Tondo Festivals in Hiroshima in 2022

Dec 27, 2021 By Michael Stigall

Once you get through the usual New Year's activities, there is one last thing to enjoy called the Tondo festival. The Tondo festival is part of 'Koshagatsu,' marking the traditional lunar new year. You will see gatherings in public parks, school grounds, and shrine courtyards where people gather around towering...[ Click to read more ]

Falling for Shukkeien Garden: Autumn in Hiroshima City

Nov 30, 2021 By Michael Stigall

If you haven’t been to Shukkeien Garden in central Hiroshima City, now is your best chance. Although beautiful in any season, the night autumn foliage illumination running from November 19th to the 28th is the perfect opportunity to explore the garden. The original garden was built in 1620 by Ueda...[ Click to read more ]

Hiroshima From a New Perspective: The Orizuru Tower

By Michael Stigall

Tokyo has Tokyo Tower and the popular Skytree, Osaka has the Umeda Sky Building but what about Hiroshima? Where can you go to get a bird’s eye view of the city? Say hello to the Orizuru Tower! Owned by Hiroshima Mazda Co., the main attraction of the 13-story building is the...[ Click to read more ]

Daisho-In Temple: The Alternative to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima

Nov 29, 2021 By Michael Stigall

While it may not be as famous or frequently photographed as Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-In Temple on Miyajima is just as beautiful and absolutely worthy of a visit. It’s so beautiful that when I go to Miyajima, I skip Itsukushima (and the crowds!) and head straight for Daisho-In. Unlike shrines, which...[ Click to read more ]

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Under the Sea at Miyajima Aquarium in Hiroshima

Oct 28, 2021 By Michael Stigall

Hiroshima is famous for having access to both the mountains and the ocean. As a result of this prime location, the city has bountiful food, sights, and attractions that reflect these aspects.  Miyajima Aquarium is a prime example of such a sight and emphasizes the region’s connection to the ocean,...[ Click to read more ]

Rabbit Island: A Hop, Skip and a Jump from Hiroshima

By Michael Stigall

You probably are unfamiliar with the name Okunoshima, but if someone mentions its nickname, you’re almost certain to know where they’re talking about. After all, who hasn’t heard of Rabbit Island? Rabbit Island, so named for the hordes of rabbits that run wild, is the main attraction for this increasingly...[ Click to read more ]

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Talk to the Animals at Asa Zoo in Hiroshima

By Michael Stigall

As summer turns to autumn, the idea of spending some time outdoors comes to mind as the temperature has finally reached a tolerable level and the fall leaves bring a nice change in the scenery. When in such a mood, might I recommend the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park? Popularly...[ Click to read more ]

Koyo, or Fall Colors in Hiroshima

Oct 15, 2021 By Bert Wishart

The Japanese are proud of the four distinct seasons that Japan offers and is very conscious of changing the seasons around them. They often celebrate little, or not so little, milestones between each to mark the occasion. Long sleeve or short sleeve shirts, for example, are there one day but...[ Click to read more ]

PASPY vs ICOCA: IC Cards in Hiroshima

Sep 29, 2021 By Michael Stigall

When people mention Japan, one of the first things they think of is the fast and efficient means of transportation available for both locals and visitors alike. In addition to Japan’s famous trains and subways, Hiroshima has a network of buses and streetcars that are clean, safe, and always on...[ Click to read more ]

Saijo: The Home of Sake in Hiroshima Prefecture

By Admin

Hiroshima, or more precisely, Saijo, is known as one of the best sake brewing areas in the whole of Japan. Saijo is located approximately 40 minutes from Hiroshima Station, in the eastern area of Hiroshima Prefecture. Saijo serves as the administrative center of the larger Higashihiroshima City, but it is...[ Click to read more ]