Hiroshima & Miyajima, is it worth the trip? A journey through memory and spirituality in Japan

Hiroshima is a city shaped by its tragic past, but today, it has become a symbol of resilience and peace.
Between historical monuments, calming temples, and the beautiful island of Miyajima, Hiroshima offers a unique experience—both moving and inspiring.
👉 So, is Hiroshima worth the trip?

HIROSHIMA: A CITY OF MEMORY AND REBIRTH

Hiroshima is a city looking toward the future. It has rebuilt itself with strength, and today, it’s a peaceful place where past and present coexist in harmony.

🏯 Hiroshima Castle
We started our visit at Hiroshima Castle. This historic building, rebuilt after the war, is surrounded by a beautiful park—perfect for a peaceful stroll. Inside, you’ll find a museum tracing the feudal history of Japan and the story of Hiroshima.

The panoramic view from the top of the castle is impressive: you overlook the city and the surrounding gardens.
Although the castle was entirely rebuilt, it still gives off an authentic atmosphere. We especially loved its unique exterior architecture, different from other Japanese castles, and the chance to walk around it to admire it from various angles.

🕊️ The Genbaku Dome
Next, we headed to the Genbaku Dome. It’s the only building that survived the nuclear explosion on August 6, 1945. It has been left untouched—a powerful symbol of memory and resilience.

The silence around the Dome is striking. As you approach it, you immediately feel the weight of history. It’s hard to explain, but the atmosphere is so unique that tears can well up without really knowing why.

🏛️ The Peace Memorial Museum
Right after the Dome, we visited the Peace Memorial Museum. This is a heavy and emotional experience, but an essential one to understand Hiroshima’s history. Through objects, photos, and poignant testimonies, the museum recounts the events of the nuclear bombing and its consequences.

The atmosphere is intense, but the message is clear: never forget what happened here. We left feeling shaken, but with a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s history and the message of peace the city carries today.

🌳 Shukkei-en Garden
After the emotion of the Dome and the museum, we needed a moment of lightness. Shukkei-en was a real breath of fresh air. This traditional Japanese garden, with its small stone bridges, carp-filled ponds, and flower-lined paths, is the perfect place for a relaxing break.

We took time to sit on a bench, listen to the sound of the water, and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The contrast with the museum visit was striking.

🌊 MIYAJIMA: THE SACRED ISLAND OF A THOUSAND WONDERS

After Hiroshima, we took the tram and then the ferry to reach Miyajima, one of Japan’s most iconic islands. The boat ride takes about an hour.

As soon as you arrive, you understand why this place is considered sacred. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

⛩️ The Floating Torii of Itsukushima
The most famous image of Miyajima is, of course, the floating Torii. At high tide, it appears to float on the water, creating a spectacular view.

We were also lucky to see it at low tide, which allowed us to walk right up to the base of the Torii. Being able to admire this iconic symbol of Japan up close was a truly special moment.

🏯 Itsukushima Shrine
Right next to the Torii stands the Itsukushima Shrine. This temple, built on stilts, seems to float above the water. We wandered along the wooden walkways, admiring the view of the Seto Inland Sea.

The atmosphere was magical, enhanced by the sound of the waves and the scent of incense. We also took a long walk along the island’s small paths and hidden corners. Along the way, we encountered many shika deer, which approached us easily and added to the peaceful vibe of the place.

🍡 The Local Specialty Alley
Before leaving Miyajima, we took the time to try some local specialties in the shopping alley. We loved the momiji manju—little maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste.

There are plenty of food stalls, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. We also tried grilled oysters, a local specialty that turned out to be a delicious surprise!

➡️ Hiroshima and Miyajima complement each other perfectly: a journey between memory, nature, and spirituality.
👉 So, are Hiroshima and Miyajima on your list? 🗾😊