Hiroshima is well known as the first city in the history of the world to be bombed with a nuclear weapon (atomic bomb). After the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945, Hiroshima's population has decreased by nearly 20%, but after the war it has revived brilliantly, centered on the heavy industry and the automobile industry such as Mazda, and is now one of the major industrial cities in Japan.
The population exceeded 1 million in 1985, and is now the 10th largest population in cities nationwide. Hiroshima is the only city in which the subway does not run. Instead trams run the city, making Hiroshima the number one tram city in Japan.
One of the most famous local foods in Hiroshima is “Hiroshima-yaki”, the Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki. Unlike Okonomiyaki in the Kansai region, where ingredients and dough are mixed and then baked, Hiroshima-yaki is a "layered yakimono" in which a thin crepe-like dough is first baked and then the ingredients are placed on top to form a layer.
Miyajima, a World Heritage Site, is an island with a very unique Itsukushima shrine with a red temple built in the Heian period floating in the water. The island has a primeval forest that has been almost untouched by people. Misen, the highest peak on the island, has three mountain trails, the Omoto course, the Daishoin course, and the Momijidani course, which is another popular way to enjoy Miyajima.
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Population
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2.8 million (Prefecture)
1.2 million (City)
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Major places to visit (in Hiroshima City)
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Peace Memorial
Hiroshima Castle
Shukkeien Garden
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Major places to visit (outside Hiroshima City)
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Miyajima Island
Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road
Sandankyo Gorge
Okunoshima Bunny Island
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Local specialty food
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Hiroshimayaki (Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki)
Oyster
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Sports
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Hiroshima Carp (Baseball)
Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Soccer)
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Corporation
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Mazda
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Event
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Toukasan Festival (first Friday to Sunday of June)
Sumiyoshi Festival (mid July)
Ebisuko Festival (mid November)
August 6 (Atomic Bomb was dropped on the day of 1945)
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Access
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Shinkansen
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Shin Osaka - Hiroshima (1hr 20min)
Kyoto - Hiroshima (1hr 40min)
Okayama - Hiroshima (40min)
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Domestic flight
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Tokyo (Haneda) - Hiroshima (1hr 20min)
Okinawa (Naha) - Hiroshima (1hr 45min)
Sapporo (Shin Chitose) - Hiroshima (2hr)
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Bus
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Hiroshima Airport - Hiroshima station (50min, 1370 yen / adult)
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To Miyajima Island
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Hiroshima station - Miyajimaguchi station (30 min by JR train) + Miyajimaguchi - Miyajima (10 min by JR ferry)
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