Postcard from Hiroshima

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for showing your love and support for Letters by Aislin on its launch day, 6 October 2025. It means the world to me that, through reading, you’re taking part in what brings me the most joy and happiness.

As I write this, I’m in Hiroshima ahead of my driving camp (for those not in Japan, it’s a two-week programme where you spend about ten hours a day either driving or studying the theory, and you’re fully boarded, hence a “camp”). So, buckle up for a travel blog!

Compared to my previous post on Chiang Mai, this one will be a little different. It will be less of a guide and more like a diary told from a first-person perspective. Since I only had one full day to explore, I thought I could afford to make the writing more personal. Shall we begin?

Day 0: Travel, Hostel, Katsudon

As I don’t live near the airport, my day started early at 7 a.m. I had breakfast with my family, then set off with my older sister, who kindly offered to drive me to the airport for my 9 a.m. drop-off. The journey from Kutchan (where I live) to New Chitose Airport usually takes around two and a half hours, but we wanted to grab some lunch in Chitose first.

We went to the famous Japanese curry restaurant Garaku and both ordered the chicken curry (see above). It was incredible! The chicken leg was fried and the vegetables grilled beforehand, and the result was crispy textures in a rich, flavourful soup. Absolutely delicious!

Afterwards, we headed to the airport. I said my goodbyes and went to check in. Believe it or not, the entire process, from check-in to security and finding my gate, took only 20 minutes. I loved my time in London, but Heathrow could never haha.

At a quarter to 3 p.m., I boarded JL 3406 bound for Hiroshima. The plane was surprisingly large, with 3x3 seating. I had an aisle seat, which has somehow become my preference (I saw an Instagram reel saying that choosing the aisle over the window seat is a sign of ageing, lol). I dozed off for most of the two-hour flight until we landed in Hiroshima.

Now, Hiroshima Airport isn’t actually in the city. You need to take a limousine bus to the train station before continuing your journey. But fret not, this is Japan, so everything is straightforward and efficient. The bus stop is right outside the arrivals gate, and you can pay by cash, credit card, or IC card. The waiting time was under ten minutes, and the bus interior was spacious, clean, and new. A great deal for just ¥1,500!

About 30 minutes later, I arrived at Hiroshima Station. Feeling quite tired, I hopped on the tram to my accommodation, Capsule Hotel Cube Hiroshima.

Capsule Hotel Cube Hiroshima is probably one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in. I booked a Superior Single Room with Shared Bathroom & Toilet, and while it looks small in the photos (see above), it’s perfectly comfortable for a short stay. The bed is firm but cosy, the air circulation is good, and it’s very quiet. I especially liked that the hostel has separate women-only and men-only floors with key access, which made me feel extra safe. The location is excellent too, just a 25-minute walk to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and two tram stops from the station. I highly recommend it if you’re visiting Hiroshima!

For my first dinner, I tried a nearby family-run restaurant called Kikuya. I forgot to take a photo of the interior, but it was a cosy, family run restaurant. I ordered the tonkatsu set (see above). It was super tasty and filling, though be warned that the pork is on the fattier side!

Day 1: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hondori Shopping Street, Okonomiyaki

According to the Hiroshima travel guide I read before my trip, the best way to avoid queues at the museum is to go early, so that’s exactly what I did. I took the bus from my hostel and arrived at 8:30 a.m. Tickets cost ¥200, with an optional audio guide for ¥400.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how to describe what I saw, for fear of not doing it justice. The exhibition depicts the devastating effects of the atomic bomb on 6 August 1945 and its aftermath. The stories of victims, survivors, and bereaved families are presented plainly and powerfully. The photos are graphic, and the descriptions detailed. It was soul-crushing to witness and deeply sobering, stirring up complex emotions and, selfishly, a sense of gratitude for living in a time and place of peace. On a lighter note, the final section of the exhibition focuses on how Hiroshima has rebuilt and transformed into the vibrant, modern city it is today. I didn’t take any photos inside, as it didn’t feel appropriate, but I’ve included pictures of the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, the epicentre of the event.

Next, I walked to Hondori Shopping Street, just ten minutes away. This shopping street is perfect for escaping the sun for a while. It’s lined with restaurants, cafés (both chains and local gems), and adorable little shops (see above). I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but it was still fun to browse.

A couple of hours later, I changed into my running gear and went out for a long run. I’d hoped to run around Shukkeien Garden, but silly me, I didn’t check the closing time (oops!). So no garden this time. Still, Hiroshima is a lovely, safe, and flat city, with most attractions close together. I ran along the river, looped around Hiroshima Castle, and passed the Peace Memorial Dome before heading back. Even though I’d visited the Dome earlier that morning, seeing it again at sunset, with the light reflecting off the river, was an entirely different experience. I’d definitely recommend this route to my running friends!

For my second and last dinner in Hiroshima, I opted for a local speciality, okonomiyaki. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is unique because it includes yakisoba noodles inside. I had mine at OK Teppan, another family-run spot, this one with jazz music playing softly in the background. For ¥950, I got a pork okonomiyaki with an extra egg for protein (see above). It was savoury and sweet, with a wonderfully rich sauce. Just be warned, the portion is huge, so come hungry!

That dinner marked the end of my short stay in Hiroshima. Though this post isn’t as comprehensive as my previous guide, I hope it inspires you to visit this beautiful city and learn from its incredible history.

Until next time!

Love,

Aislin