Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is an attraction that I think is well worth adding to your itinerary. Not only can you enjoy the scenery, but you can also feel how deeply this city values peace. A gentle breeze blows across the wooden observation deck on the rooftop, with Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome right before your eyes. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Misen on Miyajima in the distance, which must make the view even more beautiful. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't ideal on the day I visited, so the blue sky was missing, but the overall atmosphere was still very pleasant. The most distinctive feature inside is the Orizuru Wall, symbolizing blessings and hope. Seeing the paper cranes piling up one by one made me slow down, and it left me with a lasting memory of my trip to Hiroshima.
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower | Review by Queenie
Other Reviews by Queenie
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San'en-zan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple
Located at the base of Tokyo Tower is Zojoji, an Omotoyama temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Enshrined in Zojoji's Ankokuden Hall is the hidden black image of Buddha worshipped by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Since he won one battle after after another, visiting this temple is said to increase the chance of victory.
Zojoji Temple is located at the foot of Tokyo Tower and is the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. The temple itself has a strong historical atmosphere. My favorite thing about this place is that, standing in front of the temple, you can capture the stately temple gate and Tokyo Tower in the same view. The blend of tradition and modernity creates a classic Tokyo scene.
During the day, the sunlight falling between the temple and the tower makes the view especially beautiful. You don’t need to set aside much extra time—just stop by when visiting Tokyo Tower to experience Tokyo’s unique historical and urban charm.
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Shiba Park
One of the first places designated as a park in Japan in 1873. Adjacent to Zojoji Temple and Shiba Toshogu Shrine, nearby Tokyo Tower can be viewed from anywhere in the park.
When visiting Tokyo, besides seeing Tokyo Tower, the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park is also well worth a stroll. This historic park is lush and peaceful, and best of all, as you walk through it, you can catch glimpses of the familiar Tokyo Tower from time to time. The combination of the cityscape and natural greenery feels distinctly Tokyo.
It wasn't very crowded when I visited on a weekday, so it didn't have the packed feeling of a tourist attraction. It was very pleasant to take my time walking around and taking photos. In summer, the leafy trees provide plenty of shade, and the sunlight filtering onto the paths gives the entire park a fresh, relaxing atmosphere.
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Harumi Pier Park
A park at Harumi Pier in Tokyo Port. It was used as part of the Athletes’ Village area during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and was later redeveloped and opened to the public. The park features legacy elements such as commemorative plaques, letting visitors relive the spirit of the Games. Its biggest draw is the scenery from the observation plaza and seaside terrace, which offer sweeping views of the bay area, including Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge.
Harumi Pier Park sits along Tokyo Bay and has very expansive views. There is blue sky overhead, the sparkling sea in front of you, and Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo cityscape in the distance. The scenery is so beautiful that you won't want to leave.
The biggest eye-catcher is the huge “TOKYO” sign on the lawn. With Tokyo Bay in the same shot, even casual photos have a real travel feel. During my visit, I also saw a helicopter fly by, as well as water buses and large ships passing beneath Rainbow Bridge. The whole scene was like a moving landscape painting of Tokyo Bay.
I didn't have any particular plans, but simply sitting there, enjoying the sea breeze, and taking in the scenery felt very relaxing. Tokyo isn't just about bustling city streets. Sometimes, quiet seaside spots like this are even more appealing.
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