Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Hiroshima is about 1.5 hours from Osaka or Kyoto by Shinkansen, so many visitors day-trip — but an overnight stay lets you see Miyajima in the quiet early morning or evening, after the day crowds leave.
The Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Peace Memorial Park
Memorials, the museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, all within walking distance of the centre.
Hondori & Hatchobori
Covered shopping arcade, restaurants and nightlife.
Hiroshima Station area
Convenient for Shinkansen and the redeveloped station complex.
Miyajima (Itsukushima)
Island with the shrine, Daisho-in temple, Mt Misen ropeway and hiking, and free-roaming deer.
Top sights & experiences
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Documents the bombing and its human consequences. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours; it can be crowded, so arrive early.
Atomic Bomb Dome
The skeletal ruin of the former Industrial Promotion Hall, preserved as a memorial.
Itsukushima Shrine
Shrine built over the water with its great torii; at high tide it appears to float. At low tide you can walk out to it — check tide tables.
Mt Misen
Hike or take the ropeway for views across the Seto Inland Sea.
Shukkei-en Garden
Compact Edo-period strolling garden.
Hiroshima Castle
Reconstructed keep in a moated park. The keep's interior closed to visitors in 2025 over safety concerns — the grounds remain open; check current status before going.
What to eat
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
Layered rather than mixed: batter, cabbage, noodles, egg and toppings. Okonomimura building has many counters.
Oysters
Hiroshima Bay is famous for oysters — grilled on Miyajima's main street, or fried.
Momiji manju
Maple-leaf-shaped cakes with sweet fillings, Miyajima's classic souvenir.
Anago-meshi
Grilled conger eel over rice, a Miyajima speciality.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Hostels near the Peace Park and station.
Mid-range
Business hotels downtown; a ryokan on Miyajima is a memorable splurge for one night.
Luxury
Upscale hotels near the station and Peace Park, or traditional inns on Miyajima.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Hiroshima Station is on the Sanyo Shinkansen. To Miyajima, take the JR Sanyo Line or Hiroden streetcar to Miyajimaguchi, then a 10-minute ferry (JR and Matsudai ferries both operate). There's also a direct sightseeing boat from the Peace Park. A small visitor tax is charged to people entering Miyajima — usually collected with your ferry fare.
Getting around
Hiroshima's streetcars (Hiroden) and buses cover the centre; IC cards are accepted. The Peace Park, Hondori and Shukkei-en are walkable from each other.
Day trips & side trips
Miyajima
Half to full day; overnight to enjoy the island when it's quiet. See our Miyajima guide.
Iwakuni
Kintai-kyo, a striking five-arched wooden bridge.
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido
Hillside temple town and the start of a celebrated cycling route across island bridges to Shikoku.
Kure
Naval port with the Yamato Museum.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are pleasant; Miyajima's maples in Momijidani Park are lovely in November. The Peace Memorial Ceremony is held every 6 August. Summers are hot and humid.
Local tips
- Check Itsukushima Shrine tide times to see the torii both at high and low tide.
- Don't feed the deer on Miyajima.
- Ferry crossings to Miyajima accept IC cards on the JR ferry.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: