Hiroshima: A Moving, Humbling Chapter of Our Japan Adventure
Our next stop on our Japanese adventure was the remarkable city of Hiroshima, where we spent two nights staying at the Hilton Hiroshima. After the excitement and adrenaline of Universal Studios, arriving in Hiroshima felt like a complete shift in pace — calm, reflective and grounding. As soon as we checked in, we made a beeline for the hotel’s indoor pool for a much-needed relaxing dip. After a restful night’s sleep and a delicious dinner at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, we were ready for a full day of exploring.
The following morning, we met our guide who took us to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Here, we saw the profound after-effects of the atomic bomb — the memorials, the preserved ruins, and the stories that have shaped the city’s identity for nearly eight decades.
One of the most impactful moments was visiting a building that survived the blast. Inside, we learned about a man who lived because he happened to be in the basement of his office when the bomb struck. His personal story added a deeply human layer to the history we thought we knew.
Next, we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Among the most moving symbols we explored was the significance of the origami paper crane. In Hiroshima, the crane represents peace, hope and remembrance — inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, who began folding 1,000 cranes in the hope of recovering from leukemia caused by radiation exposure. Her story lives on as a powerful reminder of courage and the longing for peace.
Our wonderful guide even taught us how to fold our own cranes — a surprisingly therapeutic and meaningful moment we’ll never forget.
We then visited the Children’s Peace Monument, dedicated to Sadako and all the child victims of the atomic bombing. It was incredibly moving to see thousands of colourful cranes from children all over the world, each one carrying a message of hope.
Miyajima Island
After a morning filled with history and reflection, we took a short trip to Miyajima — the perfect balance to the heaviness of the morning. Here, deer roam freely around the island, and we explored the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic floating torii gate. The atmosphere was peaceful, scenic and completely magical.
A Meaningful Stay
Our two nights in Hiroshima were truly memorable. Visiting a city with such a heartbreaking past — yet such a hopeful and resilient present — was humbling and so important. When you travel, understanding a country’s history adds a depth and meaning that stays with you long after you leave.
Next up… time to hop back on the bullet train as we make our way to Kyoto! 🚄✨
If you’re thinking about planning your own trip to Japan, I’d love to help turn your dream into a reality — just get in touch and let’s start planning.