Hiroshima is abundant with sightseeing spots like shrines, temples and scenic spots. Additionally, the unique charm of Hiroshima, like the traditional performing arts and food, should not be left out. Here are some examples of what you can do in Hiroshima.
- Think about war and peace at atomic bomb related facilities
- See the sacred torii gate that was built on the sea up close
- Go around the locations where Japanese animations were referenced
- Be surrounded by wild rabbits on a small island
- Eat delicious seafood and the local specialty okonomiyaki
- Walk around the city while wearing traditional Japanese costumes
Castles, Shines and Temples that should be seen in Hiroshima
Hiroshima, which has a long history, has lots of castles, shrines and temples to be seen. The famous spots are listed below.
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle was constructed between the 16th - 17th centuries in Hiroshima City. The castle tower was rebuilt in 1958. The inside of the castle tower is a museum, and at the experience corner inside the hall, it is possible to take a commemorative photo while wearing samurai costumes etc.
Some of the exhibits and information in the museum are displayed in English, which provides an environment where foreign visitors can easily look around. The pamphlets are available in five languages, including English.
The highlight of Hiroshima Castle is not only its structure and exhibitions. In the spring, around 440 sakura (cherry blossoms), mostly of a variety called Yoshino cherry, bloom and colour the area surrounding the castle ruins.
Spot information
- Spot name: Hiroshima Castle (広島城)
- Street address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0011
- Nearest station:
- JR Shin-Hakushima Station ... about 17 minutes on foot
- Hiroshima Electric Railway Kamiyacho Higashi or Nishi Electric Stops ... about 15 minutes on foot
- Astram Line Kencho-mae Station or Johoku Station ... about 12 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available（HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi）
- Language: English, Chinese（simplified/traditional), Korean, Français, Deutsch
- Ticket: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is an old shrine located in Miyajima (Itsukushima). It is said that its history dates back to the 6th century, and the currently standing shrine was erected in the 12th century. The buildings including the main shrine have been registered as World Cultural Heritage.
Among the many buildings, we should focus our attention the Otorii gate and the built on the sea, the corridor of national treasures, and the Senjokaku, a sutra library of the Hokoku Shrine within the precincts.
Moreover, the Otorii gate can be reached on foot if the tide is below 100 cm. If you wish to gaze at the torii gate floating on the sea and the Itsukushima Shrine from the torii, it is recommended to aim for a time when the level of the tide is appropriate.
The estimated tide levels are listed on the Miyajima Tourism Association's annual tide chart.
Spot information
- Spot name: Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社)
- Street address: 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588
- Nearest station:
- JR Miyajimaguchi Station → [Ferry] about 10 minutes → Miyajima Pier ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) Miyajimaguchi Station → [ferry] about 10 minutes → Miyajima Pier ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: English
- Ticket: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Senkōji Temple
Senkōji is a temple located in Onomichi that has been around since the 9th century. The vermilion lacquered stage building style main hall that was constructed in the 17th-century is famous and is commonly known as the "Sekido". From the precincts, it is possible to gaze over the town of Onomichi Port and Onomichi, and you are sure to be captivated by the magnificent scenery.
The surrounding area is maintained as Senkoji Park, making it attractive as it is easy to visit. In addition, the park has been chosen as one of the Top 100 sites of Beautiful Cherry Blossoms and Top 100 Night View in Japan, and it is a spot where it is possible to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.
Spot information
- Spot name: Onomichi Senkoji Temple (尾道大宝山千光寺)
- Street address: 15-1 Todo-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima. 722-0033
- Nearest station: Senkoji Ropeway Sancho Station ... About 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Only Japanese
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Museums and Art Museums Worth Seeing in Hiroshima
Hiroshima has unique museums and art galleries. For example, there are various facilities like facilities relating to the atomic bomb, corporate museums, and unique art galleries. Here, we will introduce the facilities that are worth seeing.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a museum about the atomic bomb in the centre of Hiroshima City. It was constructed with the aim of getting rid of nuclear weapons and fulfilling permanent world peace. This is a spot where the state of the damage in that time period was explained via the remains of the survivors and photographs.
Spot information
- Spot name: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (広島平和記念資料館)
- Street address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0811
- Nearest station:
- Hiroshima Electric Railway Fukuromachi Station....about 10 minutes on foot
- Atomic Bomb Dome Mae Station....about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available（Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi）
- Language: English, Chinese（simplified/traditional), Korean, Français
- Ticket: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (Hiroshima MOCA)
Hiroshima MOCA is a museum that is dedicated to contemporary art. Located in Hijiyama in the centre of Hiroshima, the museum has around 1,700 pieces of artwork. Not only the exhibition of artwork but there are also workshops etc, actively held in the hall, and they actively promote contemporary art.
Spot information
- Spot name: Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, Hiroshima MOCA (広島市現代美術館)
- Street address: 1-1 Hijiyama koen, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815
- Nearest station: Hiroshima Electric Railway Hijiyamashita Station ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Availableb (Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi)
- Language: English
- Ticket: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Wood Egg Okonomiyaki Museum
Wood Egg Okonomiyaki Museum is a facility inside a factory located on the west side of Hiroshima City. The theme of the museum is “okonomiyaki”, a representative food of Hiroshima, and it is possible to make okonomiyaki as well as look around the museum and factory. It should be noted that reservations are necessary to take part in the factory tours and okonomiyaki experiences.
Spot information
- Spot name: Wood Egg Okonomiyaki Museum (Wood Egg お好み焼き館)
- Street address: 7-4-5, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima-shi, 733-0833
- Nearest station: Hiroshima Electric Railway Iguchi Station ... about 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: English
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Parks to go to and Beautiful Scenery in Hiroshima
Hiroshima has lots of beautiful parks and scenic spots to see. There are a variety of gardens, old streets that are related to the history of Hiroshima, and islands with beautiful scenery. Here, we will introduce some recommended spots.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Peace Memorial Park is located in the centre of Hiroshima City. There are facilities in the park that are symbols of peace. Such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, where the traces of the atomic bomb vividly remain, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which exhibits materials relating to the atomic bombs.
In addition, brochures and maps are distributed at the tourist information centre in the park.
Spot information
- Spot name: Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園)
- Street address: 1 Nakajimacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 730-0811
- Nearest station: Hiroshima Electric Railway Atomic Bomb Dome Station ...right by the stop
- Wi-Fi: Available（Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi）
Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien is a Japanese garden that was built in the 17th century. The highlight of the garden is the scenery that makes you feel the abundant nature even though the garden is situated in the urban area of Hiroshima. Throughout the year, the flowers are always in full bloom and you are sure to be fascinated by the contrast between the buildings in the park.
In addition, nighttime illuminations are performed in seasons such as sakura (cherry blossom) season and autumn leaves season, so in these seasons the garden is even more beautifully coloured.
Spot information
- Spot name: Shukkeien Garden (縮景園)
- Street address: 2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0014
- Nearest station: Hiroshima Electric Railway Shukkeien-mae stop… Right by the stop
- Wi-Fi: Available (Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi)
- Language: English, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Français
- Ticket: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Tomonoura
Tomonoura is the spot facing the Seto Inland Sea in Fukuyama City. It is also well-known as a scenic spot that represents the Seto Inland Sea and has been certified as a Japan Heritage Site.
It has been prospering as a port since for a long time, and still has some buildings like historic townscapes, port facilities, and town houses that date back to the 17th century. In addition, it is known as a town where the sunrise is beautiful, and the beautiful sight where the sea gradually changes colour is worth seeing.
In fact, Tomonoura is also the place that was greatly referenced in the popular Ghibli anime film "Ponyo on the Cliff". It is a perfect place for anime pilgrimages, so make sure to head there!
Spot information
- Spot name: Tomonoura (鞆の浦)
- Street address: Tomo, Tomocho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture 720-0201
- Nearest station: JR Fukuyama Station ... about 30 minutes by bus
- Wi-Fi: Available (may vary depending on the facility)
Okunoshima Island
Okunoshima Island is a small island located in the eastern part of the Hiroshima Prefecture, which measures about 4 km around. In the past, there was a poison gas factory, but today around 900 wild rabbits live there, and it is well-known as Hiroshima rabbit island.
It is possible to have the valuable experience of touching and feeding the rabbits. Rabbits are vulnerable to stress, so chasing them or holding them up is forbidden.
In addition, there are accommodation facilities and hot springs on the island, so if you wish to have a relaxing time, staying overnight is recommended.
Spot information
- Spot name: Okunoshima
- Street address: Okunoshima, Tadanoumi Town, Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 729-2311
- Nearest station: JR Tadanoumi Station ... about 15 minutes by ferry
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Only Japanese
Recommended Cultural Experiences and Activities in Hiroshima
In Hiroshima, don't just enjoy the facilities and natural scenery, but please also try out the cultural experiences! As well as experiences where you can feel the history of Hiroshima, marine activities are also popular as Hiroshima faces the sea. Here, we will introduce some typical activities.
| Activities Name | Features |
| Wear a Tsubo Shozoku (壺装束) outfit | Take a stroll in costumes from the 8th -12th century |
| Enjoy Hiroshima Kagura (神楽) | Japanese traditional performing arts that were once performed as a Shinto ritual |
| Sea Kayaking | Experience sea activities in various parts of the prefecture |
Enjoying Kagura is particularly recommended. Hiroshima is a region where Kagura is popular, and it is interesting to see performances and dances that are at different tempos in each area.
Recommended Shopping Spots in Hiroshima
If you come to Hiroshima, go shopping to commemorate your trip! There are various shopping spots in the area. Here, we will introduce some examples of shopping spots miscellaneous goods, fashion and souvenirs can be purchased.
| Shop Name | Features |
| Hiroshima PARCO | Fashion building rich in casual brands and miscellaneous goods |
| Hiroshima Omotesando Shopping Street | Souvenir shops lined up on the approach to Itsukushima Shrine |
| THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA | Outlet malls with fashion and miscellaneous goods |
| Hiroshima Orizuru Tower | Local souvenirs are available in the product hall |
| Tokyu Hands Hiroshima | Large general store stocked with stationery and travel goods |
| Kamiyacho Shareo | An underground shopping mall with tourist information centre |
| SOGO Hiroshima Store | A department store with high-brand to casual shops. The 3rd floor is a bus centre that has a tourist information centre. |
Hiroshima's shopping facilities are located mainly in Hiroshima City. Whether you want to enjoy window shopping or buy souvenirs to commemorate your trip, it is best to check out JR Hiroshima Station first.
Festivals and Events in Hiroshima
Hiroshima has many fascinating festivals and events. Here, we will introduce some of them.
| Name of Famous Festival | Period Held | Features |
| Tokasan Festival (とうかさん大祭) | June | One of the three major festivals in Hiroshima, a festival of Inari Daimyojin that has been carried out for about 400 years |
| Sumiyoshi Festival (住吉祭) | August | One of the three major festivals in Hiroshima, and there is an activity where dolls (Hitogata) who have had sins and dirt transferred into them are sent down the river |
| Ebisu Grand Festival (胡子大祭) | November | One of the three major festivals in Hiroshima, at the festival there is a citizen participation event called "Ebessan (えべっさん)" that involves night Kagura and Taiko drum performances. |
| Toka-sai (桃花祭) / Kikka-sai (菊花祭) | April | The traditional Japanese music “Gagaku (雅楽)” with “Bugaku (舞楽)“, a dance that has been handed down from Itsukushima Shrine since the 12th century, will be performed. |
| Otebi Shinji Ritual | July | One of Japan's three biggest fire festivals, the flame of the Otaimatsu torch rises on the large stone steps of Nunakuma Shrine, Fukuyama City |
Other events are held from time to time. Check the Hiroshima Tourism Association's “Visit Hiroshima (ひろしま観光ナビ)” for event information in the sightseeing season.
Hiroshima Nightlife
The downtown area where nightlife can be enjoyed in Hiroshima City is an area that is centred on Nagaregawa River in the centre of the city. Nagarekawa Shopping Street is one of the top entertainment districts in the Chūgoku and Shikoku areas, and there are lots of restaurants and shops selling snacks.
If you do not want to go to a chain or izakaya, but wish to have a stylish drink, head to Hiroshima bars. Bars are concentrated in the area around Hatchobori Station.
It is also recommended to dance and drink all night at the clubs from Nagarekawa to Shintenchi located on the west side, and have sake and oden at the stall street located in Kure City.
At night in Hiroshima, not only the food but the night view is also fantastic. We particularly recommend the Miyajima Light Up Cruise at Aqua Net Hiroshima. Goto Shrine and Otorii are illuminated to create a magical sight. Reservations are required for the night cruises.
Is Hiroshima Safe at Night?
In Hiroshima Prefecture, the entire prefecture is making an effort on their security. The number of crimes has decreased overall due to the installation of security cameras and patrols.
Common crimes, such as bag snatching, which foreign tourists are most likely to get involved in, are also decreasing. However, caution is still necessary as there are still several incidents a year, occurring both day and night.
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