Itineraries for Your Trip to Hiroshima
2 Days in Hiroshima for First Timers
Travelers in Japan typically know of Hiroshima for one thing only: the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city at the end of World War II. And while the bombing undoubtedly shaped the present-day city, and sites related to it are major tourist attractions, Hiroshima is a thoroughly modern city today, with a lot going for it. With over one million residents, it’s a medium-sized city by Japanese standards, and is easy to reach by Shinkansen from Osaka. I visited Hiroshima a couple of times while I lived in Japan, and know that two days is the perfect amount of time to experience its highlights.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stroll around the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Located in western Honshu, Hiroshima experiences hot, humid summers and moderate winters that, while sometimes cold, are typically warmer than those of Tokyo.
Explore central Hiroshima this morning on a biking or walking tour. It’s quite a flat city so it is easy to get around, and skipping the bus tour will help you get a more intimate perspective. Learn about Hiroshima’s history and present, see must-see sites like the A-bomb dome and the Peace Memorial Park, and venture down back streets and local areas that you might otherwise miss.
In the afternoon, hone in on one aspect of Hiroshima’s culture and history. If you’re interested in WWII history and want a deeper insight than you got on the morning tour, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, in the Peace Memorial Park, which provides more information on the atomic bombings. Alternatively, check out other attractions, such as the Hiroshima Museum of Art or the Hiroshima Children’s Museum, and the grand (but reconstructed) Hiroshima Castle.
Every town and city in Japan has some kind of food speciality for which it’s famous: in Hiroshima, it’s the Hiroshima okonomiyaki, a regional twist on Osaka’s favorite cabbage pancake. It’s also famous for its oysters. Get the chance to sample these, and to learn more about local cuisine, on an evening food tour.
Head out of the city today for a day on nearby Miyajima Island. The iconic island—you’ve probably seen photos of the red torii gate of its temple standing in water—is actually called Itsukushima, but it got its nickname, which means “shrine island”, because of its beautiful, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine. Miyajima is in Hiroshima Bay, a short ferry ride away from the south-western outskirts of Hiroshima. On the island, explore the shrine and hike or take the cable car up Mt. Misen for great views.
Learn more about local culture this afternoon with a traditional tea ceremony on Miyajima. You’ll get to dress up in a kimono (or, more likely, a yukata, a cotton version of the kimono that’s easier to wear) and experience a Japanese tea ceremony with matcha green tea. After this, take a ferry back to the mainland.
After a day on serene Miyajima, crank up the volume this evening on a nightlife tour of Hiroshima. Find the best bars, and rub shoulders with locals rather than other tourists, on a guided nightlife tour. Sample local sake, lemon cider, or a chilled beer and toast kampai to a fun 48 hours in Hiroshima.
