Hiroshima

On 6 August 1945, when the first atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima , the city became an immediate symbol of war. Hiroshima has several moving reminders of that day of utter devastation. The island of Miyajima lies just off the coast from Hiroshima -- a short ferry ride from the end of the streetcar line. The main attractions are the solitude, the view and the Shrine of Itsukushima which is built on wooden piers over the water. The shrine's torii is out at the head of a bay its orange paint, stunning against the blue water, has made this one of the most photographed places in Japan.