During the Second World War, Hiroshima, Japan was almost completely destroyed. But now, the city is a modern urban area on the island of Honshu in Japan. If you are planning a trip to Hiroshima, here are some things you should know about the area.
Itsukushima Shrine
Among Japan's most famous shrines, Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima is a beautiful place to visit. Its main attraction is a torii gate, which is an archway that seems to float over the ocean. The gate is part of a larger, red-lacquered building complex.
Itsukushima Shrine was originally a pure Shinto shrine. It was the place of worship for the Kiyomori clan. They believed that the kami were responsible for their victories on the battlefield. In 1168, Taira-no-Kiyomori, a powerful warlord in the late Heian Period, remodeled Itsukushima Shrine. In doing so, he built a tori gate that he imagined would float over the sea.
Since the Meiji government decreed in 1878 that Buddhism and Shinto were to be separated, Itsukushima Shrine is no longer a Buddhist temple. Itsukushima Shrine is considered to be a sacred ground and only dedicated devotees are allowed to enter the shrine.
Shukkei-en Garden
Located in Hiroshima, Shukkei-en Garden is a place where you can escape the bustle of the city. It was constructed in 1620, and is known for its miniature landscapes. It is also a popular tourist destination. You can visit this garden any time of the year.
You can enjoy the beauty of the scenery on a walk along the path. You can take your time and look at the details in the different scenes. You can buy souvenirs from the Sensui-tei shop, and the cafe is open throughout the year. The tea shop also serves Japanese sweets.
The garden is operated by a professional team. You can see various activities such as a wedding ceremony, folk dances, and a rice planting ceremony. You can also see a pond where carp called Koi are fed.
Mazda Corporate Headquarters
Located in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda's global headquarters is one of the company's most important plants. Since 1920, Mazda has produced a wide variety of vehicles. It is an innovative player in the Japanese auto industry. The company's SKYACTIV(r) TECHNOLOGY is found in new Mazda3 and Mazda6 models.
While the company's main factory is located in Hiroshima, there are other plants that make Mazda vehicles in other countries. In addition to Japan, Mazda has a facility in Claycomo, Missouri and Flat Rock, Michigan. Among the models produced at these facilities are the Mazda6, Mazda3 and Mazda RX-8.
The first thing to do if you want to visit the Mazda corporate headquarters in Hiroshima is to plan ahead. While there are tours available, you will need to book them in advance. They take about 90 minutes and are offered daily. You can reserve a place on the tour online or through a reservation system.
Children's Peace Monument
Located in Peace Memorial Park, the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima, Japan, pays tribute to thousands of children who perished in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The monument is also dedicated to Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who died of leukemia ten years after the bombing.
The story of Sadako and her wish to create 1000 paper cranes was an inspiration to the Children's Peace Monument. She died at the age of 12 from radiation-induced leukemia. Her classmates put out a national call to construct a monument to commemorate her life. More than 3,100 schools responded to the call.
The monument was built with money raised by the Hiroshima Peace Students Association, a group of students who had been inspired by Sadako's story. They raised money by publishing donation forms in their newspaper Heiwa. The campaign was successful, raising 5.4 million yen.
Senko-Ji Temple and Park
Located in Onomichi, Japan, the Senko-Ji Temple and Park is a great place to visit. The park is famous for its cherry blossoms and for its view of the Seto Inland Sea. During the spring, the park is filled with pink petals, making it one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan.
The Senko-Ji Temple was built in the first year of the Daido era, 806 AD. The temple is located on the side of a mountain, offering visitors a magnificent view of Onomichi. The temple's main hall, called the "Akado", is painted in a vivid vermilion color. The building is also surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Hiroshima Castle
Among the many things to see and do in Hiroshima, one of the most important is the Hiroshima Castle. This castle was built in 1589 by General Mori Terumoto. It is a five-story structure surrounded by a moat. The castle served as a military headquarters during World War II. The castle was destroyed in 1945 by an atomic bomb, but it was rebuilt in the 1950s. The castle contains a museum, which focuses on the history of the town.
Another popular attraction is the Itsukushima Shrine. This temple is a very popular site with tourists from around the world. It is a beautiful temple with a rich history. It is also considered a World Heritage Site.