Hiroshima City (Japan Hiroshima)

Hiroshima is a major seaport, Hiroshima Prefecture's capital and the largest city in Japan's Chugoku region (western Honshu Island). The city has population around 1,2 million and land area approx 907 km2 (350 mi2).

Sadly, the city is best known as the target for mankind's first nuclear weapon bombing over the civilian population. The USA dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6 (and a second bomb on August 9 on Nagasaki) in 1945 - near the very end of WW2 (1939-1945). The death toll was over 20,000 Japanese soldiers and around 150,000 civilians. The bombing was with the consent of the UK - by the Quebec Agreement from 1943, signed by the UK's Prime Minister Churchill and the US President Roosevelt.

The city boasts a professional symphony orchestra, numerous museums (including Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, several art museums). The city also hosts the annual International Animation Festival and Flower Festival.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park draws millions of Japanese and international visitors. Its "Ceremony" event is an annual commemoration on the atomic bombing date. A large collection of monuments are presented in this park. Other popular city attractions are the Hijiyama Park, Shukkei-en (historic garden), Fudoin Temple, Mitaki-dera Temple.

The rebuilt Hiroshima Castle (aka Rijo, originally constructed in the 16 century as a feudal residence) houses a museum with artifacts from the country's Edo period (1603-1868 AD). Within the castle's walls is the Gokoku Shrine. The original shrine was destroyed in 1945 but was rebuilt in 1965 with donations from the citizens.

Hiroshima City cruise terminal