ATT.JAPAN × JapanUp! magazine
July 2021 (vol. 165)
.
.
Located on the western side of the mainland, Hiroshima Prefecture shares borders with Okayama, Tottori, Shimane, and Yamaguchi prefectures, with the south side facing the Seto Inland Sea. Famous for Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima also has many other highly-recommended places to visit by taking a little side trip.
.
YOKOGAMA
Right after getting off at Yokogawa Station, which is about 5 minutes by JR train from Hiroshima Station, you will see a not-so-well-known but interesting place with an artistic and cultural atmosphere. Here and there you can find interesting wall paintings, which should be really instagrammable! There are many shops and stores, including galleries, stylish cafes, and izakayas.
.
TAKEHARA
Selected as a preservation district for groups of traditional buildings, Takehara Townscape Preservation Area is about 15 minutes on foot from JR Takehara Station. In this area, the old townscape is from the time when this area prospered from salt making and sake brewing in the Edo period (the 17th to mid-19th century). The unique view with cobblestoned paths along with traditional wooden buildings and plaster walls makes you feel as if you are back in the Edo period. This area has been used as a filming location for TV dramas, commercials, and anime works.
.
Recommended
NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town
If you have time to spare on your trip, it is highly recommended to stay overnight at NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town. This hotel is in a renovated historical building with more than 100 years of history. The guestrooms used to be used as restaurant areas and storehouses, so they have different features, with warmth unique to Japanese traditional architecture.
*A total of 10 guestrooms. Capacities from 2 and up per room.
.
ONOMICHI
If you want to fully enjoy Onomichi, a scenic town with the ocean and mountains, take a walk for 15 minutes from JR Onomichi Station, get on Mt. Senkoji Ropeway to the mountaintop, and walk down to Onomichi Hon-dori Shotengai shopping street.
From Senkoji Park Observatory, you can get a great view of the streetscape of Onomichi, which is listed in Japan Heritage as a miniature garden-like city, as well as Mukaishima and other islands across Onomichi Suido Strait. Senkoji Park is beautifully decorated with cherry blossoms in spring and other seasonal flowers in different seasons. The vermillion-lacquered main building of Senko-ji Temple is a symbol of Onomichi and a must-see spot. As you come down from the mountaintop, you will come across many spots to see, such as a retro cafe and “hidden place” associated with cats. Stroll around as you feel like or you may have fun getting lost for a while.
.
TOMONOURA
.
Drive and feel nature! Sera Kogen Farm
Be prepared to be overwhelmed by fields covered with beautifully blossoming flowers. You can enjoy different flowers in different seasons, such as tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, and dahlias in autumn.
(Ticket: 1,000 yen)
1 hour by car from Onomichi Sta.
Taishakukyo Gorge
Relax at a verdant gorge. Take a tour boat or kayak to enjoy the wonderful view of the gorge from Lake Shinryu. There is lots to see, such as steep cliffs and strange-shaped rocks on both sides of the gorge and “Onbashi,” a natural bridge formed by the erosion of a mountain stream.
1 hour by car from Sera Kogen Farm
.
Recommended
Souvenirs and specialty food
If you want to find great souvenirs from Hiroshima, “ekie” at Hiroshima Station is the place to go. ekie has a souvenir area, with specialties from Hiroshima Prefecture and the Setouchi region. Famous momiji manju is available from various manufacturers and you can compare them at this place. There are various products made with lemons and oysters. At a dining area, you can enjoy various kinds of delicious dishes, including Hiroshima’s specialty okonomiyaki, local dishes with local ingredients, and seafood dishes. There are also many places serving desserts. You can find lots of beautiful and delicious sweets!
.
.
About att.JAPAN
The magazine att.JAPAN is for non-Japanese visiting from overseas and those residing in Japan. This quarterly magazine written in English, Mandarin, and Korean offers a wide range of information about Japan—from travel and sightseeing to various aspects of traditional culture and the latest trends. The magazine is distributed at major airports, hotels, and tourist information centers throughout Japan.
https://att-japan.net/en/
Facebook: att.JAPAN
Instagram: att.japan
.
.
f
,
f
f
f
