Hiroshima Attractions

On the banks of the River Ota is the Shukkei-en Garden, laid out by Asano Nagaakira in 1620 in imitation of the famous landscaped garden on the Western Lake of the old South Chinese capital of Hangchow (Sung dynasty). The pools and streams in the garden draw their water from the Ota.

Asa Zoological Park is a wildlife park that covers an extensive area of the suburbs. Most of the animals are from Africa and other parts of the world.

The Atom Bomb Dome is the ruin of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, which lay at the epicenter of the explosion (total destruction within a radius of 2mi/ 3km).

The Fudoin Temple is a fine example of the architecture of the Muromachi period (14th-16th C). The Main Hall contains a fine carved statue and is designated as a national treasure.

Hiroshima castle (Ri-jo, "Castle of the Carp") was built in 1593, which became the residence of Fukushima Masanori in 1600 and passed into the possession of Asano Nagaakira in 1619. The five-story main tower, reconstructed in 1958, contains a local museum. From the top floor there are fine views of the city, the harbor and the island of Miyakojima.

Art works by European masters such as Monet, Renoir, degas, Maillol and Picasso as well as Japanese artists are displayed at the Museum of Art.

The Memorial Cathedral of World Peace was built in 1954 on the initiative of a German Jesuit named Hugo Lassalle, who had experienced the explosion of the atomic bomb. This is one of the largest Roman catholic churches in Asia, and many countries contributed to the cost of construction. The four bells in the 150ft/ 46m high tower were presented by the German town of Bochum, the organ by Cologne and the bronze doors by Düsseldorf. The altar was presented by Belgium.

Mitaki or Three Falls Temple is situated at the foot of Mount Mitaki. The temple is notable for the red-lacquered pagoda (Tahoto). Near by are three waterfalls and beautiful wooded country.