VIDEO| Virtual Vacation: Hiroshima, Japan

Whether you’re working from home, sheltering in place or just staying home, if you’re like us, you’re probably dreaming of open skies, sandy beaches, tall mountains, or perfect powdery slopes. Our travel plans may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream up where we’ll go next.

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.

Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Hiroshima, Japan.

The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible from Tokyo via the 200 mph Shinkansen bullet train, which will get you there within 4 hours.

Hiroshima has plenty of culture and history, which makes it a great place for a quick getaway.

Hiroshima is known as the “City of Water” due to its many large rivers, bridges, fountains and water monuments. However, it is Hiroshima’s dark history as the epicenter of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb dropped there during World War II will forever remain its legacy.

Some of the must-see spots in Hiroshima include:

• Genbaku Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial – This World Heritage site is the only remaining structural ruin of the atomic devastation. Despite its proximity to the impact site, the dome and building did not completely collapse. 
• Hiroshima Castle – Hiroshima Castle, once the Imperial General Headquarters, now serves as a museum with panoramic city views.
• Miyajima Island – One of Japan’s three most scenic attractions, this island is known for its bright-colored torii gate which is part of Itsukushima Shrine. You can walk around its main deck, main altar and noh performance stage. At low tide, visitors can walk right up to the gate for a closer look.

While in Hiroshima, don't forget to sample “Okonomiyaki,” a popular, savory pancake that contains vegetables, noodles and meat or seafood.

I hope you enjoyed a look at Hiroshima through my travel photos and that it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!