Hiroshima and Nagasaki are two of the most historically significant cities in Japan Though they are often remembered primarily in the context of World War II and the use of atomic bombs on the cities, they have long been so much more than that, with a rich cultural and architectural history that reflects the character of the Japanese people. The two cities are geographically only a few hundred kilometers apart and are connected by an ancient pilgrimage route known as the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Hiroshima is often referred to as the “City of Peace” due to its strong commitment to nuclear disarmament, and Nagasaki is remembered for its own tragedy and the difficult path of rebuilding.
Hiroshima: Hiroshima was first settled in 1589 and soon grew to become an important trading city. Its position in southern Japan, near the Inland Sea, made it an ideal location for commerce, and the city was eventually designated as a city of industry and communications in 1889. During World War II, the city was largely destroyed by the atomic bomb since it was the closest to the hypocenter. It is now home to a large number of memorials and museums dedicated to the victims of the bombing and to the ongoing global effort to end the use of nuclear weapons.
Nagasaki: Nagasaki has a similarly rich history in Japan, as it was one of the few ports open to foreign traders during the Edo period (1603-1868). The city was also the site of the horrific atomic bomb attack of August 9, 1945, and its recovery and rebuilding were even more difficult than Hiroshima due to the topography of the surrounding hills. While Hiroshima has become a symbol of peace, Nagasaki is a symbol of hope and resilience, and is now home to a variety of museums, memorials, and monuments dedicated to the tragedy and hope for a future without atomic weapons.
The following are five of the best examples of Hiroshima and Nagasaki:
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: This is the largest park in Hiroshima and the most iconic of the city's surviving sites. It includes the A-Bomb Dome, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which chronicles the events of August 6, 1945.
2. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum: This museum is dedicated to the events that occurred on August 9, 1945, and serves as a memorial to the victims of the attack. It includes exhibits on the history of the area, the effects of the atomic bomb, and the grassroots movement to end the use of nuclear weapons.
3. Miyajima Island: This small island just off the coast of Hiroshima has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries and is considered one of the three most beautiful views in Japan. Its iconic Itsukushima Shrine is known for its towering “floating” torii gate.
4. Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park: This park was built on the exact spot of the atomic bomb detonation in Nagasaki and contains several memorials and monuments, including the Monument to the A-Bomb Victims and the Peace Statue.
5. Shukkei-en Garden: This traditional Japanese garden in Hiroshima is a site of national importance and is a popular tourist spot. It is known for its cherry blossoms in the spring and vivid autumn leaves in the fall.