtown area.

It is different from the common Osaka style in that everything is layered as apposed to mixed.

As I`ve said before, I much prefer Osaka style, but if you get the chance, try both and decide for yourself.

In any case a full stomach will help you relax after the mental exhaustion of visiting the Peace Memorial Park.