On a recent trip to Japan we were lucky enough to stay with Mitsui Garden Hiroshima. Location is everything in Hiroshima and this is the perfect spot if you are wanting to embed yourself in the history of this beautiful city.
At Mitsui Garden we were placed in a king deluxe room which is a whopping 34 m² – which if you know hotel sizes in Japan is luxury unheard of! We also got to stay on a high floor, which offered us views looking out to Hiroshima Bay. The rooms include free WiFi, a large LED TV, and a huge comfy bed.
Elsewhere in the hotel, Level 25 is an absolutely magical spot. With sweeping panoramic views of the city, we enjoyed complimentary snacks, ice cream, ice coffee and even champagne multiple times during our stay.
Level 25 is also the location of the buffet breakfast which is served daily from 6:30am – 10am. The menu was absolutely delicious, with a vast variety of Japanese and western choices. We indulged in Japanese omelette, miso soup and chicken. Plus waffles, French toast, cakes and pastries. The staff were so friendly and made the whole dining experience a joy.
The hotel’s self-service, coin operated laundry comes in handy, especially if you’re like us and don’t like carrying dirty laundry in your luggage.
Mitsui Garden is a five minute walk to the Peace Memorial Park. Here you’ll find the Atomic Bomb Dome, the World Heritage listed symbol of peace. This building remains standing as it was after the atomic bomb was dropped – the first ever in human history – on August 6, 1945. The dome has been permanently preserved in its hollowed state in order continue reminding us of the destruction brought by atomic war.
The surrounding Peace Memorial Park was built with the hope of promoting lasting world peace and features many beautiful monuments throughout. We visited the Peace Memorial Museum which is a truly humbling experience.
On a much lighter note, Mitsui Garden is also within a short 5-minute stroll of Hiroshima Central Shopping District. The sprawling Hondori Shopping Street is where you’ll find eateries, vintage clothing, international brands and local goods. We purchased some vintage clothes, ate Mister Donut and picked up some trendy pieces at the funky Japanese clothing chain Spinns.
The hotel is a short bus ride to Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Miyajima is where we patted the live deer which inhabit the island, ate some Okonominyaki and made a stop at Starbucks. Miyajima Island is also the site of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine – the red shrine which appears out of the water.
Hiroshima is a gorgeous part of Japan, with an incredible history and a warm inviting culture. To experience it at its best, a stay at Mitsui Gardens makes the experience magical. The hotel staff were so friendly and accomodating and the location makes getting around an absolute breeze.
For more info or to book your stay, log onto www.gardenhotels.co.jp/hiroshima/
