Discovering the hidden charms of Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Tokushima and more
Photos: Weekender
I never seem to tire of Japan, no matter how often I step foot into its maze of skyscrapers, shrines and pop cultural hangouts.
This time round, I found myself discovering the Setouchi area in the heart of autumn, where we luxuriated in a poetic dreamscape of fall foliage.
The region consists of a national park, calm inland seas and beautiful islands, in addition to historical buildings and cultural sites.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we plunged into the quieter gems of the country — exploring the likes of Miyajima, Hiroshima, Imabari and more.
To explore Setouchi like a local, be sure to tick these 14 activities off your checklist:
3. Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
At Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the calm serenity barely hints at the harrowing past of the city — the first in the world to suffer a nuclear attack.
Today, visitors will glimpse sights like the A-Bomb Dome, where skeletal ruins of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall still stand.
As you stroll through the park, stop by the Children’s Peace Monument and fold a paper crane in the name of peace.
Finally, take a tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and be educated on the effects of the bombing as you view the memorabilia.
Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken 730-0811
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