We’ve carefully crafted an itinerary that allows for a look at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Miyajima Island and a deeper understanding of the destruction this city faced, as well as how it was rebuilt to become the thriving hub it is today. This tour digs into the contrasts that define Japan—war and peace, urban development, and serene nature—providing a fully fleshed-out idea of what life is like in this important city.

Our first stop on the tour is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park—once the political and commercial center of Hiroshima as well as home to 6,500 people. Hoping for eternal world peace, the park was established near the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion in remembrance of the victims and as a memorial to peace. As we walk through the park, we will visit various peace monuments scattered about, such as the Flame of Peace, Hall of Remembrance, Memorial Cenotaph, Children’s Peace Monument, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum—the latter of which we will enter to view artifacts ranging from belongings and photos of victims, important film footage, and historical records.

Finally, we’ll pay a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the building and its distinctive dome were designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel in 1915. Because the bomb detonated almost directly above the building, the vertical support columns could withstand the blast's impact; the building's ruins were eventually converted into a memorial to those killed in the blast. 

Having spent a few hours visiting the most important sites in remembrance of the horror that took place in the city, we’ll take a quick break, getting some lunch with our docent (possibly the local specialty, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki) before proceeding to the next portion of the tour: Miyajima Island. The word ‘Miyajima’ means ‘shrine island,’ named due to its association with its most famous site, Itsukushima Shrine. Built in 593, this UNESCO World Heritage site consists of 17 buildings and a large torii gate, all of which appear to float on water during high tide. (The torii gate and vermilion color of the shrine are believed to hold evil spirits at bay). The island is considered one of the three destinations that make up ‘Nihon Sankei’, meaning the top three scenic views of Japan. We’ll spend some time navigating the island’s serene, spiritual sights, getting an in-depth background of the shrine’s religious importance, and the roles that Shintoism and Buddhism have played on the island and Japanese culture as a whole.

After our visit, we will better understand the importance of this historical city and how it revitalized itself into the vibrant, thriving city it is today.