Panoramica
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.
Cosa Vedere e Fare
- 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.
Cucina Locale e Specialità
- 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.
Come Arrivare e Muoversi
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.
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.
Dove Dormire
- Economico: Hostels near the Peace Park and station.
- Fascia media: Business hotels downtown; a ryokan on Miyajima is a memorable splurge for one night.
- Lusso e Ryokan: Upscale hotels near the station and Peace Park, or traditional inns on Miyajima.