Itineraries for Your Trip to Hiroshima
3 Days in Hiroshima for First Timers
When I lived in Japan, as a fresh history graduate, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit Hiroshima and learn first-hand about its dramatic, tragic past. Indeed, the bombing of Hiroshima at the end of World War II is the main thing that most would-be visitors know about this Japanese city. But there’s much more to this place than its tragic past. I’ve visited a couple of times now, and my favorite place in the area is actually beautiful Miyajima Island, a nearby spot that is a must-do day trip from Hiroshima. If you have three days to spend in and around Hiroshima, you’ll find plenty to do with your time.
Hiroshima experiences hot, humid summers and moderate winters that, while sometimes cold, are typically warmer than those of Tokyo.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stroll around the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
On your first day in Hiroshima, explore the central city on a biking or walking tour and learn about Hiroshima’s history at the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum. When you’re done, you can visit the beautiful Hiroshima Castle (a reconstruction), if it’s not part of your tour, or head to fun options like the Hiroshima Museum of Art or the Hiroshima Children’s Museum.
In the late afternoon, refuel after a busy day with a food-focused tour. Sample regional specialties like Hiroshima okonomiyaki and local oysters, all washed down with a beer or sake.
Head out of the city to spend a day on nearby Miyajima Island, which can be reached by ferry from Hiroshima’s southwestern outskirts. The famous spot—knowns for its red torii gate, which seems to float on water at high tide—is actually named Itsukushima, but its (more common) nickname means “shrine island” and refers to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine.
Once on the island, you can explore the shrine, hike or take a cable car up Mt. Misen for great views, and learn about traditional Japanese culture during a class that includes a tea ceremony, calligraphy, and a kimono-wearing experience.
After ticking off the highlights of Hiroshima and Miyajima, you have time on day three to explore further afield in Hiroshima Prefecture. If you’re in need of some R&R, head west of the city, to the onsen town of Yuki, to relax in traditional-style hot spring baths. It’s about an hour’s bus ride from Hiroshima. Alternatively, get active on a canyoning adventure on the Minochi River.
If you’re heading back into Hiroshima for the evening, toast the end of your stay in the city with a nightlife tour around its lively bars and izakaya.
