Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city where the scars of history and natural beauty blend perfectly. It not only has two World Heritage Sites, but also stunning Seto Inland Sea scenery and an abundance of authentic local food. Here is a classic Hiroshima travel guide to help you plan your trip with ease!

Classic 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: History and Culture Trip
  • Morning: After arriving in Hiroshima, head to Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. This World Heritage Site records the history of World War II and has a solemn atmosphere. It is recommended to set aside 1–2 hours to slowly visit the Peace Memorial Museum.

• Afternoon: Stroll to Hiroshima Castle (also known as “Carp Castle”) and climb the castle tower for a panoramic view of the city; then visit the nearby Shukkeien Garden to experience the tranquility of a Japanese garden modeled on Hangzhou’s West Lake.

• Evening: Head to Hondori Shopping Street or Okonomimura to try authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, bringing a fulfilling day to a close.

• Day 2: Miyajima Wonderland Trip
  • Morning: Take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima. Go straight to Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, the large red torii gate appears to float on the sea; at low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the gate for close-up photos.

• Noon: On Omotesando Shopping Street, try charcoal-grilled oysters and momiji manju. There are also gentle wild deer on the island that you can interact with.

• Afternoon: Take the ropeway up Mount Misen and enjoy the breathtaking island scenery of the Seto Inland Sea from the Shishiiwa Observatory.

• Day 3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Nearby Explorations
  • Option A (Artistic Small Town): Take the JR train to Onomichi, ride the Senkoji-yama Ropeway for views over the streets and alleys, stroll along the “Cat Alley,” and try authentic Onomichi ramen.

• Option B (Cute Animal Interaction): Head to Okunoshima (Rabbit Island). It takes just 15 minutes by boat from Tadanoumi Port, where you can get up close with around 600 wild rabbits.

Must-Try Food List

Hiroshima’s food is absolutely not to be missed. The following are some of the area’s most representative specialties:

• Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki: Unlike Osaka-style okonomiyaki, Hiroshima-style is “grilled in layers,” with batter, cabbage, meat, and noodles stacked one by one for a rich texture. Recommended places include Micchan Sohonten or Okonomimura (a building with more than 20 restaurants).
• Hiroshima oysters: Hiroshima accounts for 60% of Japan’s oyster production, and they are at their plumpest in winter (November–March). Whether charcoal-grilled, raw, fried, or served in oyster dote nabe, they are incredibly fresh and sweet. You can find them on Miyajima and at izakaya in the city.

• Miyajima anago-meshi (conger eel rice): A Miyajima specialty. Conger eel is rich and fatty, with a cleaner taste than eel. The century-old Ueno Shoten is recommended; it is best to go early and queue.

• Momiji manju: A Miyajima specialty, this maple leaf-shaped honey cake is filled with red bean paste. The most recommended version is “fried momiji manju,” crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it an excellent souvenir.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Long-distance transportation: From Osaka, the Shinkansen takes about 1.5 hours directly to Hiroshima Station; there are also direct flights to Hiroshima Airport from places such as Shanghai, and the airport bus takes about 50 minutes to reach the city center.
• City transportation: The best way to get around is the streetcar (Hiroden), which covers the main attractions. It is recommended to buy a one-day pass (700 yen); for Miyajima, you can buy a 24-hour streetcar + ferry pass for 1,000 yen, which is extremely cost-effective.
• Miyajima tides: The large torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine looks best at high tide (a water level above 250 cm is ideal). Be sure to check the day’s tide times on the official website in advance.
• Accommodation advice: Staying near Hiroshima Station or Hondori Shopping Street is recommended, as transportation is convenient and there are plenty of dining and shopping options nearby.
• Notes: The Peace Memorial Museum’s content is quite heavy, so allow enough time; Hiroshima is hot and humid in summer, so take sun protection; although the deer on Miyajima are gentle, please do not feed them casually.