How a thriving cultural scene has persevered against the odds
In collaboration with
How Hiroshima lives on
5 Things You Might Not Know About Hiroshima Today
From an island filled with rabbits to Japan's largest lemon production
At 8:15 am on August 6 1945, Hiroshima fell victim to the world's first atomic bomb. Despite this horrific event, the city has lived on to become so much more than its history. Discover five things you might not know about its thriving cultural scene today.
It has a population of 2.7 million
Hiroshima Prefecture is located in southwestern Japan, within the Chugoku Region. As the capital, Hiroshima City is the largest city not only in the prefecture but also in the whole region.
It has the highest production of lemons in Japan
Blessed with a warm Seto Inland Sea climate, this area is said to be the origin of domestic lemons, and produces the largest amount of lemons in the country.
It has an island filled with rabbits
Okunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, is one of the most visited spots in Hiroshima due to the furry friends you'll find there. This small island can be accessed via ferry from the Tadano-umi Port.
Local ceramics are made from sacred shrine sand
Miyajima osuna ware are ceramics made by mixing sand (suna) from the main shrine at Itsukushima Shrine with clay. It originated in the mid-Edo period (1615–1868) and continues to be produced today.
You can cycle over the sea
The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido is a road that connects the beautiful islands together. The “Cycling Road” is known as the first bicycle path in Japan where you can cross a strait.
"Hiroshima Night Theater in Nagarekawa," which unfolds in the evening shopping district, begins at dusk in the Nagarekawa Ginza shopping district.
Strange incidents are said to occur night after night in Hiroshima, the largest city in the Chugoku region.
Everyone will play the role of a detective, and while listening to the acting of the actors in Rukawa's BAR, they will find clues to solving the case.
Please enjoy the completely new entertainment of "Mystery type theater × Drinking experience" developed in the night shopping street while enjoying sake representing Hiroshima.
Travel back in time to the Edo period! The townscape of Mitarai, Japan Heritage
Irifuneyama Memorial Hall
On the walls and ceilings of the former Kure Naval Station Commander's office, there are rare gold wall-paper.
Kagura Monzen Toji Mura
You can enjoy the natural radon hot springs that rush out and the gorgeous Hiroshima Akitakata Kagura performance at the same time.
Walk around Takehara townscape preservation district
Stroll through Takehara's townscape preservation district, which has been designated as an important group of traditional buildings and has also been certified as a Japan Heritage Site. The guide will also guide you through some of the locations of japanese dramas.
“Seto no Kamakura”, discover the Sunami area
The Sunami area with an outstanding view facing the Seto Inland Sea is a notable area where fashionable shops as well as old japanese house turned cafes, guest houses, and pottery studios opened.
Fukuyama City Sightseeing Bus around Tomonoura
A guide will escort you. In the morning, take a minibus to Tomonoura via Myoo-in (car window) and Shinshoji Temple. In the afternoon, take the oldest shared bonnet bus in Japan to Tomonoura via the Fukuyama Automobile and Clock Museum and Myoo-in Temple.
Jose Tenryo Tourism
Joge was etablised at the Edo bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun), and the financial industry of the town flourished. A guide will take you through the white-walled townscape where the remnants remain.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum collects and displays belongings left by the victims, photos, and other materials that convey the horror of that event, supplemented by exhibits that describe Hiroshima before and after the bombing and others that present the current status of the nuclear age.