This year’s Obon holidays, I took a short road trip from Aichi to Hiroshima and Kyoto. It was a mix of sightseeing, local food, and a bit of nostalgia, as some places carried personal memories and connections.
Day 1 – From Aichi to Hiroshima City
We started the trip by driving all the way from Aichi to Hiroshima. After checking in, we had Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner—a must-try local dish. With our stomachs full, we wandered around the shopping district near PARCO and enjoyed the summer evening atmosphere.
Day 2 – Peace Park and Miyajima
In the morning, we headed to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum were very crowded, so we only viewed them from outside this time.
- Peace Memorial Park: Built to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945, the park symbolizes Hiroshima’s message of peace and nuclear disarmament. The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the few surviving structures near the hypocenter and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards, we took a ferry to Miyajima (officially Itsukushima Island).
- Itsukushima Shrine: Famous for its “floating” torii gate that appears to rise out of the sea at high tide, this shrine is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- We tasted local specialties such as oyster rice (kakimeshi) and conger eel rice (anagomeshi), then visited the shrine. Miyajima is also known for its friendly deer, and we couldn’t resist spending some time with them.
In the evening, I reunited with an old friend, and together we enjoyed a traditional Setouchi dinner back in Hiroshima city.
Day 3 – Onomichi and Kyoto’s Gozan Okuribi
Our next stop was Onomichi, a port town with a nostalgic charm. As a longtime fan of Perfume, I visited locations featured in a pamphlet where the group introduced their hometown. Of course, we also had to eat at “Issa,” an okonomiyaki restaurant connected to Perfume’s history.
After lunch, we drove to Kyoto to see the famous Gozan Okuribi (the “Five Mountain Bonfires”).
- Obon Festival: A Buddhist tradition in Japan, Obon is a time when families welcome the spirits of their ancestors back home. It usually involves family gatherings, visiting graves, and community festivals.
- Gozan Okuribi: On August 16th, giant bonfires are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto to send off the spirits of ancestors at the end of Obon. The character-shaped flames (such as “大” meaning “great”) create a powerful, spiritual sight.
To end the day, we went to “Takumi,” a ramen shop I often visited during my student days in Kyoto. It was a nostalgic taste of the past.
Day 4 – Kyoto Station and Returning Home
On the final day, we strolled around Isetan at Kyoto Station, did some casual shopping, and had a light meal inside the station before driving back to Aichi.
Reflections
Hiroshima is not only rich in history but also has a unique charm for music fans—Perfume’s hometown offers another layer of enjoyment when exploring the city.
As for food, oysters in Hiroshima are excellent, though locals recommend avoiding raw oysters in summer.
Next time, I’d like to return in a cooler season to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Visiting both Hiroshima and Kyoto during Obon allowed me to experience two very different aspects of Japanese culture—one centered on peace and remembrance, the other on tradition and spirituality. It made the trip truly memorable.