Hiroshima, Japan Travel Guide

Discover Hiroshima: A harmonious blend of poignant history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, offering a unique and enriching travel experience.

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Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a city in Japan, is a remarkable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known worldwide as the first city to suffer an atomic bombing, Hiroshima has transformed itself into a beacon of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum stand as poignant reminders of the past, offering a deep and moving experience that encourages visitors to reflect on the importance of global harmony. Beyond its historical significance, Hiroshima boasts a vibrant culture and thriving culinary scene. The city's local delicacy, okonomiyaki, is a must-try for food enthusiasts. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a savory pancake layered with ingredients like cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles, cooked to perfection on a griddle. The city's bustling shopping streets and markets, such as Hondori Street, offer a delightful mix of traditional and modern Japanese goods. Nature lovers will find solace in Hiroshima's stunning landscapes. Just a short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island is home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its floating torii gate. Visitors can hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the island. Hiroshima's unique blend of history, culture, and nature makes it a compelling destination for travelers from around the world.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hiroshima.

Visit the Peace Memorial Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more contemplative experience.
Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at local restaurants for an authentic taste of the city's cuisine.
Take a day trip to Miyajima Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine, but check the tide schedules to see the torii gate at its best.
Use the Hiroshima Tourist Pass for unlimited travel on trams, ferries, and buses within the city.
Visit Shukkeien Garden during different seasons to see its changing beauty throughout the year.

Neighbourhoods in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Castle

Shukkeien Garden

Miyajima Island

Hondori

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Hiroshima

Explore Hiroshima: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Hiroshima

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Best Attractions

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Atomic Bomb Dome

Explore the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing peace and resilience amidst the backdrop of history.

4.7

Itsukushima Jinja

Discover the spiritual beauty of Itsukushima Jinja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Miyajima Island, famed for its floating torii gate and cultural richness.

4.6

Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

Visit Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima for a heartfelt tribute to resilience, peace, and the memory of those lost in the atomic bombing.

4.6

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Discover the powerful messages of resilience and peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a must-visit for understanding the impact of war and the road to reconciliation.

4.7

Best landmarks in Hiroshima

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Atomic Bomb Dome

Explore the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a profound symbol of peace and resilience, commemorating the city's history.

4.7

Miyajima Public Aquarium

Experience the enchanting marine life at Miyajima Public Aquarium, where education meets nature in a captivating setting.

4.2

Hokokujinja Senjokaku Pavilion

Explore the serene Hokokujinja Senjokaku Pavilion on Miyajima Island, a stunning Shinto shrine reflecting Japan's rich spiritual heritage and architectural beauty.

4.4

Flame of Peace

Explore the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima - a poignant symbol of hope, remembrance, and the relentless pursuit of global peace.

4.7

Best restaurants in Hiroshima

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Okonomi mura Suigun

Discover Hiroshima's culinary gem at Okonomi Mura Suigun – where delicious okonomiyaki meets vibrant cultural experiences.

4.2

Nagataya

Experience authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki at Nagataya - where tradition meets flavor in every bite!

4.4

Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori

Discover authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki at Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori – where culinary artistry meets tradition in every delicious bite.

4.0

Yakigaki No Hayashi

Discover authentic seafood dining at Yakigaki No Hayashi in Miyajima - where fresh flavors meet traditional Japanese hospitality.

4.4

Best bars in Hiroshima

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KeMBY's Brew Pub

Discover KeMBY's Brew Pub in Hiroshima, where craft beer meets mouthwatering burgers and a lively atmosphere awaits.

4.3

MIYAJIMA BREWERY(3階レストランは団体様のみ承り中)

Experience the essence of Japanese craft beer at Miyajima Brewery, where local flavors meet breathtaking views.

4.5

koba

Discover Koba, Hiroshima's modern izakaya, where tradition meets innovation in every exquisite dish and vibrant atmosphere.

4.8

Molly Malone’s

Immerse yourself in the Irish spirit at Molly Malone’s, where hearty food and friendly vibes create an unforgettable experience in Hiroshima.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Hiroshima

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CLUB L2 広島

Discover the electrifying nightlife at CLUB L2 in Hiroshima, where music, dance, and unforgettable memories come alive until dawn.

4.8

GEBURA

Explore GEBURA in Hatsukaichi - A vibrant bar offering a unique blend of local drinks and traditional Japanese charm in a lively atmosphere.

4.5

WunderBar Stevie's (ワンダバースティーヴィーズ)

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Hiroshima at WunderBar Stevie's, a lively night club and bar offering an eclectic atmosphere and diverse drink selections.

4.4

Charles Taproom

Discover the cozy ambiance and exceptional craft beers at Charles Taproom on Miyajima Island, the perfect retreat for beer enthusiasts.

5.0

Best shops in Hiroshima

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SOGO Hiroshima Store

Discover shopping bliss at SOGO Hiroshima Store, where fashion, food, and local treasures await in the heart of the city.

3.8

THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA

Discover unbeatable shopping experiences at The Outlets Hiroshima, where high-end brands meet great deals in a modern setting.

3.9

youme Town Hiroshima

Explore Youme Town Hiroshima, a vibrant shopping mall filled with trendy shops, delicious eateries, and fun entertainment options in the heart of the city.

3.8

Alpark East

Discover Alpark East, Hiroshima’s vibrant shopping mall featuring diverse shops, delightful dining, and family-friendly entertainment all in one location.

3.6

Explore Hiroshima on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Hiroshima, mapped for you.

Hiroshima Essentials

Hiroshima can be accessed via Hiroshima Airport, which is about 50 kilometers east of the city center. From the airport, you can take the Airport Limousine Bus to reach Hiroshima Station in approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into Osaka's Kansai International Airport or Tokyo's Narita International Airport and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima. The Shinkansen from Osaka takes about 1.5 hours, and from Tokyo, it takes around 4 hours.
Hiroshima boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The Hiroshima Electric Railway, also known as Hiroden, operates an extensive tram network that covers most of the city. The JR Hiroshima Station is a central hub for local and regional trains. For shorter distances, taxis are available, and bike rentals are a popular option for exploring the city at a leisurely pace.
The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, including at convenience stores, which often have machines that accept international cards.
Hiroshima is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid leaving belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. Hiroshima does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but as with any urban environment, it is wise to stay vigilant, especially at night.
In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for fire or medical emergencies. Hiroshima has several hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts and the address of your accommodation.
Fashion: Do dress conservatively and avoid overly casual clothing when visiting religious sites or formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and shrines. Public Transport: Do be quiet and respectful on public transport. Avoid talking on your phone. Greetings: Do bow when greeting people as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and show appreciation for the food. Don't tip, as it is not customary in Japan.
To experience Hiroshima like a local, visit the local markets such as the Asaichi morning market for fresh seafood and produce. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, at one of the local restaurants. Take a leisurely walk through the Peace Memorial Park and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to understand the city's history. For a unique experience, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine.

When is the best time to visit Hiroshima?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Hiroshima

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Hiroshima. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloこんにちは
  [Konnichiwa]
- Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayonara]
- Yesはい
  [Hai]
- Noいいえ
  [Iie]
- Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Douzo]
- Thank youありがとうございます
  [Arigatou gozaimasu]
- Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
- How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
- Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
- Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
- I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [Menyuu o misete kudasai]
- I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [Niku wa tabemasen]
- Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [Okaikei o onegaishimasu]
- Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
- Go away!行ってください！
  [Itte kudasai!]
- Call the Police!警察を呼んでください！
  [Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!]
- Call a doctor!医者を呼んでください！
  [Isha o yonde kudasai!]
- I'm lost道に迷っています
  [Michi ni mayotteimasu]
- I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]
- I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [Kaitai desu...]
- I'm just looking見るだけです
  [Miru dake desu]
- How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
- That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
- Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]
- What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
- It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
- Half past (10)10時半
  [Juuji han]
- Morning朝
  [Asa]
- Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
- Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
- Yesterday昨日
  [Kinou]
- Today今日
  [Kyou]
- Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
- 1一
  [Ichi]
- 2二
  [Ni]
- 3三
  [San]
- 4四
  [Shi]
- 5五
  [Go]
- 6六
  [Roku]
- 7七
  [Nana]
- 8八
  [Hachi]
- 9九
  [Kyu]
- 10十
  [Ju]
- Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa doko desu ka?]
- What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Juusho wa nan desu ka?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [Chizu de misete moraemasu ka?]
- When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
- A ticket (to ....)（...）へのチケット
  [(...) e no chiketto]

History of Hiroshima

Hiroshima was founded in 1589 by the powerful warlord Mōri Terumoto. It quickly grew into an important regional hub due to its strategic location along the Ota River delta. The city became the capital of Hiroshima Domain and saw significant development under the Mōri clan.
During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Hiroshima flourished as a castle town under the governance of the Asano clan. The city's economy thrived due to its role in maritime trade and the production of goods such as rice, sake, and textiles. The establishment of Hiroshima Castle played a central role in the city's development.
With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Hiroshima underwent rapid modernization. The city opened up to foreign influences, and industrialization took hold. In 1889, Hiroshima was officially designated as a city. The construction of railways and the development of the port facilitated economic growth and urban expansion.
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima became the first city in history to be targeted by an atomic bomb. The bomb, dropped by the United States, caused unprecedented devastation, killing an estimated 140,000 people by the end of the year. The event marked a turning point in World War II and had profound implications for global politics and the future of warfare.
After World War II, Hiroshima embarked on a path of reconstruction and renewal. The city was rebuilt with a focus on peace and reconciliation. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing and to promote global peace. The annual Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony attracts visitors from around the world.
Today, Hiroshima is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern attractions. The Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum are key historical sites. The city is also known for its culinary delights, particularly Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and its lively festivals such as the Hiroshima Flower Festival.