I wish I’d read an article about day trips from Hiroshima before I took my first trip to the city, in 2014. Back then, as I wrote about in my broader Hiroshima travel guide, I simply had the wrong idea about the place.
Among other mistakes I made? Hiroshima’s city center, whatever you think of it, really comprises only a small fraction of why the larger San’yo region is worth visiting. Destinations both within and outside of Hiroshima prefecture beckon, some of which are literally among the best in Japan.
Over the next several paragraphs, I’ll introduce you to some of my favorite Hiroshima day trips. Whether you’re able to squeeze them all in, or simply choose one you think will be suit you, I think they’ll change how you see Hiroshima.
Hiroshima is a Great Destination, But a Better Base
Even if you’ve only considered Hiroshima to Onomichi day trip, you get it: Hiroshima is a convenient city with a captivating history, but even more appealing because of its proximity to the rest of far-western Japan. In fact, this is the specific argument I make to private clients of mine, who are often on the fence about whether to visit Hiroshima at all. “We don’t care about World War II,” they’ll divulge, dismissively (but understandably).
The value proposition, to be sure, becomes much greater when I tell people what they’re missing if they skip Hiroshima. “It will be almost impossible to visit the underrated Samurai town of Hagi,” I’ll explain, “or even centuries-old Kintai Bridge if you don’t already plan to be in Hiroshima.” This is to say nothing of aforementioned Onomichi, which is itself worthy of visiting Hiroshima all on its own.
The Best Day Trips from Hiroshima
Miyajima
I almost didn’t include the “day trip” from Hiroshima to Miyajima in this article. On one hand, it’s far enough outside of town—it’ll take you an hour to get from the city center to Itsukushima Shrine—to qualify as an excursion. On the other hand, it’s so famous at this point that I’ve almost never met anyone who didn’t know it already.
Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido
Likewise, heading eastward from Hiroshima to Onomichi is an increasingly popular option. I usually like to go north from Onomichi Station up to Senko-ji temple, then walk through cat-filled back alleys along the Old Temple Trail to Saikoku-ji. From there, I head down to the harbor to slurp up a salty bowl of Onomichi ramen.
Alternatively, I go directly from Onomichi-eki to the harbor and rent a bike (if you’re coming from Hiroshima only for the day, an e-bike might be better). I then ride a short ferry over to the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, a picturesque biking trail that goes over the Seto Inland Sea—all the way to Shikoku island’s Imabari city, if you have time and stamina.
Kintai Bridge
The good news? Traveling from Hiroshima to Kintai Bridge is easy—you simply ride a westbound Shinkansen Kodama or Hikari train to the delightfully retro Shin-Iwakuni Station, then get a bus from there to the bridge. While this bridge is obviously at its most beautiful during cherry blossom season, its centuries-old architecture is worth appreciating 365 days per year.
Shimonoseki
Like Kintaikyo, the city of Shimonoseki is in Yamaguchi prefecture—so, technically not “in” Hiroshima. Unlike the bridge, however, Shimonoseki is a real—and interesting—city. My favorite attractions involve food—the controversial fugu pufferfish more generally; Karato Seafood Market specifically—but I also love the views of the Kanmon Straits, which separate Japan’s Honshu from Kyushu island, that you can enjoy here.
Hagi and Motonosumi Inari Shrine
To go three for three with destinations in Yamaguchi-ken, I can absolutely recommend that you take a bus from Hiroshima to Hagi, a Samurai district that’s as filled with history as it is (mostly) empty of tourists. If you’re open to renting a car, however, you can also add a side-trip to Motonosumi Inari Shrine—think the vermillion gates of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine (even if Motonosumi’s are red), but on the sea. It’s as stunning as it sounds!
Fukuoka
Last but not least is the city of Fukuoka, which I never considered a day-trip destination from any city (let alone Hiroshima) until a client asked me if I could plan one (a day trip from Hiroshima, this is) for them. It was pretty straightforward, actually—a Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen to Hakata Station, and some combination of the Fukuoka City Subway and their own two feet from there to attractions like the temples of Fukuoka Gion, to Kushida Shrine, to the ramen shops and yatai food stalls along the Naka River.
Where to Go in Japan After Hiroshima
Hiroshima, as I’ve expressed in other articles I’ve written about the city/prefecture, is the gateway to Western Japan. This not only includes the San’yo Coast along which it sits, but San’in, the northern “lobe” of the Chūgoku region. From shrines and gardens in Shimane prefecture, to an actual desert in Tottori, San’in is (as I’ve often written) the Japan you’ve been looking for.
In the other direction, while Fukuoka can be a day trip from Hiroshima, the larger island of Kyushu deserves more of your time—much more of it. As a general rule, I suggest spending a minimum of two days in each of its seven prefectures; this means that for a truly comprehensive trip of Japan’s southernmost major island, you need at least two weeks. As is the case for Hiroshima itself, I promise it’s worth it!
Other FAQ About Day Trips from Hiroshima
What is the best day trip from Hiroshima?
In terms of pure ROI, I’d say that Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi prefecture is probably the best day trip from Hiroshima. It’s easy to reach—a Shinkansen to Shin-Iwakuni; a short bus ride from there. It’s also simple to explore: You’ll be satisfied if you only admire the bridge, though you can also have lunch and ride a ropeway up to Iwakuni Castle. There’s very little to lose.
What are some hidden gems to explore in Hiroshima?
Most of the hidden gems in the vicinity of Hiroshima are outside the city center, which is firmly along Japan’s “Golden Route.” Within Hiroshima prefecture, I love day-tripping to the harbor town of Onomichi and, if I have time, biking onto the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Beyond these, nearby Yamaguchi prefecture is one of Japan’s most underrated destinations, and is easily accessible from Hiroshima.
What are some popular tourist attractions near Hiroshima?
Hiroshima puts you within day-trip distance of several fabulous spots. For example, the centuries-old Kintaikyo Bridge, which is technically in Yamaguchi prefecture but is less than an hour from central Hiroshima by Shinkansen bullet train and bus. Miyajima island (which I consider to be part of Hiroshima, rather than separate from it) is also less than an hour from Hiroshima Station.
The Bottom Line
I hope my round-up of day trips from Hiroshima has both informed and inspired you. On the information front, many of these places—from Kintai Bridge just to the west in Yamaguchi prefecture; to the Samurai town of Hagi further afield—simply might not be on your radar. Once they are, reading the words I’ve written about them and the pictures I’ve taken of them will hopefully inspire you to visit them yourself, presuming that you plan to devote long enough to Hiroshima to accommodate them. Need personalized help optimize your adventure around the underrated reaches of far-Western Japan? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!
