Moopon

1. Once visitors exit immigration and customs at Kansai Airport, visitors will be on the 1st floor. Follow the signs for “Railways”, taking one of the 4 escalators or 3 elevators to arrive at the 2nd floor.

2. Once on the 2nd floor, follow the signs to one of several walkways and walk across the road to Kansai-airport Station. Visitors need to exit the air terminal building to arrive at the JR Station (two separate buildings connected by a walkway). Two train companies use Kansai-airport Station: JR (blue/green) and Nankai (orange). Only JR can take visitor to the platform Haruka departing from. DO NOT use Nankai.

3. Before entering tickets gate, find JR Ticket Office where visitors can purchase ticket or reserved ticket for JR train.(there is a huge sign in English above their head).JR ticket office staff may or may not speak English, but they can read place names and train types written in the Roman alphabet. 

4. With one’s tickets, go through JR ticket gate and take an escalator to get to Platform 4.

The Mazda Motor Corporation　was founded in Hiroshima in 1920. It still keeps its corporate headquarters in the city of its birth place. Besides the headquarters, Mazda possesses a large plot of coastal land which accommodates R&D (research and development) laboratories, factories, and shipping facilities. The company museum and part of a factory are made available to visitors.

Although Mazda is not as large as Toyota, Mazda plays a large role in Hiroshima's economy, like Toyota dose to Nagoya.  Producing over a million cars a year, It is an innovative player in the Japanese auto industry. For instance, in 1991 Mazda became the first and only Japanese company to win the Le Mans Grand Prix with 787B. Mazda continues efforts to create more efficient vehicles include improving its version of rotary engines.

Reservations are required for the Mazda Museum tour and can be made by telephone or via its website, the URL is below. Reservations can be made up to a year beforehand. Tours for individual travelers are offered once a day in English and Japanese.

Visitors to the museum are first gathered at the Mazda head office building. When the tour is scheduled to begin, a Mazda tour guide leads visitors onto a bus to take them to the museum building on the close to grounds of Mazda's Hiroshima Plant.

The museum offers a　digest of Mazda's history, such as a look into the expectancy for its future developments and the technology of its automobiles. The tour then goes through an actual vehicle assembly line, where a variety of different car models being produced. Final location is a shop where Mazda goods are sold. The tour takes a total of 90 minutes.

Access Information

From the JR Hiroshima Station, board a local train to Mukainada（向洋） Station. The one-way journey takes about 5minutes with a cost of 190yen. From arrival station the Mazda Head Office can be reached in a five minute walk.

Facility Information

Tours of the Mazda Museum and Factory are held daily, except weekends and company holidays. The starting time of the English tour is at 10:00 and the Japanese tour at 13:30. The full-length of the tours is around 90 minutes. The tour is free of charge, but a reservation must be made in advance by phone or e-mail.

Mazda official site for reservation http://www.mazda.com/en/about/museum/reservations/

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園 ), located in downtown Hiroshima, is the site of where the first atomic bomb was dropped at 8:15 am on August 6, 1945.  The park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb. The park promotes peace while reiterating the horrors of nuclear war.

Within this spacious park visitors will find many structures reflecting peace.  On Peace Boulevard, behind the fountain is the Peace Memorial Museum. Here visitors can witness and learn about Hiroshima’s history and struggle after the attack.

Visitors will see an arched structure, the Memorial Cenotaph, located in the middle of the park. The names of all of the victims of the bomb are written here with the inscription “Let all the souls here rest in peace for we shall not repeat the evil." The structure was constructed on August 6, 1952, with the arch shape reflecting the souls of the victims.

The Peace Flame behind the Cenotaph has been continuously lit since 1964. With a prayer of internal peace, the flame will remain lit until all nuclear weapons have been destroyed and the world is free from the threat of a nuclear war.

Hiroshima Memorial, or commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, lies at the end of park, near the streetcar street (Aioi Street). Known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall at the time, this is the only remaining building near the bomb’s epicenter. Though there was some controversy whether the building should be torn down or preserved, it was decided the Atomic Bomb Dome is an important part of local as well as world history. Though the Dome has been reconstructed a few times, the original architecture was always been preserved in remembrance of the victims.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the site of the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held on August 6. There are peace exhibits throughout the park as well as narratives from the survivors of the atomic bomb, storytelling activities for children. Near the Peace Memorial Museum, visitors can find information about experiences translated in English.

On that day, i the evening, paper lanterns illuminated by candles are floated down the river next to the park. For a nominal fee, visitors can create their own paper lantern, with their own message of peace, to be floated down the river. Once the lantern is created, the volunteers will assemble the lantern and assist visitors in floating the lantern. Please be aware, as many people wish to participate in this tradition, there is usually a long line to float the lantern. Whether involved in the creation or not, all visitors to the park can view the paper lanterns floating down the river, the candlelight illuminating the black water.
 

Located near Hiroshima Station, visitors to Hiroshima’s mini-Kyoto garden, Shukkeien (縮景園) are able to view Japan’s seasonal beauty, reflected through nature. A popular spot for tea ceremonies, cherry blossom/autumn foliage viewing, this tranquil garden is visited by locals and tourists.

The name Shukkeien is loosely translated as "shrunken-scenery garden," which is also a good description of the garden. Visitors will find mini-valleys, mini-mountains, even mini-forests within the garden's landscapes. Through carefully cultivated land and vegetation, the garden mimics a variety of natural formations and scenic views.

Shukkeien has a long history dating back to 1620, just after the completion of Hiroshima Castle. The garden displays many features of the traditional aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Around the garden's main pond there are a number of tea houses which offer visitors ideal views of the surrounding scenery.

The entire garden is connected by a recommended path which leads visitors around the pond at the center of the garden. The path passes through all of Shukkeien's various miniaturized sceneries. Following this path around the garden is the best way to enjoy Shukkeien.

Shukkeien is a 15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Alternatively, it is a few steps from "Shukkeien-mae" tram stop along tram line 9. From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 1, 2 or 6 to Hacchobori and transfer to tram line 9. The entire journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 160 yen.

The garden has Japanese-style café, offering green tea, sweets, and so on.

Facility Information: 
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October to March) 
Closed: December 29th to 31st
Admission: 260 yen

An old fashioned town located along the Seto Inland Sea in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi (尾道) has many interesting sites and places for locals and tourists to explore. In addition to the temples, museums, parks and gardens, Onomichi is the “Honshu” mainland point for the Shimanami Kaido Bridge.  And is the major port for the small islands within the Seto Inland Sea.

Onomichi is the home to many temples. In the past, rich merchants donated money to build temples within the port town to ensure prosperity. Visitors may choose to explore Onomichi’s famous “Temple Walk” which leads visitors to 25 temples. However, as Onomichi is also famous for its steep slopes, proper footwear is recommended. 

Onomichi is the home to many respected authors, such as Fumiko Hayashi, author of “Horoki” (“Vagabond’s Song” in English) which was adapted into the anime “Wandering Days.” Artists will enjoy looking the museums such as the Hirayama Museum, famous for Artist Hirayama’s Silk Road desert landscapes paintings of Iran, Iraq and China. Many movies have been filmed here, including Yasujiro Ozu’s globally famous film “Tokyo Monogatari.” 

Cyclists love Onomichi and its access to the Shimanami Kaido Bridge, the bridge which connects Honshu to Shikoku. The Shimanami Kaido Bridge has exits and entrances for drivers and cyclists to visit the small islands lying in the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi, being the Honshu home of the bridge, has cycle rental stores, repair stores, even bicycle storage for those who opt the island hopping via ship.

Yet, there is more to the city of Onomichi. From the old-fashioned family owned business in the covered shopping arcade near the train station, to the modern U2 cycling support facility, there is something for everyone here. Traditional Japan meets Modern Japan with family fun festivals such as the summer fireworks festival or autumn Betcha Matsuri (where local “demons” run around hitting children on the head to knock some sense into them). Beautiful cherry blossom parks in the spring, artwork and history, cycling and temple touring…all available in the small, port city of Onomichi.

Noodle lovers will enjoy the variations of the noodles Japan has to offer. From thick udon noodles, to the various types of soba and ramen, there are many types of noodles which are prepared in a variety of different styles and flavors.

Hiroshima Tsukemen is a Hiroshima born noodle dish available throughout Hiroshima with some shops in Tokyo and Osaka featuring this Hiroshima delicacy as well. A cold, spicy dish, tsukemen is available throughout the year, though popular in the summer.

Tsukemen consists a bowl of cold noodles with vegetables and a dipping sauce. The sauce is spicy, though diners can make a request as to the level of spiciness they desire (the higher the number, the spicier the sauce).  As the noodles have no flavor, diners dip the noodles in the spicy sauce before consuming. Though there is a difference among tsukemen shops, diners who order tsukemen can expect sliced pork, hard or soft boiled egg, boiled vegetables and cucumbers to be served with their noodles and spicy sauce. Most diners will dip the garnishing in the dipping sauce as well before consuming.  

Though tsukemen shops are located throughout Hiroshima, the downtown area has its fair share of tsukemen shops. As it is a popular midnight snack after a night out, visitor will find many tsukemen with late operating hours in the drinking areas around the Nagarekawa Area.

Kosanji Temple (耕三寺) located on Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, has the tranquil qualities found in a Buddhist temple while displaying both modern and traditional Buddhist artistic elements.

Founded by Koso Kosanji, in gratitude to his mother, the construction of the temple took over 30 years.  Within the temple grounds, visitors can appreciate the replicas of famous Japanese structures such as Nikko Toshogu's Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin's Phoenix Hall. In addition, within the temple is a long cave containing images portraying Buddhist hell.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Miraishin no Oka or the Hill of Hope also located within the temple grounds.  Though not having any religious function, Miraishin no Oka was designed and created by an internationally renowned sculptor using Italian white marble and granite.

Kosanji Temple houses other artwork including the works of Buddhist sculptors, painting, modern art and objects relating to Japanese tea ceremony within its main grounds.

Facility Information
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 1200 yen

Access Information:
By bicycle
30 kilometers from Onomichi, the temple is located along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route

By ferry
From Onomichi Ekimae Port (located in front of Onomichi Train Station), take the ferry to Sawa Port or Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island. The journey will take 40 minutes with a cost of 820 yen one way per person and 160 yen for a bicycle.  There are 9 ferries per day.  From either port, the temple is 15 minutes by foot.

By bus
From Onomichi Station board the local bus bound for Setoda Port. On the way to the port, the bus will stop in front of the temple. The journey will take 1 hour with a cost of 1010 yen one way. There is one bus every two hours.

Daisho-in Temple (大聖院), one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism, is located at the base of Mount Misen, on the island of Miyajima in the Seto Inland Sea.  This is where the sect's founder, Kobo Daishi, first began the practice of Buddhism on the island of Miyajima.

Within Daisho-in Temple, visitors can admire a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects. Among these are the Kannon-do Hall, the Maniden Hall, a sand mandala made by visiting monks from Tibet, a tea room and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.  

Visitors have a chance to perform an interesting Buddhist ritual while walking up the temple's steps. Along the stairs, visitors can find a row of spinning metal wheels that are inscribed with sutra (Buddhist scriptures). If one turns the inscriptions as one walks up the stairs, it is believed to have the same effect as reading the inscriptions. So, without any knowledge of Japanese, one can receive the blessings that the reading of sutra is believed to provide.

From Daisho-in's Temple grounds, there is a hiking trail which leads to the summit of Mount Misen, where a few more temple halls are located. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours.

Facility Information
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: Open all year round
Admission: Free

Access Information
Daisho-in Temple is a five minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine or a 15 minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier.    

Fukuzenji Temple【福禅寺】

Fukuzenji Temple offers the arguably most famous view at Tomonoura - that of the nearby Bentenjima Island and Sensuijima Island through the veranda of the temple. As a side note, the temple also houses a statue of Maria Kannon, who is Virgin Mary made to look like the Buddhist Bodhisattva Kannon during the Edo Period, when Christianity was banned in Japan and Christians had to practice their religion in secret.

 
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 200 yen

It is pleasant and relaxing to take a stroll one of the Miyajima’s many lovely walking paths. Surrounding the seaside town area, the paths cut through the island's forest and afford nice views onto the town below.

Some paths lead through the Momijidani (Japanese for "Maple Valley"), Miyajima's prime koyo spot during the autumn. The paths also lead past a Tahōtō pagoda, numerous vista points and clusters of cherry trees, which are usually in bloom in mid-March to early April.

For hiking enthusiasts, there are three paths that lead to the summit of Mount Misen: the Momijidani Course, the Daisho-in Course and the Omoto Course.

Of the three trails, the Daisho-in Course offers the greatest views and is not as steep as the others. The Momijidani Course, while the shortest is also the steepest, leading mostly through the forest. It takes   1.5 to 2 hours to get the summit from town.

Access Information:
Via JR train
To reach the ferry port from Hiroshima Station, board the JR Sanyo Line for Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, 410 yen one journey, covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
Via Tram train
From central Hiroshima, board tram line number 2 for bound for Miyajimaguchi. The tram is slower, however, costs only 260 yen one journey. (not covered by the Japan Rail Pass)

From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is a short walk to the ferry pier, from where ferries depart frequently for Miyajima. There are two ferry companies operating from this port: JR and Matsudai. Both companies' ferry rides take 10 minutes both with a cost of 180 yen one journey. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on JR ferries.

Via direct boat from Hiroshima Peace Park
Boats also connect Miyajima directly with Hiroshima Peace Park (55 minutes, 2000 yen one way, 3600 yen round trip, 3-12 round trips per day). There are also boats connecting Miyajima and Hiroshima Port (25 minutes, 1850 yen one way, 6-8 round trips per day). The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these boats.

Surrounded by water, it seems only appropriate there would be an aquarium displaying its neighboring creatures on the island of Miyajima, located in the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture.  Located on the far western end of the island, the Miyajima Public Aquarium (宮島水族館) was rebuilt and reopened in August 2011 to offer even better information and services to all who visited the facility.

The aquarium houses creatures of the sea residing in both salt water and fresh water. Visitors can view sea life from the waters surrounding Miyajima, Seto Inland Sea as well as from various bodies of water around the world.  Visitors will encounter various aquatic unique displays such as the oyster farm, showing how Hiroshima’s specialty, the oysters are grown. The aquarium has an interactive section for children to touch sea creatures such as starfish and other “safe” sea life. At designated times during the day, the aquarium hosts sea lion shows which bring laughter and delight to visitors of all ages. In addition to the sea lion show, the aquarium has a penguin parade for visitors to see the penguin at a closer distance.

Facility Information
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Closed: from December 26th to 30th
Admission: 1400 yen

Access Information:
on foot:
**10 minutes from Itsukushima Shrine
**20 minutes from Miyajima Ferry Port