When visiting Hiroshima, the top things to do include exploring the city's historic landmarks, experiencing its unique culture, and visiting nearby natural attractions, with must-see sites like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the famous Miyajima Island.
Top Attractions
| Attraction | Location | Type | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Historical Park | Commemorates the atomic bombing in 1945 |
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Museum | Exhibits the history of the atomic bombing |
| Miyajima Island | Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima | Island | Famous for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks |
| Itsukushima Shrine | Miyajima Island, Hatsukaichi | Shinto Shrine | A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most scenic spots |
| Hiroshima Castle | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Castle | A historic castle that now serves as a museum |
| Shukkeien Garden | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Garden | A beautiful Japanese garden with a peaceful atmosphere |
| Orizuru Tower | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Observation Deck | Offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area |
| Okonomi-mura | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Food Theme Park | A unique theme park dedicated to Hiroshima's local cuisine |
| Mitaki-dera Temple | Nishi-ku, Hiroshima | Buddhist Temple | A historic temple famous for its beautiful gardens and architecture |
| Mazda Museum | Naka-ku, Hiroshima | Museum | Showcases the history of the Mazda automobile company |
Unique Experiences
- Take a Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki cooking class to learn how to make the city's famous savory pancake
- Visit the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball stadium to watch a live game and experience the local sports culture
- Explore the Hon-dori Shopping Arcade, a historic shopping street filled with local shops and restaurants
- Attend a Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony to pay respects to the victims of the atomic bombing
- Take a Miyajima Island Sunset Cruise to see the famous island from a different perspective
- Visit the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower at night to see the city's skyline illuminated
- Experience the Hiroshima Food Culture by trying local specialties like okonomiyaki, carp sashimi, and momiji manju
Outdoor & Nature
- Visit the Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy the island's natural beauty
- Explore the Shukkeien Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden with a peaceful atmosphere
- Hike to the top of Mount Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima Island, for stunning views of the surrounding area
- Visit the Hiroshima Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers
- Take a stroll along the Kyobashi River, a scenic river that runs through the heart of Hiroshima
Cultural Experiences
- Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the history of the atomic bombing
- Explore the Hiroshima Castle, a historic castle that now serves as a museum
- Attend a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Hiroshima Castle or the Shukkeien Garden
- Visit the Mitaki-dera Temple, a historic temple famous for its beautiful gardens and architecture
- Take a Calligraphy Class to learn about Japanese writing and art
- Explore the Hiroshima Museum of Art, a museum featuring a collection of modern and contemporary Japanese art
Hidden Gems
- Visit the Kamiyacho district, a historic neighborhood filled with old shops and restaurants
- Explore the Nakajima-chou district, a charming neighborhood with a mix of old and new shops and restaurants
- Take a stroll along the Honkawa River, a scenic river that runs through the heart of Hiroshima
- Visit the Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts, a museum showcasing the city's history and traditional crafts
- Attend a Local Festival, such as the Hiroshima Flower Festival or the Miyajima Island Festival
Day Trips
- Take a day trip to Miyajima Island (10 km, 30 minutes by ferry), famous for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks
- Visit Okayama (120 km, 2 hours by train), a city known for its beautiful gardens and historic castle
- Explore Kurashiki (120 km, 2 hours by train), a charming town with a well-preserved historic district
- Take a day trip to Onomichi (100 km, 1.5 hours by train), a scenic town with a beautiful harbor and historic temples
- Visit Iwakuni (50 km, 1 hour by train), a city famous for its historic castle and scenic parks
Planning Tips
Suggested itineraries:
- 3-day itinerary: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Miyajima Island, and the Hiroshima Castle
- 7-day itinerary: Explore the city's historic landmarks, visit nearby natural attractions, and experience the local culture
- 14-day itinerary: Take a deep exploration of the city and its surroundings, including day trips to nearby cities and towns
Key tips: book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and prioritize visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Quick Facts
KeyPopulation of Hiroshima Prefecture
Value2.8 million
KeyBest time to visit
ValueSpring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)
KeyLanguage
ValueJapanese
KeyCurrency
ValueJapanese yen (JPY)