Hiroshima
Prefecture Hiroshima
Hiroshima 広島県

Itsukushima Shrine and Seto-sea temples headline Hiroshima's heritage. Explore treasures on Miyajima and historic districts on easy ferries.

6 National Treasures
6 Important Cultural Properties
2 World Heritage
6 Other Heritage
— Designation —

Important Cultural Properties

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About Hiroshima

広島県
Hiroshima Prefecture, located in southwestern Chugoku region, represents prefecture surrounded by Seto Inland Sea's tranquil multi-island beauty and Chugoku Mountains' rich nature. Housing two World Cultural Heritage sites "Itsukushima Shrine" and "Atomic Bomb Dome," it's globally known as peace and culture transmission center.

Itsukushima Shrine (registered 1996), sea-based shrine buildings on Miyajima, allegedly founded in 593, with current magnificent shrine buildings constructed by Taira no Kiyomori in 1168. Six structures including main shrine and east-west corridors are national treasures, with eleven structures and three installations including great torii and noh stage designated as important cultural properties. The vermillion great torii floating on sea with tidal changes ranks among Japan's Three Views as "Aki-no-Miyajima," with mystical beauty attracting millions of annual domestic and international visitors.

Atomic Bomb Dome (registered 1996), built as Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall in 1915, represents atomic-bombed structure from August 6, 1945 atomic bombing. Despite being located approximately 160 meters from ground zero, remaining exterior walls convey nuclear weapons' tragedy as "negative heritage," continuously transmitting wishes for world peace. 1996 World Heritage registration was achieved through citizen enthusiasm including 1.65 million signature campaigns.

Peace Memorial Park houses Atomic Bomb Dome alongside Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Monument, and Children's Peace Monument, with annual August 6 Peace Memorial Ceremony offering prayers for world peace. As atomic bomb survivors age, it serves as important base for transmitting peace wishes to next generations.

Miyajima, developed as Itsukushima Shrine's monzen-machi (temple town), was designated as Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2021. Mount Misen's primitive forests are designated as national natural monuments, with summit offering spectacular Seto Inland Sea views. Tourist facilities including Miyajima Aquarium and Momiji Valley Park are also well-developed.

Shukkeien Garden, daimyo garden built in 1620 by first Hiroshima domain lord Asano Nagaakira, represents pioneer among nationwide daimyo gardens. Despite central Hiroshima location, beautiful seasonal scenery is enjoyable, particularly spectacular autumn foliage illuminations.

Hiroshima Castle, flatland castle built by Mouri Terumoto, utilizes reconstructed keep as history museum. Despite atomic bombing damage, currently beloved as cherry blossom and plum viewing spot.

Hiroshima food culture prominently features nationally branded oysters, with luxury varieties including "Gokuseno" raised in Miyajima surrounding waters. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki features distinctive style using abundant noodles and cabbage, with Miyajima offering menus utilizing local ingredients like oyster-filled varieties.

Momiji manju represents signature Miyajima souvenir, beloved for rustic flavors wrapping bean paste in castella dough. Japanese sake including Kamotsuru is also known as Hiroshima specialty.