Hiroshima, a city of profound historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty, offers a unique blend of solemn memorials, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. Known worldwide for its tragic past, Hiroshima has risen as a symbol of peace and resilience, attracting travelers seeking reflection, adventure, and culinary delights.
From the iconic Peace Memorial Park to the serene island retreat of Miyajima, Hiroshima captivates visitors with its rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning scenery. Whether exploring ancient shrines, savoring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, or cruising along the Seto Inland Sea, this city promises an unforgettable journey.
What you need to travel to Hiroshima
Hotels & Flight Tickets
Hotels in Hiroshima:
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets:
Trip.com | Expedia
Transportation from HIJ Airport to Hiroshima
Limousine Bus (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Duration: ~45–50 minutes
Cost: ¥1,400–1,600 (one way)
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
Drop-off Points: Hiroshima Station (main terminal), Hiroshima Bus Center (downtown), some major hotels
Direct service with no transfers.
Comfortable seats and luggage storage.
English announcements and clear signage.
How to Buy Tickets: Purchase at the airport counter or from the driver (Cash/IC card accepted).
Return trips can be booked at Hiroshima Bus Center or major hotels.
Train + Bus (Budget-Friendly but Slower)
Duration: ~70–90 minutes
Cost: ~¥1,300 (combined)
Route: Airport Bus to Shin-Iwakuni Station (20 min, ¥450).
JR Sanyo Line train to Hiroshima Station (50 min, ¥840).
Scenic train ride along the coast.
Note: Less convenient with luggage; limited departures.
Pro Tip: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, take the train via Shin-Iwakuni for free (But it’s slower).
Taxi (For Late-Night or Groups)
Duration: ~50 minutes
Cost: ¥15,000–20,000 (fixed-rate taxis available)
Best For: Families/groups of 3–4 or late arrivals (after buses stop).
Tip: Pre-book a private transfer (~¥18,000) for door-to-door service.
Once downtown, Hiroshima’s tram system (¥180/ride) makes getting around easy!
Safe Travels!
Onomichi
A nostalgic seaside town, Onomichi charms with its hilltop temples, winding alleys, and cats lazing in the sun. Famous as the start of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, it’s also a haven for art lovers (check out the Onomichi City Museum of Art) and film buffs (it inspired Yasujirō Ozu’s classics).
Strolling the Temple Walk (linking 25 Buddhist sites) rewards you with hidden gardens and panoramic sea views. Stop by Senko-ji Temple at sunset, then grab a coffee at a retro kissaten. With its slow pace and old-world vibe, Onomichi feels like stepping into a 1950s postcard.
Address: Onomichi City, Hiroshima (various sites)
How to Get There: From Hiroshima Station: Take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Onomichi Station (1 hr).
Seto Inland Sea (Tomonoura & Rabbit Island)
Hiroshima’s coastline is dotted with idyllic islands, each with its own magic. Tomonoura, a historic fishing port, feels frozen in time. Its stone wharves and lantern-lit streets inspired Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo. Sip local homeishu (herbal sake) and watch fishermen mend nets.
Rabbit Island (Okunoshima) is where hundreds of fluffy bunnies hop freely. Once a secret chemical weapons site, it’s now a surreal paradise where rabbits chase visitors for cabbage snacks. The contrast of dark history and cute critters is uniquely Japanese.
Whether you island-hop by ferry or bike the Shimanami Kaido, the Seto Inland Sea is Hiroshima’s natural masterpiece.
Address: Fukuyama/Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture
How to Get There: From Hiroshima, take the train to Tadanoumi Station, then a ferry.
Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima Island)
Few sights are as iconic as Miyajima’s floating torii gate, rising from the Seto Inland Sea like a scene from a dream. Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has enchanted visitors for centuries with its vermilion pillars and tranquil walkways that appear to drift on water at high tide.
Beyond the shrine, Miyajima Island is a treasure trove of wonders. Friendly deer roam freely, nibbling on fallen leaves (but not your map—hopefully). A short hike or cable car ride up Mount Misen rewards you with panoramic views of the island-dotted sea.
Whether you visit for the shrine, the hiking trails, or the famous momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes), Miyajima feels like stepping into a timeless Japanese fairytale.
Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588
Opening Hours: 06:30 – 18:00 (varies by season)
How to Get There: From Hiroshima Station: Take JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 min), then a ferry (10 min).
Okonomimura (“Okonomiyaki Village”)
Hiroshima’s soul food is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with noodles, cabbage, egg, and your choice of meat or seafood. The best place to try it? Okonomimura, a bustling three-floor hub where 25 stalls compete for the title of best ’okonomi.’
Each chef has their twist: extra crispy, extra sauce, or even cheese-filled. Watch as they grill your meal on a hotplate right in front of you, flipping it with theatrical flair.
The vibe is lively, with shared tables encouraging conversation between travelers and locals. Don’t forget to customize with bonito flakes, mayo, and spicy mustard. Whether you’re a foodie or just hungry, Okonomimura is a delicious dive into Hiroshima’s culinary heart.
Address: 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 (varies by shop)
How to Get There: From Hiroshima Station: Tram Line 1/2 to “Hatchobori” (5 min), then walk 3 min.
Mazda Museum
Car lovers, rejoice! Hiroshima is the birthplace of Mazda, and its free museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s ingenuity. The tour starts with vintage models (like the adorable 1960s R360 coupe) before diving into Mazda’s signature rotary engine technology.
Interactive displays explain how the company overcame challenges, while a walkway overlooks the actual assembly line where cars are pieced together (no photos allowed, but the sight is mesmerizing).
Seeing the 787B, the first Japanese car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Even non-gearheads will appreciate Mazda’s creative spirit, like building cars despite postwar scarcity. The museum is a testament to Hiroshima’s resilience, blending industry with innovation.
Address: 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu, Hiroshima 730-8670
Opening Hours: Tours at 10:00 & 13:00 (reservation required)
How to Get There: From Hiroshima Station: Take JR Kabe Line to “Mukainada Station” (10 min), then walk 5 min.
VISITOR GUIDE > Book a tour
Shukkeien Garden
A hidden gem in downtown Hiroshima, Shukkeien Garden is a miniature world of landscapes, designed in 1620 for feudal lords to escape the outside world. Its name means “shrunken-scenery garden,” and true to form, it packs rolling hills, forests, and even a coastline into a small, walkable space.
Stone bridges arch over koi-filled ponds, while carefully pruned pines frame views of teahouses and waterfalls. The garden’s centerpiece, Takuei Pond, mirrors the surrounding scenery like a living painting. It’s easy to lose track of time here, wandering winding paths or sipping matcha at the Seifukan Teahouse.
For a moment of quiet reflection away from the city’s bustle, Shukkeien is a perfect oasis.
Address: 2-11 Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Apr–Sep), until 17:00 (Oct–Mar)
How to Get There: From Hiroshima Station: 10-min walk or Tram Line 1/2 to “Hijiyamashi” (5 min).
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
For the best bird’s-eye view of the Peace Park, head to this sleek observation deck. The name “Orizuru” refers to folded paper cranes, symbols of peace, and visitors can create their own to add to a cascading art installation.
The rooftop “Sky Terrace” lets you feel the breeze as you take in the city’s blend of past and present. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed views of Miyajima on clear days and Hiroshima’s skyline.
Downstairs, a café serves Hiroshima-style treats (try the momiji manju soft serve). It’s an uplifting experience—literally and metaphorically—seeing how far Hiroshima has risen.
Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 19:00
How to Get There: Next to the Atomic Bomb Dome (2-min walk).
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park is a place of deep reflection, where the weight of history meets a powerful message of hope. Walking through the park’s tree-lined paths, you’ll encounter the Peace Memorial Museum, which tells personal stories of survivors through artifacts, photographs, and moving testimonies.
Nearby, the Cenotaph for A-Bomb Victims holds the names of all known victims, while the Flame of Peace will burn until nuclear weapons are abolished worldwide.
Despite its somber significance, the park is also a place of serenity. Locals and visitors alike stroll along the Motoyasu River, where paper cranes—symbols of peace—decorate memorials. Whether you come to learn, reflect, or simply pay respects, this park leaves a lasting impression, proving that even from tragedy, resilience and hope can grow.
Address: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051
Opening Hours: Park: Open 24/7
Museum: 08:30 – 18:00 (Mar–Nov), until 17:00 (Dec–Feb)
How to Get There: From Hiroshima Station: Take Tram Line 2 or 6 to “Genbaku Dome-mae” (10 min, ¥180).
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