Hiroshima

The city of Hiroshima is a part of the island of Honshu where it lies in the Chugoku region and is the largest of the cities in that region. Hiroshima is the capital of the Hiroshima prefecture but today it is more popular as the first city in history being the place where the infamous atomic bombings of the most crucial war in human history, the second World War, took place. Hiroshima's historical origins date back to 1589 when it was established as a major center beside the Seto Inland Sea during the Meiji period by Mori Motonari. The city lies on the Ota river delta whose 7 channels divide the city into 6 separate islands all of whom extend into the Hiroshima bay and hence, the city almost lies on the same level as the sea. The city was again serving as the capital of Hiroshima han during the Edo period after whose abolition the city was given the status of the capital of the entire Hiroshima prefecture. Finally on April 1, 1889 the city gained a municipal status but it would be 100 years more before it would be granted a government ordinance.


Hiroshima is more famous however, in history, because of the atomic bombings during the second World War. The bombings are still recorded as the greatest tragedy in modern human history where about 80000 people were killed and demolishing the city into complete ruins. The poisonous gas has had after-effects on numerous lives even after several years of the war. Out of regard for the bombings and also due to genuine human responsibility the city has made abolition of all nuclear weapons compulsory.

After the demolition of the city during the atomic bombings it was again restructured and today sky rises dot the city's skyline. Owing largely to the impact it had on human history, Hiroshima was proclaimed the city of peace and ever since has served as the most desirable location for holding peace conferences. One of Hiroshima's most beautiful sights which is also a part of Japanese tradition are the streetcars that have not gone out of use on Hiroshima's roads. The economy of the place depends largely on the manufacture of cars, the Mazda motor Company, now regulated by the Ford motor Company is the largest. It has a large economy and is also the economic capital of the Chugoku-Shikoku region. The city is also the center of many traditional Japanese sports.

The capital city of Hiroshima prefecture, the city of Hiroshima is the largest in the Chugoku region and also the financial capital of the area. Despite this, the city is more famous as the first city in modern history chiefly due to the atomic bombings that took place here during the second world War. In spite of this, Hiroshima is an oft visited place by tourists who travel to Japan as the place is home to some divine scenic beauty and also due to the historical significance of the place. Some of the more famous attractions of Hiroshima are:-

The Peace Memorial Park : It is the greatest attraction in Hiroshima. The structure had been built to commemorate the tragedy of the atomic bombings over the city during the second World war. The structure is simultaneously also a symbol of peace and used to promote world peace. Within the structure lies all such artifacts related to the war and also some monuments dedicated to the bombings. The Industrial Promotion Hall has presently been granted world heritage status by UNESCO. The Memorial Cenotaph has been built in honor of the bomb victims. The A-Bomb Statue for Children is quite famous.

Miyajima: It is another famous sight of Hiroshima where tourists gather in huge numbers everyday. In the native language, the name of the sight actually refers to "shrine island" and not unusually too the island has also been regarded as a sacred place for centuries. The island is considered a major attraction of Japan. The shrine of Itsukushima is the most popular chiefly due to the large wooden gate called torii which stands on its ocean-bed during times of high tides. Another attraction on the island are the deers that are found in abundance here.

Hiroshima Castle: The original castle did not survive the atomic bombings but the government took huge responsibility to create an exact replica of the original castle and the replica was finally completed and made accessible to public view in 1958. the original castle was a piece of architecture of the Mori clan who created it in 1589. The new structure is home to a museum displaying traditional Japanese works.

Shukkein Garden: the garden owes its origin to the 17 th century when it was built as a part of a villa for the local feudal lord. The name of the garden signifies "shrink scenery garden" since the garden was built to reflect a Chinese scenery replete with a pond, small islands, bridges and curious flora and fauna. It is actually a miniature depiction of Chinese scenery, the beauty of the garden can be enjoyed while strolling through it.