While Hiroshima may be most well known to tourists as the location of the first atomic bomb detonation, in modern times, it is one of the top tourist destinations in Japan. Hiroshima is a gorgeous city that is easy to get around with many unique places to visit. Here is your travel guide to Hiroshima.

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Language: Japanese

While English is widely spoken in cities and tourist locations, knowing a few Japanese phrases and some Kanji is highly beneficial.

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥).

Japan is a cash society, and while more places in the city are accepting cards, you should always carry cash during your travels in Japan. ATMs are available in 7-Eleven for cash withdrawal.

Tip: bring a coin purse; you will likely be carrying a lot of change.

Major Airports:
Tokyo: Narita International Airport (NRT) & Haneda Airport (HND)
Osaka: Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Best Time To Visit: March to May & October to November

During this time, there is little rain, and temperatures are mild. The winters are cold but manageable with proper clothing. Avoid the summer if possible due to high temperatures and high humidity, with typhoon season peaking in August and September.

If you visit in late March or early April, you will see the cherry blossoms. If you visit in mid-November, you will see the vivid fall colors.

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Getting To Hiroshima

Hiroshima can be reached by shinkansen (bullet train). Via the Nozomi model, you can get to Hiroshima in 1 hour and 25 minutes from Osaka or 3 hours and 45 minutes from Tokyo. If you are using a JR Rail Pass, you will have to take one of the slower shinkansen models, increasing travel time. If you buy a shinkansen ticket, the price will depend on the train model and car type.

You can take the Hiroden street car from Hiroshima station to reach downtown. You want to take Route 1 (orange) to Peace Boulevard or Route 2 (red) to get to the Atomic Bomb Dome. The street cars can be found outside the station’s south exit. The ride will cost ¥190.

Getting to Miyajima Island

There are two options for traveling to Miyajima Island. Option one is to take the JR San-yo Line to Miyajima-guchi Station and then the ferry from Miyajima-guchi Pier to Miyajima. The JR Pass covers this method; without the JR pass, it will cost ¥440 and take 36 minutes. Option two is to take the Aqua Net Ferry from Peace Memorial Park, which costs ¥2,000 and takes 45 minutes.

Where To Stay in Hiroshima

Look at staying on Peace Boulevard, within walking distance to the main destinations in central Hiroshima, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
Mitsui Garden Hotel is a 3-star hotel located on Peace Boulevard, just a short walk from Peace Memorial Park. The hotel has spacious rooms and offers a ¥1,650 breakfast with a fantastic view from the 25th floor.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima
ANA Crown Plaza is a 4-star hotel on Peace Boulevard right across the Motoyasugawa River from Peace Memorial Park. The hotel has six different on-site restaurants boasting a variety of cuisine options.

Iwaso
Iwaso is a ryokan located on Miyajima Island and offers a variety of traditional Japanese-style rooms. Rooms include half board (dinner/breakfast) with a traditional kaiseki meal. The inn is a 3-minute walk from the Itsukushima shrine.

What To Do in Hiroshima

If you are staying on Peace Boulevard, you are mere minutes away from potentially the main draws in Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park. While I can’t say that visiting these places is a joyous occasion, it is very humbling, and I believe a must-visit for everyone.

A short walk north of Peace Memorial Park, you can find Hiroshima Castle. The castle is a reconstruction due to the bombing. However, it’s a faithful reconstruction, offers excellent views, and doubles as a history museum.

Miyajima island is another excellent destination. You can visit this beautiful island, home to the famous torii gate “floating” in the ocean; it’s just a ferry ride away. There is so much to do on this island; you can consider it a day trip.

Aside from places you should visit, you should try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Osaka style is prevalent throughout Japan, so don’t miss this opportunity to try Hiroshima style while you are in town! We stopped at Hassei, a small restaurant just off of Peace Boulevard.

Looking for more details on what to do in Hiroshima?
Check out 5 Places to Visit in Hiroshima

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