Most people have just one thing in mind when they think of Hiroshima. This is at once understandable—humanity should never forget—and unfortunate: Hiroshima is so much more than the tragedy that took place here over 80 years ago.
Indeed, while I do hope that you will visit the city’s so-called “Ground Zero” (and, in fact, have given the attractions around the A-Bomb Dome top-tier billing within this guide), the key to enjoying Hiroshima is to see it for what it’s become, and not just what became of it.
Curious about what I mean? Perfect. I hope you’ll devote a few minutes to my Hiroshima itinerary, where I’ll be pointing you in all the right directions.
Where to Stay in Hiroshima
As you explore Hiroshima prefecture, you’ll want to sleep close to Hiroshima Station, even if the core attractions of the city center are a short streetcar ride (or a much longer walk) away. Lately, I’ve taken to staying at the Hiroshima branch of Sotetsu Fresa Inn, which offers relatively large rooms (for Japan) at a fair price less than 10 minutes by foot from the station.
Craving a more elevated stay? Hotel Granvia not only offers a higher-end experience, but is directly connected to the station via skybridge. This is especially convenient, as you can arrive in the morning and easily drop your bags before a busy day of sightseeing!
My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Hiroshima
Meditate at—and on—Ground Zero
Located a short streetcar ride (or a slightly less-short walk) away from Hiroshima Station, Ground Zero isn’t one place, but a series of sites that commemorate the tragedy that took place here on that sad day in August 1945. The most striking reminder is the partially destroyed A-Bomb Dome, while the Eternal Flame and Hiroshima Peace Memorial offer visions of a more hopeful future.
Honor Hiroshima’s past in less obvious ways
One of the most underrated parts of any Hiroshima itinerary, as far as I’m concerned, is Hiroshima Castle. Although the original structure was obliterated during the bomb blast, the reconstruction is faithful and artful—its wooden exterior is one of my favorite castle facades in Japan. Pay close attention to the eucalyptus and willow trees near the castle’s entrance. Both survived the blast, and while they still bear scars from it, nonetheless symbolize something powerful. You can also visit Shukkeien, Hiroshima’s premier traditional Japanese garden.
Try Japan’s most famous Okonomiyaki
As is the case with so many other cities in Japan, eating is one of the best things to do in Hiroshima. The city hosts many culinary highlights, but the first among them is undoubtedly okonomiyaki. Now, I’m not going to weigh in on which place has the tastiest ones, although I’ve tried my fair share of them. It’s about the journey (i.e. watching the intricate process of making the savory pancakes) as much as the destination (your belly).
Watch the sunset from Miyajima
As I’ll explain in a few paragraphs, I’m writing this post with the assumption that you will be spending at least a couple of days in Hiroshima. Sunsets here are generally pretty awesome, but it comes to Hiroshima sunsets outside the city, you absolutely have to experience one behind Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island. While you’re waiting for night to fall, make sure to visit with the island’s famous deer, and to enjoy its delicious locally-caught oysters kaki in Japanese).
Take a day trip to Onomichi or Kintai Bridge
Now, let’s be clear: Onomichi, a harbor city about an hour east of Hiroshima’s city center, is not the only day excursion you can enjoy on your next trip to Hiroshima. Another of my favorites (which is technically in Yamaguchi prefecture) is Kintai Bridge, located a short bus ride from Shin-Iwakuni Station.
TIP: If you’re stuck deciding between Onomichi or Kintai-kyo when it comes to day trips from Hiroshima, but love biking, definitely choose Onomichi. It’s the starting point for the Shimanami Kaido, one of the best biking routes in Japan!
Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting?
Hiroshima is what you make of it. Some tourists expect to be overwhelmed by emotion the moment they look out onto the A-bomb blast site—I know I did. (Side note: While I didn’t end up feeling very moved in this place on any of my trips to Hiroshima, I’ve had a very different experience in Nagasaki, the other Japanese city the same fate befell. Click here to read my comparison of Hiroshima vs. Nagasaki.)
To be sure, history is important; so are places of natural beauty, such as Shukkeien garden in the city center, and the “floating” Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island just outside it. Likewise, taking day trips such as to Yamaguchi prefecture’s Kintai Bridge or the port city of Onomichi is essential to making sure your trip maintains a sustainable, engaging pace. In terms of my own personal history, I will say that I like Hiroshima more with each subsequent visit.
Other FAQ About Visiting Hiroshima
How long should I spend in Hiroshima?
If you only plan to explore Hiroshima’s city center (which includes, for rhetorical purposes, Miyajima island), then 1-2 days in the city should be plenty. This gives you a full day to explore Ground Zero and the attractions near it, plus spending at least one sunset watching the sun set behind Itsukushima Shrine. Add a day for each day trip, whether to Kintai Bridge, Onomichi or beyond.
Is Hiroshima still radioactive?
Hiroshima is definitely not still radioactive. The majority of bomb-related radiation faded within a few months of the blast; these days, it’s almost undetectable. Your body will absorb much more radiation during every day activities in and around Japan, and also on the flight over!
Why is Hiroshima popular?
Hiroshima is popular because many tourists want to visit the A-Bomb Dome and pay their respects to the victim of the tragedy that took place here. Specific attractions notwithstanding, Hiroshima is a popular destination because it’s easily accessible. It’s less than four hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train, two hours from Kyoto and Osaka and just an hour from Fukuoka.
The Bottom Line
I hope you have a more comprehensive view of things to do now than you did when you navigated to my Hiroshima itinerary. Although Hiroshima’s history is important, the city (like Nagasaki) is so much more than the infamous tragedy that befell it. Balance, you see, is the key to seeing Hiroshima for all it is. Follow up your visit to Ground Zero with a walk around the grounds of rebuilt Hiroshima Castle, whose own eucalyptus tree (which survived the blast) is a symbol of the the city’s resilience and rebirth, or with a delicious helping of Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki pancakes. Need personalized help planning your next trip to Japan? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!
