It stands on its own by its own weight.

The Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine is not firmly fixed with piles or concrete; it stands on its own under its own weight. By carefully selecting the timber and designing the structure, it is able to withstand tidal changes and the force of waves. Weighing roughly 60 tons, it also rests on an ingeniously designed wooden base to prevent it from sinking into the seabed. It is this kind of traditional Japanese architectural technique that has supported the Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine for so many years.

about 16 meters

The Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine stands about 16.6 meters tall, roughly the height of a five-story building. As a wooden torii, it is among the largest in Japan, and its design and construction techniques are highly regarded. Its appearance standing in the sea is very famous, and many visitors are moved by its powerful presence. The torii is made of camphor wood, making it a true fusion of nature’s power and human craftsmanship.

Yuki Onsen (Yuki Hot Spring)

“Hiroshima’s hidden retreat” refers to Yuki Onsen, located in Saeki Ward of Hiroshima City. Cherished since ancient times as a therapeutic hot spring, it lies about an hour by car from central Hiroshima. The area features nature-rich gorges and numerous hot spring inns, making it popular with tourists and locals alike as a place to soothe body and mind. In this atmospheric hot spring town, wrapped in steam, time flows quietly in the traditional way.

lemon

Hiroshima Prefecture produces about 60% of domestically grown lemons and is known as Japan’s leading lemon-producing region. The mild Seto Inland Sea climate is ideal for lemon cultivation, so many farmers grow lemons there. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, making them great for maintaining good health. In particular, places like Setoda (Ikuchijima) are famous lemon-producing areas, and lemons are utilized as local specialties and tourism resources.

Orizuru Tower

Orizuru Tower is located right next to the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome and is a popular spot featuring a café where visitors can take a break and a shop selling Hiroshima-themed souvenirs. There is also an observation deck on the top floor, offering panoramic views of Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima cityscape, making it beloved by many travelers and locals alike. The facility also includes the Orizuru Square, where you can fold a paper crane and post it with a wish for peace, and Hiroshima no Oka, a lookout area with sweeping views of city landmarks—making it a place where you can enjoy both sightseeing and peace education.

rice paddle

The Miyajima “shamoji” is a wooden rice paddle that is famous as a traditional craft of Miyajima. It is said to have begun being made in the Edo period by a monk who received a divine revelation from Benzaiten, and it is cherished as a lucky charm and a symbol of prosperous business. There is even a large shamoji monument displayed in the town of Miyajima, and the paddles are a popular souvenir among tourists. Their production requires the skill of seasoned artisans and involves carefully finishing the paddles using hard wood.

Meiji era

Momiji manju is said to have been devised toward the end of the Meiji era (Meiji 39, 1906) by Tsunesuke Takatsu, the founder of the Japanese confectionery shop Takatsudo on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. While various traditional sweets already existed, the idea to create a manju incorporating the shape of a maple leaf was influenced by the fact that Miyajima is famous for its autumn foliage. Today, it enjoys nationwide recognition as a Hiroshima souvenir.