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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Higashihiroshima.
As you step into Higashihiroshima, you’ll soon realize that this hidden gem is much more than just a tranquil city nestled amidst lush greenery and serene waters.
From exploring its ancient temples to indulging in the delights of local cuisine, Higashihiroshima is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.
So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and prepare to be swept away by the charm of this captivating city!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Higashihiroshima:
1. Saijo Inari Temple
Saijo Inari Temple is a Shinto shrine in Higashihiroshima, located on the slopes of Mount Takami.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the path leading up to the main shrine, surrounded by dozens of red torii gates that form a tunnel.
Explore the serene grounds featuring shrines, pagodas, and a beautiful Japanese garden. Admire the stunning views of the city from the hilltop.
Don’t miss: The annual Autumn Festival, held on the second Sunday in November. Witness the exciting procession of mikoshi (portable shrines) being carried from the main shrine to the smaller sub-shrine.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the path leading to the shrine can be steep in some areas.
2. Senko-ji Temple
Senko-ji Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on a mountain in Higashihiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a scenic cable car ride up the mountain to reach the temple and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Hiroshima Bay.
Take a relaxing stroll through the gardens and explore the various shrines and temples within the temple complex.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning 5-story pagoda, which is a famous landmark of the temple and the area. The pagoda is beautifully illuminated at night and offers a breathtaking view of the city lights below.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairs and hills to climb.
3. Konomineji Temple
Konomineji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Higashihiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful architecture and surrounding gardens. The main hall features a stunning collection of ancient Buddha statues and other religious artifacts.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the temple’s unique octagonal pagoda, which dates back to the early 15th century.
The pagoda is a designated National Treasure of Japan and is considered one of the most important examples of traditional Japanese architecture.
Insider travel tips: – If you visit during the fall, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in the temple’s gardens.
4. Miroku-ji Temple
Miroku-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple located in Higashihiroshima city, Hiroshima prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visit the main hall of the temple, which houses a statue of Miroku Bosatsu (a Buddhist bodhisattva known as the “Future Buddha”).
Admire the beautiful architecture of the hall, with its curved roof and intricate wooden carvings.
Don’t miss: The temple’s beautiful garden, featuring a pond, waterfall, and various plants and trees. Take a stroll around the garden, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and relax on one of the benches.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the area around the temple can be hilly. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning garden and temple architecture.
If you’re interested in Buddhism, consider attending one of the temple’s rituals or ceremonies to learn more about the religion and its practices.
5. Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts
Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts is a museum dedicated to showcasing the rich history and traditional crafts of Hiroshima.
What to see or do: The museum features a collection of historical artifacts and exhibits that cover the period from ancient to modern times.
Visitors can learn about Hiroshima’s past, including its role in the development of the Japanese silk industry and the impact of the atomic bombing during World War II.
The museum also showcases a variety of traditional crafts that are unique to the Hiroshima region, such as pottery, carpentry, and weaving.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the intricate wood carvings and lacquerware pieces, which are considered to be among the finest traditional crafts in Japan.
The museum’s collection of historical artifacts is also a highlight, including samurai swords, armor, and pottery from the Jomon period.
Insider travel tips: Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the guided tours that are offered in both English and Japanese. The museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holiday period, so plan accordingly.
Be sure to visit the on-site gift shop, which sells a variety of locally made crafts and souvenirs.
6. Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Hiroshima Prefecture, located in Higashihiroshima city.
What to see or do: Explore the three floors of exhibits, including displays on the region’s prehistoric era, feudal period, and modern history. See artifacts from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, as well as images and stories of the city’s recovery and rebuilding.
Don’t miss: The replica of a traditional Hiroshima castle tower on the museum grounds. Also, be sure to check out the museum shop for unique souvenirs, including locally-made crafts and food products.
Insider travel tips: Consider taking advantage of the museum’s English audio guide for a more in-depth experience. Plan to spend a few hours here as there is plenty to see.
The museum is easily accessible by train from Hiroshima station.
7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a historical landmark in Higashihiroshima, Japan.
This park was built as a tribute to the lives lost during the world’s first ever atomic bomb attack which occurred in 1945.
What to see or do: The Peace Memorial Museum has a collection of artifacts and items from the bombing that will leave you spellbound. The park has several monuments and sculptures that represent the tragedy that struck the city.
The park also has a beautiful garden that is a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Don’t miss: The A-Bomb Dome, a building that survived the atomic bombing, stands as a reminder of the horrors of war. Many visitors stop by to take pictures in front of the monument.
Another must-see landmark is the Children’s Peace Monument, which is dedicated to the children who lost their lives during the bombing.
Insider travel tips: – It’s best to visit the park early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
8. Itsukushima Shrine – Miyajima
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay, Japan. Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its iconic floating Torii gate.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful vermillion buildings of the shrine and take a stroll through the tranquil forested grounds.
Visitors can also watch traditional Shinto ceremonies or take a ferry ride to get a closer look at the Torii gate.
Don’t miss: The sunset view of the Torii gate, which creates a picturesque silhouette against the orange and pink sky.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
It is also recommended to dine on some of the island’s seafood specialties and visit nearby Miyajima Omotesando Street for unique souvenirs and snacks.
9. Mount Misen – Miyajima
Mount Misen is the highest mountain on the island of Miyajima in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can hike to the peak for stunning panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea. Alternatively, a ropeway (cable car) is available for those who prefer a less challenging ascent.
Other points of interest include the Misen Hondo, a historic temple, and the Momijidani Park, famous for its autumnal foliage.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views from the mountain’s peak are truly stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset.
It is also worth checking out the flame-shaped eternal flame at the Reikado hall, believed to have been burning for over 1,200 years.
Insider travel tips: Hiking to the top can be strenuous, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and enough water. For a more pleasant experience, try to visit during weekdays and avoid peak tourist season.
Consider purchasing the combination ticket that includes the ropeway and admission to other attractions, as it can save both time and money.
10. Hiroshima Castle
A historic castle in the city of Higashihiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds and learn about its rich history through informative exhibits and displays. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding city and is a popular destination for photography.
Don’t miss: The Niju-yagura Turret, one of only a few original buildings that survived the atomic bomb during World War II. It is also a designated National Treasure of Japan.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and climbing involved. Consider visiting in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom for a truly unforgettable experience.
Also, the castle is located near Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which are must-see attractions for visitors to the area.
11. Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden is a historic Japanese garden located in Higashihiroshima, Japan, and was originally built in the early 1600s.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the beautiful garden, which features a large pond, several walking paths, and an array of miniature landscapes.
The garden also includes a tea house where visitors can participate in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the garden is the two-story pagoda, which provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Also, don’t miss the variety of seasonal blooms, including cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
12. Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima
A baseball stadium and home of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp professional team.
What to see or do: Catch a game of baseball with the passionate local fans or take a stadium tour to see behind the scenes of the arena and learn about the history of the team.
Don’t miss: The fiery pre-game rituals of the Carp cheerleaders and fans, as well as the delicious food sold within the stadium such as Takoyaki and Yakisoba noodles.
Insider travel tips: If you’re not into baseball but still want to experience the Japanese sports culture, try attending a game of the local women’s softball team, the Saibi Sparklers, who also play at the stadium.
Don’t forget to bring a towel to join in the traditional Carp team chant and wave it to cheer on the players.
13. Hiroshima Electric Railway
The Hiroshima Electric Railway, also known as Hiroden, is a tram company that operates in the city of Hiroshima and its neighboring towns, including Higashihiroshima.
What to see or do: Take a tram ride and explore the city in a unique way. The trams are decorated with colorful designs, making them a fun and vibrant way to get around.
The Line 1 tram that runs in Higashihiroshima takes you through picturesque neighborhoods and allows for some great photo opportunities.
Don’t miss: The Miyajimaguchi Station is a popular stop where you can transfer to the ferry to visit Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its floating Torii gate.
Also, be sure to check out the various streetcars that have been preserved to reflect the history of the line.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to download the Hiroden app to stay up-to-date on the latest schedules and routes. Also, the One-Day Pass allows for unlimited rides and is a cost-effective way to travel around the city.
Finally, while taking a streetcar may take longer than taking a taxi or bus, it is a fantastic way to experience Hiroshima’s local life and culture.
14. Asa Zoological Park
Asa Zoological Park is a popular zoo located in Higashihiroshima city, Japan.
What to see or do: The park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including over 80 different species of animals. Visitors can expect to see must-see animals such as giant pandas, tigers, lions, and bears.
There are also a number of aquatic animals such as seals and penguins to discover.
Don’t miss: The safari zone is undoubtedly the highlight of the park. Here, visitors can drive through large enclosures featuring free-roaming animals, including giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
It is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to see the animals up close and in their natural habitat.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid the crowds, visit the park on weekdays.
15. Hiroshima Children’s Museum
The Hiroshima Children’s Museum is an interactive museum that offers a wide range of educational and entertaining activities for children and adults alike.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience of learning science, technology, history, and art. The museum features numerous exhibitions, workshops, and themed rooms where kids can explore, learn, and play.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is a life-sized model of a space shuttle, a real Boeing 727 airplane, and a miniature model of the renowned Hiroshima castle.
Insider travel tips: The museum offers a vast collection of books, games, and toys for children to purchase and take home as souvenirs.