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Education
Hiroshima University was founded in 1949 as part of a national reorganization of the education system in Japan. This reorganization led to the establishment of one national university in each prefecture, and Hiroshima University was formed by merging eight existing institutions: Hiroshima University of Literature and Science, Hiroshima School of Secondary Education, Hiroshima School of Education, Hiroshima Women’s School of Secondary Education, Hiroshima School of Education for Youth, Hiroshima Higher School, Hiroshima Higher Technical School, and Hiroshima Municipal Higher Technical School. In 1953, Hiroshima Prefectural Medical College was also integrated into Hiroshima University.
In 1972, Hiroshima University relocated from Hiroshima City to a larger campus in Higashihiroshima City. By 1995, nearly all its campuses had moved to Higashihiroshima. However, the schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and the associated graduate schools remain on the Kasumi Campus in Hiroshima City, as well as the law school and the Center for Research on Regional Economic Systems, which are located on the Higashi-Senda Campus.
In addition to Hiroshima University, the region is home to notable art institutions, including the Elisabeth University of Music and Actor’s School Hiroshima.
Notable People
Hiroshima has been home to many notable individuals and groups across various fields.
Reiji Okazaki (1930–1975) was a prominent molecular biologist, best known for his discovery of Okazaki fragments, which are crucial for the understanding of DNA replication.
Kumi Tanioka is a celebrated composer and pianist, recognized for her contributions to video game music.
Suzuka Nakamoto, also known as Su-metal, is a singer with the popular metal band Babymetal.
Mana is a well-known figure in the visual kei music scene, celebrated for his work as a musician and fashion designer.
The rock band Unicorn and the girl group Perfume also hail from Hiroshima, both achieving significant success in the Japanese music industry.
Transportation
Airways
Hiroshima is served by Hiroshima Airport (IATA: HIJ, ICAO: RJOA), located 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of the city. The airport offers regular flights to major domestic destinations such as Tokyo, Sapporo, Sendai, and Okinawa, as well as international flights to China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, situated 43 kilometers (27 miles) southwest of Hiroshima, resumed commercial flights on December 13, 2012.
Railways
High-speed Rail
Hiroshima is connected by the JR West San’yō Shinkansen, providing efficient high-speed rail service.
Trains
The JR West Hiroshima City Network includes the San’yō Main Line, Kure Line, Geibi Line, and Kabe Line. Hiroshima Rapid Transit operates the Hiroshima New Transit Line 1, also known as the Astram Line, and the Skyrail Service runs the Hiroshima Short Distance Transit Seno Line.
Tramways
Hiroshima is renowned for its extensive light rail system, nicknamed Hiroden, and often referred to as the “Moving Streetcar Museum.” The streetcar service began in 1912 and, despite being interrupted by the atomic bomb, was quickly restored. Service between Koi/Nishi Hiroshima and Tenma-cho resumed just three days after the bombing.
Today, streetcars and light rail vehicles continue to operate in Hiroshima, including streetcars 651 and 652, which survived the atomic blast and are among the oldest in the system. After Kyoto and Fukuoka discontinued their trolley systems, Hiroshima purchased many of their streetcars at discounted prices. By 2011, Hiroshima had a fleet of 298 streetcars, more than any other city in Japan.
Roads
Expressway
Hiroshima is serviced by the Hiroshima Expressway, providing efficient and rapid road travel within the region.
Japan National Routes
The city is well-connected by several Japan National Routes, including:
- Japan National Route 2
- Japan National Route 54
- Japan National Route 183
- Japan National Route 261
- Japan National Route 433
- Japan National Route 487
- Japan National Route 488
Prefectural Routes
Several prefectural routes facilitate travel within Hiroshima, including:
- Hiroshima Prefectural Route 37 (Hiroshima-Miyoshi Route)
- Hiroshima Prefectural Route 70 (Hiroshima-Nakashima Route)
- Hiroshima Prefectural Route 84 (Higashi Kaita Hiroshima Route)
- Hiroshima Prefectural Route 164 (Hiroshima-Kaita Route)
- Hiroshima Prefectural Route 264 (Nakayama-Onaga Route)
Culture
Hiroshima boasts a vibrant cultural scene, including a professional symphony orchestra that has been performing at Wel City Hiroshima since 1963. The city is also home to numerous museums. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a significant site, and several art museums contribute to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. The Hiroshima Museum of Art, which opened in 1978, houses an extensive collection of French Renaissance art. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, established in 1968, is located near the Shukkei-en Gardens. The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in 1989, is situated near Hijiyama Park.
Hiroshima hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Hiroshima Flower Festival and the Hiroshima International Film Festival. The Hiroshima International Animation Festival was held biennially from 1985 until 2020.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a poignant destination that attracts visitors from around the globe. It includes the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and is the site of the annual Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on the anniversary of the atomic bombing. The park features numerous monuments, such as the Children’s Peace Monument and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Rijō (Koi Castle), has been reconstructed and now houses a museum showcasing life during the Edo period. The Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is located within the castle grounds. Other notable attractions in Hiroshima include Shukkei-en, Fudōin, Mitaki-dera, Hiroshima Tōshō-gū, and Hijiyama Park.
Events
- 1994 Asian Games: A significant event in Hiroshima’s sporting history.
- Ebisu Festival: Held in November in Ebisucho, Hacchobori, Chuo Dori.
- Hiroshima Flower Festival: Takes place in May along Heiwa Odori and in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
- Hiroshima International Film Festival: An annual event held in November.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony: Held on August 6 at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to commemorate the atomic bombing.
- Toukasan: Celebrated from the first Friday to Sunday in June in Mikawa-Cho, Chuo Dori.
Cuisine
Hiroshima is famous for its distinctive style of okonomiyaki, a savory pancake cooked on an iron plate, typically right in front of the customer. Unlike the Osaka version, Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki layers its ingredients rather than mixing them. Common layers include egg, cabbage, bean sprouts (moyashi), sliced pork or bacon, and optional items such as mayonnaise, fried squid, octopus, cheese, mochi, and kimchi. Noodles, either soba or udon, are often added, topped with another layer of egg and a generous helping of okonomiyaki sauce, with Carp and Otafuku being popular brands. The cabbage used in Hiroshima’s version is usually three to four times the amount used in Osaka’s, resulting in a tall pile that is gradually pressed down as it cooks. The specific order of layers may vary depending on the chef’s style and the customer’s preferences.
Sports
Hiroshima is home to several professional sports clubs across various disciplines.
Football
Sanfrecce Hiroshima is the city’s main association football club, playing at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. Originally named Toyo Kogyo Soccer Club, they won the Japan Soccer League five times between 1965 and 1970 and the Emperor’s Cup in 1965, 1967, and 1969. Since adopting their current name in 1992, they have won the J.League in 2012, 2013, and 2015. Angeviolet Hiroshima is the city’s primary women’s football club. Defunct clubs include Rijo Shukyu FC, winners of the Emperor’s Cup in 1924 and 1925, and Ẽfini Hiroshima SC.
Baseball
Hiroshima Toyo Carp is the city’s major baseball club, playing at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima. As members of the Central League, they won the Central League titles in 1975, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1991, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and the Japan Series in 1979, 1980, and 1984.
Basketball
Hiroshima Dragonflies represent the city in professional basketball.
Handball
Hiroshima Maple Reds is the city’s prominent handball team.
Volleyball
JT Thunders is the main volleyball team from Hiroshima.
Other Sports
The Woodone Open Hiroshima was a part of the Japan Golf Tour from 1973 to 2007. Hiroshima also hosted the 1994 Asian Games, utilizing the Big Arch stadium, which is now the venue for the annual Mikio Oda Memorial International Amateur Athletic Game. The Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center was one of the host arenas for the 2006 FIBA World Championship in basketball.
International Relations
Twin Towns and Sister Cities
Hiroshima maintains a network of six sister cities around the world, fostering international relations and cultural exchange.
Within Japan, Hiroshima shares a special relationship with Nagasaki, reflecting their shared history and mutual commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Tourism
Despite the devastation caused by the atomic bomb over 77 years ago, the city and prefecture of Hiroshima have transformed into one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. According to statistics from the National Tourist Agency, approximately 363,000 visitors traveled to Hiroshima in 2012, with the majority being Americans, followed by Australians and Chinese.
Tourism in Hiroshima has seen significant growth, with around 1.18 million foreign visitors in 2016, a 3.2-fold increase from 2012. Americans remained the largest group, comprising 16% of the total visitors, followed by Australians at 15%, Italians at 8%, and Britons at 6%. In contrast, the number of Chinese and South Korean visitors was relatively small, representing only 1% and 0.2% of the total, respectively.
Places of Interest
Hiroshima and its surroundings offer numerous attractions for tourists. A notable destination outside the city is Itsukushima Island, commonly known as Miyajima, famous for its sacred temples and shrines.
Within Hiroshima, there are several popular tourist spots. According to online guidebooks, the most popular destinations in Hiroshima are:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: This park includes the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s history and a symbol of peace.
- Hiroshima Castle: Also known as Rijō or Koi Castle, this reconstructed castle offers a glimpse into life during the Edo period and houses a historical museum.
- Shukkei-en Garden: A beautiful historic Japanese garden featuring scenic landscapes and tranquil ponds.
- Hiroshima Museum of Art: Known for its extensive collection of French Renaissance art, this museum provides a rich cultural experience.
- Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art: Located near Hijiyama Park, this museum showcases modern art from both Japanese and international artists.
- Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum: Situated near Shukkei-en Garden, this museum offers a diverse range of art exhibitions.
- Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima: Home to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team, this stadium is a hub for sports fans.
- Mitaki-dera: A historic temple known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
- Fudōin: A temple with a striking pagoda and serene grounds.
- Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine: Located within the walls of Hiroshima Castle, this shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the war dead.
These destinations, among others, make Hiroshima a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world.
