Southeast Japan: Chugoku Region

HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima has come a long way since its destruction at the end of World War II, and has become a symbolic city of peace. Visit the emotionally charged A-Bomb Dome, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peace Memorial Park was created in remembrance of the lives lost in the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, and to pass along the message that this tragedy should never be repeated. There are numerous monuments in the park with flowers and origami cranes in memorial of the victims. The memorials and sculptures made of folded paper cranes tell an emotional tale of community and support. In Hiroshima Bay is Miyajima Island, known for their forests, ancient temples, and iconic, giant orange Great Torii Gate, which seems to float in the waters during high tides.

KURASHIKI

During the Edo Period, Kurashiki was an important point along the distribution route of Japan's most important commodity, rice. Large quantities of rice from the surrounding area were brought into Kurashiki and intermediately stored there in storehouses before being shipped to Osaka and Edo. In addition to rice, the city was also known for its indigo and denim production. Because of the city's importance in trade, Kurashiki was put under direct control of the shogunate, and the city was even named after its many storehouses (kura). Canals were built to allow boats and barges to navigate between the city's storehouses and the nearby port. A popular place to visit in Kurashiki "historical quarter," where you will find an array of classic shops, eateries, and galleries.