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Hiroshima Travel Itineraries: Enjoy Local Sights and Tasty Treats
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Hiroshima has many highlights such as World Heritage Sites, Itsukushima Shrine, and the Atomic Bomb Dome...as well as tasty cuisine! We introduce three model courses for sightseeing in Hiroshima. Please refer to these when making your travel plans.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Hiroshima Itineraries: Including Local Cuisine
Hiroshima Prefecture, known for its many sightseeing spots, is also famous for having two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine.
This article introduces three itineraries for Hiroshima sightseeing: a day trip, a two-day course, and a three-day itinerary.
Hiroshima Itineraries
1. Day Trip: Enjoy Hiroshima and Miyajima
2. Hiroshima Two-Day Itinerary: Explore the City and Local Cuisine
3. Hiroshima Three-Day Itinerary: See Famous Sights at Your Own Pace
Day Trip: Enjoy Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day trips are somewhat time-restricted, so being able to visit many spots as efficiently as possible is the key. Also by saving on accommodation fees, it'll be nice to splurge a little and enjoy a luxurious meal.
Next, we introduce a day trip model course for travelers who've come all the way to Hiroshima and want to visit the main sights within the allotted time.
Morning: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park
Photo by Pixta
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park is one spot you shouldn't miss.
Visitors to the museum, which opened in 1955, can learn about the extensive damage caused by the atomic bomb, and also how Hiroshima was able to rebuild itself from such a devastating situation.
Admission is only 200 yen for adults (university students and up), so please pay a visit.
Also, at the Special Exhibition Room (basement 1st floor), you can hear talks on the reality of the bomb's damage and also some personal war experiences by atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) and by family members of survivors (legacy successors). Talks are held daily and are free of charge.
HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Location: Hiroshima, Naka, Nakajimacho 1-2
Business Hours:
March to July: 7:30-19:00
August: 7:30-20:00
September to November: 7:30-19:00
December to February: 7:30-18:00
Official Homepage: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Atomic Bomb Dome
Photo by Pixta
The Atomic Bomb Dome, is one of countless buildings damaged by the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, at the end of World War II.
Even today, it stands just as it was, acting as a grim reminder of the horrors of war and the atomic bomb. The building was originally used as an exhibition hall for prefectural products, and various exhibits and fairs were held there.
Conservation and repair work has been repeatedly carried out through the years. Today the structure remains virtually unchanged since the bombing.
The Atomic Bomb Dome was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is visited annually by domestic and international sightseeing visitors alike.
It's within walking distance from the museum, so it's easy to stop in during a day trip.
Afternoon: Hop on a Ferry Bound for Miyajima
Photo by Pixta
Itsukushima Shrine, one of Hiroshima's famous sightseeing spots, was also designated as a World Heritage Site. It's not far from Hiroshima's city center to Miyajima Island, where the shrine is located. So the easy access also makes it attractive.
Ferries travel to Miyajima throughout the day. If you're going there for sightseeing we recommend taking the O-torii Ferry with departures starting at 9:10 up until 16:10. The ferry takes passengers near the gigantic O-torii Gate. So you can see Itsukushima Shrine and the O-torii Gate directly in front of you from the sea.
This spot is ideal for capturing all the impressive scenery on film.
Itsukushima Shrine
Photo by Pixta
Itsukushima Shrine was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996. It's a truly memorable shrine with its beautiful vermillion-colored buildings and the large O-torii Gate standing majestically in the sea. The torii gate is also visible from the shrine, so visitors can enjoy Japan's unique traditional architecture and mystical atmosphere.
Upon arriving at Miyajima Island, it's a leisurely 15-minute walk to the shrine from the ferry terminal. In total it takes about 60 to 90 minutes to explore the shrine and then return back to the ferry terminal.
ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE
Location:Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Miyajimacho 1-1
Business Hours: 6:30-18:00
Official Homepage: Itsukushima Shrine
Hiroshima Two-Day Itinerary: Explore the City and Local Cuisine
On this two-day itinerary, in addition to the famous sightseeing spots, how about trying some of Hiroshima's unique gourmet cuisine? Please use the following course as a guide and create a personalized plan based on your own preferences.
Day One: First Visit Miyajima and Then Enjoy Hiroshima Cuisine
Photo by Pixta
After arriving in Hiroshima, let's first head for Miyajima Island. At Miyajimaguchi Station we'll board the O-torii Ferry, and as we head for Miyajima we'll enjoy the scenic views of the O-torii Gate standing in the ocean.
Once we get to Miyajima we can visit the shrine, and soak in the historic architecture and spectacular ocean views to our heart's content.
For lunch we recommend going to Miyajima's shopping center and having an oyster-filled lunch at a shop called Kakiya. Then after enjoying the plump oysters―a Hiroshima specialty―we'll go to a nearby shop called BACCANO Gelateria for a refreshing dessert!
After our satisfying lunch we'll take the Miyajima Ropeway up to the summit of Mt. Misen. The Mt. Misen Observatory offers a stunning panorama of the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku Mountain Range. The cluster of huge rocks at the summit are also famous as a power spot.
Mount Misen and Miyajima Ropeway
Location:Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Miyajimacho, Momijidani Park
Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
Official Homepage: Miyajima Ropeway
Day Two: After Learning Some History Let's Eat and Go Shopping!
Photo by Pixta
On Day Two let's learn about Hiroshima's history, then spend some leisurely time roaming the city.
We'll first visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park and immerse ourselves in the history of the war and Hiroshima. This will be followed up by a shopping excursion at Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Street.
The shopping mall runs east-west for about 577 meters. It's lined with a wide variety of shops from long-established stores to the newest spots.
Near the shopping street there's an attraction called Hiroshima Orizuru Tower. Inside you'll find a souvenir shop, cafe, and an observatory deck. The interior is decorated with art pieces featuring a paper crane (orizuru) theme, so you can even take some great photos to post on social media.
We recommend bringing your Hiroshima adventure to a close with some delicious okonomiyaki, a local specialty. Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten is a restaurant with a long history that's loved by all the local residents. It also has locations in Orizuru Tower and Hiroshima Station, so by all means please give it a try.
Hiroshima Three-Day Itinerary: See Famous Sights at Your Own Pace
On a three-day itinerary, you can see a variety of sightseeing spots. This next course will have you sightseeing in Hiroshima's city center on the first day, and then venturing out to Miyajima Island on the second day.
Day One (Afternoon): Sightseeing Within Hiroshima
Photo by Pixta
Upon arriving in Hiroshima, let's first visit Hiroshima Peace Park. After looking at the Bell of Peace and spending time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum inside the park, we'll go for a stroll around the popular tourist attraction, Hiroshima Castle.
Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589. Although much of it was destroyed during the bombing, the castle tower has now been restored and is a history museum.
In the evening we'll savor Hiroshima's specialty gourmet, okonomiyaki, at a popular spot known as Okonomiyaki Mura. The area is lined with no less than 23 okonomiyaki shops!
No matter which restaurant you visit, you'll be able to try typical okonomiyaki as well as more unique and original okonomiyaki dishes. It'll be fun to go hunting for the shop that best meets your personal taste preferences!
Day Two: Miyajima Sightseeing
Photo by Pixta
On Day Two we go to Miyajima Island to visit the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine. We recommend using the train and ferry to reach Miyajima in the morning, then taking your time to enjoy the breathtaking ocean views and the shrine's historic architecture.
In the afternoon let's ride the Miyajima Ropeway up to Mt. Misen, and then admire the stunning panorama of the surrounding area from the summit.
Momijidani Park is a beautiful park at Mt. Misen's base near the ropeway entrance. Spring and summer offers views of lush green foliage, and then from mid-November until late November, about 700 trees are bathed in beautiful autumn colors. Depending on the time of year, the park will take on a whole new appearance.
After taking in the mountain's magnificent scenery, you'll next want to visit the Miyajima Public Aquarium. In addition to sea lion performances held regularly throughout the year, you can also enjoy interacting with cute penguins and seals.
Day Three: Shopping in Hiroshima
Photo by Pixta
There are still plenty of highlights left to see! We recommend Shukkeien Garden on your final day in Hiroshima.
Shukkeien Garden was built in 1620. Here you can spend some relaxing time in a beautiful Japanese-style garden, while walking around the valley and bridge that's been cleverly placed within the park.
After some leisurely moments in the garden, let's go to the Hiroshima Museum of Art. This museum has many works of art by French Impressionist painters such as Millet, Monet, and Renoir. Exhibits are also held from time to time, so it's the perfect spot for art lovers who want to see a variety of artwork.
In the afternoon let's enjoy shopping in the Hiroshima Station area. AQ'A Hiroshima Center, a shopping center in Kamiya-cho's Naka Ward, has a wide range of different stores so you'll be sure to find the perfect souvenir for family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Spots in Hiroshima Do You Most Recommend?
Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi City)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (Hiroshima City)
Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima City)
Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima City)
Shimanami Kaido (A route connecting Hiroshima Prefecture's Onomichi City with Ehime Prefecture's Imabari City)
Rabbit Island (Takehara City: Okunoshima)
We especially recommend the World Heritage Sites of Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Itsukushima Shrine is located in Hatsukaichi City, but it's not far from the heart of the city, so you can easily see it all even on a day trip.
If your itinerary affords you the time, you might also want to consider adding the Shimanami Kaido (connects the many beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea), as well as famous Okunoshima (known affectionately as Rabbit Island) to your travel plans.
How Long Does It Take To Go Sightseeing in Miyajima?
About two to three hours. If your plan is to visit Itsukushima Shrine and the shopping street, just the morning or just the afternoon will give you plenty of time to see both spots. However, if you have plans to go as far as Mt. Misen and Momijidani Park, please give yourself sufficient time. If you want to challenge yourself and climb up Mt. Misen, you can experience Miyajima's charms even more. So if you have the time to go sightseeing for one night-two days or two nights-three days, by all means please come for a visit.
How Many Minutes Does the Ferry to Itsukushima Shrine Take?
About 10 minutes. Even when you take the O-torii Ferry, which goes close to O-Torii Gate, the required travel time is about the same as the standard route to Miyajima.
When Is the Best Season To Visit Hiroshima?
We recommend visiting during pleasant times of the year such as March to May, and October to November. By doing so you'll hit the cherry blossom season or the autumn leaves season, which means more fun things to see and do. Though there might be more visitors as well, please plan your trip to coincide with these special seasons so that your sightseeing will be even more enjoyable!
What Is the Best Time of the Day for Visiting Itsukushima Shrine?
We recommend visiting during the early morning. At these hours there will be relatively few visitors so you'll be able to take your time and enjoy some stress-free exploring. Excluding special days (ie. January 1st), the first ferry usually departs at 6:25 and Itsukushima Shrine opens at 6:30. However, the O-torii Ferry begins service at 9:00. So visitors using this ferry to get a closer look at the torii gate should take note of this.
Enjoy Exploring Hiroshima
Hiroshima Prefecture is home to many sightseeing spots, and topping the list are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Even on a short excursion such as a day trip or one night-two day visit you can fully enjoy all the sights. So please refer to the model courses introduced in this article and plan your own personalized trip!
Main image by Pixta
Written by Kakutama editorial team
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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