Hiroshima Prefecture lies in western Japan, in the Chūgoku region, and takes its name from Hiroshima city, the prefecture's capital and largest urban centre. The area is historically significant as the site of the first atomic bomb used in warfare, dropped in 1945, and visiting it is a way of engaging with that history and with the city that has rebuilt itself since.
What a visit offers
- Historical sites connected to the atomic bombing, which give a sober and reflective experience for many visitors.
- Hiroshima city, the prefecture's hub, with its streets, dining and day-to-day life.
- The wider prefecture, which extends across the Chūgoku region and gives a sense of rural and coastal western Japan beyond the city.
Because the prefecture covers both a major city and a broader region, it suits different kinds of trips. Some visitors come for a focused stay in the city and its memorials, while others use it as a base for exploring surrounding areas at a slower pace.
Planning your trip
Hiroshima Prefecture is well suited to travellers interested in history, memorial and peace-related sites, and Japanese city life. Those who want to see the historical sites in a considered way may wish to allow more than a single afternoon. Check current opening arrangements and transport connections before you set out, as these can change and are best confirmed with local sources.
