Exploring Suzuka Nakamoto's Hometown: A Tour of Hiroshima's Landmarks
From ASH to Okonomiyaki: Tracing the Footsteps of Babymetal’s Suzuka Nakamoto
Discovering the Charms of Hiroshima Through Suzuka Nakamoto's Eyes
If you're a fan of the wildly popular Japanese metal band BabyMetal, or specifically, the talented SU-METAL, you won't want to miss a chance to visit her hometown of Hiroshima. With its rich cultural and historical significance, Hiroshima has much to offer for tourists. But for the true BabyMetal fans, a pilgrimage to the places associated with SU-METAL is an absolute must.
1.Hiroshima Green Arena
The Hiroshima Green Arena is a stunning sports facility located in the heart of the city, surrounded by lush urban parks. With a capacity of around 10,000 spectators, the arena has been the venue for numerous cultural and sporting events over the years, but for Babymetal fans, it will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
So, if you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, make sure to add the Hiroshima Green Arena to your itinerary. This is just one of the many places associated with SU-METAL that you won't want to miss. From her childhood home to her favorite restaurants, a tour of Suzuka Nakamoto's hometown is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any true Babymetal fan.
2.Actors School Hiroshima
Actors School Hiroshima, or ASH for short, is a place of great significance in the life of Suzuka Nakamoto. This prestigious performing arts school is where Suzuka honed her skills and laid the foundation for her career in the entertainment industry.
The school is located in Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, and is renowned for producing many successful entertainers, including Perfume, Riho Sheyashi, Himeka Nakamoto, and Natsumi Hanaoka. ASH is considered a gateway to success for aspiring entertainers, and it's no wonder that Suzuka attended this school to cultivate her talents.
As you cross the pedestrian bridge near the Deshiomachi bus stop, you can see the large building that is ASH in the background. It's an iconic view that brings back fond memories for many alumni, including Suzuka.
3.Tohka-san
As you continue on your journey to explore the places associated with BabyMetal member Suzuka Nakamoto, the next stop on your list should be Tohka-san. This is a festival that is celebrated annually in Hiroshima, and it holds a special place in Suzuka's heart, as it's the location where her iconic picture was taken.
Tohka-san is a well-known festival in Hiroshima, marking the arrival of summer in the city. It's one of the three major festivals celebrated in Hiroshima, alongside Goko Ko and Sumiyoshi Matsuri. The festival is held at Enryuji Temple, a beautiful Nichiren Shu temple located in Hiroshima City.
The spot where Suzuka's photo was taken is the entrance to Enryuji Temple. This temple is dedicated to "Touka Daimyojin," the deity of Inari, a local Inari shrine in Suzuka's hometown. So, if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a real fox during your visit!
Tohka-san is not just a festival, but it's also a celebration of culture, history, and traditions that are deeply rooted in Hiroshima's heritage. During the festival, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food, watch local performances, and take part in various activities. The festival's ambiance is truly infectious, and it's an experience that will stay with you for a long time.
If you're planning to visit Hiroshima, make sure to schedule your trip around the Tohka-san festival. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's culture and traditions while also experiencing a special moment in the life of the talented SU-METAL.
4.Okonomiyaki "Itsukushima"
One of Suzuka's favorite dishes is okonomiyaki, and she must have been craving some from her hometown when she took this photo at Okonomiyaki "Itsukushima". Located in the Hatchobori area of downtown Hiroshima, the restaurant is situated on the 4th floor of Okonomimura and is easily identifiable with its blue brick sign.
It's a popular spot for people from various industries, including baseball players, comedians, theater troupes, and musicians, all of whom have left their autographs on the walls.
The restaurant offers comfortable counter seating, and fans of Baby Metal should definitely try the "Su-chan set" which includes Ramune and Itsukushima-yaki.
5.Alpark
The next place on your pilgrimage to the holy land of Suzuka Nakamoto is Alpark. This venue is where Suzuka, in her second grade, won the grand prix at the Actors School Hiroshima Scholarship Audition in the spring of 2006. It's said to be her starting point and the place where she discovered her passion for music.
As you enter the venue, you'll be greeted by the elegant atmosphere of a music hall. Walking up the stairs, you'll find the entrance to the main hall on the left and the entrance to the middle hall on the right. Presentations and performances are held in either the large or the medium hall.
Unfortunately, if there are no performances or presentations scheduled, access to the halls is restricted. But just being in the same space where Suzuka began her journey towards becoming SU-METAL is a humbling experience that's bound to give you chills.
Alpark is not just a venue but also an essential piece of Hiroshima's cultural history. It has hosted numerous events and performances, making it a significant part of the city's entertainment scene. Being at Alpark is an opportunity to connect with Suzuka's past, the history of Hiroshima's entertainment industry, and to witness the birthplace of one of the most talented musicians of our time.
If you're planning to visit Hiroshima, make sure to add Alpark to your itinerary. It's a place where you can pay tribute to Suzuka's beginnings and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage.
6.Aster Plaza
The next stop on your journey to explore the holy land of Suzuka Nakamoto is Aster Plaza. This venue holds a special place in Suzuka's heart as it's where she used to perform twice a year during her time as a student at Actors School Hiroshima.
The semi-annual spring and fall recitals, which are Actors School Hiroshima's biggest events, take place at Aster Plaza. It's where Suzuka used to showcase her talents in front of her parents, fans, and scouts from Tokyo. Although there were a few times when she couldn't perform due to her involvement in extracurricular activities like Karen Girls and Sakura Gakuin, she remained a true diva, always giving her best on stage.
Aster Plaza is a cultural facility located in the heart of Hiroshima City. It's a complex venue that hosts a variety of cultural events and activities throughout the year. Walking through its halls, you'll feel the energy of the past recitals and the many artists who have graced its stage, including the talented Suzuka Nakamoto.
Visiting Aster Plaza is a pilgrimage to the birthplace of one of the most iconic musicians of our time. It's a sacred place where Suzuka honed her skills and developed her love for music. As you stand where she once stood, you'll be inspired by her dedication, passion, and unwavering spirit.
If you're a fan of Baby Metal or just interested in Hiroshima's cultural scene, a visit to Aster Plaza is a must. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and pay tribute to the diva Suzuka Nakamoto.
7.Sun Beach Okimi
If you're a Baby Metal fan, you might be interested to know that the gorgeous beach where Suzuka Nakamoto's iconic photos were taken is called "Sun Beach Okimi". Located in Etajima City, the beach has stunning white sand and offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
All rooms in the accommodation come with an ocean view, allowing you to relax while gazing at the ever-changing scenery of the sea and enjoying spectacular sunsets. You can also unwind in the large glass-walled baths while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
It's no wonder that this place was chosen as the backdrop for Suzuka's beach photo shoot. If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, be sure to check out Sun Beach Okimi and experience the same peaceful atmosphere that Suzuka did.
8.Motomachi Credo
Motomachi Credo is not only a shopping complex but also an important stage for Suzuka Nakamoto's Christmas performances during her ASH days. The annual Christmas event was a big deal for Suzuka and her fans, as it gave her a chance to showcase her vocal talents on a grand stage.
Motomachi Credo is a bustling hub of activity, featuring a hotel, department stores, and specialty shops all in one place. The complex is designed to be a town within itself, complete with a lively atrium space that exudes comfort and convenience.
It's the perfect place to shop, dine, and enjoy live performances - just like the ones Suzuka used to put on! If you're a fan of Suzuka or BabyMetal, Motomachi Credo is definitely a must-visit location when you're in Hiroshima.
9.The Deshiomachi bus stop
The Deshiomachi bus stop may seem like an ordinary location, but it holds a special place in the heart of Suzuka Nakamoto and her fans. It was here that Suzuka's only photo book, "Sakura Gakuin Graduation," featured a stunning photo that captured the essence of the young idol.
The photo book was a project initiated by Suzuka herself, who wanted to share the town where she was born and raised with her fans. She even suggested including the streetcar and the area around ASH, the school where she studied.
The characters for "Deshio-cho" can be seen in the photo, indicating the location of the nearest bus stop to ASH, where Suzuka probably commuted to school. For Baby Metal fans and Suzuka enthusiasts, the Deshiomachi bus stop is a must-visit location that adds to the magic and mystique of this iconic idol.
10.Onomichi
Babymetal member Suzuka Nakamoto also took some stunning photos in this town. One of them is a shot of a railroad crossing, located near the Shinkoji Temple on the way to the ropeway station for Senkoji Park. If you continue your walk, you'll discover beautiful tile paths and quaint back roads.
The famous "Cat's Narrow Path" is just a short walk from the Ushitora Shrine, and it's a must-see for any cat lover. Onomichi also boasts historic and retro streets such as Senko-ji Temple, Tennei-ji Temple, Onomichi Hon-dori Shopping Street, and Neko no Hosomichi (Cat's Hosomichi). It's no wonder that Suzuka was drawn to this town's charm and beauty.
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