Enjoy Nature's Masterpiece and Exquisite Cuisine! 31 Things to Do in Hiroshima

In nature-rich Hiroshima, you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year, but autumn offers particularly beautiful landscapes.
The peak of autumn leaves typically occurs from late October to mid-November, coloring scenic spots like Miyajima and Sandan-kyo, known as one of the most secluded areas in Western Japan, in reds and yellows.
Winter is also recommended for those who want to enjoy gourmet food, as oysters and anago are in season.

From Tokyo, it takes about an hour and a half by plane to get to Hiroshima. From major cities like Nagoya and Osaka, it takes about an hour and a half to two hours by Shinkansen (bullet train). Hiroshima Airport runs regular international flights, making access from overseas especially easy.

Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 by Terumoto Mori, known as one of the five dignitaries of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The castle is located in the center of Hiroshima city, famous as a major tourist attraction with easy access.
Step into the Castle Tower today to find a gallery, exhibiting Japanese swords and armor before heading to the top floor observatory where all the drama of sprawling city views awaits.

The Atomic Bomb Dome, in its original design, was completed as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotional Hall, by Czech architect Jan Letzel on April 5th, 1915.
However, as it stood just 160 meters from the epicenter of the atomic bomb, it suffered severe damage from the blast.
With a gutted steel frame and damaged exterior, its known colloquially as the Atomic Bomb Dome, a building that stands in testament to the tragic history unfolded here.

Itsukushima Shrine stands in mystique atop the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods.
The locals say that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto to enshrine the 3 goddess figures “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto”.
Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art. Most of the shrine buildings on the grounds have been designated as national treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
The grand torii gate, standing in the sea, has undergone a significant renovation known as the "Reiwa Great Renovation," spanning three and a half years and completed in 2022.

Tomonoura is beloved nicknamed the “tide waiting port” for its long history guiding boats along its perfect tides.
It has also been celebrated in the Manyoshu, the oldest collection of Japanese poems.
Home to floating isles in the Seto Inland Sea, Sensui and Benten islands, it is also part of Setonaikai National Park, Japan’s first designated national park.
This picturesque town has seen a number of featured cameos as film locations in famous Hollywood movies, while also inspiring scenes from locally beloved anime, and drawing eyes around the world as a popular tourist destination today.

Kure Maritime Museum, also known as The Yamato Museum, is a museum where the centerpiece is the world's largest battleship "Yamato battleship" from World War II.
A visit here will highlight some of the intriguing history, science and technology that bolstered Kure over time.
The one-tenth scale replica of the battleship Yamato is reborn today using its original blueprints, photographs from diving surveys and collective crew memories.
The iconic model warship serves at this museum as a historic testament to the importance of peace and to the magnificence of science and technology to future generations.

A multiplex hub adjacent to the Atomic Bomb Dome, this landmark tower in Hiroshima invites visitors to the forefront of stirring scenery and unforgettable experiences that can only be found here. As a sightseeing area, the Souvenir select (product hall) and café on the first floor, Orizuru Square and Orizuru Wall on the 12th floor, and the Hiroshima Hills observatory deck on the roof are open to the public.
The rooftop observatory is a pleasant deck space that offers cozy, breezy open air with the added warmth of wooden deck design. Views from here can see out towards Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, but on a clear day, even as far as Miyajima's Mt. Misen.

An aquarium on Miyajima, the island known for the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine. These easy stop is just a 5-minute walk from the exit of Itsukushima Shrine, making for an easy add-on as you swing by.
The Japanese-style architecture features a tile roof and impressive design made to fit the historic landscape of Miyajima. Inside, the aquarium keeps a cohort of some 15,000 aquatic creatures, including 380 species of fish and mammals.

Shimanami Kaido is a 60-km long road connecting Honshu and Shikoku.
It connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, and bridges six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. For roads, the entire sector is made up of the connecting Nishi-Seto Expressway, Ikuchijima Road and Oshima Road.
With the exception of the Shin-Onomichi Bridge, each bridge is equipped with a motorcycle road and paths for bicycles and pedestrians, allowing cyclists to enjoy the scenery of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
The cycling path is also famous as the first "cross-strait bicycle path" in Japan.

Submarine Akishio carried out a number of thrilling missions during the years between 1986 to 2004 and now stands open to the public as a museum at JMSDF Kure Museum, lovingly coined the “Iron Whale Museum”.
Step inside to see Japan’s premier and only museum offering a chance to explore the inside of a submarine once commissioned in the past.
The interior of submarine Akishio was preserved almost exactly as it was when it was still in service, offering an deep-dive look to the space where the crew actually lived, and a peep through the two types of periscopes to look out over Kure bay.

Shukkeien Garden dates back to 1620 when acclaimed feudal lord Asano Nagaakira ruled the Hiroshima area and ordered the construction of the garden for his villa.
Both crane and turtle island sit in the center pond, Takueichi, and represent the theme of longevity.
Take a loop around the pond to find teahouses and small cottages, hand-crafted “mountains”, rivers and islands arranged to cleverly recreate miniaturized landscapes.

A small island of about 4 km in circumference, designated as Seto Inland Sea National Park.
It is also known as the "island wiped off the map" because it was once home to a poison gas factory.
Today, the island is home to more than 300-600 rabbits.
You may recognize the name from viral posts across social media mentioning “Rabbit Island”, a coveted buzzpoint grabbing the attention of visitors from Japan and abroad.

Designated as a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Sandan-kyo is a coveted, secluded site in Western Japan. The entire ravine measures about 16 kilometers. Make your way down to the man-powered ferryboat for a ride hugged by superb scenery in the gorge that reveals like the worlds in a Sansuiga painting. The Five Great Sceneries along the way include Kurobuchi, Sarutobi, Nidan Falls, Sandan Falls and Mitsudaki Falls, true bucket-list favorites you’ll not soon forget.

Mt. Misen, the legendary site called “God’s Island” sits centrally atop Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture. Ever since its founding in 806 AD by the great monk Kobo Daishi, this mountain has remained a sought-after, sacred peak of mountain worship. The untouched Mt. Misen primeval forest, along with the Itsukushima Shrine, have all been designated as a World Heritage site.

It is said that the strait between Kegoya-cho, Kure City, and Kurahashi Island was cultivated as a new shipping route over 800 years ago in 1162 by Taira no Kiyomori, a powerful man of the time, over a period of about ten months. The strait is about 90 meters wide and is known as a difficult place for ships due to its fast currents, but even today, about 700 ships of all sizes come and go each day, offering the unique and thrilling scenery of this Setouchi town.

Yagenbori Hassho is a top-notch, stand-out spot for okonomiyaki above all others in Hiroshima. The shop sees long lines at the restaurant door each day, drawing a large helping of buzz and media coverage.
Expect okonomiyaki cooking times around 20-30 minutes.
The Chinese noodles inside the okonomiyaki are grilled until crisp for a texture profile that’s truly superb.

A specialty oyster restaurant located in the center of Miyajima Omotesando Shotengai (a shopping street) that leads to Itsukushima shrine.
The mainstay here is ”Jigozen oysters” known as one of the highest, premium quality of Hiroshima Prefecture famous oysters. Step in for a bite with the lightest of seasonings, a testament to just how good Kakiya oysters are.

Onomichi Ramen specialty restaurant set in front of Sumiyoshi Shrine along the coastal road of Onomichi Kaigan-dori.
This spot got its start originally as a popular mail order meal that got so hot they launched a full-on noodle shop.
The noodles are freshly-made, flat aged noodles that perfectly grab up the broth as you go. With a trusty chew and tasty bite that never goes soft, you can enjoy these scrumptiously firm noodles to the very end.

Fujitaya, established in 1902, is a long-loved brand serving up “Anagomeshi” in the residential neighborhood near Itsukushima Shrine. Anagomeshi is a local delight that hails from Miyajmi, served “donburi” style over a bed of rice with conger eel fileted and opened for a dredging of soy sauce-based sauce before heading back to the grill.
Fujitaya is famous, the only Michelin one star restaurant in Miyajima. The main dish is exclusively Anagomeshi (comes with Osuimono, a light broth with seafood and/or vegetables, and Japanese pickles).

Karasawa is an ice cream specialist shop on the waterfront, about 8 minutes on foot from the Onomichi Station.
The signature item, Ice Monaka (a wafer ice cream sandwich), is always made to order by sandwiching ice cream between the Monaka wafers. The thin crispy wafer is aromatic and lightly sweet thanks to the many eggs used to make the ice cream.

Hiroshima Marina Hop is the larger than life multiplex mall just steps from the sea of Hiroshima.
Step inside to find a wave of shops to browse including fashion, sports and outdoor goods, cars and bike goods and a pet shop.
Your inner foodie will be glad to know that many of the tasty restaurants offer seating with an ocean view.

LECT is the shopping mall found in Nishi-ku, Hiroshima. Here you’ll find some 150 different names and brands under the banner of “gotta go today, even without a reason” and a general sense of providing one more spot to make your own via “knowledge, food and living”.

Onomichi Emonya is the go-to souvenir shop and biggest variety in Onomichi, with some 500 different items to browse.
“Emon” means “high-quality product” in the Onomichi dialect. True to its name, Onomichi Emonya delivers with the finest selection of items. Many people love this spot for the vintage building, a renovated merchant house from the Meiji era.

This hot-spring hotel is located in Osakikamijima, the only island without a bridge among the islands of the Akinada-Tobishima Kaido that are otherwise connected by seven bridges. This elite destination is accessed exclusively by a 30 minute boat from Takehara port, offering the full thrills of travel as you make your way.
Kinoe Onsen Hotel Seifukan is located on the higher ground in Osakikamijima island, in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea. No matter which balcony or room, you’re in for a chance to feast your eyes on the glorious waters, dusted with islands and ships sailing in the Seto Inland Sea.

A modern Japanese-style hotel that opened in 2017, just a minute's walk from the Miyajima pier. Produced by the inn Kinsuikan which boasts over 120 years of history in Miyajima, it is conceived as "a Miyajima home for adults," where guests can relax as if at their own villa.
Each room has its unique features, including ocean views, lofts, and bathrooms with a view, allowing for a fresh and enjoyable stay with every visit.

Just a 5-minute walk from the Miyajima pier and directly in front of Omotesando shopping street, "Itsukushima Iroha" is a new type of lodging that overturns the conventional image of inns and hotels.
The interior, adorned with natural materials such as wood, stone, and washi paper, and lined with unique designer chairs, offers a refined and high-quality space.
Of particular note are the two newly established suite rooms, each with a different character, added during the renovation in 2022.

Momiji manju, a classic confectionery from Hiroshima, is available at many local shops. However, Nishikido's Momiji manju, known for its subtly sweet and simple taste, is delicious and has been recognized as an outstanding specialty product under The Hiroshima Brand.
Their Nama Momiji, a fresh, confectionery-style Momiji manju made with select mochi and rice flours, is also popular for its elegant flavor and chewy texture.

Maruichi Shop, an established oyster specialty store with over 120 years of history, is famous for its wide range of products, including fresh oysters and oysters marinated in oil.
Their "Whole Oyster Senbei" features a whole, rich oyster atop a sweet potato-based dough, baked to perfection.
The crispy texture, the flavor of the oyster, and the sweetness of the potato make this a memorable delicacy.
Swing by and try a taste of the recognized “outstanding local product by” The Hiroshima Brand.

A traditional confectionery store that offers Japanese-style sweets made with seasonal fruits.
Not only are their classic sweets a staple, but their seasonal limited-time offerings are also not to be missed. One of Kyorakudo's summer signatures is "A Single Grape Muscat," a confection where a fresh muscat grape is wrapped in gyuhi.
Gyuhi is a thin mochi made by mixing pounded rice flour with syrup and sugar.
The subtly sweet gyuhi and the sweet and sour taste of the muscat grape combine to create a superb sweet that spreads delightfully in your mouth.

This is one of the three major festivals in Hiroshima, with a history of over 400 years.
It takes place at Ebisu Shrine, located on "Ebisu Street" in the heart of Hiroshima City, dedicated to the god of business prosperity. A big sale is held in the shopping district around the shrine, and stalls sell rakes decorated with good luck charms such as large and small gold coins, treasure ships, and sea bream.
You can also enjoy Kagura dances and taiko drum performances, bustling with people wishing for business success and happiness.
The Hiroshima Ebisu Festival, heralding the arrival of winter in Hiroshima, is held annually from November 18th to 20th.

The Hiroshima Dreamination lights up the heart of Hiroshima City with the theme of "A Fairy Tale Land."
Held annually from November 17th to January 3rd, the event features 1.1 million LED lights decorating the city.
The illumination around JR Hiroshima Station is a must-see for families and couples alike. After dinner, take a stroll through the enchanting, illuminated streets of Hiroshima.

The "Shimanami Kaido (Seaway)" is a stamp rally that awards travelers along the approximately 70 km long Shimanami Kaido by bicycle or on foot.
Many cyclists from around the world know Shimanami Kaido is a premier biking destination.
From the Tatara Ohashi, which connects Hiroshima Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture across the sea, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the many islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea.
Enjoy walking or cycling while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Participants can visit checkpoints in any order at any time, and those who complete the course receive a commemorative gift.
Participation is free, held annually each year in March.