Hiroshima 広島Literally a city rebuilt from the ashes, Hiroshima is best known for being bombed by the Americans during WWII. The city has since rebuilt itself into a vibrant, metropolitan city, its citizens actively dedicated to spreading the message of peace and global disarmarment.
Must sees in this city are Peace Memorial Museum and Park, the Atomic Dome, each providing a powerful experience that shows the impact of war and the need for peace. The museum poignantly showcases the events and puts into perspective the human cost of the bombing of Hiroshima. It shows the city before and after the bombing, as well the world's disarmament progress. The museum is located within the Peace Park. Over 40 statues and memorials are located throughout this huge park, each with its own story. Some include the Children's Peace Memorial, based on the story of Sadako (the young girl who tried to fold a 1000 paper cranes to cure her radiation sickness), the Peace Flame and the Atomic Dome. As in many parts of Japan, Hiroshima has a must try, specialty food item. In this case, Hiroshima's is the お好み焼き (okonomiyaki). The food item is so famous, there's an entire building with nothing but okonomiyaki restaurants. The name can be translated as "what you like", and judging from the menu that's pretty much true! A savoury "pancake", made of layers and layers of different ingredients. Everything from rice cakes, cheese, vegetables, noodles, seafood, bacon....the possiblities are endless. Not only are they delicious, but it's an entire experience. Most okonomiyaki restaurants make them right in front of the customers! |