Hiroshima, a city that has long been a symbol of devastation and renewal, is an under-appreciated urban dynamo resiliently marching towards doing right by its citizens. One of the smallest cities in our ranking, at just over a million people, Hiroshima’s ongoing urban planning initiatives aim to further enhance its green spaces (it ranks #2 in our Tree Cover subcategory and #9 for Air Quality), public transport, and business and tech infrastructure like the Hiroshima Innovation District (HID). Set for completion by 2028, HID aims to create a hub for technology, research and education in the heart of the city, attracting both domestic and international talent. The expansion of Hiroshima’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is another key to its livability. The hospitality and tourism sectors are also growing as investors and visitors discover this ascendant city. Several new luxury hotels have recently opened, including the Hiroshima Marriott and Hilton Hiroshima, with plans to further develop key attractions such as Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The city’s unique culinary scene is also finally getting its just desserts, particularly its renowned Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake dish consisting of wheat flour batter and other ingredients.