Hiroshima is a poignant, resilient, and deeply moving city that beautifully balances its somber history with a vibrant, modern urban spirit. It is best visited in the spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for crisp foliage, offering a unique blend of world-class historical sites and stunning coastal scenery.
Top Things to Do in Hiroshima
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Getting Around Hiroshima
From the Airport
Airport Limousine Bus. The Hiroshima Airport Limousine Bus is the most direct way to reach the city center, taking about 45-55 minutes to reach Hiroshima Station and costing approximately 1,450 yen. Taxi. Taxis are available at the airport arrivals area, but they are significantly more expensive than the bus, often costing over 15,000 yen for the trip to the city center.
Once You're There
Hiroden Streetcar. The Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) is the city's iconic tram network, which is the most efficient and scenic way to navigate between major tourist hubs. Walking. The central area, including the Peace Park and Hondori, is highly walkable and best explored on foot to truly appreciate the city's layout.
Where to Stay in Hiroshima
Hotel picks for Hiroshima are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Hiroshima
Koba★ 4.8 (637)1-4 Nakamachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0037, JapanA hidden gem near the city center that serves exquisite, multi-course kaiseki meals focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Hassei★ 4.6 (1,113)4-17 Fujimichō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0043, JapanRenowned for their 'soba-noodle' okonomiyaki, this place is a favorite among locals for its authentic atmosphere and generous portions.
Boulangerie L'epi★ 4.6 (375)5-5 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, JapanThis charming bakery is the perfect stop for high-quality artisanal breads and pastries before heading out for a day of sightseeing.
Nagataya★ 4.4 (3,416)Japan, 〒730-0051 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Ōtemachi, 1-chōme−7−１９ 重石ビル １FA highly-rated okonomiyaki restaurant near the Peace Park known for its friendly service and perfectly balanced, crispy-noodle pancakes.
Kaki-ya★ 4.4 (1,837)539 Miyajimachō, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, JapanLocated on Miyajima Island, this spot is famous for its exceptionally fresh grilled oysters served in a variety of styles.
Okonomimura★ 4.3 (8,973)5-13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034, JapanThis multi-story building is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, featuring dozens of individual stalls serving the city's signature layered savory pancake.
Miyajima Coffee★ 4.3 (906)464-3 Miyajimachō, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, JapanAn ideal stop for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, offering hand-drip coffee and delicious sweets overlooking the island's main street.
Fujitaya★ 4.2 (1,207)125-2 Miyajimachō, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, JapanFamous for their traditional anago-meshi (conger eel over rice), this long-standing restaurant on Miyajima is widely considered the best place to try this local delicacy.
Tours & Activities
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3 Days in Hiroshima
History and Reflection
Morning. Start your journey at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a sprawling green space that serves as a moving tribute to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Walk slowly toward the Atomic Bomb Dome, the skeletal remains of the former Industrial Promotion Hall that stands as a haunting UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend a significant amount of time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where the exhibits provide a sobering, detailed account of the events and the city's subsequent recovery. Arrive early, ideally by 9:00 AM, to avoid the largest tour groups and allow yourself enough time to process the heavy subject matter. Afterward, take a contemplative walk through the park to see the Children's Peace Monument before heading toward the riverbanks.
Afternoon. After the emotional weight of the morning, head to the nearby Orizuru Tower to gain a different perspective on the city. Take the elevator to the top-floor observation deck for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding cityscape, then walk down the spiraling ramp while enjoying the modern architecture. Once you reach the ground, head toward the Hondori Shopping Arcade to experience the vibrant, bustling heart of modern Hiroshima. This covered street is packed with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes, offering a stark but necessary contrast to the morning's somber sites. Spend a couple of hours browsing before finding a spot to rest your feet with a matcha latte.
Evening. As the sun sets, head straight for Okonomimura, a multi-story building dedicated entirely to Hiroshima's most famous culinary export. Choose a stall on one of the upper floors, pull up a stool at the counter, and watch the master chef expertly layer cabbage, noodles, pork, and egg on a hot iron griddle. The atmosphere is loud, smoky, and incredibly welcoming, making it the perfect place to mingle with locals. After your meal, take a slow stroll back through the illuminated city streets toward your hotel, enjoying the neon lights that give the city a lively, energetic feel at night.
Island Sanctuary
Morning. Take the ferry from Hiroshima Port or Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island, a sacred destination known for its floating torii gate. Upon arrival, walk along the coastline toward Itsukushima Shrine, timing your visit to catch the tide if possible to see the gate appearing to float on the water. Wander through the vermillion-painted corridors of the shrine, which are built over the sea and offer stunning views of the bay. Be sure to keep an eye out for the friendly, free-roaming deer that inhabit the island, though keep your snacks tucked away. Before leaving the shrine area, take a moment to appreciate the intricate wood carvings and the serene atmosphere that has defined this sacred site for centuries.
Afternoon. After exploring the shrine, head toward the base of Mount Misen to take the Miyajima Ropeway for a breathtaking ascent. The cable car ride provides sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, and once at the top, you can hike the remaining path to the summit observatory. The trails are well-marked and pass through primeval forests, offering a refreshing escape into nature. If you prefer to stay closer to the town, wander the narrow, charming streets of Omotesando Shopping Street, where you can sample fresh momiji manju, a maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with red bean paste. Spend the rest of the afternoon hiking or browsing the local artisan shops before heading back down to the ferry terminal.
Evening. Before catching the ferry back to the mainland, settle into a traditional restaurant on the island for a dinner featuring local specialties. Fujitaya is a must-visit for their legendary anago-meshi, a dish of grilled conger eel that is tender and savory. The small, intimate setting provides a quiet end to a long day of island exploration. As you take the evening ferry back, look back at the island to see the torii gate illuminated against the dark water, a magical sight that marks the perfect conclusion to your day. Once back in Hiroshima, enjoy a quiet walk along the Motoyasu River before calling it a night.
Gardens and Castles
Morning. Start your day at the stunning Shukkeien Garden, a historic landscape garden that dates back to 1620. Walk the winding paths that encircle the central pond, crossing over the iconic arched bridges and admiring the carefully manicured pine trees. The garden is designed to represent different natural landscapes in miniature, providing a peaceful and meditative start to your final day. Spend at least an hour here, stopping at the teahouse for a bowl of whisked matcha and a traditional sweet. It is a photographer's dream, especially in the early morning light when the garden is at its quietest.
Afternoon. From the garden, take a short tram or taxi ride to Hiroshima Castle, also known as the Carp Castle. The original structure was destroyed in 1945, but the current reconstruction is a beautiful example of Japanese castle architecture and houses a fascinating museum inside. Climb to the top floor for an expansive view of the city, comparing the modern skyline to the historical photos displayed throughout the museum. After exploring the castle grounds and the surrounding moat, head toward the nearby Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum if you have an interest in local and international fine art, or simply enjoy a relaxing walk through the surrounding park area.
Evening. For your final evening, head to the area around Hiroshima Station and explore the Ekie Dining complex. This modern hub offers a huge variety of dining options, from high-end sushi to casual ramen bars, making it easy to find something that matches your mood. After dinner, head to a local bar or sake lounge to sample some of the region's famous Hiroshima sake, which is celebrated for its clean, crisp profile. Reflect on your trip as you enjoy the bustling energy of the station area, which serves as a testament to the city's modern vitality. It is a convenient and lively spot to wrap up your visit before heading out the next morning.