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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Hiroshima sharing quite a few of those!
Step into a world of diverse cultures, mesmerizing sights, and unforgettable experiences with these top things to do in Hiroshima.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Hiroshima:
1. Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Miyajima (officially named Itsukushima) in Hiroshima Bay, Hiroshima Prefecture.
What to see or do: The main shrine building stands on pillars over the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can walk along the shrine’s veranda at high tide, while at low tide, you can approach the iconic “floating” torii gate for photos.
The shrine also features a wide range of cultural and historical treasures, including some designated as Japanese National Treasures.
Don’t miss: The famous floating torii gate, which is considered one of Japan’s most iconic and photographed sites. It looks particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting for photos.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A park in central Hiroshima, Japan, dedicated to promoting peace and remembering the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945.
What to see or do: Visit the Peace Memorial Museum, which showcases the tragic history of the bombing and its catastrophic impact. Stroll around the park and take a minute to reflect on the memorial monuments, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome.
Don’t miss: The Children’s Peace Monument, which was inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from leukemia caused by the atomic bomb.
The monument commemorates all the innocent children who lost their lives.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit on August 6th, when the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony is held, featuring a moment of silence to remember the victims.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and consider renting an audio guide to fully appreciate the exhibits.
3. Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the devastating atomic bombing that occurred on August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the skeletal remains of the building that survived the blast, a haunting reminder of the destructive power of nuclear war.
The surrounding Peace Memorial Park provides a quiet and reflective space for visitors to pay their respects to the victims and learn about the history of the bombing.
Don’t miss: The nearby Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the events leading up to the bombing and its aftermath. The museum’s collection includes personal belongings of victims and survivors, as well as photographs and artifacts from the bombing.
Insider travel tips: Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome at night, when the illuminated structure provides a powerful visual reminder of the horrors of war.
Additionally, there are several commemorative events held in the park throughout the year, including a Lantern Floating Ceremony in August and a Peace Memorial Ceremony on the anniversary of the bombing.
4. Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island is a small, scenic island located in Hiroshima Bay in western Japan.
It’s famous for its iconic red torii gate which appears to be floating in the water, and it’s also home to several temples and shrines.
What to see or do: Take in the breathtaking views of the torii gate and surrounding mountains, visit the Itsukushima Shrine which dates back to the 12th century, and explore the Daisho-in Temple which is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful gardens.
You can also hike up Mount Misen for stunning panoramic views.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset over the torii gate, trying some fresh oysters which are a local specialty, and taking a scenic boat ride around the island.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, and consider spending the night on the island to experience the serene atmosphere after most of the day-trippers have gone.
Also, keep an eye out for the friendly wild deer that roam the island.
5. Shukkei-en Garden
Shukkei-en Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Hiroshima.
What to see or do: The garden is a serene oasis in the heart of the city with a variety of landscapes—lakes, bridges, tea houses, waterfalls and stone lanterns.
Visitors can stroll through the breathtaking gardens, enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and see seasonal events like cherry blossom and maple leaves.
Don’t miss: The garden’s front gate leads visitors to a beautiful pond that is surrounded by tree covered hills. Take a stroll around the park and don’t miss the teahouses near the waterfall with a zen garden.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit Shukkei-en in the morning when it opens or later in the afternoon.
The garden also makes for a great place for a picnic and a good spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
6. Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle is a stunning 16th-century castle in the heart of Hiroshima City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds, which include a beautiful moat and traditional Japanese gardens. Inside the castle, travelers can see displays of artifacts and learn about its history through interactive exhibits.
The castle tower also offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the reconstructed main keep, which was destroyed during the atomic bombing in 1945 but was rebuilt in the 1950s.
The keep features traditional Japanese architecture and houses a museum about the castle’s history.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom to see the castle surrounded by pink petals.
7. Hiroshima Museum of Art
Hiroshima Museum of Art is a top-notch modern art museum located in Hiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum boasts an impressive collection of Japanese art, including works by Kyujin Yamamoto, Tsuguharu Fujita, and Kiyoshi Saito. Visitors can also enjoy seeing contemporary art and other art forms from around the world.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, giving visitors a chance to see new and exciting art.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden, which features stunning works by famous artists such as Henry Moore and Isamu Noguchi.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
8. Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is a modern observation tower located in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: The tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding natural landscape. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Hiroshima through interactive exhibits and displays inside the tower.
There’s also an observation deck, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to fold paper cranes, which is a symbol of peace in Japan. You can try origami and make your own paper cranes at the tower.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the tower is during sunset when you can see the city transform into a beautiful landscape lit up by the setting sun.
You need to purchase a ticket to access the observation deck, so make sure to buy in advance to avoid lines.
9. Mazda Museum
The Mazda Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and achievements of Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various exhibits that showcase Mazda’s technological innovations and automotive design over the past century.
The museum boasts a large collection of cars, engines, and other automotive parts, as well as interactive displays of the company’s production processes.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the collection of Mazda’s rotary engine vehicles, including the iconic Mazda Cosmo Sport, which was the world’s first production car powered by a rotary engine.
Visitors can also take a closer look at the winning cars from Mazda’s famous endurance race, 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Insider travel tips: The museum is free to enter and has audio guides available in various languages. Visitors can also take part in a guided factory tour to see the assembly process of Mazda’s latest cars.
It’s recommended to book ahead for the guided tour. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year’s holiday period.
10. Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a museum located in Hiroshima, Japan, dedicated to educating visitors about the dangers and realities of nuclear warfare and promoting global peace.
What to see or do: Visitors can view the permanent exhibitions showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories related to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs.
Don’t miss: The A Bomb Dome, located near the museum, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons.
It serves as a lasting memorial to the victims of the atomic bombing.
Insider travel tips: – Allow ample time to explore the museum’s exhibits and take in the emotional impact of the experience.
11. Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art
Art museum located in Hiroshima city, featuring contemporary and modern Japanese art.
What to see or do: Browse the impressive collection of over 5,000 works by prominent Japanese artists like Taikan Yokoyama and Toshiko Okanoue. The museum also showcases temporary exhibitions throughout the year, often highlighting local artists.
Don’t miss: The museum’s impressive collection of woodblock prints, including works by Hiroshi Yoshida and Kawase Hasui. These prints offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich artistic history.
Insider travel tips: The museum offers free admission to visitors on the first Sunday of every month. If you’re interested in learning more about the artwork, guided tours in English are available with advance registration.
Plan to visit in the afternoon, as the museum tends to be less crowded then.
12. Hiroshima Children’s Museum
The Hiroshima Children’s Museum is a unique and interactive museum that offers visitors a hands-on and educational experience about science, technology, and culture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore numerous exhibits that introduce scientific concepts, theatres with educational films, and virtual reality simulations.
Interactive displays include a water table and a room filled with building blocks where children can build structures and test their stability.
They can also learn about Japanese culture through the traditional toys exhibit.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the planetarium, which is the first in Japan to project high-definition digital images. Visitors can also enjoy the planetarium show with voices provided by famous Japanese voice actors for an additional fee.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite busy, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
13. Mitaki Temple
Mitaki Temple is a secluded Buddhist temple located in a wooded valley on the outskirts of Hiroshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple grounds, which include several Buddhist shrines, pagodas, and statues. The area is known for its beautiful autumn foliage and is a popular destination for hiking and enjoying nature.
Don’t miss: The three-story pagoda, which offers stunning views of the surrounding valley, is not to be missed. Also, keep an eye out for the two stone Jizo statues, which are believed to alleviate suffering and protect children.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to visit Mitaki Temple during the autumn months when the foliage is at its peak. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs throughout the temple complex.
Visitors can access the temple via a short bus ride from the city center or by taking a scenic hike through the surrounding forests.
14. Okonomimura
A multi-story building in Hiroshima dedicated exclusively to okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the maze of small restaurants and choose from a variety of okonomiyaki styles, including those unique to Hiroshima.
Watch as the skilled chefs cook up your meal on a large griddle right in front of you.
Don’t miss: Trying the local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which consists of a base of thin crepes topped with noodles, cabbage, meat, and a special sauce.
Also, check out the wall covered in photos of famous visitors to Okonomimura.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and potential long waits for a seat. It’s also helpful to come with cash as some vendors don’t accept cards.
Be adventurous and try different variations of okonomiyaki – there’s something for every taste preference.
15. Hijiyama Park
A beautiful park located in the center of Hiroshima City, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the park’s lush greenery, admire the scenic views, and visit the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, which is located in the park.
The park is also perfect for a picnic or relaxing with family and friends.
Don’t miss: The park’s iconic Hijiyama Observation Deck, which offers stunning panoramic views of Hiroshima City. The park is also home to a beautiful Japanese garden and a variety of walking trails.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park in the spring to view the cherry blossoms in full bloom, or in the fall to see the colorful autumn foliage.
Be sure to bring a camera and capture some stunning photos of the park’s natural beauty.