When it comes to West Japan, Kyoto and Osaka are always popular, but there’s so much more to explore! Just a short trip from these cities, you’ll find stunning natural landscapes, charming traditional towns, exciting amusement parks, and an abundance of delicious cuisine waiting for you. With a well-connected rail network, including the Shinkansen, it’s easy to get around—and the JR-WEST RAIL PASS makes traveling even more convenient and affordable.
Just a 90-minute trip from Osaka, Hiroshima is a city rich in history, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies such as oysters and okonomiyaki.
Facilities marked with ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Hiroshima Pass.”
Miyajima, with its iconic torii gate at the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, offers beautiful autumn foliage, encounters with deer, and historic temples and shrines. The charm of this mystical place lies in its seasonal landscapes, where nature and history harmoniously coexist. https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/index.php
②Okonomiyaki ★
Okonomiyaki is a beloved soul food of Hiroshima, made with a thinly spread batter topped with plenty of cabbage, yakisoba noodles, meat, and more. Located just a 3-minutewalk from Hiroshima Station, the “Ekimae Hiroba” okonomiyaki theme park features over ten different shops. Whynot go on a tasting tour and find your favorite flavor? https://ekimae-hiroba.jp/
④HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER ★
A tower adjacent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. From the rooftop observation deck, approximately 50 meters high, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Hiroshima City. The site also features a plaza with various digital displays inspired by origami cranes, symbolizing peace. https://www.orizurutower.jp/en/
画像提供：おりづるタワー
④SEA SPICA＆etSETOra
Enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea on the sightseeing high speed cruiser SEA SPICA, which connects Hiroshima Port and Mihara Port in about half a day. Cruise through one of the most beautiful island-dense areas in the Seto Inland Sea. Train enthusiasts can also ride the etSETOra sightseeing train between Hiroshima Station and Onomichi Station for breathtaking coastal scenery from the comfort of their seats. https://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/simatabi/en/ (SEA SPICA) https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kankoutrain/etsetora/ (etSETOra)
⑤Onomichi, Takehara
Onomichi and Takehara are charming towns rich in history and fine scenery. In Onomichi, visitors can enjoy nice views from Senkoji Temple and the quaint atmosphere of its hillside streets. Takehara is known for its white-walled buildings and the popular Takehara Onsen. Both towns boast a rich culinary culture, offering fresh seafood and local specialties. https://www.ononavi.jp/ (Onomichi) https://www.takeharakankou.jp/en/ (Takehara)
⑥Saijo’s Sake
Saijo, a famous sake-producing region, is home to Saijo Sake Brewery Street near JR Saijo Station, featuring seven breweries where visitors can sample and purchase sake. The area also offers local cuisine restaurants and shops selling original goods unique to Brewery Street making it a delightful place to explore. https://hh-kanko.ne.jp/about/
⑦Kure Bay Ship Tour
Kure City, once known for having the largest naval port in the East, offers cruises that bring visitors up close to Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels. Enjoy the beautiful sea and scenery while knowledgeable guides share insights into the ships’ history and roles, letting you fully appreciate the ocean setting. https://bunker-supply.com/blog/kansen/
⑧Oyster Farm Experience
Join a tour to board a boat with local fishermen and witness the harvest of Hiroshima’s famous oysters up close. Watch as experts shuck oysters at high speed. After a boat visit to Itsukushima Shrine, enjoy a warm bowl of oyster porridge to complete your experience. https://shimadasuisan.com/taiken.html
⑨SEA PASEO ★
Connecting the ports of Hiroshima and Kure with Matsuyama in Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea in just 2hours and 40 minutes, the Sea Paseo ferry is designed as a “park on the water.”Onboard, you’ll find areas for quiet relaxation, dining, conversation, and enjoying the nice scenery. https://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/seapaseo/
⑩The WFRS 20th World Rose Convention 2025 in Fukuyama!
Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Fukuyama is known as the “City of a Million Roses,” boasting a rose-cultivation history of nearly 70years. Every May, the city bursts into bloom with roses. _ e international conference, held every three years in rose cities around the world, will take place in Fukuyama in May 2025. https://en.wrc2025fukuyama.jp/
Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its beautiful nature and traditions, boasts historic sites like Hagi Castle Town and the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge. It’s also a renowned for its high-quality sake production, perfect for exploring various brands of sake, including the famous “Dassai.”
Facilities marked with ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Yamaguchi Pass.”
Hofu Tenmangu is said to be the first Tenmangu shrine established in Japan, among the 12,000 such shrines dedicated to the deity of learning. The shrine is especially lively in mid-February when the plum blossoms, a symbol of Tenmangu, are in full bloom. Visitors can also enjoy matcha and wagashi in the tea room. https://www.hofutenmangu.com/
②LAWAKU wagashi making ★
Experience making traditional wagashi using natural ingredients, born from the desire to share safe and secure treats. You can enjoy the wagashi you create on-site or take them home as souvenirs. https://www.lawaku.yamaguchi.jp/
③Kintaikyo Bridge
Kintaikyo Bridge is a wooden bridge featuring a central three-arch structure and beam bridge designs at both ends, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Its beautiful arches not only provide a delightful crossing but can also be admired from pleasure boats. With seasonal illuminations, visiting at night is highly recommended. https://kintaikyo.iwakuni-city.net/en/
④Rurikoji Temple (Kozan Park)
Rurikoji Temple, home to a National Treasure five-story pagoda, is counted among the Three Famous Pagodas of Japan. The park features various historical sites and is popular for its seasonal beauty, showcasing picturesque views of plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and snowy winter scenery. https://yamaguchi-city.jp/kozantop/topen.html
⑤Shoin Shrine ★
This shrine is dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, a prominent figure and educator of the late Edo period (mid-19th century) who was born in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It attracts many history enthusiasts, and the umbrella-shaped good luck omikuji (fortune-telling strips) are particularly popular. https://showin-jinja.or.jp/
⑥Hagi Sightseeing Boat ★
This 40-minute sightseeing boat tour offers a unique view of Hagi, known as the “Water City.” Enjoy scenic views of the beautiful castle town from the river, and on clear days, venture out into the sea. It’s a great way to experience the city from a fresh perspective, different from exploring on foot. https://hagihakkei7708.wixsite.com/hagi8kei
⑦Hagi Ware ★
Hagi-yaki (Hagi ware) is known for its simple design with minimal decoration and soft, gentle features. Exploring different kilns to discover your favorite piece is a delightful experience. https://www.hagishi.com/en/products/
⑧Enjoy! Sake Tasting
Yamaguchi Prefecture is known for popular sake like “Dassai,” but it also offers a variety of captivating local brews. By sampling different kinds, visitors can fully appreciate the rich flavors and aromas. Exploring the sake breweries is also highly recommended. http://y-shuzo.com/
⑨Ube City: The “Evangelion” Town
Anno Hideaki, the director of the popular anime series Evangelion, hails from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. JR Ube-Shinkawa Station served as a model location in the film, many fans have visited this city. You can even find a display of the iconic seven-meter long “Spear of Longinus” from the series in Tokiwa Park.
Kitakyushu
The Kitakyushu area is easily accessible, with about a 50-minute ride on the Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Kokura Station and only about15 minutes from Hakata Station to Kokura Station. It’s a must-visit destination where you can immerse yourself in Japan’s rich and unique culture.
①Kokura Castle
Originally built in 1602, this castle was destroyed by _ re and later reconstructed in 1959. _ e castle is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms and offers unique experiences. Visitors can enjoy the Castle Café inside the keep, participate in a traditional tea ceremony in the Japanese garden, and watch performances by the Kokura Castle Samurai Team, making it an entertaining destination. https://kokura-castle.jp/english-information/
②Sushi Culture in Kitakyushu
Surrounded by the Genkai Sea, Hibiki Sea, Suo Sea, and the Kanmon Straits, Kitakyushu City boasts a rich variety of fresh and easy access from fishing grounds to ports, ensuring freshness. The city’s fishermen, market workers, and wholesalers, with their high professionalism and skill, ensure the best quality of seafood. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of sushi options, from upscale restaurant, local sushi spots to conveyor-belt sushi, all in a welcoming atmosphere.
③Kanmon Straits
The Kanmon Straits separate Kyushu from Honshu. The Kanmon Bridge, spanning the strait, is a popular scenic spot, offering panoramic views of the straits from the Mojiko Retro Observation Room. The Mojiko Retro Cruise operates both daytime and nighttime cruises, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kanmon Straits and Mojiko from the water. https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_11103.html
④Munakata Taisha
Regarded as one of Japan’s oldest shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this shrine serves as the head of the Munakata shrines that enshrine Munakata deities across Japan. The main hall and worship hall are Important Cultural Properties, attracting visitors who pray for safe voyages and traffic safety. The “Shinpokan” museum on the ground displays around 80,000treasures, including National Treasures like mirrors, magatama jewels, and gold rings excavated from Okinoshima. https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/
⑤Anago Sashimi
Anago (conger eel) from Munakata, raised in the rough waters of the Genkai Sea, is renowned for its exceptional aroma, flavor, and texture, making it a top-quality delicacy. Here, you can enjoy it as sashimi, which is a rare offering in Japan.
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