Hiroshima, known as the City of Peace, is a beautiful city in western Japan. The small city is easily walkable and there is also a vast network of electric streetcars convenient for sightseeing.
With two World Heritage Sites, expect to spend a whole day exploring the city, possibly two days if you spend more time at Miyajima Island.
Hiroshima is accessible via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima takes 5 hours; Osaka to Hiroshima takes 1 1/2 hours.
Top 5 Attractions in Hiroshima, Japan for Travel
1. Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a large park covering over 122,000 square meters. The epicenter of the first Atomic Bomb was turned into a park to symbolize peace and to pay tribute to the victims.
Take Streetcar Line 2 from JR Hiroshima Station to Genbaku-Dome Mae. The trip takes about 15 minutes and costs 190 yen.
The Peace Memorial Museum outlines the history of the atomic bomb and the events of August 6, 1945. It shows the effects of radiation with graphic exhibits and includes over 19,000 items from the event. A walk through the museum is quite sobering and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear war.
The museum is open everyday from 8:30 am-6:00 pm and costs 200 yen.
The Atomic Bomb Dome is the only remaining structure from the bomb, and has become a symbol of Hiroshima. The Dome is meant to represent world peace and the abolishment of nuclear weapons. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
2. Hiroshima Castle
The Hiroshima Castle, originally built in 1589, was completely destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. The inside features a history museum of Hiroshima and the castle. It is five stories tall and has a beautiful view of the city and Miyajima Island from the top floor.
You can walk from Peace Memorial Park to the castle in about 15 minutes. The castle is open everyday from 9:00 am-6:00 pm and costs 370 yen to go inside. The grounds are free to explore and are covered in cherry blossoms each spring.
3. Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien is a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden offering peace and tranquility after visiting the Peace Memorial Park. The winding paths take you over miniature bridges, mountains, and waterfalls.
You can walk from JR Hiroshima Station or Hiroshima Castle to the garden in about 10-15 minutes. The garden is open everyday from 9:00 am-6:00 pm and costs 260 yen.
4. Mazda Museum
Hiroshima, Japan is the headquarters for the Mazda Motor Corporation. They offer guided tours in English on weekdays at 10:00 am. The 90-minute tour takes a look at the history of Mazda, its technology, and future developments. You get to see an actual assembly line and concept cars.
You must make a reservation to visit the Mazda Museum. Admission is free.
From JR Hiroshima Station, take a local train to Mukainada Station. The trip takes about 5 minutes and costs 190 yen.
5. Miyajima
Miyajima, or Itsukushima, is famous for its large torii gate standing 16 meters high. The Itsukushima Shrine and the torii gate are built over water and look as if they are floating during high tide.
The island has walking paths and is a great place to take a stroll. Wild deer may approach you, but they are friendly toward tourists.
Itsukushima Shrine, built 1,400 years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine is open from 6:30 am-6:00 pm and costs 300 yen. The shrine and gate are illuminated daily from dusk until 11:00 pm.
It takes about an hour to get from JR Hiroshima Station to Miyajima by train and ferry. First, take the local train to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 30 minutes). Then, walk to the pier and take the ferry to the island (about 10 minutes). Both are operated by JR and free for Rail Pass holders.
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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