Visiting Hiroshima for Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

When you think of Hiroshima, a few keywords might come to mind: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Orizuru Tower, and Itsukushima Shrine. This trip was all about leisurely exploring these iconic landmarks and connecting with them beyond just words. 🔗 The Atomic Bomb Dome needs no further introduction, while the Orizuru Tower, located next to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, is a modern architectural attraction. From the open-air "Hiroshima Hill" on the 13th floor, you can enjoy a gentle breeze while taking in views of the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the distant mountains, and the entire cityscape of Hiroshima. After enjoying the view, you can walk down the "Slope Walk" to the indoor area on the 12th floor. Here, you can watch instructional videos to learn how to fold a paper crane as a prayer for peace, and then place your crane into the 50-meter-high glass Orizuru Wall. From the outside, you can see the cranes contributed by visitors from around the world, stacked up to several stories high—a truly spectacular sight. The 12th floor also features various interactive installations that tie the theme of paper cranes to the atomic bomb issue, making it a place worth exploring at a leisurely pace. After leaving the 12th floor, you have three options to descend: walk down the Slope Walk, enjoying murals by different artists on each level; take the spiral slide straight to the exit; or use the elevator 🛗—though the latter is not recommended, as you’d miss out on these unique experiences. Visiting on a weekday, the Orizuru Tower wasn’t crowded, but it’s one of my favorite spots in Hiroshima, and I hope more people get to know about it! Back to the main topic: although I’m not particularly knowledgeable about teppanyaki dishes like Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, Osaka-style Okonomiyaki, or Monjayaki, being in Hiroshima, I had to try it! I ended up having Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki twice: ☝️ Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Village (a building with three floors, from 2F to 4F, entirely dedicated to Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki 🏢. Once you step in, you’ll be enveloped in the aroma—there’s no escape!) ✌️ Nagataya Okonomiyaki (a Hiroshima-exclusive spot where you can choose between udon or yakisoba noodles and decide whether to sit at the teppan counter or in the seating area). I must say, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, packed with stir-fried noodles, vegetables 🥬, toppings, batter, and eggs, is not only layered but also incredibly filling—one meal could easily replace two! I recommend eating it step by step, starting with the original flavor and then trying the various sauces provided by the restaurant to avoid feeling overwhelmed.