Free Hiroshima Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Hiroshima trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Hiroshima pairs Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine with island scenery, regional cuisine, museums and lively streets shaped by Japan’s modern history.

A City Shaped by Memory

Hiroshima stands in western Honshu at the head of the Seto Inland Sea, surrounded by wooded hills, tidal waterways and islands reached by local ferries. Its name is inseparable from the atomic bombing of 6 August 1945, yet the modern city is not defined by tragedy alone. Broad avenues, riverside promenades and lively shopping streets reflect a determined post-war reconstruction, while the Peace Memorial Park and its museums provide a place for quiet reflection and international remembrance.

Rivers, Islands and Sacred Landscapes

The city’s geography gives it a second, gentler character. Miyajima, formally known as Itsukushima, lies a short ferry journey across the water and is famed for Itsukushima Shrine, whose great torii appears to float at high tide. Within Hiroshima itself, Shukkei-en garden offers carefully composed landscapes of ponds, bridges and miniature hills, while the Hiroshima Castle grounds combine reconstructed architecture with mature trees and seasonal colour.

Food, Streets and Contemporary Life

Hiroshima’s food culture is particularly associated with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, layered with cabbage, noodles and other ingredients on a hotplate. Restaurants and small bars cluster around downtown areas such as Nagarekawa and Yagenbori, while Hondori provides a covered pedestrian shopping arcade. Museums, galleries, baseball and local festivals add a contemporary rhythm to a city where remembrance, everyday life and the surrounding sea remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Hiroshima?

Best: April–May, October · 21–26°C

13° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 2.5°C, High: 12.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm J

13° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 3°C, High: 13°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 30 mm, High: 50 mm F

17° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 5°C, High: 17°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm M

Best 21° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 10°C, High: 21°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm A

Best 26° Temperature Range for MayLow: 15°C, High: 26°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm M

30° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 19°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 120 mm, High: 140 mm J

34° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 23°C, High: 34°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 140 mm, High: 160 mm J

35° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 24°C, High: 35°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 150 mm, High: 170 mm A

31° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 20°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 120 mm, High: 140 mm S

Best 25° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 15°C, High: 25°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm O

19° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 9°C, High: 19°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm N

13° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 4°C, High: 13°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	13	50
February	13	40
March	17	50
April (best)	21	60
May (best)	26	70
June	30	130
July	34	150
August	35	160
September	31	130
October (best)	25	90
November	19	70
December	13	60

Getting to and around Hiroshima

How to get there

Hiroshima is on the Sanyo Shinkansen, with direct high-speed services linking it to major cities including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama and Fukuoka; Hiroshima Station is the principal rail gateway. The city is served by Hiroshima Airport, located in Mihara, roughly east of the urban centre, with onward airport buses rather than an airport railway. Long-distance coaches connect Hiroshima with Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka and other Japanese cities, while the road network provides access from the Chugoku region. Ferries are important for reaching Miyajima and other Seto Inland Sea destinations, with services departing from Miyajimaguchi and, for some routes, from the city centre.

Transportation

Central Hiroshima is straightforward to explore on foot, particularly around the Peace Memorial Park, Hondori and the riverside districts. Hiroshima Electric Railway operates an extensive tram network linking Hiroshima Station with the city centre, the Peace Memorial Park area and Miyajimaguchi; local buses cover routes beyond the tram corridors. IC cards are generally useful on participating public transport, although visitors should check acceptance for a particular route or service. Ferries cross to Miyajima, and taxis are practical for short journeys or areas away from the main routes. Cars are rarely necessary for central sightseeing, where parking can be limited and tram or bus travel is simpler.

Best attractions in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s principal attractions range from places of remembrance to gardens, museums and island landscapes. Peace Memorial Park brings together the Peace Memorial Museum, the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims and the Atomic Bomb Dome, whose preserved structure stands beside the river as a direct reminder of the 1945 bombing. Hiroshima Castle, reconstructed after its destruction, introduces the city’s feudal past, while nearby Shukkei-en offers a tranquil Edo-period garden of ponds, bridges and carefully shaped scenery. The Hiroshima Museum of Art and Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum add cultural depth, with collections that complement the city’s historical institutions. Across the water, Miyajima provides Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in and wooded Mount Misen, reached by ferry from the mainland. Back in the centre, Hondori’s covered arcade, the riverside paths and the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower create a more contemporary way to experience the city.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Hiroshima

The Atomic Bomb Dome is Hiroshima’s most internationally recognised landmark, the surviving shell of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall preserved near the 1945 hypocentre. Across the river, the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims forms the symbolic centre of the Peace Memorial Park, while the Peace Flame and Children’s Peace Monument extend the memorial landscape. Hiroshima Castle, originally established in 1589 and reconstructed in reinforced concrete after the war, represents the city’s feudal foundation, and its grounds retain traces of the former castle town. Shukkei-en is a landmark of landscape design rather than monumental architecture, with carefully composed views characteristic of an Edo-period garden. On Miyajima, the vermilion buildings and tidal torii of Itsukushima Shrine express the island’s long religious history, while Daisho-in reflects the Buddhist traditions of Mount Misen.

Show more landmarks

Explore Hiroshima on the map

Plan your Hiroshima trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Hiroshima

Best restaurants in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s culinary identity is closely associated with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, in which cabbage, batter, pork or seafood and yakisoba are layered rather than mixed before being cooked on a hotplate. Specialist restaurants are concentrated around downtown, Hiroshima Station and the Okonomiyaki Village complex, where counter seating makes the preparation part of the meal. Oysters from the Seto Inland Sea appear grilled, fried or served in other seasonal forms, while anago, a freshwater or conger eel speciality, is strongly associated with the wider Hiroshima region and Miyajima. Lemon products from nearby islands, local sake from Hiroshima Prefecture and small seafood restaurants reflect the surrounding inland-sea geography. Cafés, bakeries and izakaya provide more informal alternatives, while Miyajima’s shopping streets are known for snacks such as grilled oysters, momiji-manju cakes and freshly prepared savoury treats.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s evening scene is concentrated in the central districts around Nagarekawa, Yagenbori, Ebisu-dori and the Hondori area. Narrow streets lead to izakaya, standing bars, cocktail lounges, karaoke rooms and small live-music venues, creating a social atmosphere that is generally more intimate than club-focused. Nagarekawa is the city’s traditional entertainment quarter, with options ranging from relaxed drinks to late-night venues, while the streets near Hiroshima Station suit travellers who prefer a convenient meal and an earlier evening. Local bars may specialise in sake from Hiroshima Prefecture, craft drinks or baseball conversation, reflecting the city’s strong attachment to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. The Peace Memorial Park is quiet after dark and should be treated as a place of remembrance rather than nightlife; organised concerts, theatre and cultural performances provide alternative evening activities when scheduled.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Hiroshima

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s shopping ranges from the covered Hondori arcade and the adjoining Hatchobori department-store district to small specialist shops around Hiroshima Station. Hondori is convenient for clothing, cosmetics, books, cafés and everyday Japanese brands, while side streets around Tatemachi and Ebisu-dori contain independent retailers and food businesses. Visitors looking for regional products can find Hiroshima lemons, local sake, oysters and packaged versions of momiji-manju, the maple-leaf-shaped cake associated with Miyajima. The island’s Omotesando shopping street offers traditional sweets, wooden rice paddles, crafts and souvenirs, though it is primarily a visitor-oriented area. Contemporary retail is balanced by artisan goods such as Miyajima-made utensils and local ceramics, while department-store food halls provide an accessible introduction to regional ingredients and carefully presented Japanese specialities.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Hiroshima, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Hiroshima essentials

Currency and Payment

Japan’s currency is the yen, written as JPY or ¥. Cards and contactless payment are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, larger restaurants and many transport facilities, but smaller eateries, traditional shops and some local ticket machines may still require cash. ATMs are available at convenience stores, post offices and banks; international cards are usually most reliably used in machines displaying the relevant network symbols. A rechargeable Japanese IC card can be convenient for participating trains, trams, buses and vending machines, though coverage and payment arrangements vary. Carrying some yen remains sensible, particularly for small purchases and rural or island visits.

Safety

Hiroshima is generally manageable for visitors, but normal urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep valuables secure in crowded trams, at Hiroshima Station, in shopping arcades and around major seasonal events, and take care on wet pavements or station stairways. Summer can be hot and humid, while typhoons and heavy rain may affect travel in the wider region; check weather and transport notices before heading to islands or mountain areas. When visiting the Peace Memorial Museum or memorial sites, behave quietly and respectfully. On Miyajima, stay on marked paths around Mount Misen, observe wildlife guidance and allow extra care after dark when transport and services become more limited.

Emergency Situations

In Japan, call 110 for police and 119 for fire services or an ambulance; 118 is used for maritime emergencies. State the location clearly and ask hotel staff, station personnel or a nearby resident for help if language creates difficulty. Japan’s emergency operators may have access to interpretation in some circumstances, but this should not be assumed for every call. For urgent medical care, use an ambulance rather than attempting to travel independently if someone is seriously ill or injured. Carry passport details and travel insurance information, and monitor official weather, earthquake and transport alerts during severe conditions. Hiroshima’s tourist information centres can assist with non-urgent local guidance.

Do's and Don'ts

Remove shoes where indicated, keep voices low on public transport and queue in an orderly way, particularly at stations and tram stops. Tipping is not customary in Japan, and leaving money on a restaurant table can cause confusion; pay at the till unless a different system is clearly marked. At the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and museum, avoid loud conversation and intrusive photography, especially around memorial ceremonies or people engaged in remembrance. On Miyajima, do not feed deer, disturb shrine areas or remove natural features. Smoking is restricted in many public places, so use designated areas, and follow local instructions at temples, shrines and historic buildings.

Local Tips

The central sightseeing area is best understood as a sequence of riverside districts: Hiroshima Station leads towards the castle and Shukkei-en, while trams continue towards the Peace Memorial Park and shopping streets. Combining the park with the downtown arcades makes efficient use of a day, whereas Miyajima deserves a separate half-day or longer because ferry crossings, shrine tides and Mount Misen transport take time. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is often prepared in close quarters at a counter, so smaller restaurants may involve waiting. For broader views across the city and inland sea, consider dedicated viewpoints on Mount Misen or the hills surrounding Hiroshima rather than expecting the low-lying centre to provide extensive panoramas.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
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

English	Local	Say it
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

English	Local	Say it
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

English	Local	Say it
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

English	Local	Say it
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]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
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

Castle Town on the Ota Delta

Hiroshima emerged as a major settlement in the late sixteenth century when Mori Terumoto established Hiroshima Castle in 1589 on the Ota River delta. The castle and its surrounding town were planned as a political and commercial centre, and the waterways supported movement of people and goods. After the Tokugawa shogunate consolidated power, Hiroshima passed to the Asano family in 1619 and remained the centre of the Hiroshima domain. Castle-town geography still influences the modern city: rivers divide the central districts, while the area around the castle preserves traces of the former political heart. The original castle was destroyed in the atomic bombing, but its post-war reconstruction recalls the city’s feudal origins and its role in regional administration.

Trade, Industry and Modernisation

During the Edo period, Hiroshima developed through agriculture, river transport, salt production and commerce connecting the inland sea with the wider Chugoku region. The opening of Japan during the Meiji era accelerated change, bringing new administrative institutions, factories and modern infrastructure. Hiroshima Station opened in 1894 in connection with the Sanyo Railway, strengthening links east and west, while military facilities and arsenals expanded the city’s strategic importance. Industry, shipping and engineering became increasingly important, and the surrounding settlements were gradually drawn into a larger urban area. This combination of transport access and military production would later make Hiroshima a significant target during the Pacific War.

The Atomic Bombing of 1945

On 6 August 1945, a United States atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, detonating above the city centre and causing immense loss of life and destruction. The blast, heat and ensuing fires destroyed much of the built-up area, while many more people died from injuries and radiation-related illness in the following months and years. Survivors, known as hibakusha, have played an important role in preserving testimony and advocating for nuclear disarmament. The Atomic Bomb Dome, formerly the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, remained standing near the hypocentre and became a powerful material symbol of the bombing. Its preservation, together with personal accounts and artefacts in the Peace Memorial Museum, forms a central part of the city’s historical identity.

Reconstruction and the City of Peace

After the war, Hiroshima faced the practical challenge of rebuilding a city whose civic centre had been devastated. The Peace Memorial City Construction Law of 1949 supported reconstruction and helped establish the concept of Hiroshima as an international city dedicated to peace. Kenzo Tange’s plan for the Peace Memorial Park created a ceremonial and civic landscape between the Motoyasu and Honkawa rivers, linking the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome along a strong visual axis. New roads, bridges, housing and public institutions reshaped the urban fabric, while surviving residents and returning communities restored ordinary social and economic life. Reconstruction gave Hiroshima both a modern physical form and a global civic mission.

Miyajima and Itsukushima’s Sacred Heritage

Across the water from central Hiroshima, Itsukushima developed over centuries as a sacred island associated with Shinto worship. Itsukushima Shrine, first recorded in the sixth century and significantly developed by Taira no Kiyomori in the twelfth century, was built partly over the tidal shoreline, creating the celebrated impression of a floating sanctuary. The island’s religious landscape also includes Daisho-in, a major Buddhist temple complex on the slopes of Mount Misen. Pilgrimage, forest protection and maritime trade shaped the island’s history, while the shrine’s buildings and ceremonial torii became enduring symbols of the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukushima Shrine and the surrounding cultural landscape are recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

A Contemporary Regional Centre

In the post-war decades, Hiroshima developed into a major administrative, educational, industrial and cultural centre for the Chugoku region. Manufacturing, engineering and automobile production became important to the wider urban economy, while the city’s universities, museums and civic institutions expanded. Hiroshima’s peace diplomacy also grew through international conferences, school visits and exchanges with cities around the world. The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony on 6 August remains a solemn public event, combining remembrance of the victims with appeals for the abolition of nuclear weapons. At the same time, sport, food culture, shopping and everyday neighbourhood life have given the rebuilt city a confident contemporary character, connecting its difficult history with a living urban present.