Hiroshima is forever associated with World War II-era history, as the first place in the world hit by an atomic bomb. History looms large in modern-day Hiroshima, with the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park the most visited sites in the city. Hiroshima is also a vibrant modern city with a range of other attractions and things to do—from a castle and formal Japanese gardens to great seafood. It offers easy access to nearby Miyajima, a sacred mountainous island with a beautiful red-gated temple.
Like much of Japan, Hiroshima experiences hot, humid summers and moderately cool winters. To avoid summer's sticky heat, visit in spring or fall, which offer pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and prime flower- and leaf-viewing opportunities. The famous sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom in Hiroshima in late March, and the autumn leaves are at their best in mid-November—expect crowds during both. To minimize crowds and keep costs lower, visit in winter.
Like many cities in Japan, Hiroshima has a good public transport system consisting of buses and streetcars, as well as trains for travel beyond the center. The system is fairly easy for non-Japanese readers to navigate, with place names transliterated in Roman characters. The central city and main attractions are compact and easy to walk between, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Castle. You can reach Miyajima Island (also called Itsukushima) on a ferry from Miyajimaguchi.
Although Hiroshima is better known outside of Japan for its WWII history, within the country it is known as a culinary powerhouse. Hiroshima Prefecture supplies most of Japan’s oysters, so seafood lovers should seek them out. Hiroshima is also known for its own take on okonomiyaki, the popular fried pancake-type dish that’s more commonly associated with Osaka. Hiroshima okonomiyaki is lighter on the batter, includes yakisoba noodles, and is often topped with those famous oysters.
