Hiroshima Fall Travel Guide: World Heritage Sites and Famous Gardens

In September, while the weather is still warm, visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and take in views of the Seto Inland Sea from Mount Misen. In Hiroshima City, a trip to Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, where walking paths wind around a central pond, offers both history and traditional garden scenery.
Mornings and evenings gradually become more comfortable, making this a convenient time to plan outdoor sightseeing between the city and the island.

With increasingly pleasant walking weather, October is a good time to explore the sake breweries of Saijo in Higashihiroshima. Visit the breweries around JR Saijo Station and stroll through streets lined with red-brick chimneys, white walls, and distinctive diamond-patterned namako walls. The Sake Festival, which brings together sake from across Japan, is also held each October.
In Hiroshima City, consider strolling through Shukkeien Garden or traveling farther to Sankeien Garden, which depicts Hiroshima’s sea, mountains, and countryside.

In November, venture out in search of fall scenery at Momijidani Park, Mount Ima-Koyasan, and Taishakukyo Gorge. On Miyajima, around 700 maple trees change color, while Mount Ima-Koyasan draws visitors as one of the prefecture’s leading foliage destinations. Sankeien Garden also holds its Maple Festival from early to late November.
This is the season to explore Hiroshima’s changing colors across islands, rural hills, and gorges.

Itsukushima Shrine, one of Miyajima’s best-known landmarks, features vermilion shrine buildings and a great torii gate standing in the sea. Its National Treasure and Important Cultural Property buildings stand side by side, offering a glimpse into the shrine’s history and its worship of three goddesses associated with the sea, transportation, prosperity, and the arts.
The great torii gate in the sea completed its major Reiwa-era restoration in 2022 and once again displays its vivid vermilion color. It is also illuminated from around sunset until 11:00 p.m., creating an enchanting scene distinct from its daytime appearance. After visiting the shrine, stroll through Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street for oysters and momiji manju cakes.

Rising near the center of Miyajima, this 1,755-foot sacred mountain has long been associated with mountain worship. To reach the summit, visitors can either hike for about 90 to 120 minutes or take the two connecting Miyajima Ropeway lines and then walk for about 30 minutes.
Along the way are sites such as Misen Hondo Hall, founded by Kobo Daishi, as well as the primeval forest of Mount Misen, which is registered as part of the World Heritage site. Massive and unusually shaped rocks are scattered near the summit. Panoramic views extend across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days, as far as the mountain ranges of Shikoku.

Located in central Hiroshima City, this castle was built by Mori Terumoto in 1589. Reconstructed structures from the 1990s, including the Omotegomon Gate, Hirayagura Turret, and Tamonyagura Turret, preserve a sense of the castle grounds as they once appeared. The current main keep closed on March 22, 2026, ending admission to its interior, but visitors can still view it from outside and explore the history of the castle.
The grounds also contain Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine and Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru. Sightseeing boats offer views from the water of stone walls bearing traces of the atomic bombing and trees that survived the bombing.

This historic strolling garden was first developed in 1620 by Asano Nagaakira, lord of the Hiroshima Domain. Following its paths takes visitors past teahouses, small pavilions, hills, streams, and islands arranged around a pond.
In the center of the garden, the islands known as Crane Island and Turtle Island float in Takueichi Pond as symbols of longevity. The pond contains brackish water, a mixture of fresh and salt water, and is home to wild birds that feed on fish. View the entire garden from Geikihō, a hill designed to resemble Mount Fuji, then make a full circuit of the paths surrounded by fall foliage.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Hiroshima Airport, this Japanese garden covers approximately 15 acres. Its sea zone represents the Seto Inland Sea, its mountain zone features natural woodland and a three-tiered waterfall, and its rural zone includes bamboo and plum groves, allowing visitors to experience Hiroshima’s sea, mountains, and countryside in one place.
It is also known as one of Hiroshima’s leading fall foliage destinations. The Maple Festival is held from early to late November, when the colors are typically at their best. Its location about a 5-minute walk from Hiroshima Airport makes it easy to visit before or after a flight.

Saijo in Higashihiroshima is a historic sake-brewery district known as the “Sake Capital of Saijo.” It flourished as a post town during the Edo period and has long benefited from high-quality water, sake rice, and other conditions suited to brewing.
Seven sake breweries remain around JR Saijo Station today. Some have exhibition rooms and offer tastings and sales. Explore this sake-brewing town while stopping at cafés in renovated breweries and restaurants serving bishu nabe, a local sake hot pot.

This natural hot spring resort opened in 1964 on the shore opposite the World Heritage island of Miyajima. Its tranquil views of the Seto Inland Sea and Ono Seto are a major attraction. At sunset, the sea and islands take on deep red hues, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
More than 10 properties are located throughout the area, ranging from long-established ryokan inns and pensions to modern accommodations and day-use hot spring facilities. Visitors can also dine on seafood such as oysters and conger eel. After soaking in the mildly alkaline, radon-rich waters, take a walk along the shore and watch the silhouettes of the islands at sunset.

One of Miyajima’s best-known fall foliage destinations, this park features a variety of trees, including Japanese maples and large-leaved maples. During the typical foliage season from mid- to late November, around 700 maple trees throughout the park turn brilliant shades of fall color.
Highlights include Momiji Bridge, with its striking vermilion railings, and the clear waters of the Momijidani River. Hiroshima’s famous momiji manju cakes are also said to have been created during the Meiji period with this park as their inspiration. Stay to see the illuminated leaves after sunset and experience a side of Miyajima in fall that differs from the daytime scenery.

This sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism was founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 822 and has a history spanning 1,200 years. The grounds preserve historic sites centered around Ryugeji Temple, Kongoji Temple, and Niu Shrine, as well as a standing wooden statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon and a lion head designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The area is also rich in nature, with cherry blossoms coloring the grounds in spring and fall foliage in autumn. The foliage is particularly well known as some of the finest in the prefecture. When it typically reaches its peak from early to mid-November, the site attracts many visitors, including photography enthusiasts.

This vast, 11.2-mile gorge spans Shobara City and Jinsekikogen Town. In the Upper Taishaku area, visitors encounter varied natural scenery, including a karst plateau formed from limestone over many years, Hakuundo Cave, and the 26-foot-tall Oni-no-Karamon rock formation. One highlight is Onbashi, one of Japan’s largest natural limestone bridges, measuring 295 feet long and 131 feet high.
At Lake Shinryu, sightseeing boats and canoes offer views of cliffs and unusual rock formations from the water. In fall, experience the immense scale of the gorge surrounded by trees in a range of colors.

This oyster specialty restaurant is located in the heart of Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street. It uses Jigozen oysters, considered among the highest-quality varieties of Hiroshima’s celebrated oysters. Guests can sample them prepared in many ways, including grilled, raw, and fried.
The signature grilled oysters are quickly cooked over intense heat and served without seasoning so that diners can appreciate their natural salinity. After exploring Miyajima, settle in with freshly grilled oysters.

This specialty coffee shop on Miyajima is a casual, counter-service café offering high-quality coffee roasted in-house.
Freshness is a priority, and the owner roasts the beans every morning. In addition to drip coffee and espresso, the menu includes lemonade, soft-serve ice cream, and hot sandwiches. Located near the center of the island’s sightseeing area, it is an ideal place to stop between attractions.

This casual Japanese pub serves local Saijo sake and regional cuisine. Its specialty is bishu nabe, a traditional Higashihiroshima hot pot. Made with Saijo sake and no added water, it has a simple flavor that brings out the natural taste of its ingredients.
Many dishes feature ingredients from Hiroshima Prefecture, including popular steamed and fried oysters from Akitsu prepared with local sake. The restaurant offers more than 30 local sake labels from 10 breweries, while sake barrels and posters decorate the interior. After exploring Saijo, take your time pairing regional dishes with local sake.

This location of the long-established Micchan Sohonten serves Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki. From the 26-foot teppan counter, diners can watch skilled chefs prepare each dish before their eyes.
A popular menu item is the soba okonomiyaki with pork, egg, and Hiroshima oysters. The aroma and texture of fresh noodles complement the rich flavor of the oysters. Teppan-grilled dishes made with conger eel, Hiroshima beef, and other ingredients are also available. Savor a distinctly Hiroshima meal, complete with the sounds and aromas of the hot griddle.

This authentic oyster bar is located in the Ekinishi area near the west exit of Hiroshima Station. It serves branded oysters from Hiroshima Prefecture and other parts of Japan, prepared raw, grilled, fried, or steamed. Along with its standard raw oyster platter, the menu includes house-smoked dishes and items made with kone, a rare cut of wagyu beef.
The first floor consists mainly of counter seating, creating a comfortable space for solo drinks or a casual date. About a 5-minute walk from JR Hiroshima Station, it is an easy place to visit. After a day of sightseeing, spend the evening over oysters and smoked dishes.

Located a 1-minute walk from Miyajima Pier, this modern Japanese-style hotel is produced by the ryokan inn Kinsuikan. Its refined rooms are available in three concepts inspired by Miyajima’s traditional townhouses, sea, and mountains.
Features vary by room and include ocean views, lofts, and bathrooms with views. The tatami-floored observation bath offers panoramic sunset views. Creative dishes made with local ingredients are served for dinner and breakfast, allowing guests to spend a relaxing evening on Miyajima with good food and a soothing bath.

Located in the Kamiyacho area, this hotel makes a convenient base for sightseeing in Hiroshima City. Rooms occupy the 14th through 31st floors, with options ranging from standard to executive accommodations.
Upper-floor rooms offer views toward Hiroshima Castle and the Seto Inland Sea, providing an open outlook despite the hotel’s central location. After dining at one of the hotel’s varied restaurants, end the day by admiring Hiroshima’s nightscape from the upper floors.

Directly connected to the Shinkansen exit of JR Hiroshima Station, this hotel is a 1-minute walk from the ticket gates. Its modern interior is unified by white and natural wood tones, and every guest room measures at least 377 square feet and features a signature Sheraton bed.
Large windows provide views over Hiroshima City, while the hotel also offers a Japanese restaurant, buffet restaurant, and café bar. With a pool and fitness facilities available, guests can spend a relaxing evening at the hotel after completing their journey for the day.