Hiroshima will forever be scarred by the atomic blast it suffered at the end of World War II, making it a necessary place to visit to understand the incomprehensible degree of destruction wrought during the war. It is also, however, a lively city with a stellar food scene, excellent museums, and plenty of festivals. 

On this full-day Hiroshima excursion from Kyoto, we’re joined by a local historian who will help us grapple with the destruction this city faced, as well as how it was rebuilt to become the thriving hub it is today. We’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome before grabbing a quick lunch and heading to Miyajima Island, known for its shrine, torii gate, and stunning views. 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.

We’ll start our day early, meeting in the lobby of a hotel adjacent to Kyoto Station. Walking over to the station and hopping on our shinkansen (bullet train), we’ll spend the ride getting acquainted with one another, as well as getting a historical overview of the city of Hiroshima. After we step off the train, we’ll head over to 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 were able to withstand the impact of the blast; the ruins of the building 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 guide 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 the water during high tide. The torii gate and vermilion color of the shrine are considered to keep evil spirits away. 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.

Heading back to the mainland, we’ll proceed to the train station, where we’ll begin our return journey. We’ll leave this walk with a deeper understanding of the history of Hiroshima, the terror and destruction that the atomic bomb wreaked upon the city, and how it revitalized itself into a vibrant, thriving city. We’ll also get a taste of Japanese spirituality by visiting one of the nation’s most famous shrines on Miyajima Island.