Hiroshima - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Hiroshima

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Hiroshima, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Hiroshima and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Hiroshima, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Hiroshima for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city located on the southwest coast of Japan's Honshu Island. It is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and has a population of over 1.1 million people. The city is famous for being the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon, during World War II. Today, Hiroshima is known for its peace memorial park and museum, which commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing and promote world peace. It is also a vibrant and bustling city with many cultural and historical attractions, including the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Castle, and the Shukkei-en Garden.

What to visit in Hiroshima

Sure, here are some top tourist attractions in Hiroshima, Japan along with some information: 1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - This park was established in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945. It has museums, monuments, and memorials that serve as reminders of the tragic events that took place. 2. Itsukushima Shrine - This is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima, which is also called Miyajima. It is known for its unique "floating" torii gate and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. Hiroshima Castle - This is a reconstructed castle located in the center of Hiroshima City, which was completed in 1593. It has a museum that displays the history and artifacts of the castle. 4. Shukkei-en Garden - This traditional Japanese garden was built in 1620 and has a variety of scenic views including ponds, waterfalls, and bridges. 5. Mazda Museum - This museum showcases the history and innovations of Mazda and their automobiles. It includes interactive exhibits, vintage cars, and prototypes. 6. Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art - This is a modern art museum located near the Peace Memorial Park. It has a collection of contemporary art from local and international artists. 7. Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims - This hall is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing and serves as a place for peace education. It has a library, exhibition space, and memorial hall for visitors to pay their respects. Overall, there are many unique and historical places to visit in Hiroshima. Each one provides visitors with a different perspective on the culture, history, and traditions of Japan.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Hiroshima.

When to go on holiday to Hiroshima

The best time to visit Hiroshima is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the temperature is mild, and the weather is mostly dry. Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit Hiroshima because of the cherry blossom season. Meanwhile, autumn (September to November) offers beautiful foliage scenery of the surrounding hills and parks. The summer season (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December to February) can be bitterly cold. However, if you are interested in winter sports, then this season might be ideal for you to visit Hiroshima’s ski resorts.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Hiroshima

There are several ways to get to Hiroshima, Japan: 1. By airplane: Hiroshima Airport is the most convenient airport to get to Hiroshima. It is served by domestic airlines from major cities in Japan, as well as some international flights.
2. By train: Hiroshima is well connected by the Shinkansen bullet train, which is the fastest and most comfortable way to get there from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities.
3. By bus: There are several bus companies that offer long-distance routes to Hiroshima from major cities in Japan.
4. By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and drive to Hiroshima. However, be aware that driving in Japan can be challenging, especially in big cities.
Once you arrive in Hiroshima, you can use local transportation to get around the city, including buses, trams, and taxis.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Hiroshima, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Hiroshima

Sure, here are some typical foods of Hiroshima, Japan that you might want to try: 1. Okonomiyaki - Hiroshima is famous for this savory pancake made with wheat flour batter, cabbage, meat, seafood, and egg, and then topped with okonomiyaki sauce and mayo. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is unique in that the ingredients are layered rather than mixed together, and the pancake is usually cooked on a hot iron plate instead of a griddle.
2. Tsukemen - This is a type of dipping noodle dish where cold noodles are served separately from a hot bowl of thick and rich soup made from pork and chicken bones. Usually accompanied by toppings such as slices of chashu (pork belly), ajitsuke tamago (soft-boiled egg), nori (seaweed), and menma (fermented bamboo shoots) to add flavor and texture.
3. Anago meshi - A simple yet delicious dish of grilled saltwater eel served on a bed of fluffy white rice and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce. Hiroshima is well-known for its high-quality anago, which has a delicate and tender texture with a mildly sweet taste.
4. Hiroshima-style tsukemen - The local variation of tsukemen, in which the noodles are thick and flat, and cooked separately from the soup. One of the unique aspects of this dish is that the noodles are served in a basket or colander, and diners dip them into the soup before eating.
5. Momiji manju - A popular sweet treat in Hiroshima, momiji manju is a type of cake filled with sweet red bean paste. The shape of the cake resembles the maple leaf, and it's often decorated with maple leaf patterns. It's a perfect souvenir to take home as a gift for family and friends.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Hiroshima an expensive destination for tourists?

Hiroshima, like many popular tourist destinations, can be expensive depending on what you are looking for and your travel habits.
Accommodation, transportation, food, and attraction costs are all factors to consider when budgeting for your trip. However, with careful planning and research, it is possible to visit Hiroshima on a budget.
There are plenty of affordable accommodation options, such as hostels and guesthouses, and there are also many free or low-cost things to do like visiting parks, temples, and shrines.
On the other hand, Japan is known for its expensive food culture, so dining out can be costly. However, there are many affordable local restaurants and street food vendors that offer a taste of Hiroshima’s cuisine without breaking the bank.
Overall, Hiroshima can be an expensive destination, but with planning and budgeting, you can make the most of your trip without overspending.

Where to find accomodation in Hiroshima

There are several areas in Hiroshima city that are convenient to find accommodation for visiting tourists. The most popular area is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is the main tourist attraction. Other popular areas include the downtown districts of Hondori and Hatchobori, with their many shops, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, the area around Hiroshima Station provides easy access to transportation to other cities and attractions in the region.
You can check hotel prices at Hiroshima here:
Booking.com

Is Hiroshima a safe destination for tourists?

Hiroshima is generally considered a very safe place for tourists, with a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on public safety. However, as with any large city, it is always wise to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. It is recommended to keep your valuables close to you, especially when walking in crowded areas such as tourist attractions and shopping streets. Overall, Hiroshima is a wonderful destination for travelers and is known for its rich history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Hiroshima.

What type of travelers will enjoy Hiroshima the most?

Hiroshima in Japan is a great destination for all types of travellers, including couples, families and young people. It is a city with a unique blend of historic and modern attractions, making it a great destination for those looking to immerse themselves in culture. Here are some reasons why each type of traveller might enjoy Hiroshima: - Couples: Hiroshima is a romantic destination full of scenic beauty and interesting activities. Couples can enjoy the beautiful Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the tranquil Miyajima Island, which makes for a perfect day trip. Couples can also take a stroll together through the Shukkei-en Japanese Garden, Kawasemi Yamasemi teahouse while enjoying a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
- Family: Hiroshima is a family-friendly destination with plenty of attractions that interest kids and adults alike. Families will find the Hiroshima Manga Library that holds over 150,000 manga comics which not only Japanese comics but also comics from other countries. The Hiroshima Children's Museum, and the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, which holds plenty of local history and provides great views of the bay.
- Young people: Hiroshima has plenty of nightlife and fun activities that will cater to young travelers. Nightclubs, live music venues, and bars are peppered around the city, and the Peace Boulevard area of Nishi is one of the most popular spots for young people. For the adventurous, Miyajima Island offers hiking trails, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
In short, Hiroshima has something for everyone, and every type of traveller will find something to enjoy in the city.

How to get around Hiroshima

The best way to move around Hiroshima is by its efficient public transportation system that includes buses, streetcars, and trains. The streetcar system, which is the most convenient, consists of eight lines, connecting major tourist attractions, like the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Castle. Taxis are also a viable option, especially for groups or people with limited mobility, but they tend to be more expensive than public transport. Additionally, biking is also a great way to get around, as Hiroshima is a relatively flat city with many dedicated bike lanes.

What to see around Hiroshima

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Hiroshima: 1. Miyajima Island: Known for its iconic floating torii gate and scenic views, Miyajima Island is just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima and is definitely worth a visit.
2. Onomichi: A charming port town known for its picturesque streets, temples, and shrines.
3. Tomonoura: This picturesque fishing village was the inspiration for the animated film Ponyo and is a great spot for seafood.
4. Okunoshima Island: Also known as Rabbit Island, this island is home to hundreds of friendly rabbits that visitors can interact with.
5. Saijo: This town is known for its sake breweries and visitors can take brewery tours and sample different types of sake.
6. Shimanami Kaido: This highway connects several islands in the Seto Inland Sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the area.
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