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Formerly known as Aki province, Hiroshima prefecture has continuously played a central role in Japanese history. The region first came into prominence for its stunning temples and shrines, the most famous of which being Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima. The region later became a central point of power in western Japan thanks to the strategic guidance of Mori Motonari, and this continued well into the 19th and 20th centuries. The Hiroshima we see today is now a symbol of renewal, resilience and peace.
During your stay at the conference, we encourage you to take the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the many iconic landmarks of Hiroshima, both historical and contemporary. An excursion is planned to visit Itsukushima Shrine and the adjacent Daishoin Temple.
The following list is just a snapshot of the sights you can see in Hiroshima. If you would like a more comprehensive look at what Hiroshima has to offer, then please take a look at this website.
Hiroshima Dreamination
The holiday season is just around the corner, and for two months the streets of Peace Boulevard are illuminated with a fantastic array of lights and decorations. There are a wide variety of designs, ranging from castles and dragons to trains and...bananas. In fact, many of these are large enough that you can walk in and around them. The event is also great for children since some displays can be climbed on and are great for pictures.
The attractions are within walking distance of the venue, and can be found along Peace Boulevard just east of the Peace Park and south of Hondori. The event lasts from Nov 15th to Jan 3rd, allowing ample time to visit during the conference. Moreover, the displays usually turn on around 18:00, making them an opportune stop after the day's talks are over. When going out into the winter night, however, please dress warm and appropriately (unlike the photographer).
The legendary vermillion bird Suzaku. If only it was the real thing and could warm up the surrounding area.
Istukushima Shrine
Located on the island of Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was originally constructed in 593. The shrine as we know it today, however, was rebuilt in 1168 by Taira no Kiyomori, a court official who is often credited with the rise in power and popularity of the samurai in Japan. Arguably the strongest individual in Japan at the time, Kiyomori made Itsukushima shrine one of the most famous in Japan. Due to its cultural significance and after having survived countless wars (including a fierce battle on Miyajima itself), Itsukushima Shrine was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The most recognizable structure of the shrine is a 50-foot (15 m) torii gate. Vermilion in color, it is often referred to as the 'floating gate' due to its lower base being completely submerged during high tide. At low tide, one can approach the gate itself and explore the surrounding area. Recent renovations to the gate were completed last year so now is a perfect time to visit this site.
Itsukushima Shrine can be accessed via the JR San-yo line (Hiroshima station -> Miyajimaguchi station), which will take about half an hour. From Miyajimaguchi station, it's a quick ferry ride to the island itself. An excursion is planned on Wednesday to visit Itsukushima Shrine and the surrounding area.
Miyajima island is also the home for many deer. During your visit, you may encounter some that will walk up to you and bow. While friendly, it's best to keep a respectful distance.
Daishoin Temple
Daishoin is a Buddhist temple located at the base of Mount Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. Just a stone's throw away from the busy markets and stalls catering to visitors, Daishoin Temple is often overlooked and missed. Founded by the monk Kukai, it is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan, and greatly aided the spread of Buddhism throughout the county. As you make your way towards the temple complex, you'll be met with over 500 life-like monk statues that are meant to protect travelers from illness and disease. This temple is also home to the 'Unextinguished Fire', a flame that is said to still be burning since the temple's construction more than 1,200 years ago.
The excursion to Itsukushima Shrine will make a stop at Daishoin Temple where you can make an offering for the success of your next proposal. A simple tea ceremony is planned in a room with a great view of the island and the sea.
Some of the many expressive monk statues that you'll see at Daishoin Temple. What kind of hats will they be wearing when you visit?
Hiroshima Castle
The original Hiroshima Castle was built in 1599 and served as the headquarters for the Mori clan. At this time, the Mori clan was the most powerful clan in western Japan thanks to Mori Motonari. Interestingly, the castle predated the city of Hiroshima, and thus one can say that the city formed around the castle. Unfortunately, the original keep and surrounding structures that had been standing for more than 300 years were destroyed in the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima. However, the concrete bunker beneath the castle did survive the blast and provided the first radio broadcast of the explosion by two High School students.
The keep we see today was reconstructed in 1958, and serves as a museum of what pre-war Hiroshima looked like. The surrounding castle grounds also provide a quiet and relaxing retreat from the city. You can find the castle just north of the conference venue and it is within walking distance.
The main keep or Tenshu of Hiroshima Castle.
A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park/Museum
At the heart of Hiroshima, and just seven minutes walk from the conference center, lies the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a verdant area of trees, grass and walking paths, created in memory of the innumerable lives that were lost when an Atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. Before the bombing, this area was a busy shopping district, and the administrative center of the city. Now it hosts the park, the Peace Memorial Museum, the Flame of Peace, a cenotaph in memory of the victims, and a building that survived the blast, known as the A-Bomb Dome.
Visits to the Peace Memorial Museum begin with an introduction to Hiroshima life before the bombing. This is followed by an exhibit on the harrowing effects of the bomb on its victims, both during the blast and in the following years. Further exhibits focus on the menace of nuclear weapons, the history of Hiroshima, before and after the blast, and Hiroshima’s commitment to promoting world peace.
The dome and park, as seen from above.
Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido (Island Wave Sea Road) is a wonderful way to explore some of the many scenic islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Starting from Onomichi on the mainland, and ending at Imabari on the large island of Shikoku, the road spans six smaller inhabited islands, many of them forested and mountainous, and crosses seven impressive suspension bridges. Although cars can travel this road with a toll, it is most famous as a 70km cycling route. In particular, the roads on the islands are marked for bicycles, and all of the suspension bridges have well-maintained cycle paths, which are physically separated from the road traffic, giving cyclists and pedestrians a safe way to cross the bridges and stop to admire stunning views of the inland sea and its islands.
For more information, including convenient ways to rent bicycles, and transport options for enjoying smaller sections of the cycling route, please see the following website:
https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/cycling/en-02.html
Alternatively, for those wishing to explore the Shimanami Kaido by car, beware that this is a toll road. Tolls paid by cash are much more expensive than paying with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, so when renting a car, ask the rental company about renting an ETC card.
For information about Shimanami Kaido tolls, see the following website:
https://www.jb-honshi.co.jp/english/customer_index/guide/ryokin-table/ratelist_etc_e_201910.html
Shimanami Kaido welcomes cyclists with gorgeous nature around islands
Onomichi
Onomichi is a historic port city on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea. Much of the city is built on a mountainside parallel to the sea, and is a maze of steep, narrow walking paths, meandering between homes, cafes, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines. Among these, there is a famous walking path that links twenty five different Buddhist temples. Alternatively, one can take the Senkoji Ropeway (cable car) to see the Senkoji temple and enjoy a view of the Seto Inland Sea from high up on a hillside. Please be aware that Onomichi’s hillside paths are not wheelchair accessible, and that although the Senkoji Ropeway itself is accessible, the path to the temple at the top, is not.
Onomichi is also a gateway to the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. As well as being the start of the Shimanami Kaido, it hosts ferries to various islands, such as the scenic forty-minute ferry ride to the historic town of Setoda on Ikuchi island, halfway along the Shimanami Kaido.
Narrow walking paths on the hillsides lead you to historic temples and shrines
Iwakuni
If you continue past Miyajima, you will soon reach the city of Iwakuni. Set apart from the hustle and bustle of Hiroshima and Miyajima, Iwakuni offers a quieter experience. The most visited attraction is the Kintai bridge, a wooden arch bridge that spans almost 175 m (600 feet). The current bridge is a reconstruction of the original that had lasted for over 270 years prior.
Beyond Kintai bridge are a number of shops and museums, including a white snake museum where you can see the famous white snakes of Iwakuni. Be sure to also enjoy the nearby shops that sell 100 flavors of ice cream, including habanero and the Devil's ice cream.
Situated at the top of the adjacent Mount Shiroyama, Iwakuni castle provides an impressive view of the city below. Inside the castle is a museum with various artifacts from the time of its construction. It can be accessed via either a cable car or a (paved) hiking trail.
The white snake of Iwakuni, an albino rat snake. It is said that if you find a white snake in your home, it will bring good fortune.
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