Located in Japan’s Chugoku region, Hiroshima is a unique destination where rich history and stunning nature coexist. From historically significant sites like the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park to natural treasures such as Itsukushima Shrine and Setonaikai National Park, there are plenty of worthwhile places to explore.
Hiroshima also offers famous local delicacies like fresh oysters and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped sweet cakes), along with unique activities including cycling the Shimanami Kaido and experiencing traditional crafts. Use this guide to plan a memorable trip filled with the best that Hiroshima has to offer.
Must-See Hiroshima Attractions
┃ Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome is located in the heart of Hiroshima city and serves as a powerful World Heritage Site that conveys the devastating impact of the atomic bomb dropped near the end of World War II. Originally built in 1915 as an exhibition hall for Hiroshima Prefecture’s local products, the building’s central structure miraculously survived the blast because the bomb’s force struck almost vertically. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace, attracting many visitors.
Surrounding the dome is the Peace Memorial Park, a solemn area dedicated to remembering the horrors of war and promoting a message of peace.
┃ Peace Memorial Park
Peace Memorial Park is Hiroshima’s iconic park centered around the Atomic Bomb Dome. It features numerous monuments dedicated to the hope for peace, including the Children’s Peace Monument and the Peace Bell.
Every year on August 6th—the anniversary of the atomic bombing—a Peace Memorial Ceremony is held here, drawing visitors from around the world to pray for peace.
┃ Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine, located on Miyajima Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. Its iconic floating torii gate changes its appearance with the ebb and flow of the tides, captivating visitors.
Behind the shrine, Mt. Misen rises, offering a harmonious blend of nature and history in a stunning setting.
┃ Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, built in 1589 by the feudal lord Mori Terumoto, stands in the heart of Hiroshima city. The castle’s main keep is now a history museum showcasing Japanese swords, armor, and other artifacts.
From the top floor, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and Hiroshima Bay, making it a popular sightseeing spot.
┃ Setonaikai National Park
Setonaikai National Park is famous for its stunning views of beautiful islands connected by bridges. Around Hiroshima, islands such as Miyajima and Okunoshima offer visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The “Shimanami Kaido” cycling route, which links these islands, is very popular among cyclists who want to enjoy a leisurely bike trip while feeling the sea breeze.
┃ Yamato Museum
The Yamato Museum, located in Kure City, is a maritime history and science museum centered on the battleship Yamato. The museum features a life-size model of the Yamato and exhibits original materials from the era, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
It also offers many interactive displays that families can enjoy, making it a popular educational tourist destination.
┃ Onomichi Townscape
Onomichi is known for its charming old-town atmosphere and has served as the setting for many literary works and films. The shopping streets, where visitors can enjoy Onomichi ramen and local specialty products, are particularly popular among tourists. It is recommended to take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the nostalgic scenery.
┃ Ōkunoshima Island
Ōkunoshima is a small island about 4 km in circumference, located in Takehara City, famous as “Rabbit Island.” Around 500 to 600 rabbits live freely on the island, providing a soothing experience for visitors.
The island also has a history as a former poison gas factory site, and a museum on the island offers insight into this past.
┃ Taishaku Gorge
Taishaku Gorge, located in Jinsekikogen Town, is a scenic valley where visitors can enjoy stunning natural beauty throughout the four seasons. The area is especially popular during the autumn foliage season, attracting many tourists who come to admire the vibrant colors.
Well-maintained walking trails allow for hiking and nature observation, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Classic Local Foods and Souvenirs
┃ Oysters
Hiroshima is famously known for its oysters. Raised in Hiroshima Bay, these oysters benefit from the rich marine environment, giving them a distinct, rich flavor. At the specialty oyster restaurant “Kakiya,” oysters sourced from Jigozen are prepared with simple seasonings that highlight their natural umami. Visitors can enjoy fresh oysters served raw, grilled, fried, and in many other delicious styles.
┃ Momiji Manju
Momiji Manju is a quintessential Hiroshima souvenir. The traditional Japanese confectionery shop “Nishikido” produces Momiji Manju known for its mild sweetness and simple, comforting flavor. It is also recognized as a part of “The Hiroshima Brand.” Among the varieties, the popular “Nama Momiji” is made with carefully selected mochi flour and rice flour, offering a soft, chewy texture reminiscent of fresh wagashi (Japanese sweets).
┃ Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki varies by region, and Hiroshima’s style is known for its “layered grilling” technique. Thin batter is first spread out, then layers of cabbage, meat, and fried noodles are added in sequence. Finally, it’s topped with an egg and coated with savory sauce to complete the dish. Many restaurants grill it right in front of you on an iron griddle, serving it fresh and piping hot — an absolute must-try when visiting Hiroshima.
┃ Kumano Brushes
Kumano Town in Hiroshima Prefecture is famous for its brush production. Kumano brushes are highly regarded both in Japan and internationally for their quality and craftsmanship. They are popular as makeup brushes and calligraphy brushes. Each brush is carefully handmade by skilled artisans, offering a superior feel that once experienced, users rarely want to part with them. When visiting Hiroshima, consider taking a Kumano brush as a special souvenir.
Activities to Experience in Hiroshima
┃ Cycling at Setouchi Shimanami Kaido
The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido is a roughly 60 km-long route connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu Island with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island. This route links a series of islands across the Seto Inland Sea with seven bridges. Known as a paradise for cyclists, it offers courses suitable for beginners to advanced riders. Cycling while enjoying the stunning ocean views provides a refreshing experience for both body and mind.
┃ Oyster Hut Tours
Hiroshima is famous as a major oyster-producing region, and during winter, oyster huts become bustling spots. An oyster hut is a barbecue-style venue where visitors gather around a charcoal fire to grill fresh oysters and other local ingredients on the spot. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the rich flavor of fresh oysters and to interact with locals. This is a highly recommended gourmet experience unique to Hiroshima.
┃ Traditional Cultural Experiences
Traditional experiences rooted in the local culture are also popular in Hiroshima. For example, at Koyudo, famous for Kumano brushes, visitors can participate in brush-making workshops under the guidance of skilled artisans to create their own original brushes. Additionally, Saijo in Higashihiroshima, known for its sake production, offers sake brewery tours where visitors can learn about sake-making, enjoy tastings, and purchase local brews. Sake brewery tours are a popular activity in the region.
Basic Information for Hiroshima Tourism
┃ Access
Hiroshima is very convenient to access and attracts many tourists both domestically and internationally. By taking the Nozomi Shinkansen, it takes about 4 hours to travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Within the city, the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) is very convenient, providing smooth access to various tourist spots. From Hiroshima Station, you can easily get around the city using streetcars and buses.
┃ Recommended Seasons and Climate
The best times to visit Hiroshima are spring and autumn. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, allowing you to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in Hiroshima city and on Miyajima Island. In autumn, the fall foliage reaches its peak, with Momijidani Park on Miyajima being especially popular as a stunning spot to view the colorful leaves. Summers can be quite hot, but you can enjoy the beautiful seaside scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Winters are relatively mild, making sightseeing comfortable. Plan your visit according to the seasonal attractions to fully enjoy Hiroshima’s charm.
Recommended Hiroshima Itinerary
Here are some sample itineraries to fully enjoy Hiroshima’s charm, suitable for first-time visitors as well as repeat travelers, organized by length of stay.
┃ Half-Day Course
12:00 — Lunch: Savor Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki near Hiroshima Station or downtown.
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13:30 — Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park.
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15:00 — Walk to Hiroshima Castle, within walking distance from the Atomic Bomb Dome.
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16:00 — Souvenir time: Don’t forget to pick up Hiroshima specialties like momiji manju and Kumano brushes.
┃ One-Day Course
09:00 — Start from Central Hiroshima ↓
09:30 — Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park
↓ 11:00 — Enjoy traditional Japanese architecture and garden beauty at Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden ↓
13:00 — Travel to Miyajima Island
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14:00 — Tour the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine
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16:00 — Stroll around the island with the beautiful Seto Inland Sea sunset as your backdrop
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18:00 — Return to the city and savor local specialties such as okonomiyaki and oysters
┃ 1-Night 2-Day Course
☆Day 1 09:00 — Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park
Duration: About 1.5 hours
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10:30 — Hiroshima Castle – Enjoy views of the city and Hiroshima Bay from the castle tower Duration: About 1 hour
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11:30 — Lunch: Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in the city center ↓
13:00 — Yamato Museum (Kure City)
↓ About 30 minutes by train from Hiroshima city
14:30 — Stroll through the charming streets of Onomichi (Onomichi City)
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15:30 — Enjoy the beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery in Onomichi
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16:00 — Souvenir shopping & café break
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18:00 — Dinner: Hiroshima specialty dishes
☆ Day 2 09:00— Travel to Miyajima – About 30 minutes by ferry from Hiroshima city
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10:00— Visit the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine ↓
12:00— Lunch: Savor fresh seafood on Miyajima Island
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13:00— Explore more of Miyajima
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14:30 — Return to Hiroshima city by ferry
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16:00 — Souvenir shopping & cafe break
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17:30 – 19:00 Dinner: Enjoy Hiroshima’s gourmet cuisine
Hiroshima Sightseeing FAQ
Q. Are there any hidden gem spots?
Sera Kogen Farm is a vast area where you can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. The tulips in spring and dahlias in autumn are especially spectacular. Taishaku Gorge is a place to fully appreciate the beauty of nature, with the view of the “Onbashi Bridge” being particularly breathtaking. Since these spots are relatively less crowded, they are highly recommended as hidden gems where you can quietly enjoy nature.
Q. Any recommended sightseeing spots on rainy days?
Even on rainy days, there are plenty of enjoyable places in Hiroshima. One such spot is Miyajima Aquarium (“Miyaji Marine”) located on Miyajima Island, famous for the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine. You can encounter about 380 species of marine life here, and the dolphin show is a must-see. Another good option is the Orizuru Tower in Hiroshima city, which also has a café, making it a comfortable place to spend time indoors on rainy days. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is another great spot to deeply learn about Hiroshima’s history while staying dry.
Q. Recommended spots for nighttime?
To enjoy Hiroshima at night, the light-up of Shukkeien Garden is highly recommended. The historic garden is illuminated beautifully, offering a magical atmosphere different from daytime. In Hiroshima city’s downtown, there are many izakayas and restaurants where you can savor local cuisine, making nighttime strolls very enjoyable. Additionally, the night view of Miyajima is not to be missed. The illuminated torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine floating on the sea is truly a breathtaking sight.
Q. Recommended sightseeing spots for couples?
For couples visiting Hiroshima, Miyajima Island is highly recommended. After visiting the Itsukushima Shrine, you can take the ropeway up Mt. Misen and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. Additionally, Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima city is a perfect place to spend a quiet and peaceful time together. The garden’s nighttime illumination creates a particularly romantic atmosphere.
Q. Recommended sightseeing spots for families with children?
For families traveling with children, the 5-Days Children’s Museum is a great choice. It features interactive science exhibits and a planetarium, making learning fun for kids. Miyajima Aquarium is also family-friendly, and the dolphin show is sure to entertain both children and adults alike.
Hiroshima is a travel destination full of charm with its rich history, natural beauty, culture, and gourmet delights. No matter the season, there’s always a unique way to enjoy your visit. Use this guide to help plan your own special trip to Hiroshima!
I am Hana, born and raised in the countryside in Okayama, a land of sunshine. After living in other countries, I came to realize how wonderful Japan is. Although I was very bad at history at school, I have recently become interested in Japanese history. I love visiting places in Japan while imagining the historical background of each place.
