UNDERSTANDING HIROSHIMA’S HISTORY IS IMPORTANT ON ANY VISIT TO THIS CITY.

THE ENTIRE WORLD KNOWS THAT ON AUGUST 6, 1945, THE FIRST ATOMIC BOMB KNOWN AS "LITTLE BOY " WAS DROPPED IN HIROSHIMA. THE CITY WAS IMMEDIATELY LEVELLED AND DESTROYED. IT WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. ALL BUT A FEW STRONG REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES DID NOT COLLAPSED FROM THE BLAST.

THE RADIUS OF TOTAL DESTRUCTION FROM THE ATOMIC BOMB BLAST WAS ABOUT ONE MILE WITH ADDITIONAL FIRES ACROSS THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE CITY.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AROUND 140,000 WERE KILLED.

AFTER THE DEVASTATING TRAGEDY, HIROSHIMA BEGAN TO REBUILT, SYMBOLIZING ITS STRENGHT AND ITS SPIRIT. IT DAZZLED THE WORLD WITH ITS FAST RECOVERY AND BECAME A SYMBOL OF PEACE.

TODAY, THE CITY HAS TAKEN GREAT PAINS TO PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC SITES, KEEP UP THE AREAS NATURAL BEAUTY AND ADVOCATE FOR PEACE WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY ACTING AS A HUB FOR JAPANESE CULTURE AND GOVERNMENT.

MONUMENTS LIKE THE HIROSHIMA PEACE PARK ARE A STARK REMINDER TO THE REGION’S HISTORY AND REMIND US TO NEVER FORGET THE HORRIFIC LOSS OF LIFE AS A RESULT OF THE BOMBING.

PORT GUIDE

Printable map and directions to take along.

PORT FACILITIES AND LOCATION

The port at Hiroshima is relatively new, so it’s equipped with popular amenities like free wifi and an information desk for travelers. The Hiroshima port is also less than two miles from the city center, and it’s pretty easy to get to the heart of everything via bus or taxi.

By popular demand, there are also currency exchange services and shuttle buses. You can also enjoy "kagami-biraki" (opening of a cask of sake at a party or ceremony) and other traditional cultural attractions as part of the hospitality.

Port location on Google Map

Address :

Yokohama Port

Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan

Nearest Major Train Station - JR Hiroshima Station (Car or Streetcar or Bus 30 minute)

TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS FOR CRUISES TO HIROSHIMA

For meaningful walks through history, visit the following :

1. THE ATOMIC BOMB DOME (PEACE MEMORIAL PARK ) - It was constructed in 1915 as a facility for the display and sale of commercial products within Hiroshima prefecture. On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb used in the history of mankind detonates at approximately 600 meters over downtown Hiroshima, 160 meters southeast of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

The atrium of the then Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was almost directly below the hypocenter of the bomb. Although the building sustained heavy damage, it managed to escape complete destruction. The dome acts as a reminder of the force and untold suffering caused by the bomb, while continuing to symbolize the fight to rid the world of nuclear weapons and bring about world peace.

In December 1996, it was listed as a World Heritage site being a building that communicates the total devastation caused by nuclear weapon.

Walk this peaceful park in memory of the events in Hiroshima during World War II. Today, the park is a reminder of the city’s lasting mission for peace.

2. PEACE BELL - This was installed with the aim of abolishing nuclear weapons and bringing about world peace. Cast by expert bell-caster and national treasure Masahiko Katori, a world map without national borders is on the surface of the bell to symbolize a single, unified world. People are free to strike the bell, so please take the opportunity to do so with a prayer for world peace.

3. CHILDREN’S PEACE MONUMENT - This monument was built to commemorate Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of other innocent children who died due to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Sadako Sasaki was a young girl who was exposed to the radiation of the blast at the age of two and died ten years later from leukemia. Sadako, who continued to fold paper cranes throughout her long illness, can be seen at the top of the monument holding a wire crane above her head. Even today, folded paper cranes symbolizing the pursuit of peace arrive at the monument from all over the world.

4. FLAME OF PEACE - Lit on 1st August 1964 in hope of a world without nuclear weapons, the flame will continue to burn until nuclear weapons are abolished worldwide. The pedestal was designed in the image of two hands pressed together with the palms facing the sky.

5. CENOTAPH FOR ATOMIC BOMB VICTIMS - Officially named the 'Memorial Monument for Hiroshima, City of Peace', it is more commonly known as the Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims. The names of all those who lost their lives are inscribed inside the central stone vault regardless of nationality. Every year, new names are discovered and added to the list. The cenotaph was designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Kenzo Tange. Pay respects to the lives that were lost in Hiroshima at the cenotaph dedicated to the victims.

6. HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - At the end of Peace Park, the city built the Memorial Museum to educate visitors about the history of Hiroshima before and after the bombing. Though a heavy topic, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a must-do activity to fully understand the roots and strength of the community here. The museum was opened in 1955 with the aim of conveying to the world the realities of the atomic bomb and advocate world peace and the abolishment of nuclear weapons. Divided into the East Building and the Main Building, the museum displays possessions from the victims of the bomb, photographs and other documentation. It also explains the circumstances in Hiroshima and elsewhere that led to the bombing along with a detailed explanation of the bombing itself.

HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - HOURS AND ADMISSION

March-July 8:30-18:00 

August 8:30-19:00 (Open until 20:00 on August 5 and 6)

September-November 8:30-18:00 

December-February 8:30-17:00 

 *Last entry to the museum is 30 minutes before closing time.

Individuals - ¥200

Visitors 65 years and older can enter the museum for 100 yen by showing their passport.

Audio Guides are available at the Rental Counter on the 1st floor of the East Building. To view the floor map, click here.

 ●Total audio time

About 70 minutes (Skip or repeat explanations as desired.)

 ●Rental fee

¥400 per unit (for groups renting 30 units or more, ¥350 each)

Museum leaflet for download here.

7. HIROSHIMA NATIONAL PEACE MEMORIAL HALL - A building to mourn the victims of the atomic bomb and pray for a lasting peace. The structure in the center indicates the exact time of the bomb detonation - 8:15am. Memoirs from survivors and portraits of the victims are displayed inside the memorial hall. Visit to gain a deeper understanding of the suffering caused by war and nuclear weapons and the true value of peace.

OTHER BUILDINGS CONNECTED TO THE BOMBINGS

1. THE REST HOUSE -Before the bombing, this building was a shop selling kimono fabrics. The ground floor of this building is now a tourist information area, rest area and a gift shop. The basement has been kept as it was after the bomb. Register on the ground floor for tours of the basement. Feel free to use the rest area free of charge.

2. PHOENIX TREES - Just to the north of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum East Building, stand the Phoenix Trees that withstood the atomic bombing. Saplings grown from seeds taken from the trees have been distributed and grown across Japan and the rest of the world as part of the Hiroshima City's activities to promote peace. The project is known as the "Second Generation of Bombed Phoenix Trees

3. AIOI BRIDGE - Stretching across the point where the Ōta River and the Motoyasu River branch off, it is one of the bridges that connect the Atomic Bomb Dome to the Peace Park. Easy to spot and locate from the air, it is thought the bridge was used for targeting the atomic bomb. When the bomb detonated, the crowds of people who were either on, or around the bridge were killed instantly. The releasing of the river lanterns to mourn the victims of the bombing happens every year on 6th August on the Motoyasu River.

4. HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER - Named after the folded paper crane, which is a symbol of peace, the Orizuru Tower is a facility located on the east side of the Atomic Bomb Dome, a World Heritage site. The rooftop observation deck provides panoramic views of Hiroshima City, and if the weather's clear, you can even see as far as Miyajima.
In one section, you can learn the changes of Hiroshima townscape from before and after the bombing, as well as today, instilling a sense of hope and importance of peace. The first floor offers cafés and shops where you can find carry Hiroshima specialties, making it an ideal place for shopping or taking a break.

OTHER MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

HIROSHIMA CASTLE - dates all the way back to 1589 built by military commander Mori Terumoto. The castle tower was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but was rebuilt in 1958 and is now a history museum. Inside the castle you can get a commemorative picture taken wearing a sword and armor, and on Sundays you can enjoy a performance by the samurai troupe "AKI HIROSHIMA BUSHO-TAI", brought back to life from 450 years ago at the modern Hiroshima Castle.

SHUKKIEIN GARDEN - Take a tour of this incredible miniature garden landscapes, originally constructed as a Villa garden for Nagaakira Asano, ruling Daimyo of the time. It is said to have been modeled after Lake Xihu (West Lake) in Hangzhou, China. The pond in the middle of the garden is dotted with islands of various sizes and a gorges around the pond.

Come in the spring for the cherry blossoms, or tour the Shukkei-en gardens year-round for a traditional Japanese garden experience. Though it was reconstructed after the bombing in 1945, the original gardens date back to the 15th century.

MIYAJIMA -Take a more outdoorsy approach to exploring with a half-day excursion to Miyajima Island. It’s less than an hour from Hiroshima. It is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.

Since ancient times the island of Miyajima has been a place of spiritual significance. The island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine. Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. Mt. Misen, the island's highest peak, is its backdrop was worshiped by local people as early as the 6th century.

The historical significance, natural beauty and tranquility of Miyajima has earned it a place on the World Cultural Heritage List. Check this Miyajima Guide.

There are also wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists.

Take a half day to explore the island, sip tea, and shop for souvenirs.

After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated daily until 23:00, providing a perfect backdrop for ryokan guests to enjoy an evening walk in yukata and geta sandals. It is not possible to enter the shrine after sunset, though.

KINTAI-KYO BRIDGE -If you travel a little beyond the city on a Hiroshima cruise, you’ll find this massive wooden bridge in the nearby city of Iwakuni is one of the area’s most traveled-to sites, particularly during the springtime cherry blossom festivals and events. At sunset, the bridge lights up, providing a romantic lookout to Kikkou Park and beyond.

MAZDA MUSEUM - On your Hiroshima cruise, be sure to make a reservation at the Mazda Museum for a tour of the Mazda assembly lines, a detailed history of Mazda since it began making vehicles in the 1920s, and pristine preserved car memorabilia. Car aficionados will love an afternoon spent touring the facilities.

TRANSPORTATION IN HIROSHIMA

VISIT HIROSHIMA TOURIST PASS

The Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass for foreign visitors offers you unlimited rides on designated transportation areas, including expressway buses on seven routes, all Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar lines, and ferries to Miyajima.

For those who purchase the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass, a unique guidebook (FUN PASS HIROSHIMA), which features sightseeing model courses and is full of discount coupons for tourist sites and restaurants in Hiroshima and Iwakuni, is also provided.

There are several methods for getting around in Hiroshima, including the city’s interconnected system of streetcars, trams, and local sightseeing buses. Unlike other Japanese metro areas, Hiroshima didn’t switch over to a more elaborate subway system in the 20th century. It still uses an extensive tram network. Taxis are common in Hiroshima too, but there are a few rules of etiquette. For example, tipping isn’t required when you take a taxi, and it’s recommended to show your destination on a map to your driver to minimize any confusion, particularly if you don’t speak any Japanese

WHAT TO EAT

A Hiroshima cruise wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the city’s biggest culinary contributions, like kure caiji curry or momiji manju, a local dessert crafted in the shape of maple leaves in many flavors. The coastal influence of Hiroshima is never more apparent than r its large and flavorful oysters. You can try the oysters whether they’re grilled, fried, or served with rice.

OYSTERS - Hiroshima is the biggest producer of oysters in Japan. Look out to see and you’ll see oyster rafts floating in the gentle waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Kaki-no-Dotenabe (Oysters and miso), fried oysters, steamed oysters, grilled oysters, raw oysters are all popular ways to enjoy these bivalves in Hiroshima.

HIROSHIMA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI or Japanese pancake or Japanese pizza is soul food in Hiroshima. It has its roots in a pre-war children’s snack of a water-flour mixture grilled on an iron hot plate with toppings including spring onion. After the war this snack was treasured as a staple food when rice could not be obtained. As recovery progressed, cabbage, noodles, eggs and other ingredients were added to make the current style of Okonomiyaki. They are usually topped with Japanese mayonnaise, dried seaweeds and dried bonito flakes.

There are more than 900 Okonomiyaki restaurants in the Hiroshima city.

GRILLED EEL - The Seto Inland Sea in the south of Hiroshima is renowned throughout Japan for its bountiful fishing and delicious seafood. Try the famous grilled 'anago' conger eel on rice and grilled eel on rice. Charcoal grilled eel (anago-meshi) seasoned with soy sauce and mirin served on boiled rice, is considered a local specialty.

SAKE - Hiroshima is also one of of Japan's three great sake-producing areas, and their method of sake production is different than other parts of Japan. If you visit Hiroshima without taking the time to attentively sample the local sakes, then you're missing out.

Saijo is known as one of the leading sake-producing localities because of its climate, which is well suited to brewing, and water quality.

SHOPPING- WHERE TO BUY

HONDORI STREET - Shop along Hondori Street, which is reserved for pedestrians to stroll and shop without being bothered by cars or bikes whizzing by. Clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, and handmade Japanese goods are all for sale along the Hondori Shopping Arcade. Plus there are cafes and restaurants when your feet need a rest from all the shopping.

Located in the center of Hiroshima City, it runs east and west over a 577-meter stretch. It is accessible through a highly convenient transportation network including streetcars and buses, and the arcade has been developing in coexistence with other department stores and electronics retail stores.

BEST BUY

KUMANO MAKE-UP BRUSHES - Kumano is the number one brush producer in Japan, crafting 80% of all the brushes in the country. They are the traditional brushes handcrafted in Kumano, Aki district. They have been made since the Edo period (1603-1868). The makeup brushes are especially popular around the world and used by top makeup artists and Hollywood actresses. At Fudenosato Kobo, there are exhibits on the history of brushes and brush making demonstrations by traditional craftsmen, and at the gift shop you can try out and purchase locally crafted calligraphy and makeup brushes.

The quality of the calligraphy, painting and makeup brushes is recognized in Japan and abroad.

MOMIJI MANJU - The moderate sweetness and unaffected flavor of this cake consisting of sweet bean paste wrapped in baked sponge cake are perfect for tea time. Chocolate, matcha and cheese-cream flavored versions also are popular.

KENDAMA - This traditional Japanese toy got its start when the French bilboquet was improved in the Taisho period (1912-1926) and renamed nichigetsu ball. The inventor, Hamaji Egusa, visited Hatsukaichi, a city that contains Miyajima, and asked that it be produced. This led to it being known as the birthplace of the kendama.

LOCAL CURRENCY AND TIPPING CUSTOMS

Japan is still a cash- society and carrying Japanese yen is recommended when paying for day-to-day expenses during your trip to Hiroshima. Though credit cards and ATMs are catching on in Japan. Major credit cards are accepted at a majority stores and restaurants, but the culture here is still very much cash-centric. When you’re taking a taxi, most drivers will use the meter honestly. Tipping isn’t a huge part of the culture in Japan, so you don’t typically have to tip your taxi driver or waiter.