Hiroshima Travel Guide: Helpful Tips for Planning Your Trip

Hiroshima is known for being the site of the first atomic bomb explosion during World War II. However, this city offers more than just heavy history. You can also explore its vibrant, modern side after being rebuilt.

So, how can you explore Hiroshima in a meaningful and immersive way in 1-2 days, instead of just checking off the popular tourist spots?

In this article, I'll share my real experience with you, from the best things to do and how to make the most of your visit. This will help you plan a perfect trip to Hiroshima.

Top 4 Things to Do in Hiroshima

Exploring Hiroshima's historical sites is a must when you visit. Beyond this, you can also experience the daily life of this peaceful city. Check out our top 4 well-selected things to do in Hiroshima.

1. See the Explosion Center at the Atomic Bomb Dome Site

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima is a must-see at the Peace Memorial Park. It was almost directly under the atomic blast, but surprisingly, the building survived without being completely destroyed.

You can walk along the path and witness the ruins from different angles. The structure may seem larger than expected, leaving you extremely impressed.

Looking for a special experience? Visit the Dome at night when it's illuminated. The ruins get a more solemn vibe compared to daytime. Plus, the area is much quieter without many travelers in the evening.

2. Explore the Peace Memorial Museum to Cherish the Peace

The Peace Memorial Museum is another highlight of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. After seeing the Atomic Bomb Dome, you can take a leisurely stroll through the park to reach the museum.

The museum mainly shows photos, videos, and saved items that explain how much the explosion impact the lives of local people. After looking at these, you will value a peaceful life even more.

It's ideal to spend 1-2 hours leisurely exploring the museum. However, some exhibition halls are narrow. If you visit on weekends or when student groups are there, it might be difficult to see some exhibits.

3. Admire Miyajima for Its Floating Torii Gate

Miyajima is an island famous for its massive red torii gate by the sea, friendly deer, and delicious oysters. It takes a 40-minute journey from downtown Hiroshima. 

You shouldn't miss the classic view of the floating torii gate! Visit in the morning when it's high tide, usually from 8 am to around noon. If you want to walk up to the gate, the perfect time is during low tide in the afternoon, typically from 2 pm to 6 pm.

I suggest visiting in the morning when there are fewer people. You'll find it easier to take great photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Typically, more tourists start to arrive after noon.

Besides the torii gate, the island is also home to deer. You can get close to them. Having been to Nara as well, I can say that the deer on Miyajima are more polite and friendly—they won't bite you.

Also, the oyster is a big highlight on Miyajima. Give them a try for lunch! The island is a major producer of high-quality oysters in Japan. Whether you prefer them raw, grilled, or fried, each style is incredibly delicious.

4. Savour the Local Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style pancake)

Your trip to Hiroshima isn't complete without trying local okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style pancake).

Okonomiyaki is a grilled savory pancake. It is one of Japan's two most famous types, along with Osaka-style. It is made by layering a thin batter with ingredients like meat, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Fried noodles and a fried egg are then added on top, and it is finally topped with a thick sauce.

You can also choose from various ingredients like shrimp, squid, or oysters based on your preference. We tasted both the regular and seafood versions, and we enjoyed both of them.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Hiroshima?

For a well-rounded experience, I recommend spending a night in Hiroshima. This way, you'll have enough time to explore the main highlights in Hiroshima and Miyajima without feeling rushed.

Begin by spending a day exploring Hiroshima. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is quite large and deserves at least half a day for a thorough visit. Afterward, you can take your time strolling around downtown Hiroshima, riding a traditional Japanese tram, and savoring okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style pancake).

The next day, spend half a day exploring Miyajima. You can leisurely visit the floating torii gate, get close to deer, walk around the island, and taste oysters.

If you have only one day, it's best to focus on downtown Hiroshima. This way, you can avoid rushing between attractions and fully immerse yourself in each one.

Still want to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima in just one day? We can arrange for you to start your trip before 8 am, allowing you to make the most of each spot.

From my own experience, trying to see both places in a single day was exhausting. We walked almost 30,000 steps using public transportation. It led us to rush through both the Peace Memorial Museum and Miyajima, missing out on a more meaningful experience. So, staying overnight is definitely the wiser choice.

Where to Stay in Hiroshima?

Staying in the Hiroshima Station area is a perfect choice for accommodation.

It's easy for you to reach the main attractions or catch trains to other cities. Also, the area has various restaurants, convenience stores, cafes, and pubs to meet all your needs.

Hotels in Hiroshima are cheaper than in top cities like Kyoto and Osaka. For example, you can stay at a really nice 5-star hotel in Hiroshima for just $220-300 per night. In other major cities, that amount would only get you a 4-star hotel.

How to Get to and Around Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is conveniently situated near Osaka and Kyoto, with the Shinkansen being the easiest way to get there. The journey typically takes about 1.5 hours from Osaka to Hiroshima and around 1.5 to 2 hours from Kyoto.

When exploring Hiroshima, taking the tram or bus is an efficient way to get around. You can easily access most major attractions. If you'd rather not walk too much and want to go directly to the spots, saving time and energy for enjoying the attractions, we can arrange a private car for you.

Is It Safe to Visit Hiroshima?

You might be wondering, is there still radiation in Hiroshima today? Could visiting be harmful to your health?

The answer is no! Hiroshima is a safe city now, as shown by various official data and facts.

Radiation levels in Hiroshima are now normal. The bomb exploded in the air, so most of the radioactive material didn't hit the ground and cause contamination. Plus, there wasn't a lot of it, and thanks to rain and wind over time, the radiation levels have dropped even more.

Let's Plan Your Hiroshima Trip Together!

Ready to customize your trip to Hiroshima? We're here to help you plan your itinerary based on your preferences, schedule, and travel types. Just let us know your needs, and we'll take care of all the details for you.