A Miniature Japan - Overview of Hiroshima -

Hiroshima Prefecture is situated in the southwestern part of Japan's main island of Honshu and in the center of the Chugoku region with a total land area of 8,480km2 and a population of about 2.8 million people. It has the largest land area and population among prefectures in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions.

The prefecture's geography is generally mountainous. The Chugoku Mountain Range is comprised of a series of mountains at least 1,000 meters in elevation in the northern part of the prefecture. In addition to the gently-sloping mountains and clear river gorges, scenic new green leaves in the spring and the beautiful colors of fall spread over a vast area.

To the south, the prefecture borders the Seto Inland Sea, an area dotted with countless islands both large and small creating a panorama of island beauty.

Symbol of Hiroshima Prefecture

Prefectural Symbol

The symbol is designed from the character of "hi", the first letter of "Hiroshima" in Japanese katakana.

The circle expresses the "harmony" and "cooperation" of citizens living in Hiroshima. The overlap of them symbolizes our long lasting progress and development.
(Selected in July 16th in 1968)

Prefectural Bird "Red-throated diver (Gavia stellata) ,Abi  "

The red-throated diver is a migratory bird which breeds at the North Pole and in northern Asia in the summer and migrates south for the winter.

In the Seto Inland Sea, the area around Toyoshima (Kure City) is especially a great place to see them, so it is designated as a protected species in Japan.

 (Selected on July 13th in 1964)

Prefectural Tree "Japanese maple tree ,Momiji "

Momiji, Japanese maple tree, is a tree of Aceraceae.  We have several kinds of momiji such as Irohamomiji (Acer palmatum) and Ohmomiji (Acer amoenum) in Hiroshima Prefecture.  There are many spots like Miyajima, Sandankyo Gorge, and Taisyakukyo Gorge where you can enjoy very beautiful autumn leaves.  We have not officially designated the prefectural flower, but momiji is considered as it because it’s familiar to citizens.
(Selected in September 12th in 1966)

Prefectural Fish "Oyster ,Kaki "

The oyster in Hiroshima has been farmed for 450 years, and is known as one of the best seafood products of us. Today, Hiroshima Prefecture accounts for about 60% of oyster production in Japan and has so many fans all over Japan.
(Selected in September 6th in 1990)