Your Portal to Hiroshima's Historical Legacy and Vibrant Culture

 
 

This month, we invite you on a transformative journey to Hiroshima Prefecture, where history, culture, and modern conveniences converge to offer unique Meetings and Events experiences. From the poignant Peace Memorial Park to the enchanting Miyajima Island, Hiroshima is a testament to peace and resilience, offering immersive cultural experiences and exquisite culinary traditions. Join us as we unveil the treasures of HIROSHIMA!

 

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Explore HIROSHIMA Prefecture:

A Beacon of Peace, Culture, and Culinary Discovery

 

 

 

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum stand as symbols of hope and peace, offering profound insights into the importance of harmony. Visiting here is essential to reflect on the city's dark past and understand Hiroshima's dedication to a peaceful future. Cycling tours around the major areas in central Hiroshima are highly recommended to interact with locals and learn more about the city's history.

 

    

 

Experience the spiritual serenity of Miyajima Island, renowned for its iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. The island offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an ideal spot for contemplative retreats and team-building activities.
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Unique Venues

 

 

 

Just a stone's throw from the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple offers an unparalleled spiritual journey at the foot of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. Founded in the early Daidō era by the esteemed monk Kukai, this temple is a vital waypoint on the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, showcasing the deep roots of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

As you ascend the main staircase, a captivating sight awaits - hundreds of guardian deity statues that pave the way to a realm of tranquillity and wonder. The temple grounds host over 500 statues, each contributing to a serene and mystical ambience. 

Daisho-in isn't just a place of worship; it's a perfect venue for MICE events seeking a blend of cultural depth and serene settings. Its sprawling complex, with diverse buildings set against a backdrop of natural beauty, offers a unique opportunity for meaningful corporate retreats, workshops, and team-building activities.

For a closer look at what makes Daisho-in an unforgettable destination for both spiritual visitors and MICE events, explore this engaging video.

Embark on a journey to Daisho-in Temple and let Miyajima Island reveal its secrets, merging heritage with the promise of unforgettable experiences.​​​

 

 

 

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower stands as a distinctive venue for M&E events, located in the heart of Hiroshima City, adjacent to the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. This venue features two remarkable spaces: Hiroshima Hills, a modern, open-air wooden observation deck offering panoramic city views and a welcoming drink service, and Orizuru Square, located on the 12th floor, with a capacity for 150 people. Orizuru Square is ideal for various events and is equipped with large monitors for video presentations against a stunning cityscape backdrop. This tower, named after the Japanese word for origami cranes, represents a fusion of cultural heritage and modernity, making it a perfect choice for seminars and meetings of all sizes.

 

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Local Culinary Delights

 

 

 

 

Savor Hiroshima's famed oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and other local delicacies. The region's cuisine provides a flavorful journey through its culinary heritage, perfect for business dinners and casual dining.

Hiroshima is also the birthplace of Ginjo Sake (a light, fruity, and complex sake made with highly polished rice), and there are many breweries worth visiting in Hiroshima’s “Sake Town” Saijo. Particularly noteworthy is Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, founded by one of the fathers of Ginjo Sake - Kimura Wahei. Kamotsuru sake was served to former US President Barak Obama on his historic visit to the city of Hiroshima in 2016.

 

Discover the art of Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at OKOSTA, conveniently located just a two-minute walk from Hiroshima Station. This unique cooking experience, which even attracted UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year, invites you to master the craft of making Hiroshima's beloved dish under the guidance of skilled staff from the food company OTAFUKU. 

Suitable for a broad audience, OKOSTA offers an engaging culinary journey. Participants will learn to cook Okonomiyaki with a choice of heaped toppings and can opt for Muslim-friendly or vegetarian menus.

Beyond the cooking class, OKOSTA can accommodate various requests, including private parties and events, making it an ideal venue for an immersive Hiroshima experience. Check the link here to learn the difference between Hiroshima and Osaka Okonomiyaki, and have your own say in the raging debate about which is best!

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Japanese Culture Corner

 

 

 

 

Indulge in a serene afternoon in Hiroshima with a hands-on experience in the art of Kumano brush making, a hallmark of Japanese cultural heritage. This unique cultural experience offers travellers an in-depth exploration of the world of calligraphy. Participants will have the opportunity to visit one of Japan's premier brush manufacturers, renowned for the exceptional quality of their Kumano brushes. The workshop provides a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating these brushes and highlights what sets the Kumano brush apart in the realm of calligraphy tools. As a special memento of this enriching experience, attendees will have the chance to have their names engraved on their finished brushes, allowing them to take home a personalised and one-of-a-kind souvenir from their journey to Japan.

 

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Hotel Spotlight

 

 

Located in central Hiroshima City, Hilton Hiroshima is within ten minutes of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima Castle, and several transit stations. Hondori’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment are five minutes away. Offer 22,313 sq. ft. of event space, a fitness centre, four restaurants and bars, Hilton Hiroshima is a solid accommodation option for your event.

 

 

Discover JTB GMT's exclusive M&E group experiences in Hiroshima. From educational tours of the Peace Memorial Park to team-building activities amidst the natural beauty of Miyajima Island, Hiroshima offers enriching experiences tailored to corporate groups.

Conclusion:

This newsletter edition has highlighted Hiroshima's profound historical significance, vibrant culture, and exceptional gastronomy. Hiroshima's commitment to peace, scenic beauty, and culinary excellence presents unparalleled opportunities for exploration, learning, and growth. Whether planning a corporate event or seeking meaningful cultural experiences, Hiroshima offers a compelling destination, and JTB GMT is your trusted partner in unlocking its potential. Thank you for journeying with us, and we eagerly anticipate your feedback and future engagements.