Hiroshima is a historic city on Honshu, the main island of Japan, located on the Seto Inland Sea in southwestern Japan. On one hand, the city’s message of peace and astonishing rebirth resonates across the world; it beckons visitors with powerful historic monuments, tranquil island sanctuaries, panoramic coastal views and delicious regional cuisine.
Top Things to See and Major Sights
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum A peaceful green space with monuments, the Flame of Peace and exhibits on the history of mankind.
Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – A stark industrial building, preserved as it was after the blast of 1945, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine – An island of beauty, famed for its floating red torii gate, which seems to float on the sea at high tide.
Hiroshima Castle is a 16th-century fortress rebuilt after WWII, including a moat, cherry trees and a museum of samurai history.
Shukkeien Garden: A traditional Japanese landscaped garden with small valleys, bridges and tea houses built in 1620.
Visitor Information: How to Get There and When to Go
How to get there: From Osaka or Kyoto, take the Shinkansen bullet train and be at Hiroshima Station in under two hours.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) for mild weather and cherry blossoms or Autumn (October-November) for the maple leaves on Miyajima.
Visitor Tips: Purchase a local streetcar day pass to get around with ease. Check tide times for Itsukushima Shrine. Try some savoury pancake okonomiyaki, Hiroshima- style.
Other nearby places
Mount Misen: The tallest point on Miyajima Island with cable cars, hiking trails and views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Iwakuni Historic Castle Town is to the south of Hiroshima with the five-arched wooden Kintai Bridge across the Nishiki River.
Onomichi – a pretty seaside town with its walks along temple-filled slopes and old alleys and the start of the cycling Shimanami Kaido route.
Things to Know Before You Travel
What to do in Hiroshima?
The main attractions are the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle and nearby Miyajima Island with its famous floating torii gate.
How easy is it to get from Hiroshima city centre to Miyajima Island?
Yes, it is an easy hop on the local train/tram and a beautiful 10-minute ferry ride to the island.
How long can you stay in Hiroshima?
In one or two days you can see all the peace monuments, go to Miyajima Island, and see the local gardens and museums.
Hiroshima is an emotional journey through history, peace and the natural beauty of the islands. Plan out your trip today for an unforgettable experience! Skanda Holidays is the perfect place to plan your trip to Japan.
