Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park) | Review by WANG

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!