The Area

A seaside resort hotel, the Hiroshima Prince is the perfect base for touring the Seto Inland Sea area. Everywhere you look - from the lush green hills to the tranquil blue waters beyond - there is a peacefulness reminiscent of Japan's classic rural countryside before the devastation of WWII's atomic bomb.

Today, the city of Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a major industrialized coastal region whose memorials are more a testament to the importance of peace than the horrors of war.

Sightseeing Nearby

• Miyajima - A jewel of the Sanyo coast, Miyajima Island is one of world's cultural heritage sites, and characterized by a looming vermillion torii (Shinto gate) set in the sea, which denotes that the whole island is sacred.
  *Less than 30 minutes by the jet cruiser from the pier located in front of the hotel
  *One-way pass (1600yen) and Day pass (2800yen) are available at the hotel
  
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - Built as a memorial to the victims of the atomic bomb, the park symbolizes a plea for world peace. Memorial halls and a museum are located nearby. (15 minutes by car)
• Hiroshima International Plaza - International corporations formed this center for globalization, learning and interaction. (25 minutes from Hiroshima Airport, 45 minutes from the JR Hiroshima Station)
• Shukkeien Garden - Modeled after a beautiful lake in Hangzhou, China, this tranquil garden is renowned for its plum, cherry and azalea blossoms. (15 minutes by car)
• Seto Inland Sea Cruise - Island hop from the pier in front of the hotel on the high-speed cruiser "Akinada."

Day Trips

• Kintaikyo Bridge - The five beautiful arches of this bridge in Iwakuni city gracefully span the river. This third generation wooden bridge uses no screws in its construction. (1 hour by car)
• Setoda - The Setoda area is famous for the Kosanji Temple, which has a gate replicating the Yomei gate in Nikko.
• Onomichi - A picturesque town with many hills and stone steps, Onomichi has been the location for several feature films and novels.
• Tsuwano - This tiny, 700-year old castle-town has a number of well-preserved samurai houses, a museum and cable car that goes to the top of Tsuwano Castle. (2 hours, 30 minutes by car)
• Hagi - An old and intensely cultural town, Hagi is known for its ceramic arts, ancient temples and samurai quarters. (3 hours by car)