Todd Todd saw things this way:
Overall
3
Famous for basically one thing, August 26, 2010
Reviewer: Todd Todd
Pros: The atomic bomb site is thoughtfully preserved
Cons: The town offers little else except Miyajima
The ships dock way out of town. You can walk over and catch a streetcar or bus. Most passengers will have an included city tour. If you don't, there is really only one thing to see: The Peace Park. If you catch a streetcar or bus it will take you to Hiroshima station. From there you can either walk or catch another streetcar or bus to Peace Park. The park is located on an island in the river. It is a big park so you can start at one end and work your way to the other. At one end is the famous bombed out building. You'll be suprised how small it really is. At the other end is the museum. The exhibits are in English and very well done. There is really nothing else special about Hiroshima. Some companies might arrange a tour through the automobile factory. The cruising before and after Hiroshima is absolutely world class. The other great stop is at Miyajima. Some smaller cruise companies stop here. Others have a day excursion to the island. This is the site of the famous red "torii." Behind the torii set at the base of a beautiful pine tree clad mountain is a magical Shinto shrine that appears to float on the water at high tide. The small touristic town is actually rather charming. If you have a chance, take one of the mountain trails back to the ferry building. There's also a gondola that goes up to the top of the mountain. The views are terrific, and the gangs of rather grumpy Japanese monkeys are fun. Oh, and I should mention the deer that infest the whole town. They sell deer food, so the deer pester anyone, beware they will eat anything; maps, money, anything they can get ahold of.
