WANG's Reviews Page 12/14

When traveling in Hiroshima, the most memorable transportation experience has to be the Hiroshima Electric Railway, the local streetcar system known as Hiroden! As soon as you step onto the streets of Hiroshima, you can see these cute, nostalgic streetcars clattering down the middle of the road, creating a scene with the unique charm of old Japan.
Hiroden's route network is extremely extensive, connecting nearly all of Hiroshima's popular attractions. Whether you want to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, or take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi, you can get there using Hiroden. Even cooler, in addition to modern low-floor streetcars, you may be lucky enough to ride an antique car preserved from elsewhere or even an atomic bomb-surviving streetcar that endured World War II. Sitting inside and looking at the wooden interior and retro driver's cab instantly immerses you in history.
It's also simple and intuitive to ride. Just pay with coins or tap a transit card after boarding, and the fare is quite affordable for city transportation. Sitting by the window and watching Hiroshima's streets slowly pass by is a soothing experience in itself. If you're visiting Hiroshima, I highly recommend skipping the subway and taxis and using Hiroden to get around every day. It's the perfect way to experience the city's most authentic everyday scenery firsthand!

While visiting Miyajima, I had already heard about the extremely popular Kakiya, said to be the pinnacle of oyster cuisine. After waiting in line and trying it for myself, I completely understood why it has such high ratings and a great reputation!
As soon as I reached the entrance, the traditional Japanese wooden building gave off a warm yet professional feeling. Although you may have to wait during meal times, the staff is very efficient at seating guests and taking orders. As soon as we sat down, we ordered their signature Kakiya Set Meal, which includes oysters prepared in a variety of ways.
The most impressive dish was the plate of plump, freshly grilled oysters in the shell! They arrived at the table still steaming and fragrant with charcoal. With the first bite, the outside was lightly charred and aromatic, while the inside was plump and juicy. The fresh, sweet flavor of the sea burst in my mouth. They were unbelievably fresh, without even a hint of fishiness. In addition to grilled oysters, the set included fried oysters, oyster rice, oysters dressed with vinegar, and oyster miso soup. It was truly a luxurious all-oyster feast.
The oyster rice was especially good, with the rice soaking up the rich seafood flavor. The fried oysters had a crisp, non-greasy coating, with a crunchy exterior, tender center, and all the juices sealed inside. Every dish showed the restaurant's extremely high standards for ingredient quality and freshness. Although it's slightly expensive for a casual meal, it's absolutely a top-quality experience worth the price for seafood lovers. If you're visiting Miyajima, I highly recommend adding Kakiya to your lunch or dinner plans. You're sure to leave completely satisfied and thinking about the meal long afterward!

The moment I entered the park, I was immediately drawn in by the peaceful atmosphere of being completely surrounded by nature. The entire park follows a clear mountain stream and is filled with dense maple trees and all kinds of towering old trees. Although my visit may not have been during the peak fall foliage season, the vibrant green forest scenery was still as beautiful as a painting. Walking along the neatly paved paths, listening to the flowing water and birdsong, I occasionally spotted a few gentle wild deer strolling leisurely among the trees. The harmonious, soothing scene made me forget all the stress of everyday life before I knew it.
The trails have gentle, comfortable slopes, and the lush greenery makes every breath feel especially fresh. As you stroll among the traditional stone bridges and maple groves, every turn offers a great photo opportunity filled with Japanese charm. During the fall foliage season, the entire valley must turn brilliant gold and red, creating a breathtaking sight. After visiting the shrine and enjoying the snacks on Miyajima, I highly recommend setting aside some time to stroll through Momijidani Park and experience the pure, natural beauty of the forest on this sacred island!

From the moment I boarded the ropeway at Momijidani Station at the foot of the mountain, I gradually relaxed as the car slowly climbed higher. Unlike the lively atmosphere of shopping at ground level, looking down from above reveals the entire island of Miyajima completely covered by a vast, pristine, sacred forest. The magnificent greenery is truly awe-inspiring. As the ropeway climbs higher, the Seto Inland Sea and the many islands scattered across its blue waters come fully into view, revealing a breathtaking panorama where the sea meets the sky. Watching the scenery change outside the car makes you marvel at nature's incredible craftsmanship.
The transfer along the way also shows how smooth and thoughtful Japan's tourist facilities are. After arriving at the final stop, Shishiiwa Station, stepping onto the observation deck and feeling the cool breeze from above makes all your fatigue instantly disappear amid the expansive view. If time and energy allow, I highly recommend hiking a little farther up from Shishiiwa to explore the mysterious Reikado Hall, the Eternal Flame, and the enormous, uniquely shaped rocks at the summit of Mount Misen. The atmosphere, combining natural wonders with deep religious history, is unlike that of an ordinary tourist attraction.
On the return ride down, watching the setting sun gradually shine across the treetops and sea brings a deep sense of peace and fulfillment. If you're visiting Miyajima, don't just rush through the shrine and shopping street. Set aside half a day for the Miyajima Ropeway and a Mount Misen hike to rediscover the island from a high vantage point where the mountains and sea meet. It will definitely be one of the most unforgettable and profound spiritual experiences of your entire trip to Japan!

While strolling along Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, besides soaking up the lively Japanese atmosphere, what I looked forward to most was trying the two most famous must-eat local foods: freshly grilled oysters and momiji manju!
Miyajima's grilled oysters definitely didn't disappoint! Even from a distance, I could smell the enticing aroma of charcoal-grilled seafood as I approached the oyster stand. I ordered a large freshly grilled oyster that day. The outside was lightly charred and fragrant, and with one bite, the meat inside was incredibly plump and succulent, bursting with fresh, sweet juices in my mouth. It had plenty of ocean flavor without any fishiness at all, and the freshness was off the charts. After finishing one, I couldn't help wanting to order another serving!
After the savory food, of course it was time for a piping-hot signature momiji manju for dessert. I went into a long-established shop on the street and bought freshly baked classic red bean and custard flavors. The outer cake layer was crisp yet slightly soft, with sweet but not overly rich fillings inside. Biting into them while they were still warm made me so happy. These two are definitely the perfect snack combination for a trip to Miyajima. I highly recommend coming here and trying this perfect pairing for yourself!

During my trip to Hiroshima, I finally got to see Itsukushima Shrine in person, a World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most iconic seaside views! As soon as I set foot on Miyajima and saw the enormous vermilion torii gate standing in the blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea from afar, the solemn yet dreamlike sight instantly left me speechless. Seeing it in person was far more breathtaking than seeing it countless times in photos.
At high tide, the entire magnificent shrine complex seems to float directly on the water. The vermilion corridors and main hall complement the green mountains behind them, creating a picturesque scene full of traditional Japanese charm. Best of all, you can plan around the tides. In the afternoon at low tide, I walked right beneath the great torii gate to look up close at the weathered details and massive scale of this centuries-old wooden structure. It was truly spectacular.
Besides the stunning shrine buildings over the water, adorable wild deer can be seen leisurely strolling all over the island. Together with the lively and fun Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, where you can also try delicious freshly grilled conger eel rice and momiji manju, the whole trip was both full and relaxing. I highly recommend adding Itsukushima Shrine to your must-visit list when traveling to Hiroshima. It's absolutely a world-class view that everyone should experience in person at least once in their lifetime!

A landmark on the hillside—Senkoji Temple! From the foot of the mountain, take the cute, colorful ropeway upward. As you climb higher, the view opens up, revealing the streets of Onomichi and the blue Seto Inland Sea dotted with islands. The aerial view alone is worth the fare.
As soon as I entered the temple grounds, I was struck by the unique landscape. The temple is cleverly built alongside steep, massive rock formations. The iconic Kusariyama rock and bright red Main Hall (Akado) complement each other, while the traditional buildings look especially mysterious and magnificent against the blue sky and green trees. Walking slowly down the stone steps, you can pray for blessings, spot cute cats weaving between the stone walls, and visit the famous Senkoji Park Observatory (PEAK) for a stunning 360-degree ocean view.
Although there are quite a few steps and slopes along the way, every turn brings a different surprise, so it doesn't feel tiring at all. I highly recommend adding Senkoji Temple to a leisurely walking itinerary when visiting Hiroshima or the Seto Inland Sea area. It will definitely leave you with incredibly beautiful, unforgettable memories!

Mid to late November is fall foliage season in Japan, and the trees around Hiroshima Castle gradually turn a mix of golden yellow, orange-red, and green. Paired with the majestic, old-fashioned black-and-white castle tower, the whole scene looks like a beautiful autumn landscape painting. No matter where you take a photo, it has a distinctly Japanese feel.
Strolling along the moat and stone-wall paths into the castle, you can not only experience its rich history but also enjoy the beautiful gardens decorated with autumn leaves. There also aren't too many visitors in November, making it very relaxing and comfortable to explore. I highly recommend adding Hiroshima Castle to your walking itinerary when visiting Hiroshima during the fall foliage season. You're sure to come away with plenty of romantic autumn memories!

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located inside Peace Memorial Park. Although I had mentally prepared myself before even entering the museum, actually walking through the exhibits and seeing the preserved belongings, photographs, footage of the devastation after the bombing, and firsthand accounts from survivors still brought an overwhelming sense of historical shock and sorrow. I couldn't help but tear up, and the feelings stayed with me for a long time.
The exhibits are extremely detailed and in-depth. Through actual objects bearing the scars of that time, they truthfully and brutally show the destructive force of the atomic bombing and the lasting harm it caused to innocent civilians. Although the entire visit feels very heavy, every image and every passage silently strikes the heart, making you deeply feel the cruelty of war and just how precious peace is.
As you leave the museum and look at the peaceful park outside while hearing the bell that calls for peace, you're left with profound thoughts and emotions. I highly recommend adding the Peace Memorial Museum to your itinerary when visiting Hiroshima. This is definitely more than an ordinary tourist attraction; it is a profound experience that makes you reconsider history and the value of life!

I made a special trip to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although I had seen it countless times in history textbooks and photos, standing before it in person, the visual impact and weight of its history still filled me with solemn respect and left me speechless for a long time.
The weathered steel framework and damaged dome stand quietly along the Motoyasu River, as if silently recounting that heartbreaking chapter of history. Although the surrounding area is now the lively, green Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the preserved ruins still have a powerful emotional impact, making you deeply appreciate how precious and hard-won peace is.
Many visitors from Japan and abroad stop here to reflect and take photos. The atmosphere throughout the park is solemn, yet carries a hint of hope for the future. I highly recommend that anyone visiting Hiroshima come here in person. It will definitely leave you deeply moved and with an unforgettable perspective on life!