Sightseeing and watching sports!
A "travel trip" to rediscover the charms of Hiroshima

What comes to mind when you hear Hiroshima? Gourmet food such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and momiji manju, learning about war history at the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, or enjoying a trip to the Setouchi Islands with their breathtaking views... It's hard to throw away the classics, but the purpose of this trip is to support my favorite sports team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Yes, the main event is the recently popular "oshikatsu" (supporting a team).

In fact, Hiroshima's sports fever is on the rise. In addition to being the home of the well-known Carp, there are also professional teams such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and a huge soccer stadium is scheduled to open in February 2024, so sports are being talked about all over the city. ! In order to rediscover the charm of Hiroshima, a city of sports, let's depart from Hiroshima Station.

I came to Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine located in Hiroshima Castle Ruins Park.
This place is known as the place where soldiers who died in wars from the Boshin War until World War II and who died in the atomic bombing are enshrined there, but it is also famous for the Carp baseball team coming here every year to pray for victory.
In the precincts, there are two carp statues on the left side of the main shrine, and a rising carp statue on the right side. Carp means "carp" in Japanese. According to what I've heard, the team's name is said to be derived from Hiroshima Castle's other name, ``Rijo'', so it has a close connection to the Oshi team!

"I hope we win tomorrow's game!"

Since I came all the way to Hiroshima, I want to see them win tomorrow's game before returning home. With this wish in mind, we join hands at the main shrine.

After visiting the shrine, they held a cute omikuji in the shape of Katsumori and a carp, which is given to the players every year.

“I wanted this amulet to match the player.”
"Tomorrow's fortune is... (thump)!"

Being able to do some sightseeing while visiting places related to the team is probably the best part of an ``Oshikatsu trip.''

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Address: 21-2 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
HP: https://www.h-gokoku.or.jp

This is Japan's first "urban interaction stadium park" located in the middle of the city. The match will be held at the new home of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima soccer team. This summer, the adjacent park ``Hiroshima Stadium Park'' will be completed, with plans to open a kids play park, library cafe, food stall festival, etc.

Inside the facility, there is the Hiroshima Soccer Museum, Sanfrecce Hiroshima club merchandise, and the Peace Wing Official Store where you can buy local Hiroshima products. There is also a lot to see, including stadium cuisine with a global theme.

“It looks like you can make original goods for your favorite players, which is also cute.”
"Can we eat collaboration menus with athletes? Amazing!"

Even if you just stop by, your satisfaction level will be 120%! There are elements that can be enjoyed in addition to watching sports, and this is sure to become a new tourist attraction.

EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima
Address: 15-2-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
HP: https://www.hiroshima-stadiumpark.jp/peacewing/

Upon entering the hotel, you will find a spacious lobby space. When you look at one corner of the lobby, you will see origami cranes, birds, pandas, and...

"Oh! Isn't this a baseball cap and a ball? It's really well made."

The origami decorations, each handmade by the staff with seasonal motifs, are a small gesture of hospitality at the hotel. As soon as I arrived, I felt so comfortable that I was glad I chose this hotel.

"Wow! So cute"

The pastel colors that catch your eye the moment you enter the guest room will make you want to shout out. From the pale pink walls to the wood-like furniture and art, it has a gentle and lovely atmosphere, with a sophisticated and mature feel to it. From the window, you can see the Kyobashi River and the cityscape in front of you, making it a comfortable stay despite its compact size.

"Now, let's get ready for tomorrow!"

Saying this, she took out some cheering goods from her bag. When she spread out the goods she brought for the game on the bed, they looked cute against the bright colors of the room! Her mood lifted with all her favorite goods, and she had an impromptu photo shoot.

Morning of the second day in Hiroshima. I woke up refreshed by the pleasant morning sun shining into my room.
Watching sports requires a lot of physical strength, so it's a good idea to have a good breakfast to recharge your energy. So I came to the restaurant "The River Side Cafe" on the 1st floor of the hotel. Here you can enjoy breakfast in buffet style.

The large windows give a sense of openness, and you can see the river through the terrace seating. Enjoy an elegant breakfast while watching people walking and running on the promenade.

It's not just the restaurant's atmosphere that lifts your mood in the morning. The buffet menu, where you can also enjoy local gourmet food, is lined up with around 40 types, including Hiroshima's unique okonomiyaki, conger eel soup chazuke, and momiji manju.

"You can't miss the okonomiyaki after all!"
"Maybe I should try Setouchi's lemon butter."

If you try to choose this and that, you'll probably end up overeating! After all, if you're traveling, you want to enjoy food that reflects the local area. It's the perfect morning treat that satisfies both your stomach and your heart.

“It feels good, so why don’t you take a walk around the hotel?”

Either way, we start talking to each other and take a pleasant walk by the riverside. Breathe in the fresh morning air as you look past the river whose surface sparkles with the reflection of the morning sun.

"I've eaten a lot, so I think it's time to take a walk."
“Are you going to continue walking to the stadium?”

Everything is ready. After checking out of the hotel, it's time to head to Mazda Stadium!

"Hey, isn't that it?"
“It’s true, we’ve arrived!!”

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the hotel along the river and into the city center. The Mazda Stadium I was looking for came into view. The brick-colored baseball stadium is a beloved spot for the people of the city as the home base of the Carp.

“One piece to commemorate today!”

Take a commemorative photo wearing the merchandise you brought with you.

Since there was still a little time before the match, I decided to stop by the official merchandise shop on the first floor of the stadium. The shop had hundreds of items on display, including Face Towel and uniforms with players' names on them, key chains, cheering goods, and collaboration goods.

"I bought a lot today"
"I just can't help but collect them."

New products are released every year to coincide with the new season, so it's fun to keep buying them every time you visit.

By the way, there is also a Carp Gallery that opened in March 2023 on the 2nd floor of the shop. Valuable items that can only be seen here, such as league championship and Japan No. 1 trophies, past team uniforms, and equipment used by current players, are on display.

It's finally time to play ball, and the excitement in the stadium quickly rises! The stadium is dyed bright red, and the entire surface is covered in carp color! While many people are cheering, they cheer loudly and do not want to give up.

“I wonder how long it’s been since I cheered out loud, it feels so good!”
“This is the real thrill of watching sports.”

"Ah, it was fun. It was so refreshing!"

A game that makes your hands sweat is a feeling of excitement that can only be felt by watching the match on-site. Whether you win or lose, the fun is the same. Just enjoying the heated atmosphere at the stadium is enough.

Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima (Mazda Stadium)
Address: 2-3-1 Minamikaniya, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City
HP: http://www.mazdastadium.jp

It was a fulfilling two days, enjoying sightseeing and gourmet food, while also having time to relax elegantly at the hotel. “Oshikatsu Tabi” is surprisingly interesting and you might get addicted to it!

"Next time, maybe we should go watch a soccer game."
"I was going to say that too! ... Wear a purple uniform and cheer on the soccer team!"

The reason I'm already looking forward to my next "Oshikatsu trip" is because this trip was so fulfilling.
This trip ended with high expectations for what kind of active trip we could enjoy in Hiroshima next.
A “recommended trip” that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized!
This spring, why not get some energy from your trip?

• This article and images are current as of March 2024.