Things To Do In Hiroshima – A Unique Guide (2025)
As you explore the western part of Japan’s main island, Honshu, you’ll find Hiroshima, a city overlooking the stunning Seto Inland Sea and serving as the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture. Easily reachable by train from major hubs like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, this city invites you into its story.
Though its name may echo with tragedy, today Hiroshima stands as a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and renewal, welcoming you to experience its transformative spirit firsthand.
In this article, I’ll take you through our visit to Hiroshima, from the emotional silence of the Peace Memorial Park to the comforting warmth of a freshly made okonomiyaki. It’s a journey through memory, culture, and flavor that left a lasting mark on me.
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My favourite hotels in Hiroshima
First lets start with the best rated hotels in the area which you will love. The Itsukushima Iroha hotel is on the small but beautiful Miyajima Island 30 minutes from the center.
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Luxury 8/10
Luxury 9/10
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Luxury 9.5/10
1: Childrens Peace Monument Hiroshima
In Hiroshima, we were welcomed by a group of children singing in front of the Children’s Peace Monument., as you can see in the picture below. They were honoring the memory of Sadako Sasaki, a girl their age who died at just 12 from leukemia caused by radiation exposure following the atomic bombing.
Who is Sadako Sasaki
While she was ill, Sadako began folding paper cranes. According to a Japanese legend, anyone who folds a thousand cranes is granted a wish. Sadly, she didn’t manage to finish them. Her classmates completed the cranes on her behalf and dedicated a monument to her in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
At the top of the sculpture, Sadako is depicted holding a bronze paper crane. Today, thousands of colorful origami cranes sent by children from around the world surround the monument, carrying messages of peace and hope.
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2. Memorial Hall
That moving scene led us to the Memorial Hall within Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, a solemn sanctuary amid the city’s scars. The entrance, striking and symbolic, bears a clock frozen at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945 – the exact moment of the atomic bomb.
Its design, with clean lines and muted tones, evokes both reverence and grief. Inside, the air feels heavy, as if carrying the weight of history. Heartbreaking stories unfold through exhibits: personal artifacts, like a child’s scorched lunchbox or a tattered school uniform, tell of lives cut short.
Photographs and survivor testimonies reveal families torn apart, their dreams reduced to ash in an instant. The hall’s circular layout guides visitors deeper into the tragedy, yet it also whispers hope through messages of peace etched on walls. Standing there, surrounded by echoes of loss and resilience.
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
But Hiroshima doesn’t speak only through words. It shows. Photos, artifacts, and testimonies illustrate the devastating aftermath of nuclear warfare.The Hiroshima museum’s purpose is precisely to display all the remaining objects that bear witness to the horrors of war. The museum explains why such a devastating bomb was dropped.
The message the city and there fore the museum sends is clear and powerful: nuclear weapons must be abolished. Because here, their effects were truly lived.
If you want to visit it, you can find the museum inside the Peace Memorial Park, near the iconic Genbaku Dome.
4. Genbaku Dome
Near the park stands the Genbaku Dome, the only structure that remained standing after the blast. Everything else was wiped out instantly by an unimaginable force. Survivors speak of apocalyptic scenes, people diving into the river for safety, only to find the water boiling hot. The skin was peeling off as if it were a film.
The days that followed were harrowing. But it wasn’t just those immediate days, the suffering continued for years. Cancer, infertility, disabilities: the diagnoses were merciless. People’s bodies bore the marks of a deep trauma, a wound that scarred not just individuals, but the soul of an entire nation.
We heard too many painful stories in that park to believe there could ever be a justification for dropping that bomb. It was a countdown to a humanitarian disaster that defies any logical explanation.
People come to Hiroshima to reflect and that is just as important today with everything thats going on in the world.
What to eat in Hiroshima
But Hiroshima is not just a place of memory. It’s also a place of life, culture, and flavor. Here, they make some of the best okonomiyaki in Japan. We tried two vegetarian versions, cooked on an open griddle by the restaurant staff. This savory pancake, made with noodles, vegetables, and eggs, is simple, satisfying, and full of character. There are many variations, and they’re all delicious.
In Hiroshima, okonomiyaki isn’t the only traditional dish you should try. Another local delicacy you will love is breaded and fried oysters, known as kaki-furai. And that’s just one of the many ways oysters are prepared in Hiroshima.
In fact, this mollusk is considered a typical and tasty specialty here. Besides fried oysters, you can also try them grilled, raw, or in tempura!
Another traditional Hiroshima dish isanago-meshi, a bowl of rice topped with eel cooked in a sweet sauce.
What to see in and around Hiroshima
Miyajima
Also known as “Itsukushima,” this sacred island is famous for its “floating” torii gate (just 1 hour from Hiroshima).
But Miyajima is more than just the torii gate. You’ll find wild but friendly deer roaming freely, traditional momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped sweets) to try, and beautiful hiking trails leading up to Mount Misen. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea.
I recommend dedicating at least half a day to this island.
Hiroshima Castle
Also known as Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle is a beautiful reconstruction of the original 16th-century fortress that once stood as the political and cultural center of the region.Surrounded by a picturesque moat and a tranquil park, the castle is especially lovely during cherry blossom season in the spring.
Inside, the multi-story main keep houses a museum dedicated to Hiroshima’s samurai history, traditional weapons, and life in the Edo period. At the top, there’s an observation deck offering panoramic views over the city and nearby river.
Shukkeien – The Emporers Garden
An oasis of peace in the heart of the city, perfect for a contemplative break.
Just a short walk from Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Originally built in 1620 for a feudal lord, the name Shukkeien means “shrunken-scenery garden”.
Futabanosato Trail
This is a roughly 10 km route connecting historic temples and shrines. Some of these were bombed and later rebuilt. The trail runs near Mount Futaba, about 1 km from Hiroshima Station.
Frequently Asked Question of Hiroshima (F.A.Q.)
1. What does the Genbaku Dome represent?
It is the only building left standing near the epicenter of the atomic blast. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of the horrors of nuclear war.
2. Is it worth visiting Hiroshima today?
Absolutely. It’s a vibrant, modern, and welcoming city, deeply aware of its history. It offers a lot in terms of culture, food, and human connection.
3. What is okonomiyaki and where can you try it?
Okonomiyaki is a type of savory pancake made with ingredients like noodles, vegetables, eggs, and sauces. Hiroshima is famous for its layered version, and many restaurants cook it right in front of you on a hot griddle.
4. How can you get to Hiroshima?
You can easily access Hiroshima by Shinkansen (high-speed train) from cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. The journey is fast, comfortable, and convenient.
5. What’s the best way to get around Hiroshima city?
Hiroshima has an efficient tram (streetcar) system that covers major attractions, making it easy and affordable to explore the city within a day. Also the city bus service is very efficient.
6. What’s the best time of year to visit Hiroshima?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, including cherry blossoms and colorful fall leaves.
7. Is Hiroshima safe for solo travelers?
Yes, I find Hirishima very safe. The city is friendly, clean, and easy to navigate, making it perfect for exploring alone.
8. Can I visit Hiroshima in a day trip from Tokyo?
Technically yes, but it’s a long day since it’s about 4 hours one way by Shinkansen. Many travelers prefer to stay overnight or visit from closer cities like Osaka or Kyoto for a more relaxed trip.
Conclusion Things To Do In Hiroshima
Hiroshima captured my soul. The Memorial Hall’s stories left me humbled, yet the city’s vibrancy lifted me. I strolled through Shukkeien Garden’s tranquility, enjoyed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki food, and gazed at Miyajima’s floating Torii gate.
Hiroshima’s finest beaches in Japan, with their golden sands are an amazing experience. Cheering at a Carp baseball game and exploring Hiroshima Castle’s history are some of the many things to do in Hiroshima.
This city blends resilience, beauty, and joy in every corner. Visit Hiroshima to feel its heartbeat – its past inspires peace, its present invites you to embrace life. You won’t regret it!
This is a guest post by Angela
Let me know what your experience is of Hiroshima in the comments below.
