Hiroshima

Slowly but surely coming out of the shadow of its past, Hiroshima is a truly unusual destination. Largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II, the city is teeming with memorials and relics. Nowadays though, it's becoming known more and more for its eclectic mix of galleries, beauty spots and karaoke bars. Explore buildings that are still standing, from before the attack; dip in and out of markets and taste local delicacies at authentic izakayas (casual bars/eateries).

Get some privacy by staying at a Hiroshima hostel that has curtains on the beds. At a place with lots of communal space, you can stretch out or mix with other travellers. Tired from your journey? Pick a hostel with a bar for a refreshing welcome drink. Plenty of Hiroshima hostels now offer free Wi-Fi with your stay, so you can stream a film while you relax. To whip around the city sights, choose a hostel in Hiroshima that offers bike hire too. 

Motomachi is the neighbourhood at the heart of Hiroshima. Within walking distance are parks, museums and galleries. If you want to get to know the city's eclectic nightlife, head into the downtown district of Hondori. Here you'll find karaoke bars aplenty, as well as bright, bustling streets teeming with cafés and shops. Miyajima Island is a rural spot to slow your pace. Head across to see tame deer roaming among the maple trees. 

One of the top things to do here is seeing the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the only structures still standing after the fall of the atomic bomb, in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. You can find more relics of the city's past at Hiroshima Castle. The five-storey castle, with gardens and a moat, has been rebuilt since the Second World War but still gives an insight into the city's past. Art lovers should head to the Museum of Art to spot works by Picasso. Feeling hungry? Try okonomiyaki (pancakes filled with squid, cabbage, pork and vegetables). Aioi-dori Avenue is the place to go to sing your heart out at a karaoke club.

The journey from Hiroshima Airport to the city centre is around 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus, or 50 minutes by car. If you're coming in from Tokyo, you can take the bullet train to Hiroshima Station. This is also your arrival and departure point for other major cities. The easiest way to get from sight to sight is to cycle. Or, you can travel like a local and hop on a tram.