Kintaikyo Bridge

The Kintaikyo Bridge The Kintaikyo Bridge (Kintaikyō) has been Iwakuni’s most distinguished landmark and a subject of admiration for hundreds of years. The elegant, wooden bridge makes five bold arches onto massive stone pillars as it crosses over the Nishiki River. Plans for the Kintaikyo were first drawn up when strong currents had once again destroyed a bridge crossing the Nishiki River. A more durable bridge was commissioned by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third feudal lord of Iwakuni, whose statue stands at the entrance to nearby Kikko Park. After the bridge’s completion in 1673, it kept standing until 1950, when Iwakuni…

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island’s most famous landmark is the Itsukushima Shrine’s Great Torii Gate, a massive traditional Japanese torii gate situated in the water, which appears particularly majestic during high tide. Miyajima is also famous for the Itsukushima Shrine, a 12th-century shrine that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique feature of this shrine is that its main buildings and corridors are constructed over water, giving the impression of floating on the sea. In addition to the…

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located in Hiroshima, Japan, is a historic and symbolic public space dedicated to commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima during World War II. The park serves as a platform for conveying messages of peace and advocating for nuclear disarmament. Situated in the heart of Hiroshima, the park was once the ground zero of the atomic bomb explosion and has since been transformed into a tranquil area adorned with trees, gardens, and monuments. Among the most renowned memorials is the Peace Memorial, constructed to honor the victims of the…

The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, is a profoundly symbolic monument dedicated to commemorating the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bomb explosion, particularly children. Also known as the “Thousand Orizurus Tower,” it was erected in memory of a young atomic bomb survivor. In Japanese culture, Orizurus symbolize happiness, health, and longevity. Thousands of folded Orizurus are typically strung around the monument, representing people from around the world expressing their wishes for peace and paying respect to the atomic bomb victims. At the heart of the Orizuru Tower is…

Hiroshima Shukkeien Garden

Hiroshima Shukkeien Garden Hiroshima Shukkeien Garden is a captivating traditional Japanese garden situated in the heart of Hiroshima City, not far from Hiroshima Castle and other major attractions. Established in the early 17th century, this garden is renowned for its serene ambiance and magnificent landscapes, serving as a tranquil retreat for both tourists and local residents. The name “Shukkeien” translates to “shrunken-scenery garden,” as it cleverly combines natural elements, rocks, water features, bridges, and structures to create miniature representations of landscapes. The garden features several ponds, some for strolling and others for koi fish, along with a teahouse for traditional…

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle Hiroshima Castle, also known as Hiroshima Original Castle, is a historically significant castle located in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan. This castle has a long and storied history, with its initial construction dating back to the 16th century, although it underwent comprehensive reconstruction in the mid-20th century due to damage caused by wars and fires. Hiroshima Castle is renowned for its impressive appearance and the picturesque cherry blossoms that surround it, especially during the spring season. The castle’s exterior features white walls, distinctive gables, and pointed roofs, showcasing traditional Japanese architectural styles. Today, the interior of the castle…