This blog traces my two-day journey to Hiroshima, beginning with a flight from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. On the first day, we ventured to Takehara — a charming coastal town often called “Little Kyoto of Aki” (安芸の小京都/ Aki is ancient name of Hiroshima prefecture) for its preserved buildings and streets. The second day begins at the Hiroshima Hilton, ideally located in the heart of the city. From here, we set out to explore Hiroshima’s poignant landmarks, including Peace Memorial Park, before continuing to the sacred island of Miyajima.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima is one of the few places in the world where an atomic bomb was dropped during World War II on August 6, 1945 – tragically, before Nagasaki. In the aftermath, the Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims and to serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of peace. Today, it stands as an internationally recognised site where people from all walks of life gather to reflect, mourn, and hope for a future free from war. The exhibitions in the Peace Memorial Museum are deeply moving. Through photographs, personal belongings, and detailed accounts, they reveal how the atomic bomb devastated everyday life in unimaginable ways. The Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved in its ruined state, quietly speaks to the resilience of humanity and the urgent need for global cooperation.
Whenever I visit, I find myself unable to take photos—it feels too sacred, too heavy. Instead, I invite you to explore the official link below for more detailed information about the Peace Memorial Park. May this place continue to guide us toward shared understanding and lasting peace.
- Access: From JR Hiroshima station to the museum – 20 minutes by bus.
Hiroshima’s iconic Island – Miyajima
We traveled from Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima by train and ferry, a journey took about an hour. We traveled from Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima by train and ferry, a journey took about an hour.
Miyajima has been revered as a sacred island since ancient times—「神を斎（いつ）き祀（まつ）る島」(Kami wo itsuki matsuru shima)ー, a place where deities are solemnly enshrined and worshipped, having 1400 yeas of history. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima was officially registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The island is one of Japan’s most beloved travel destinations. Its iconic floating Torii gate rises from the sea, offering dramatically different views depending on the tide—sometimes standing in the water, other times accessible by foot at low tide.
More details can be found in the following sites:
Strolling Through Miyajima: Itsukushima-jinja (厳島神社)
To reach Itsukushima-jinja (厳島神社) from Miyajima Sanbashi (宮島桟橋), where the ferry docks you have two options:
- 🚕 Taxi: A short 5-minute ride if you prefer convenience.
- 🚶♀️ Walk: A scenic 15-minute stroll that invites you into the island’s quiet rhythms.
When we arrived at Itsukushima-jinja (厳島神社), the tide had receded, revealing the entire Torii gate in all its grandeur. Beneath the chilly sky and cold waters, the gate stood 荘厳 (sōgon)—solemn and majestic. It was astonishing to witness how the shrine and Torii transform with the rhythm of the tides and the shifting light.
- This website: GetHiroshima provides a detailed tide timetable for Miyajima. It’s always best to check the tide schedule in advance, depending on how you’d like to experience Itsukushima Shrine—whether you wish to see the iconic Torii gate floating serenely at high tide or walk right up to its base during low tide. The following pictures show how the view is different depending on day and time.
It’s easy to wonder why Itsukushima-jinja was built standing in the sea, exposed to the tides and the corrosive touch of saltwater. But its placement is no accident—it’s a deliberate act of reverence and symbolism.
According to the Miyajima Tourist Association, several theories illuminate this choice:
- 🐉 Ryūgū-jō Theory: The shrine may have been envisioned as a terrestrial echo of Ryūgū-jō (竜宮城), the mythical Dragon Palace beneath the sea. The Gossaijin (御祭神/ enshrined deities)—Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, Tagorihime-no-mikoto and Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto—are goddess of the sea. Building the shrine over water was a way to honor her domain directly.
- ⛩️ Pure Land Belief: Another theory links the shrine’s design to Buddhist cosmology during the Fujiwara Period. In this view, the sea represents the boundary between this world and the next. Souls were believed to cross the water by boat to reach Gokuraku Jōdo (極楽浄土)—the Pure Land of bliss. The shrine, floating between realms, becomes a liminal space of passage and prayer.
Encounter the wild deer
Along the walking path, you’ll likely encounter deer—some dozing in the shade, others meandering peacefully beside you. According to the Miyajima Tourist Association, the island is home to approximately 500–600 deer, a number that feels surprisingly intimate given how often they appear. These deer aren’t recent guests. The Buddhist Tale Collection (仏教説話集/ Bukkyo setsuwa shu), compiled around 1180, already mentions their presence on the island. Their quiet companionship has been part of Miyajima’s spiritual landscape for centuries.
Making Momiji Manju hands-on workshop
One of the highlights we looked forward to on Miyajima was making Momiji Manju (もみじ饅頭), the island’s signature maple-leaf-shaped sweet. At Yamada-ya(やまだ屋), we joined a teyaki taiken (手焼き体験/ hands-on workshop) where each of us made two Momiji Manju from scratch. Though our shapes weren’t exactly perfect, the staff guided us patiently with clear instructions and gentle encouragement. The best part was tasting them fresh from the heated mold. There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a local treat and savouring it while it’s still warm in your hands. It was a wonderful workshop—especially in winter, when you’d rather stay warm than wander the chilly island paths.
- If you’re interested in joining, it’s best to book in advance—space is limited and the workshop only accommodates a small group at a time: Yamadaya Teyaki Taiken
