During a two-day, one-night trip, I visited Hiroshima Prefecture's World Heritage Sites, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and the Orizuru Tower. The next day, I went to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, a historic and also World Heritage-listed site in Japan.

Day 1

Departure from JR Shin-Osaka: 8:15 AM on the Hikari 533 (Green Car)

Arrival at JR Hiroshima: 9:56 AM

The south exit of Hiroshima Station was difficult to navigate due to ongoing redevelopment. I first stored my large luggage at the hotel, then used a day pass to ride the Hiroshima Electric Railway to the Atomic Bomb Dome. Located in Hiroshima City, the Atomic Bomb Dome is globally recognized as a symbol of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. This building was originally constructed in 1915 as the "Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall" and was used by the Hiroshima City Cultural Foundation. However, on August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima City, and the building was destroyed by the blast and fire. Despite this, the ruins of the building have been preserved as they were at the time, and it has since been opened to the public as the Atomic Bomb Dome. Today, it is a significant site for survivors, their families, and those who wish for peace, attracting many visitors. The Atomic Bomb Dome was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2007. Additionally, research indicates that the actual hypocenter was about 600 meters above "Shimanouchi Clinic." Nearby, there are Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where despite the rain, many people were seen paying their respects.

Additionally, the "Orizuru Tower" is located nearby. Areas open to the public include the rooftop observation deck and experience zones, while other areas are office tenants. The building's exterior features distinctive origami crane illustrations, giving it a notable presence. The main attraction is the rooftop observation deck, "Hiroshima no Oka," which uses cedar and cypress wood, allowing visitors to enjoy the scent of the trees. The design of "Hiroshima no Oka" allows for wind to flow through, and the mesh-covered observation deck lets visitors feel the weather, breeze, and the essence of Hiroshima, creating a naturally refreshing atmosphere. From there, you can get a panoramic view of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the city.

There is also a dedicated "Orizuru Plaza" where you can fold an origami crane with your wishes and place it on a special wall. The "Orizuru Wall" displays cranes folded by past visitors, which can be seen from outside. This forms part of the crane illustration on the tower's exterior, adding a romantic touch as your folded crane becomes part of the building. The cost to access the rooftop observation deck is 1,700 yen, and the origami paper is 100 yen.

                        【Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima Ekimae】







Day 2
Miyajima, located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a scenic area centered around Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's Three Great Views. The shrine is famous for its torii gate floating in the sea and the changing tides that alter the island's scenery. Itsukushima Shrine, believed to have been established in the Heian period, features numerous structures and cultural assets designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Particularly famous are the "Great Torii" that appears to float in the sea and the "Torii" reflected on the water's surface. These views are globally renowned as iconic Japanese landscapes. On this day, two sets of newlyweds were coincidentally having their photos taken.
Miyajima also boasts many other attractions. Notable sites include the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine and Five-story Pagoda, the "Deer Park" where visitors can interact with deer, the "Miyajima East Shopping Street" where you can buy Hiroshima's famous "Momiji Manju" (maple leaf-shaped cakes), and "Misen," which offers panoramic views of the island's mountains. Misen, located on the northern side of Miyajima, is a mountain over 500 meters high. At the summit, there is an observation deck providing views of Hiroshima City and the surrounding mountains. You can reach Misen via hiking trails, a cable car, or a ropeway.
Miyajima can be accessed from Hiroshima City in about 30 minutes by JR train to Miyajimaguchi, or about 1 hour by Hiroshima Electric Railway. It takes approximately 10 minutes by ferry or high-speed boat, making it a worthwhile visit when you are in Hiroshima City.
Departure from JR Hiroshima: 17:12 on the Nozomi 104 (Green Car)
Arrival at JR Shin-Osaka: 18:37