Tranquil Charm: The Hiroshima Countryside

• Helloこんちは
  [konchīwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sayōnara]
• Yesはい
  [hai]
• Noいいえ
  [iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [dōzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [arigatō gozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [genki desu. anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [menyū o misete kudasai]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [kanpai]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [tasukete!]
• Go away!去ってください！
  [satte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [michi ni mayotte imasu]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [kaitai desu...]
• I'm just looking見ているだけです
  [mite iru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値引きしてもらえますか？
  [nedashiki shite moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半です
  [jūji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [yūgata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [kinō]
• Today今日
  [kyō]
• Tomorrow明日
  [ashita]
• 1一
  [ichi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [san]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [roku]
• 7七
  [nana]
• 8八
  [hachi]
• 9九
  [kyū]
• 10十
  [jū]

• Where's a/the...?…はどこですか？
  [… wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [chizu de misete moraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)（…への）チケット
  [… e no chiketto]

The Hiroshima countryside offers a serene contrast to the bustling city, rich with natural beauty, traditional culture, and a deep sense of history. This region is dotted with charming villages, ancient shrines, and historical sites that tell stories of a past that has shaped the present-day landscape.

During the Edo period, the Hiroshima Domain was established under the feudal system. It was ruled by the Asano clan from Hiroshima Castle, which became the political and economic center of the region. The countryside supported the domain with its agriculture, particularly rice farming, which was a significant part of the local economy.

Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is an island located in Hiroshima Bay and is considered a sacred site. The Itsukushima Shrine, with its iconic 'floating' torii gate, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine dates back to the 6th century and reflects the deep spiritual connection the local people have with nature and Shinto beliefs.

While the city of Hiroshima is infamous for the devastation caused by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, the countryside also felt the effects. Many villages provided refuge for survivors fleeing the city and participated in relief efforts. The bomb's impact led to significant changes in the rural landscape and population dynamics.

The Hiroshima countryside is known for its traditional crafts, such as Kumano brushes, which are highly prized for calligraphy and makeup. The town of Kumano, in particular, has a long history of brush-making dating back to the Edo period. Another notable craft is the production of sake, with breweries in Saijo being renowned for their high-quality sake.

The Hiroshima region has faced several natural disasters, including heavy rains and landslides. The countryside has shown remarkable resilience, with communities coming together to rebuild and support each other. These events have also led to improvements in infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

In recent decades, there has been a focus on balancing modern development with the preservation of the countryside's natural and cultural heritage. Efforts have been made to promote sustainable tourism, encourage the younger generation to engage in traditional practices, and protect historical sites and natural landscapes.

The Hiroshima countryside is alive with seasonal festivals that celebrate the agricultural calendar and local traditions. One of the most famous is the Hiroshima Flower Festival in spring, which showcases the region's vibrant flowers and culture. Autumn brings the harvest festivals, where locals give thanks for the bounty of the land.

Hiroshima countryside can be accessed via Hiroshima Airport, which is the nearest major airport. From Hiroshima Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Hiroshima City. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes by bus. From Hiroshima City, you can use the extensive train network to reach various towns and villages in the countryside. JR trains and local buses are frequent and reliable. Renting a car is also a viable option for more flexibility.

In Hiroshima countryside, the primary modes of transportation include trains, buses, and taxis. The JR Sanyo Main Line and Kabe Line are prominent rail routes connecting various towns. Buses are available for local travel and reaching remote areas. Renting a car is convenient for exploring rural areas at your own pace. Consult local schedules as services may be less frequent in more remote locations.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger towns, hotels, and restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available at convenience stores and post offices. Ensure you have sufficient cash when traveling to remote areas, as ATMs may not be readily accessible.

Hiroshima countryside is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard travel precautions are recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and medical services. Hospitals and clinics are available in larger towns, but medical facilities in rural areas may be limited. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff members speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Traditional attire is appreciated in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove shoes when entering temples and shrines. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Don't speak loudly or make phone calls. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite bow. Handshakes are less common but acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and be open to new foods. Don't leave food on your plate, as it is considered wasteful.

To experience Hiroshima countryside like a local, visit the morning markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often very friendly and willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss visiting historic sites such as the Tomonoura fishing village and the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycling route. For a unique experience, participate in local festivals and try traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.