When you hear the word Hiroshima the first thought that probably comes to mind is that of atomic explosion and nuclear fallout. As the first city to be struck with a nuclear bomb Hiroshima will forever be associated with the beginning of the nuclear age. Though for those of you who plan on visiting the city in the future don't expect to see rubble and destruction. The city is now a thriving metropolis with few remnants of the war left to be seen.
Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It became best known as the first city in history to be destroyed by a nuclear weapon. Hiroshima was founded on the river delta coastline of the Seto Inland Sea in 1589 by the powerful warlord Mōri Terumoto, who made it his capital after leaving Koriyama Castle in Aki Province.
Hiroshima takes its nuclear history rather seriously and is an open and vocal opponent to nuclear proliferation. The city and surrounding areas also makes an effort to pass on it's history to future generations. On my visit to the city I spotted no less than 10 student class trips to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The park, which was created at the center of the nuclear blast, serves as a living memorial to the victims of the nuclear bombing and contains a number of statues and monuments dedicated to those victims.
Each year, on the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, the mayor of Hiroshima sends an open letter to the ambassadors of each confirmed nuclear nation objecting to the continued existence of their nuclear stockpile. Hiroshima now considers itself a city of peace and the poster child of the movement to bring and end to the existence of nuclear weapons. I didn't ask what was the city's official stance on nuclear energy, but considering recent events it would have been interesting to find out.
My day in Hiroshima consisted of a walk through the Peace Memorial Park, a stroll through the museum, and riding the ancient city trams. The park is very lovely and well laid out and, as the epicenter of the nuclear bomb, it's a chilling reminder of man's ability to destroy himself. The city is much slower than other large cities in Japan that I've visited and feels like the kind of place I'll be happy settling down in and raise a family. The sky was blue and clear with some clouds thrown in for effect. This contrasts significantly with Tokyo at this time of year which tends to be a bit more hazy with low visibility. It seemed like no one in Hiroshima was in a rush to do anything or go anywhere, which could have been a product of the heat. And oh yes, it was hot.
If you plan on visiting the city during the summer months I urge you to stay in air conditioned accommodations. We stayed in the Hiroshima Sheraton hotel which is 100 yards from the train station. This was extremely convenient and the hotel did not at all suffer from noise pollution or excessive foot traffic. That partially because the lobby is on the 6th floor and every room is on a floor above that. The Sheraton was an extra bonus since I've decided to become loyal to Starwood Hotels.
We should all pray never to live through another Hiroshima as victims or as by standers. The destruction caused by the bomb is unimaginable and seeing it up close in the museum was incredibly sad. That, coupled with the fact that the most destructive atomic bomb tested to date is 3100 times more destructive than the Hiroshima bomb, should make anyone violently against nuclear weapons. No matter what the issue or conflict there simply has to be a better way.
