Top 30 things to do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, although most known worldwide as a tragic event that happened during World War II, it is a city that has a lot to offer for those visiting Japan. Hiroshima has become a place that commemorates those that have died in the World War and a place that takes great importance in valuing peace. Because of this we can find many museums, statues, and commemorative places dedicated to peace in Hiroshima. Apart from this Hiroshima is also worth visiting for its busy downtown area Kamiyacho, parks, Hiroshima Castle and art museums. Find out on what the top 30 things to do in Hiroshima are in the list below!

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

A museum with a collection of materials related to the damage and the suffering caused by the atomic bomb. The exhibit includes belongings of the victims and evidence from the moment immediately after the bombing. These valuable items relate the story of the atomic bomb to the younger generations with no war experience.

The Atomic Bomb Dome

This building was heavily damaged and exposed to radiation by the first ever used atomic bomb during World War I. The building has been preserved in the state it was immediately after the bombing, and has continued to testify to the horrors of the atomic bomb.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a place filled with people’s prayer for peace. The park is situated on the opposite side of the river from the Atomic Bomb Dome. Praying for eternal world peace, this park was established near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion.

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle was restored splendidly after it had been destroyed by the atomic bomb. The moat, stone walls, and the restored “ninomaru” section are all spectacular. Also, visitors can dress up as a wartime samurai, complete with a samurai helmet!

Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima

Opened in April 2009, it is the newest home field stadium of all the professional Japanese baseball teams. There are a variety of styles of seats, so everyone from kids to adults can enjoy watching baseball.

Kamiyacho and Hatchobori

Kamiyacho and Hatchobori are business districts that are directly connected to the Hiroshima Bus Center. Located near tourist spots such as Hiroshima Castle and the Atomic Bomb Dome, you can enjoy shopping and the cuisine.

Shukkei-en

This garden was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Historic Parks. There are many different styles incorporated into the garden so visitors can enjoy various sites such as a mountainous area, a valley, and a sandy beach.

Mitaki-dera Temple

Here, you become one with nature, enveloped by the serenity of stone Buddha statues on the mountainside. It is known as a famous place for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. An old residence has been refurbished as a popular teahouse with a peaceful atmosphere.

Miyajima Omotesando Arcade

A shopping street where you can enjoy traditional Miyajima craftsmanship and the famous Hiroshima specialties of oysters and momiji manjuu (maple buns). The area also has the world’s largest rice scoop, “O-Shakushi”. At night, the area is illuminated and quite beautiful.

Senko-ji Temple (Senko-ji Park)

A temple and park that spans from the middle of Mt. Senko-ji to its summit. Naturally the view is amazing. But there are also the cherry blossoms, the night view, the sound of the bells and many other aspects that have put the area onto many Top 100 lists. The scenery is so superb that many artists have painted it.

Kure Maritime Museum（Yamato Museum）

The museum is located inside the grounds of the JMSDF(Japan Military Self Defense Force) in the city of Kure,. It introduces the scientific technology behind shipbuilding and steelmaking, starting with the battleship Yamato. Along with the displays, you can also experience the mysteries of science.

Itsukushima Shrine

The island of Itsukushima (also called Miyajima) is known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Itsukushima shrine, an invaluable location, is a visual representation of the ancient religion of Japanese Shinto. The gorgeous shrine and grand torii gate “floating” in the sea are spectacular.

Sera Kogen Farm

On the farm’s 150,000 ㎡ grounds, many festivals are held like the spring tulip festival, the summer sunflower festival, and the autumn dahlia festival. The barbeques on the terrace and the café are also popular.

Sensuijima Island

An island 6km in circumference, symbolizing the scenic beauty of the town of Tomo-no-Ura. It is a place with many natural treasures like the Goshikiiwa (Five-Colored Rocks) and the sea fireflies. There are also plenty of leisure facilities on the island such as accommodations, a camping ground, and a beach.

Mt. Haigamine

At an altitude of 737m, Mt. Haigamine has one of the top 3 great nightscapes in the Chugoku/Shikoku region where you can view the port and streets of Kure City. But the view can also be easily enjoyed from within the city, on a drive and during the climb up the mountain.

Preserved District of Takehara

In 1982, it was given its special status by the nation. The oldest building was constructed in 1691, and actual buildings from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho and Showa Eras can be viewed here.

Houkoku Shrine (Senjokaku)

The shrine is alternately named Senjokaku. Hideyoshi Toyotomi had the shrine built in honor of fallen soldiers, but since his own death, it has been left incomplete for over 400 years. One highlight is the more than 100 ema (votive pictures of horses).

Itsukushima (Miyajima)

Commonly known as Miyajima, it is also known as one of the Three Views of Japan. The island has a history of over 1400 years which includes the World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine, the many temples and shrines on Mt. Misen, and traditional events.

Onomichi

The mountainside has so many temples that it has been called the Little Kyoto of the West, and on the seaside, there is the long and blue Onomichi Channel along with the islands of Seto that center around the Shimanami Kaido…which make for a port town with that nostalgic mood

Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

Hiroshima is where the atomic bomb was dropped for the first time in the world. It is a calamity that should never be forgotten. Through multiple languages, this memorial hall has been conveying the horrific suffering of the atomic bomb victims to generations after generations.

Daisho-in

A temple that has been greatly worshipped by the Imperial family and successive leaders of the nation. There has also been a Buddhist memorial service with the Dalai Lama in attendance. The view from inside the temple grounds is also wonderful and you will want to visit Daisho-in along with Itsukishima Shrine.

Daigan-ji Temple

Just a minute’s walk from the exit of Itsukishima Shrine, the temple is famous nationwide for its enshrinement of one of the 3 Great Benzaiten in Japan within its hondo main hall. There are also many highlights aside from the visit to the temple including a Rubbing Buddha and the 9-trunk pine tree.

Okonomimura

The popular Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with its distinct style of vegetables and noodles grilled together is represented by restaurants which have grouped together in one building as a famous spot. All of the shops vie with each other over their own individual style.

Mt. Misen

A sacred mountain for the gods since ancient times, Mt. Misen towers over its island of Miyajima which has one of The Three Views of Japan. It is a miracle spot which has a 10,000-year-old primeval forest, fantastically-shaped rocks and The Seven Wonders.

Wood Egg Okonomiyaki Museum

Along with its museum which introduces the birth of one of Hiroshima’s representative dishes, you can also enjoy a tour of the factory and try your hand at cooking okonomiyaki.

Kiyomori Shrine and Nishi-Matsubara

Kiyomori Shrine was built in 1954 in commemoration of the 770th anniversary of Taira-no-Kiyomori’s passing. The pine trees and stone lanterns of Nishi-Matsubara which make up a part of the landscape of Itsukishima Shrine is the ideal photo spot where you can get a panoramic view of Miyajima.

Momijidani Park

A famed area for the changing leaves of autumn. The 700 maple trees show their colors at once between the middle and end of November. But it’s not just about the fall leaves…the fresh greenery of spring and summer is also popular and you can enjoy it together with the surrounding tourist spots.

Miyajima Ropeway

Connects Momijidani Park and Mt. Misen. Getting off at the final station of Shishiiwa Station, you can enjoy a magnificent view from the observatory and a round-trip 1-hour trekking up to the peak of Mt. Misen.

Shimanami Expressway

An expressway with a bicycle lane that spans for 70km with 9 bridges linking 6 islands between Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. There is plenty that is well worth seeing from the quality of the scenery, a historical walk of the Seto Inland Sea to the dynamism of the bridges.

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