Hiroshima (map) is an industrial city of wide boulevards and criss-crossing rivers along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea.

Hiroshima was the first city targeted by a nuclear weapon. This occurred on August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., when the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) dropped the atomic bomb “Little Boy” on the city. Most of the city was destroyed, and by the end of the year 90,000–166,000 had died as a result of the blast and its effects.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Attractions • Hiking Trails • Directions & Maps

Hiroshima Castle (広島城, map). The original Carp Castle (Rijō) was built in the 1590s by Hideyoshi’s warlord Terumoto Mōri, predating the city itself. It was destroyed by the atomic bomb, and reconstructed in 1958. Today, the castle grounds are a nice place for a walk, and definitely Hiroshima’s favorite place for hanami (cherry blossom parties), with more than 350 sakura trees.

Food Festival. Last weekend in October. This one’s pretty simple — food, glorious food of all kinds, from international delicacies to local favorites, from roasted slabs of meat and seafood to delicious vegetarian-friendly dishes and desserts, served in stalls lining the moat of Hiroshima Castle and parts of Chuo Park. There’s a flea market as well, and usually some cultural performances at the castle in the evening.

October and November are ideal, with less rain and cool, refreshing temperatures. The winter months are fine for a visit — the weather is dry, with very little rain or snow, and the temperatures are rarely cold enough to keep you indoors.

April and May also have excellent weather. The cherry blossoms come out in early April, and the parks around Hiroshima Castle turn into a mob scene with hanami parties. For sakura with a bit more solitude, go for a hike on Ushita-yama, overlooking the north exit of JR Hiroshima Station.

Hiroshima has an extensive tram (streetcar) network, which is operated by Hiroden (広電). It’s a slow but reliable way of getting around.

There are three meipuru-pu bus lines operated under Chugoku JR Bus Company that circulates around the city’s main tourist spots.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Transportation (visithiroshima.net) • Transportation in Japan (japan.travel) • Transportation (japan-guide.com)

BUS: Japan Bus Online is a comprehensive website that allows you to search for and book bus tickets across Japan. Willer Express is a major bus company in Japan that offers long-distance bus services. + Highway Bus / JR Bus / kate.co.jp.

TRAIN: Most visitors arrive at JR Hiroshima Station (map), which is a 25 minute walk from the Peace Park. If you arrive by Shinkansen, you will be at the north side of the station. Japan Railways (JR): The official website of Japan Railways provides information about train routes, schedules, fares, and services offered by JR. + Central JR • West JR • East JR

AIRPORT: Hiroshima Airport. Most international flights arrive at either Narita Airport near Tokyo or Kansai Airport near Osaka; a smaller number use Chubu International Airport near Nagoya.

WATERWAYS: Direct Ferries • Ferry Sunflower • Willer Ferry

Fukuoka is home to Tonkotsu Pork ramen, known as Hakata Ramen. In this episode of Journey Across Japan we spend 24 hours eating ramen, seeing Japan’s biggest bronze statue and diving into the nightlife.

⇒ video source: Abroad in Japan / youtube.com /

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information. + JAPAN eVISA – for online visa application to visit Japan.

HyperDia is a service which offers the route of the railway and the aviation within Japan. Rental car and hotels etc around the station.

A website focused on budget travel in Tokyo, providing tips on affordable accommodation, dining, transportation, and free/cheap activities.