Hiroshima, Japan

Reflections of the past, present & future

While it’s impossible to forget that Hiroshima was the site of the first atomic blast on August 6, 1945, this modern city has emerged as a thriving and vibrant port in the years since that fateful day. Even still, no visit would be complete without a trip to the Peace Memorial Park. Pay your respects to Hiroshima’s difficult past by roaming around the tranquil grounds, and catch a glimpse of the Flame of Peace—said to burn until the last nuclear weapon is gone from the earth.

Step further back in time to visit Hiroshima-Jo, a grand castle that was the site of feudal squabbles hundreds of years ago and if you’re lucky enough to arrive in the springtime, walk amongst the thousands of cherry blossoms that frame the castle. And once you’ve taken in nature’s beauty, refuel with Hiroshima’s most famous dish—okonomiyaki. Literally translating to “cook it as you like it” this savory pancake is made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood, or cheese. Don’t worry about having to search high and low for a place to serve you, there are no less than 97 shops serving this tasty treat within city limits alone.