Hiroshima: Latest 2025 Travel Guide

🏙 Introduction to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, located in western Honshu, Japan, serves as the heart of the Chugoku region. Not only is it a crucial site of World War II history, it also boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning island scenery, and a vibrant local cuisine. A visit to Hiroshima offers both the power of peace and the tranquility of the island, making it a must-see destination in western Japan.

📍 Hiroshima must-see attractions

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & ​​Atomic Bomb Dome

  • Highlights : The Genbaku Dome is the only building left after the atomic bomb explosion in World War II and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage.
  • My personal recommendation : Spend some time visiting the Peace Memorial Museum and experience the preciousness of peace.
  • Transportation : Take the tram from Hiroshima Station to the Genbaku Domu-mae stop.

2. Miyajima (itsukushima Shrine)

  • Highlights : The sea torii is the symbol of Miyajima. It seems to float on the sea during high tide, and you can get closer to it during low tide.
  • Editor's Tip : We recommend arranging a half-day to full-day tour, and taking the opportunity to climb Mount Misen to see the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
  • Transportation : Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi → Transfer to the ferry for about 10 minutes.

3. Shukkei-en Garden

  • Highlights : The Japanese garden has different scenery in each season, and the spring cherry blossoms and autumn maples are particularly beautiful.
  • My personal recommendation : There are few people here, so it’s a good place for a quiet walk and taking photos.
  • Transportation : Take the tram to the Shukkeien-mae stop.

4. Hiroshima Castle

  • Highlights : Also known as Carp Castle, the castle showcases Hiroshima's history and samurai culture.
  • Editor's Tip : The moat and cherry blossoms surrounding the city are super dreamy in spring.
  • Transportation : Take the tram to Kamiyacho-Higashi station, then walk for about 15 minutes.

5. Mitarai Town (Osaki Shimojima)

  • Highlights : The old streets that preserve the port town style of the Edo period are nostalgic and great for taking photos.
  • The editor personally recommends : suitable for travelers who like niche attractions.
  • Access : Approximately 2 hours by car from Hiroshima City, or by bus.

🍜 Hiroshima's must-try delicacies

  1. Hiroshima ware (お好み焼き)

    • It is fried in layers and filled with fried noodles, bean sprouts and eggs, making it a very generous portion.
    • Recommended stores: Mitsui Main Store, Bachang.

  2. Oyster dishes

    • Hiroshima is Japan's largest oyster producing area, where you can enjoy grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster rice.
    • Recommended locations: Oyster huts in Miyajima and Hiroshima city.

  3. Tsukemen (つけ麺)

    • The Hiroshima-style tsukemen has a spicy broth that goes really well with the cold noodles.
    • Recommended store: ばくだん屋.

  4. cave rice

    • Miyajima's specialty, grilled conger eel served with fragrant rice.
    • Recommended store: あなごめしうえの.

  5. Red Leaf Mantou

    • A Miyajima specialty, shaped like a maple leaf, available in flavors like red bean, custard, and chocolate.

🚆 Hiroshima Transportation Guide

City transportation

  • Hiroden Tram : It has a long history and can reach almost all major tourist attractions.
  • Bus : The Hiroshima City Circular Bus "めいぷる～ぷ" is convenient for traveling around the city.
  • IC card : We recommend using ICOCA or Suica , which are convenient for various transportation.

Traveling from major cities

  • From Tokyo : Take the Nozomi Shinkansen (Shinkansen), approximately 4 hours.
  • From Osaka/Kyoto : Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by Shinkansen.
  • From Fukuoka : Approximately 1 hour by Shinkansen.

One-day tour nearby

  • Kure City : Visit the Yamato Museum and the Iron Whale Museum to learn about Japanese naval history.
  • Onomichi : A hipster town perfect for cycling around the island.
  • Iwakuni : Kintai Bridge is a famous wooden arch bridge, and the cherry blossoms in spring are stunning.

💡Editor 's warm reminder

  • The tide time in Miyajima will affect the view of the torii gate on the sea, so remember to check the tide table before departure.
  • The portion of Hiroshima okonomiyaki is very large, so girls can share one portion with two people to try it first.
  • Oysters are at their most plump in winter, and the best time to enjoy them is from November to February.

🗓 Hiroshima + Miyajima 2-day 1-night itinerary

Day 1: Hiroshima City History and Culture Tour

morning

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & ​​Atomic Bomb Dome
    • It is recommended to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take your time to explore the museum.
    • Transportation : Take the tram from Hiroshima Station to the Genbaku Domu-mae stop.
  • Hiroshima Castle
    • It takes 15 minutes to walk to the city and visit the exhibition and moat view.

Lunch

  • Hiroshima ware (recommended: Miyako main store)
    • Experience the multi-layered taste of Hiroshima ware and remember to add some oolong tea to relieve the greasiness.

afternoon

  • Shukkeien Garden
    • Experience the tranquility of a Japanese garden, whether it's the autumn maple leaves or the spring cherry blossoms, both are beautiful.
  • Shopping in Hiroshima City (Hondori Shopping Street)
    • You can buy souvenirs such as red leaf steamed buns and Hiroshima-style seasonings.

dinner

  • Oyster dinner (recommended: Oyster Shack or a restaurant near Miyajimaguchi)
    • Enjoy grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster rice all at once.

Accommodation options

  • Miyajima Island B&B/Inn : convenient for watching the tides the next morning.
  • Hotels in Hiroshima City : convenient transportation and a wide range of price options.

Day 2: Half-Day Tour of Miyajima

breakfast

  • If you stay in Miyajima, you can enjoy a Japanese breakfast at the hotel; if you stay in Hiroshima city, it is recommended to take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi early in the morning.

morning

  • Itsukushima Shrine & Sea Torii Gate
    • Take photos of the "floating torii" during high tide, and get up close and touch them during low tide.
    • Check the tide times before departure (available on the official Miyajima Tourism website).
  • Omotesando Shopping Street
    • Eat while you stroll: Anago rice bento, grilled oysters, and freshly baked red leaf mantou.

Lunch

  • Anago rice (conger rice) (recommended: あなごめしうえの)
    • This is a popular shop near Miyajimaguchi Station. We recommend arriving early to queue up.

afternoon

  • Mt. Misen Climbing or Cable Car
    • Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the scenery is spectacular when the weather is good.
  • Return to Hiroshima Station in the afternoon, ending the trip.

🚆 Traffic Cheat Sheet

  • Hiroshima Station ↔ Miyajimaguchi : JR Sanyo Line about 30 minutes, or Hiroshima Electric Railway about 70 minutes (cheaper but slower).
  • Miyajimaguchi ↔ Miyajima : Ferry ride: approximately 10 minutes (JR ferry with JR Pass accepted).
  • City attractions : It is recommended to buy a Hiroshima tram one-day ticket , which is economical and convenient.

🍽 Top 5 Must-Eat Food Map

  1. Miyako main store (Hiroshima ware)
  2. Oyster Shack (grilled oysters)
  3. あなごめしうえの(anako rice)
  4. ばくだん屋(Hiroshima Tsukemen)
  5. Iwamura Confectionery (Momiji Manju)

💡Editor 's personal tips

  • If you want to take the most beautiful photos of the torii gate on the sea, it is recommended to go in the morning or evening when the tide is high , as the softer light makes it easier to take photos.
  • Oysters are plump in winter, and November to February is a foodie's paradise.
  • Most shops on Miyajima Island close early at night, so if you are staying on the island, remember to prepare snacks or dinner in advance.
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