Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a vibrant city in western Japan, the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and home to roughly 1.2 million people. Founded in 1589, it evolved from a castle town into a significant industrial hub before tragically becoming known as the first city to be targeted by a nuclear weapon in 1945. Today, Hiroshima stands as a powerful symbol of peace and resilience, with a GDP of $61.3 billion (2010).

The city has been completely rebuilt and offers a unique blend of modern urban life and poignant historical sites. Key features include the impactful Hiroshima Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a thriving food scene – especially okonomiyaki – and convenient access to surrounding nature. It’s the second-largest urban area in the Chugoku region, offering a more relaxed pace than larger Japanese cities.