Hiroshima Prefecture is filled with wonderful sightseeing spots such as the World Heritage Site Miyajima, the waterways of Hiroshima Town, the natural surroundings of the sea and mountains and breathtaking views of the islands from Onomichi, and so on. This time, we’ll introduce spots aimed at those who’ve been to Hiroshima previously and want to visit somewhere only experts know about. With this info, you’ll be able to enjoy your next trip to Hiroshima even more! We’ll also introduce the best way to get the most out of traveling in Hiroshima—the Setouchi Area Pass provided by Discover West Japan! Use this pass to travel throughout Hiroshima to your heart’s content!
#3 Create your own cream bread at Hiroshima's famous Hattendo!
Hattendo, located in Hiroshima Prefecture's Mihara City, is the producer of the area's famous cream bread. The chain has stores outside Hiroshima as well, in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hakata, as you may have seen while traveling. The most alluring thing about cream bread is its simple custard cream, made with high-quality fresh cream mixed with custard, and wrapped in a thin, fluffy crust. Besides the standard custard filling, there is also red bean filling and matcha filling.
How to Enjoy it Like a Pro
1. Watch a pro make it at the factory or make your own in the workshop
Hattendo Cafelie, in front of Hiroshima Aiport, is an interesting facility that's a mix of a cafe, shop, factory, and workshop. You can go see how workers create cream bread, or make your own with guidance at the workshop (1,000 JPY participation fee, reservation necessary.)
2. Try eating one of the specialty items too
The shop offers more than just cream bread, with items like egg sandwiches, limited-time collaborations with popular characters, Hiroshima lemon cake, and danishes (plain and red bean), and so on. Enjoy comparing the flavors of different items!
Hattendo Cafelie
- Access: A 5-minute walk from the Hiroshima Airport Terminal Building
#2 Buy some carrots and head to Rabbit Island on Ohkunoshima
There are lots of small islands throughout the Seto Inland Sea. Among them is an island slightly west of the Nishi Seto Expressway called Ohkunoshima. It's a small island of only around 4 km in area with beaches, camp sites, and fields where you can relax. Chugoku JR Bus operates the Takehara and Ohkunoshima sightseeing bus from Hiroshima Station, making for easy access!
How to Enjoy it Like a Pro
More than 900 wild rabbits are waiting to greet you! Don't forget the carrots!
There are more than 900 wild rabbits living on Ohkunoshima! We recommend buying some cabbage and carrots to take with you to the island. The area in front of Kyukamura Ohkunoshima is a great place to take a photo. This is where the majority of the rabbits on the island tend to congregate.
Ohkunoshima
- Access: A 5-minute walk from JR Tadano-Umi Station, then a 15-minute ferry ride from Tadano-Umi Pier
- Transit from Ohkunoshima by ferry is not covered by the Setouchi Area Pass
#1 View Itsukushima Shrine from a New Angle
When many people imagine Itsukushima Shrine, they thing of the giant torii gate standing amongst the ocean waves. This view completely changes when the tide recedes. During full tide, it looks as though the shrine is floating upon the ocean waves with the greenery of Mt. Misen to its back contrasted vibrantly with the blue of the Seto Sea. When the tide recedes, you can walk right up to the gate.
How to Enjoy it Like a Pro
1. If you want to view it from the ocean, we recommend renting a kayak
You can float along the ocean waves while rowing your kayak near the shrine's large torii gate. After taking a lesson and practicing how to paddle, then you'll set off. The rental comes with a life jacket as well as rain gear, so you can come empty-handed if you please. Looking up at the large gate from up close is sure to be a memory you'll never forget. It makes for a great post to add to your timeline as well!
※ The gate began renovation construction in June 2019. As of March 2020, there is no set date for construction to finish.
2. Take a photo with the deer of Miyajima
There are around 200 wild deer living throughout the town in Miyajima. They're used to people, so they don't mind if you take a picture up close. If you take a photo from the ocean side, you can get a photo of their reflection in the water!
Itsukushima Shrine
- Access: After exiting JR Miyajimaguchi Station, then ride the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Matsudai Kisen Ferry Terminal for about 10 minutes, then walk 12 minutes from Matsudai Kisen Miyajima Ferry Terminal
Recommending Lodging for Previous Visitors
If you're looking for lodging, we recommend Miyajima. The differing expressions you can see during sunrise, sunset, and nighttime make for a romantic mood. The nearest Japanese style inn lodgings are Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto, Kinsuikan, which boasts natural hot springs, Miyajima Seaside Hotel, with its beautiful views, and other lodgings that are overflowing with personality.
The best way to get around Hiroshima Prefecture - Discover West Japan's Setouchi Area Pass
There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in Hiroshima Prefecture, so many so that you might not be able to choose just one. If you're looking to travel with ease, the Setouchi Area Pass is your best bet! This pass covers travel via shinkansen, train, and buses (some excluded) over a 5-day period throughout Okayama prefecture, Hiroshima prefecture, Yamaguchi prefecture, and other areas within Setouchi, so it's a must-have for first-time and seasoned travelers! We'll introduce the best way to use this pass in a separate article, so don't miss it!
For more information on the Setouchi Area Pass:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/setouchi/
Links to related articles:
Okayama Prefecture:
- The Top 3 Major Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes for Your First Okayama Trip! (For Beginners)
- The Top 3 Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes as Recommended by Okayama Experts! (For Previous Visitors)
- Check Out FUN! JAPAN's Top 3 Places to Eat in Okayama Prefecture!
Hiroshima Prefecture:
- The Top 3 Major Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes for Your First Hiroshima Trip! (For Beginners)
- The Top 3 Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes as Recommended by Hiroshima Experts! (For Previous Visitors)
- Check Out FUN! JAPAN's Top 3 Places to Eat in Hiroshima Prefecture!
Yamaguchi Prefecture:
- The Top 3 Major Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes for Your First Yamaguchi Trip! (For Beginners)
- The Top 3 Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes as Recommended by Yamaguchi Experts! (For Previous Visitors)
Okayama and Hiroshima Prefecture:
Sponsored by West Japan Railway Company
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