Beneath an arched cenotaph in Hiroshima’s Memorial Park a flame burns, waiting to be extinguished once the world is finally rid of nuclear weapons. Close by, thousands of paper cranes, a symbol of health and longevity, are spread in silent protest around the poignant Children’s Peace Memorial. But the modern city is fully revitalised, and from your central hotel it is easy to explore its lively and energetic core. A short ferry ride from Hiroshima is the peaceful island of Miyajima, renowned for the great red ‘Floating Torii Gate’ set in the picturesque Itsukushima Bay. Considered by the Japanese to be one of their ‘Three Great Sights’, Miyajima is a must for any visitor to this part of the country. Also within easy reach is the pleasant town of Iwakuni, famed for its venerable multi-arched wooden bridge.