Once we started planning for our trip to Japan we wrote down a list of places we wanted to see. That list got way out of hand quickly so we cut it down a bit. One place we just could not take off the list was Hiroshima.
Even if you have 3 weeks in Japan like us it’s still difficult including this storied city in your itinerary. With your JR Pass in hand for the world-famous Shinkansen it’s still almost impossible to reach everywhere in that amount of time.
This is when we put a plan together for a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima. We were able see the best of Hiroshima while getting back to our Kyoto hotel at a reasonable time. Keep reading for the must-see Hiroshima highlights during your visit.
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Exploring Hiroshima
The city of Hiroshima is huge with so much to discover. Like we mentioned above, you will need at least 2 to 3 days in the area to experience it all. We were like most people and did not have the luxury of time on our trip. Luckily it is possible to do a Kyoto to Hiroshima day trip to see the top sights.
Luckily, there is fantastic public transportation which will help you get around easily. Your SUICA Card works in Hiroshima so make sure you keep it close! With trains, subways, buses, and trams you can explore every nook and cranny of the city
August 6, 1945
The main reason people know Hiroshima is from the devastating events of WWII. It was the first city in history to be hit with an atomic bomb that destroyed everything in its path. The city is so much more than that single event but its a history that cannot be ignored.
There are a few memorials to that fateful day that you must visit to truly appreciate what happened. These are all located relatively close to one another and easily accessible from Hiroshima Station. Head from your train to the #6 Line of the Hiroshima Electric Railway (follow the signs, you can’t miss them). From there, it’s a short 10-minute ride to your first destination – the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Once known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it’s now the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. It is located about 160m from where the bomb detonated 600m above the city. Almost everything in the area was immediately vaporized but the thick walls and steel structure kept it standing. It has now become a lasting reminder of the damage that was done.
One Thousand Paper Cranes
Hiroshima has now become a symbol for world peace. It doesn’t shy away from its history but instead has memorials set up to remind people of the devastation caused by nuclear war. These memorials are located all around the Peace Memorial Park within a short walk of the Atomic Bomb Dome.
You will next come across a sobering sight – The Children’s Peace Monument. This was erected in memorial of all of the children who lost their lives as a result of the blast or from the lasting health issues it caused. It is full of thousands of colourful origami cranes because of Sadako Sasaki and the Story of a Thousand Cranes. .
There is an ancient Japanese legend that if you fold one thousand paper cranes you will have your wish granted by the Gods. Sadako was only 2 years old when the bomb was dropped and was diagnosed with leukaemia. She heard the legend and got started on intricately folding paper cranes. She eventually completed her goal but unfortunately passed away. Her classmates were instrumental in getting the Children’s Peace Monument built and having paper cranes become a symbol of that Peace.
Head to the Museum
Your next stop is the Peace Memorial Museum just a short walk from the Children’s Peace Monument. The museum is open daily (except Dec. 30th and 31st) and costs only ¥200 for admission. It is a really intense experience because you go through stories of people who survived the blast as well as items pulled from the rubble. They also have in-person talks with survivors giving their accounts and answering questions. One of the most sobering parts for us was realizing everything from Hiroshima Station to where we were standing was virtually wiped off the face of the Earth.
The museum is a heavy experience but it is still a must-do while visiting Hiroshima. We were in awe not only at the stories from survivors but of how the city was able to rebuild itself. It is now a bustling metropolis with so much to offer both locals and tourists.
Visit the Hypocenter
Head back towards the Atomic Bomb Dome once you leave the museum. Cross the river back into the city and keep your eyes peeled for a small plaque. This monument is there to mark the exact spot where the bomb detonated 600m in the air. Known as the Hypocenter, it is easy to miss. Click the link for the exact coordinates to make your search more simple.
Wander Through the Garden
If you’re looking for something a little lighter after experiencing the Peace Memorial Museum there is a beautiful garden in Hiroshima you must visit. The Shukkeien Garden is about 15 to 20 minutes from Peace Memorial Park by transit. Opened in 1620, this garden is a welcome escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the city.
The garden is full of lush greenery and koi ponds with centuries-old bridges spanning across them. There is a path that will take you through the entire grounds and will let you get up close and personal with Sakura blossoms if you visit in springtime. There are also tea ceremonies along with special events held year-round. The grounds are especially quiet in winter so you will feel like you have it all to yourself!
The garden also has one last reminder of WWII on the grounds. While you’re on the garden path, keep an eye out for a large tree growing at a strange angle. This tree was the only survivor of the bomb on the Shukkeien grounds but the blast forced it sideways. You can even see singe marks along the side of its trunk that was facing the blast.
Hiroshima Castle
Originally built in 1589, Hiroshima Castle is also known as the Carp Castle. It is one of several beautiful castles found across Japan. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden and stands out among the nearby concrete buildings. The top of the castle provides panoramic views of Hiroshima but we recommend enjoying it from the exterior only.
We don’t recommend going inside the castle because it’s a bit…underwhelming. First of all, like most of Hiroshima the castle was completely destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. It is an accurate re-creation but still not the original. Also, like most other Japanese castles, the interior has been transformed into a sterile museum. It does have some interesting information inside but the castle is still best enjoyed from the outside.
Head to the Island
Getting to Miyajima
Another reason many tourists visit Hiroshima is to make the voyage across to Miyajima Island. Known as “Shrine Island” it is easily accessible from a few points in the city. It is best to plan for a full day on the island to see everything. On the other hand, you can see the main sights in a morning or afternoon if you follow our Kyoto to Hiroshima Day Trip Guide.
You essentially have 3 options for getting over to the island. The first is probably the easiest if you are already at or near Peace Memorial Park. Head towards the Aquanet Ferry Dock and purchase a ticket for the next ferry. The ticket will cost you ¥3,600 and will take you along the World Heritage Route. This is a beautiful journey highlighting the best of the Hiroshima coastline during your 40 minute trip.
You could also head to the Hiroshima Port to hop on the Setonaikaikisen Ferry for ¥3,400. This trip is a bit faster at 30 minutes not including the time it will take you getting to the port. It takes a more direct route but still gives great views of Hiroshima.
These ferries are a great option but we recommend a third option: the JR Ferry. This journey only takes about 15 minutes but you have to get yourself to the JR Ferry Terminal. Even though the Ferry Terminal is a bit out of the way we still suggest you make this trip. This is because the journey is included with your JR Pass so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.
On the Island
There is a lot to see and do once you reach the island so plan your time wisely. The main attraction is the iconic O-torii Gate. Also known as the Floating Gate, this is a unique experience in Japan. This torii gate looks like it’s floating on water if you go at high tide. It’s even worth a visit at low tide because you can almost walk right up to it! Unfortunately, the O-torii Gate was covered for construction while we were in Hiroshima so we weren’t able to take a peek.
If you are luckier than us then you should head to Itsukushima Shrine for an amazing view of O-torii Gate. This mythical shrine is dedicated to 3 female deities and is one of the largest in Japan. People have come to worship, in one way or another, at this shrine for centuries. The scenery changes from high to low tide so it’s worth more than one visit.
Nara's Island Cousin
The deer of Nara, just outside of Kyoto, are probably some of the most famous in the world. You will find a similar but lesser known group of deer roaming freely across Miyajima Island. This herd is similar to their Nara cousins in that they are more than happy to greet visitors and bow their heads. They are bowing because they have learned this is the best way to get treats from tourists. However, the official policy of the island is to not touch, feed, or get too close to the deer. Many tourists ignore these rules so the deer can be a little cheeky when they don’t get what they want.
After visiting the gate, shrine, and bowing deer you are free to roam the island. If you’ve built up an appetite you can visit one of the many food stalls for the island’s speciality. Miyajima Island is world-renown for its unbelievably large oysters. Now, we’re not talking about some decent size offerings but oysters literally the size of your hand!
Once, you’re fueled up on treats from the sea you’ll have the energy to hike around the island. There are three trails around the island: Momijidani, Daisho-in, and Omoto. The Momijidani trail is technically the shortest but also has the steepest climb and winds mostly through forest. If you’re looking for the best views then your best bet is the Daisho-in trail. These hikes are well worth the time if you have it!
What to Eat in Hiroshima
Favourites with a Twist
Japan is famous for tons of delicious food and Hiroshima is no different. Just like food from your home country, each region serves the same type of food but with their own flare. In Hiroshima you can get staples like ramen, sushi, yakitori and more but with a focus on regional ingredients.
You can even get special treats like Momijimanju. These little cakes are shaped like Maple leaves (a perfect shape for Canadians like us) and are filled with red bean paste. They have been a favourite of the region since the early 1900s. Watch out, though, because they are deceptively addictive!
Dive in to Okonomiyaki
It’s a word that is hard to pronounce at first but will quickly become fun to say: Okonomiyaki. There is a lot of disagreement as to where the dish was invented but most agree it was either in Hiroshima or Osaka. Each city has its own variation of the dish but we personally lean towards Hiroshima-style as our favourite.
Okonomiyaki is kind of like a savoury pancaked full of egg, Japanese bacon, seafood, and cabbage. Osaka-style mixes all of these ingredients together before cooking. Hiroshima-style, on the other hand, is expertly layered and served with yakisoba noodles. Both styles are then smothered in a sweet Worcestershire-type sauce and Japanese mayo. We know it might sound like a strange combo but it will be one of the best things you eat on your trip!
If you are near Peace Memorial Park when hunger strikes then head to Nagata-Ya. The restaurant is located just across the river with a good number of tables to cut down on wait times. You can either sit along the main grill or get a table with its own grill. They have a lot of okonomiyaki options including some tasty vegetarian ones! You won’t have to cook anything yourself so don’t worry. They will bring it to your table and put it on the grill to keep it warm.
Let us know your favourite hotspots in Hiroshima below – we’d love to hear them! In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new posts and travel guides. You can also check out our Kyoto to Hiroshima Day Trip Guide if you won’t have the time to spend 2 or 3 days in the city.
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