Hiroshima · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Hiroshima: A City of Resilience and Harmony

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

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.

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Neighbourhoods to discover in Hiroshima

Start with these local area guides for riverside walks, markets, museums, theatre, dining, and city character.

When is the best time to go to Hiroshima?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning city walks, museum days, and riverside exploring.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJul–Aug
Longest daylightMay–Jul
Driest periodJan–Mar

Explore places in Hiroshima

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Hiroshima sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Atomic Bomb Dome

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

    Atomic Bomb Dome

    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.

    Itsukushima Jinja

    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.

    Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

    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.

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)

    Explore the Yamato Museum in Kure, Hiroshima, where maritime history and the legacy of the Imperial Japanese Navy come to life.

    Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)

    Hiroshima Castle

    Explore Hiroshima Castle, a historical landmark symbolizing resilience, featuring stunning architecture, serene gardens, and captivating insights into Japan's past.

    Hiroshima Castle

    Okonomimura

    Experience the vibrant culinary culture of Hiroshima at Okonomimura, home to Japan's favorite savory pancake, okonomiyaki.

    Okonomimura

    Shukkeien Garden

    Discover the tranquil beauty of Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima, a historical gem featuring stunning landscapes and traditional Japanese design.

    Shukkeien Garden

    Daishoin

    Explore Daishoin Temple on Miyajima Island, a serene Buddhist retreat featuring stunning architecture, tranquil gardens, and a rich cultural heritage amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

    Daishoin

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    SOGO Hiroshima Store

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

    SOGO Hiroshima Store

    THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA

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

    THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA

    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.

    youme Town Hiroshima

    Alpark East

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

    Alpark East

    Hiroshima PARCO

    Explore Hiroshima PARCO, a vibrant shopping mall offering diverse stores, dining, and unique cultural experiences in the heart of Hiroshima.

    Hiroshima PARCO

    Fukuya Hatchobori Store

    Explore the elegance of shopping at Fukuya Hatchobori Store, where luxury meets local culture in the heart of Hiroshima.

    Fukuya Hatchobori Store

    MITSUKOSHI Hiroshima Store

    Explore luxury shopping and cultural experiences at MITSUKOSHI Hiroshima Store, a premier destination for tourists in Hiroshima.

    MITSUKOSHI Hiroshima Store

    Fukuya Hiroshima station square store

    Explore Fukuya Hiroshima Station Square Store for a unique shopping experience featuring local delicacies, fashion, and artistic displays in the heart of Hiroshima.

    Fukuya Hiroshima station square store

    Hands Hiroshima

    Explore Hands Hiroshima, a unique gift shop with a wide range of products, from home goods to DIY supplies, perfect for every traveler.

    Hands Hiroshima

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Popular Experiences in Hiroshima

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    Popular Hotels in Hiroshima

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    Practical planning

    Hiroshima Essentials

    Core city planning details in the same structured guide format used across the Country/Region page language.

    How to Get There

    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.

    Transportation

    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.

    Currency and Payment

    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.

    Safety

    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.

    Emergency Situations

    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.

    Do's and Don'ts

    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.

    Local Tips

    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.

    History of Hiroshima

    Follow the city from Roman Londinium to its modern global identity through landmark moments that still shape the visitor experience.

    Foundation and Early History

    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.

    Edo Period and Economic Growth

    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.

    Meiji Restoration and Modernization

    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.

    World War II and the Atomic Bomb

    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.

    Post-War Reconstruction and Peace Movement

    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.

    Cultural Heritage and Modern Attractions

    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.

    Phrasebook

    Local Phrases

    Browse practical local phrases by situation. Each group opens only when needed, keeping the guide tidy while preserving the full phrase set.

    6 phrase groups English + pronunciation
    Basics
    • 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]
    Eating & Drinking
    • 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]
    Emergencies
    • 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]
    Shopping
    • 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?]
    Time & Numbers
    • 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
      [Asa]
    • Afternoon午後
      [Gogo]
    • Evening夕方
      [Yuugata]
    • Yesterday昨日
      [Kinou]
    • Today今日
      [Kyou]
    • Tomorrow明日
      [Ashita]
    • 1
      [Ichi]
    • 2
      [Ni]
    • 3
      [San]
    • 4
      [Shi]
    • 5
      [Go]
    • 6
      [Roku]
    • 7
      [Nana]
    • 8
      [Hachi]
    • 9
      [Kyu]
    • 10
      [Ju]
    Transport & Directions
    • 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]

    Explore Hiroshima in Photos

    A quick visual tour through classic views, riverside landmarks, royal streets, and skyline moments.

    File:Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park 20160923-2.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:HiroshimaPeaceMemorialPanorama-2.jpg - Wikipedia
    Hiroshima prefecture 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download |  Wallpaper Flare
    File:Floating Torii Gate Itsukushima Shrine (111096511).jpeg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:Hiroshima Shukkei-en Pond.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Hiroshima Museum of Art02-r.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park 3.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Mazda 3rd generation RX-7, FD.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Pasania glabra - Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden - DSC02415.JPG -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Mitaki-dera - Sanma.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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