Hiroshima

At  0815 on 6th August 1945 an American plane dropped a bomb known as little boy and the sky over Hiroshima ignited and glowed for a brief instant. As Hiroshima became as hot as the surface of the sun, the majority of the city was levelled instantly by the blast whilst the remained was set ablaze. Where once there was nothing but ashes as far as the eye could see, there now stands a modern city that still retains an old-world feel with its trundling trams and sunny disposition. A visit to the monuments that stand as a memory to the great tragedy are a must on any Hiroshima holiday in Japan.

There are two World Heritage Sites to see during holidays in Hiroshima. One is Itsukushima Shrine and the other is the A-Bomb Dome of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most significant shrines in Japan, and the only shrine in the world which has a torii-gate and shrine building in the middle of the sea. Its view is considered one of the best three views in Japan. The A-Bomb Dome is the most symbolic building in Hiroshima City, where the first atomic bomb was dropped, and has been representing people's prayers for lasting peace.

Poised on the coast at the western end of the Inland Sea, Hiroshima is also the jumping-off point for several islands, including Miyajima, home of the beautiful shrine Itsukushima-jinja. The view out to the red torii gate standing in the shallows in front of the shrine is rightly one of Japan’s most celebrated, and although the island is often swamped by day-trippers it’s a delightful place to spend the night.

Hiroshima Airport (IATA: HIJ) [5] connects to domestic destinations in Japan. Both ANA and JAL offer flights from Tokyo Haneda and Sapporo Chitose airports. ANA also offers flights from Narita, Sendai and Okinawa. There are direct international flights from Dalian, Guam, Shanghai, Seoul, and Taipei. Hiroshima is a major station on the JR West [6] Sanyo Shinkansen line. It is roughly 40 minutes from Okayama (¥5350) and 90 minutes from Shin-Osaka (¥9440). Tokyo is four hours away via Nozomi (¥17,540) and five hours via Hikari.  

A visit to Hiroshima is a must on any Japan holiday itinerary.

Knowing when to is however essential in getting the best out of any destination you visit. Hiroshima has a humid subtropical climate. During summer (June to September) temperatures range between 66°F (19°C) and 95°F (35°C). In winter (December to January) temperatures range between 32°F (0°C) and 53°F (12°C). Light snowfall can be expected from late December and lasts till early spring in February. Rains can be expected throughout the year with the rainiest months being June and July. The driest months are December and January, which only get two inches (5cm) of the 60 inches (152cm) of annual rain. High humidity can be experienced during the summer and can be uncomfortable. Tropical storms are not uncommon in Hiroshima in August and September. The best time to visit Hiroshima is in the spring months of March and April.

The Rainy Season

From early June until the middle of July, Hiroshima rainfall is at its highest. This rainy season may be a little inconvenient at times, but should not prevent you visiting at this time of the year, since fine weather is often only just around the corner.

Summer Holiday in Japan

Whilst the summer climate in Hiroshima may be a little too hot for some, others enjoy the sunny weather and high temperatures. Light clothing is a necessity during the humid summer months, although a fold-up umbrella may also prove useful at times. The Inland Sea becomes especially appealing in the summer and the warm water is perfect for swimming.

Rain again

Annually, the northern area of the Hiroshima prefecture tends to experience more rainy weather, with precipitation levels of around 1,700 mm / 66 inches, when compared to around 1,500 mm / 59 inches in the more southerly areas.

Winter Japan holidays

The winter climate in Hiroshima may be fairly mild, but gusty winds can make many of the days feeler much cooler. Even snowy weather along the coastline is by no means unheard of. However, spring is never far away, and by the time that March arrives, the flower buds in the plum and cherry trees soon begin to burst into life and the clear sunny skies arrive once more.