One of the most fun and random trips of 2024 was my trip to Chūgoku Region with friends. We just booked our flights with no plans at all, and that’s it.
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Day 1
Mar 16, 2024– We flew from Haneda via ANA around noon and arrived at Iwakuni Airport before 14:00. It was a quick flight and definitely better than taking the shinkansen. Sometimes it is cheaper to fly than to take the bullet train but it depends on how early you can book for your trip.
Our first stop was Kintaikyo / 錦帯橋- a bridge declared as a national treasure of Japan and also one of Japan’s three famous bridges (The other two are Meganebashi in Nagasaki and Nihonbashi in Tokyo).
This bridge is a symbol of communication and union, whether it be between heaven and earth or two distinct realms. It is really beautiful up-close and is highly recommended by locals to go during spring for cherry blossom viewing.
We parked near Kikko Park and walked to the bridge. You can also take a ropeway and go to Iwakuni Castle but we did not do it that time because we are driving to Hiroshima. It’s a shame though because apparently there’s a hiking spot near this area and there’s also an observation deck where you can see the Kintaikyo from above.
We got hungry so we tried some skewers at the food stall near the bridge, I wanted to eat everything they were selling there because everything looked good. After that we went to Marifu Coffee Roaster for dessert. I love that they have outdoor seating at that cafe too because it was a beautiful day.
After hanging out at the cafe, we drove around and watched the sunset before heading to “chicken shack” a place that’s very popular with tourists. I like the ambience of this place but we were still quite full so we decided not to eat here and to be honest I was looking for a more non-touristy thing to do.. so we went to a local pub to sing karaoke. Haha!
After karaoke me and my friends drove to Hiroshima and checked in to the hotel. We stayed at Nest Hotel Hiroshima Hatchobori. The location of this hotel is superb, public transportation is easily accessible too. It’s also walking distance from the bars and restaurants.
The only downside for us is the parking structure is not adjacent to the hotel so we had to walk every time we use our car but there is a parking structure near the hotel if you prefer to be closer.
After checking-in we walked to the club called Step1. I don’t really go clubbing anymore but this particular club was REALLY fun… I am 35 and I feel out of place going to bars and clubs because I don’t know the new songs they play at the clubs now but the DJ that night was really good he played some “tita songs” (auntie songs) and I remembered how to be young again and have fun.
Hiroshima Prefecture
Day 2
Mar 17, 2024 – The next day it was raining so we decided to go indoors and went to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This museum is a powerful tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing. The displays were thought-provoking and we really learned a lot about the history. Here you will see belongings left by the victims, artifacts, testimonies and pictures of the victims.
I didn’t take pictures inside because I felt like it is a place that you should see and experience for yourself. I definitely recommend going here because you will learn a lot about world history. In fact after going here I realized how much I don’t know about history and started reading books especially about Japanese history since I live here now.
We also went to Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 06, 1945 and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original building before the bombing was primarily used for art and educational exhibitions.
The Genbaku dome is next to Aioi Bridge , a T-shaped bridge in Hiroshima. The original bridge was the aiming point for the bomb (Enola Gay) but missed its target by 240 meters and hit the Shima Hospital instead (now a clinic). The bridge was heavily damaged after the bombing and was repaired after the war. It was used for nearly 4 decades before it was replaced in 1983 resembling the original.
On the way to the bridge we also passed by the Flame of Peace. This flame has been burning since August 1, 1964. I tried searching how they kept it burning but I can only find a few articles stating volunteers and NPO’s are maintaining it but what about rainy and windy days? I wondered how they can protect it from strong winds? Does anybody know the answer? Please do let me know!
Read more about Hiroshima bombing on websites below.
- https://www.hiroshimapeacemedia.jp/hiroshima-koku/en/exploration/index.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima_Peace_Memorial_Park
After our city tour we went to get a massage at Sabai Thailand Massage about 15min away from the Genbaku Dome by foot. I remember telling my massage therapist Haru-san about my stiff neck and shoulders, before I left she gave me a Thailand ointment used for massages. I still use it until now because it smells really good. It’s different from the one we have back in the Philippines. It’s about to run out though so I need to find where I can buy the same product.
Day 3
Mar 18, 2025 – The next day we drove to the Ferry Terminal for Ōkunoshima Island. There’s a big parking lot next to it. Check their schedule on their website for the latest timetable. We bought the feed from the souvenir shop. They also have stamps there for those who collect them.
The ferry ride was about 15min and the water was so clear it will make you want to go for a swim. We enjoyed feeding the cute rabbits here and enjoying the mountain views.
This power plant has a significant history dating back to the early 20th century. During World War II, Okunoshima was used by the Japanese military as a secret base for the production of chemical weapons, specifically poison gas. The power plant was an essential facility, providing the necessary electricity to support the island’s various operations, including the chemical weapons factory.
We were back to the Ferry Terminal by 12:40 and drove to Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal to take the Ferry to Itsukushima / Miyajima.
I think if you have time you should do Miyajima for a day or at least do it first thing. There’s so much to see and do here. I wished we had more time to really go around the island. Here we saw some deers and we also visited the Itsukushima Shrine, that was originally established in the 12th century.
We stayed until the sun set and it was nothing short of amazing.
Day 4
Mar 19, 2024 – The next day we had brunch at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima by IHG. The food and service at their buffet restaurant was good. I was so hungover though that I couldn’t eat much. But I must admit, I still like the breakfast buffet at ANA InterContinental Tokyo by IHG the best. Food come at it’s best.
After brunch, we drove to Hiroshima castle. We parked HERE and walked there.
There are 3 special trees inside the castle walls. The castle did not survive the bombing but these holly, eucalyptus and willow tree did. These trees were only 740-910 meters from the center of the blast. These trees are now symbols of the city’s strength and abiilty to survive and flourish even after a devastating event. They have a map where it shows which part of the garden those 3 trees are standing.
I wish I knew there was an art museum nearby because I would’ve loved to go. Hiroshima Museum of Art looks impressive.
Day 5
Mar 20, 2025 – We checked out of our hotel early so we can still go somewhere before our flight back to Haneda. It was raining again that’s why we decided to go to Hiroshima botanical garden and the plantita in me was rejoicing. I saw some huge and rare plants here.
Then we drove to Okonomimura to eat Hiroshima okonomiyaki for lunch. You cannot leave Hiroshima without going here. Unlike Osaka-style okonomiyaki that mixes all ingredients together in the batter, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki layers them separately.
There are so many restaurants to choose from but we chose the one on the 4th floor called Itsukushima / 厳島 . I also liked their sautéed squid with butter. I sometimes make it at home when I’m craving. The price was really affordable too, the chef’s special- Itsukushimayaki was about 1200.
I really had a great time on this trip and it’s thanks to Kaoru who made time to show us around.
Places I wish I went:
- Motonosumi Inari Shrine (Yamaguchi)
- Tsunoshima Bridge (Yamaguchi)
- Marakannondou / 麻羅観音堂 (Yamaguchi) – dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy. It is known for its phallic symbols, which are associated with prayers for fertility, vitality, and success in love and marriage. It is said that stroking the head of the p*nis while making a wish will increase the blessing. Some people said they become pregnant after visiting this temple and sometimes they still visit to give thanks. The shrine also holds a festival in May, called the Mara Kannon Festival.
- Akiyoshido Cave (Yamaguchi)
- Mikawa Mu Valley (Yamaguchi)
- Simose Art Museum (Hiroshima)
- Hiroshima Museum of Art
- Mitaki-dera (Hiroshima)
- Serakogen farm (Hiroshima)
There are so many places I wanted to go in Yamaguchi and Hiroshima Prefecture but wasn’t able to. It will definitely be for next trip!