Hiroshima
A city of peace, and a gateway to Miyajima.
Hiroshima was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and rebuilt as a green, lively city. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum tell that story clearly and are worth time and quiet attention. The city itself is friendly and easy to get around by streetcar. Okonomiyaki is the local meal. Miyajima, with its shrine gate in the sea, is about 40 minutes away by train and ferry.
Best time: Early April for cherry blossoms, or late October to late November for autumn color. August is hot.
Weather
Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Hiroshima (JMA)).
Top 5
- Peace Memorial MuseumGive it time; it can be crowded and emotionally heavy.
- Atomic Bomb DomeThe ruined building kept as a memorial.
- Itsukushima Shrine, MiyajimaThe shrine over the water; scenery changes with the tide.
- Shukkeien GardenA calm landscape garden near the station.
- OkonomimuraFloors of small okonomiyaki stalls in one building.
A simple day
- Peace Memorial Park and Museum in the morning.
- Okonomiyaki lunch.
- Train and ferry to Miyajima.
- Itsukushima Shrine and the shopping street.
- Grilled oysters before heading back.
Where to stay
- Hiroshima StationEasy for the shinkansen and Miyajima trains.
- Hondori / HatchoboriCentral, near the park and restaurants.
- MiyajimaStay on the island to see it after the day crowds leave.
Places we’ve checked
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museumspot site ↗
- Hilton Hiroshimastay site ↗
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshimastay site ↗
- WeBase Hiroshimastay site ↗
- Okonomimuraizakaya site ↗
From the psst directory. Opening days and prices change — check the official site before you go.
Getting there
Tokyo → Hiroshima: about 4h by direct shinkansen. Hiroshima → Miyajima: about 30 min by JR, then about 10 min by ferry.
psst — skip this mistake: Treating the museum as a quick stop. Give it time, and consider whether young children are ready for it.