Hiroshima Travel Guide: The Best Things To Do
Hiroshima was one of the most unexpectedly memorable highlights of our trip around Japan. We instantly loved the city’s relaxed atmosphere and vibrant energy, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops on our itinerary. However, the real highlight for me was taking a day trip to Miyajima. From the iconic floating torii gate to the island’s beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, it was genuinely one of the best experiences of our entire trip to date. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about visiting Hiroshima, including the best things to do, how to get around, where to stay and our top travel tips.
Why Visit Hiroshima?
Hiroshima is a fascinating city in western Japan, best known for its important history, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. However, there is much more to the city than its past, with a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food and plenty of attractions to explore. Hiroshima is also the perfect base for a day trip to the beautiful island of Miyajima, which was one of the highlights of our entire trip around Japan.
Best Time to Visit Hiroshima
The best time to visit Hiroshima is generally during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the city and taking a day trip to Miyajima. Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms, while autumn offers colourful foliage and pleasant temperatures. Summer can be hot and humid, but it is also a popular time to visit, particularly if you want to experience festivals or enjoy longer daylight hours. Winter is quieter and often more affordable, although temperatures can be cooler. We visited Hiroshima during the summer and still had a fantastic experience exploring the city and Miyajima. We visited in summer and I won’t lie it was hot and sweaty however for us this worked best with our travel plans.
How Many Days Do You Need in Hiroshima?
We recommend spending at least two days in Hiroshima to experience the city and its surrounding attractions without feeling rushed which is what we did. One day can be spent exploring the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and the city centre, while the second day is perfect for taking a trip to Miyajima. For us, Miyajima was one of the highlights of our entire Japan trip, so we highly recommend allowing enough time to explore the island properly. If you have more time, spending three days in Hiroshima allows you to explore at a slower pace and discover more of the surrounding area.
How to Get to Hiroshima
Hiroshima is well connected to the rest of Japan, making it an easy destination to add to any Japan itinerary. The most popular way to reach the city is by Shinkansen, with regular services connecting Hiroshima to major cities including Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and Fukuoka. We travelled to Hiroshima as part of our wider trip around Japan, and the train made getting between destinations simple and convenient.
Hiroshima can also be reached by domestic flight, with Hiroshima Airport located outside the city, although the Shinkansen is often the more convenient option when travelling from other major cities in Japan. Once you arrive in Hiroshima, the city centre is easy to reach using the local tram and bus network.
How to Get Around Hiroshima
Getting around Hiroshima is relatively easy, with the city centre being compact and many of the main attractions located within walking distance of one another.
The Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden), commonly known as the tram or street car, is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city and connects popular areas including Hiroshima Station and the Peace Memorial Park. Local buses are also available, while taxis are a convenient option for shorter journeys.
If you are planning a day trip to Miyajima, you can travel by train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi and then take the short ferry across to the island. We found Hiroshima easy to navigate, and a combination of walking and public transport was more than enough for exploring the city.
Best Things to Do in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city with a fascinating mix of history, culture, food and beautiful surrounding scenery. From learning about the city’s past at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to exploring vibrant streets and trying the local cuisine, there is plenty to see and do. We also highly recommend taking a day trip to Miyajima, which was one of the absolute highlights of our time in Hiroshima and, for me, one of the best experiences of our entire trip around Japan.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of the most important things to do in Hiroshima. Located in the heart of the city, the park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945 and serves as a powerful symbol of peace. As you walk through the park, you will find several significant memorials and monuments, including the Children’s Peace Monument and the Peace Flame.
The park is a peaceful place to walk around and reflect, while also learning more about the events that shaped Hiroshima’s history. We found visiting the park to be a moving and thought-provoking experience, and it is an essential stop for anyone visiting Hiroshima.
See the Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of Hiroshima’s most recognisable landmarks and an important symbol of the city’s history. Located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the building was one of the few structures near the hypocentre of the atomic bomb to remain partially standing after the 1945 bombing.
Today, the Atomic Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the devastating events that took place in Hiroshima and as a symbol of the importance of peace. Seeing the building in person is a powerful experience, and it is one of the most significant landmarks to visit during your time in the city.
Visit Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is another popular attraction to visit during your time in the city. Originally built in the late 16th century, the castle was destroyed during the atomic bombing in 1945 before being reconstructed. Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds, admire the traditional Japanese architecture and enjoy views across Hiroshima from the castle tower. We really enjoyed wandering around the peaceful grounds, making Hiroshima Castle a great addition to your Hiroshima itinerary.
Take a Day Trip to Miyajima
Taking a day trip to Miyajima was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our entire trip around Japan. Located just a short journey from Hiroshima, this beautiful island is famous for its iconic floating torii gate, stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
As you explore the island, you can wander through the traditional streets, visit Itsukushima Shrine, spot the famous deer and enjoy the beautiful views surrounding the island.
For me, Miyajima was the highlight of our time in Hiroshima and one of my favourite experiences of our Japan trip so far. We highly recommend allowing a full day to explore the island, as there is so much more to see beyond the famous torii gate.
What to Eat in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a fantastic destination for food lovers, with several delicious local dishes that are well worth trying during your visit. The city is particularly famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake layered with ingredients such as cabbage, noodles, meat and seafood. You should also try oysters, which are a local speciality and particularly popular around Hiroshima and Miyajima. If you are visiting Miyajima, be sure to try the island’s famous fresh oysters and momiji manju, a sweet maple-leaf-shaped cake traditionally filled with red bean paste.
Where to Stay in Hiroshima
The best place to stay in Hiroshima depends on what you want from your visit, but staying in or around the city centre is generally the most convenient option. This puts you close to many of the city’s main attractions, restaurants and public transport connections, making it easy to explore Hiroshima and travel to Miyajima. Staying near Hiroshima Station is another popular choice, particularly if you are travelling around Japan by Shinkansen or planning to take day trips. For a quieter experience, you could also consider staying closer to the Peace Memorial Park, where you will be within walking distance of some of Hiroshima’s most important historical landmarks. We stayed by the train station which was convenient for us as we were traveling frequently.
Hiroshima Travel Tips
- Allow enough time for Miyajima: We recommend dedicating a full day to exploring Miyajima, as there is much more to see than just the famous floating torii gate.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will likely spend a lot of time walking while exploring both Hiroshima and Miyajima.
- Try the local food: Be sure to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters and the famous momiji manju on Miyajima.
- Use public transport: Hiroshima’s tram and bus network makes getting around the city easy and convenient.
- Plan your visit to the Peace Memorial Park: Allow plenty of time to explore the park and visit the important historical landmarks.
- Check ferry times for Miyajima: If you are visiting the island as a day trip, check the ferry schedule so you can plan your journey back to Hiroshima.
- Consider staying for at least two nights: This gives you enough time to explore Hiroshima and enjoy a full day trip to Miyajima without feeling rushed.
Hiroshima Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Hiroshima?
We recommend spending at least two days in Hiroshima. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions, including the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, while also allowing a full day to visit Miyajima.
Is Hiroshima worth visiting?
Absolutely! Hiroshima is one of the most interesting destinations to visit in Japan, offering a fascinating mix of history, culture, food and beautiful scenery. For us, it was one of the most unexpectedly memorable stops on our Japan itinerary.
Is Miyajima worth visiting from Hiroshima?
Yes, definitely. Miyajima was one of the highlights of our entire trip around Japan. The island is home to the famous floating torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, beautiful scenery and plenty of charming streets to explore.
What is Hiroshima famous for?
Hiroshima is best known for its history and the atomic bombing of 1945. Today, the city is home to important landmarks including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, as well as delicious local food and its close proximity to Miyajima.
What food is Hiroshima famous for?
Hiroshima is particularly famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters and momiji manju, a sweet maple-leaf-shaped cake that is especially popular on Miyajima.
Is Hiroshima easy to get around?
Yes, Hiroshima is relatively easy to explore. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, while the city’s trams and buses make it simple to reach destinations further away.
Can you visit Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day?
Although it is possible to visit both in one day, we recommend spending at least two days in the area. This allows you to explore Hiroshima properly and dedicate a full day to Miyajima without feeling rushed.
