A TEMPLE TO HISTORY

Cruise to Hiroshima, Japan

A bustling metropolis dotted with leafy parks and ancient shrines, Hiroshima is a city with deep historical significance that has its eyes on the future. Here, you'll find rebuilt traditional castles standing next to modern skyscrapers. Get a better understanding of the city's place in 20th-century history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Walk mindfully through the Peace Park area — see the Cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims and the towering Peace Flame monument overlooking a reflecting pool. Then, check out nearby Miyajima Island: See Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a floating shrine gate based on a 6th-century original. Cruise to Hiroshima, Japan and hike Mount Misen — the summit offers quiet temples and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

National Language Japanese

Currency Accepted Japanese Yen (JPY)

Things To Do in Hiroshima

Tori gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan

Shrine on the Sea

Miyajima Island is home to one of the most photographed sights in Japan: Itsukushima Shrine. The buildings of the revered shrine float mysteriously on top the water at high tide, and a single blood-orange torii gate appears marooned in the Seto Inland Sea. Mt. Mizen provides a spectacular view as you approach the treasured island via high-speed ferry.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan

Homage to History

Hiroshima has rebuilt and recovered since it became the first city in the world to be hit by an atomic bomb in 1945. Today, the Peace Memorial Museum recounts the somber history of the event. Outside, the Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to the joy of life and holds simple, commemorative monuments like the Peace Flame and Memorial Cenotaph.

Classic Castle

Hiroshima Castle is a classic example of traditional Japanese archictecture. First constructed in 1589 by a feudal lord, it was rebuilt in the 1950s retaining its original style. Check out the moat that surrounds the castle, head to the top floor for views of the city, or see the museum within that houses samurai arifacts.

Japenese style pancakes known as Okonomiyaki drizzled with sauce

Local Cuisine

Hiroshima is famous for its take on the traditional dish okonomiyaki. Also called Japanese pizza, this comfort food is a mix of flour, cabbage, egg and meat — but this city takes it to a new level by frying it all on top of a delicious pile of noodles. If you're looking for something a little lighter during your cruise, try grilled oysters from Hiroshima Bay.

Shopping

As one of the largest regional shopping arcades, Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Arcade is the perfect place to pick up some keepsakes. Jump onboard a Japan cruise and pick up the latest fashion prints or indulge in beautiful ceramics and lacquerware. You can even explore traditional Japanese clothes shops and pick up a decorative kimono.