Itsukushima Jinja | Image credit: jpellgen (@1105_jp)/Flickr
A journey to Hiroshima offers a profound encounter with history, culture, and the enduring spirit of humanity. On August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb “Little Boy” devastated Hiroshima, claiming countless lives and forever altering the city’s landscape. Yet, from the ashes of tragedy, Hiroshima has risen as a symbol of peace and resilience. Today, it is a vibrant, modern city, a testament to the power of hope and the human capacity for renewal. For those planning a visit in 2025, here are some iconic things to do and key attractions that make Hiroshima a must-visit destination in Japan.
Also, check out this guide that will take you off the tourist trail to savour experiences unique to Japan.
The best time to visit Hiroshima
Hiroshima Castle | Image credit: Hoi Wai/Pexels
Hiroshima attracts many tourists in spring and autumn who come to admire the cherry blossoms and fall foliage. The weather during these seasons is cool and pleasant. Although summer can be hot and humid, numerous local festivals keep visitors entertained. For a quieter and more peaceful experience, consider visiting Hiroshima in winter. While it is cold and fewer tourists are around, this season allows you to explore the iconic landmarks at your own pace.
For more details, check out our seasonal guide to the best time to visit Japan.
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Book your stay at Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto via Booking.com
Major tourist attractions and things to do in Hiroshima
If you visit this bustling city for just a few days, check out these attractions and things to do in Hiroshima.
Green Parks
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park | Image credit: David McKelvey/Flickr
Visit the city’s parks to experience its natural beauty and learn about its rich history. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the most renowned and is located in the city centre. This site is a place for reflection, allowing visitors to pay their respects and offer prayers for the victims of the atomic bombing of 1945.
Enjoy strolls in green spaces, sunny picnics, and admiring seasonal flowers and rare plants. You will enjoy exploring Koraku-en Park, Suitsu Park, Central Park, Shukkeien Park, and Tegata Park. For those interested in art and architecture set within nature, Hijiyama Park and the Hiroshima Castle Grounds are also worth visiting.
Museums
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum | Image credit: sean/Flickr
Visiting museums is one of the main attractions and things to do in Hiroshima and a great way to learn about the city’s history and rich culture. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum provides an in-depth look at the devastating effects of the atomic bombing through photographs, videos, personal artefacts, and testimonies from survivors.
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art | Image credit: Rog01/Flickr
The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Hiroshima Museum of Art are must-see destinations for those interested in contemporary art. Both museums feature impressive collections that include works by local and international artists, such as Picasso and Van Gogh. If you’re travelling with children, take them to the Hiroshima Children’s Museum, featuring interactive exhibits that allow kids to explore topics related to nature, technology, and science!
Also read | Save Yourself The Embarrassment – 20 Things You Should Not Do In Japan
Temples and shrines
Itsukushima Shrine | Image credit: bobthemagicdragon/Flickr
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life in Hiroshima by retreating to one of its nearby temples or shrines. The Itsukushima Shrine and Senkoji Temple are well-regarded for their peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
If you’re looking to pay respects, visit the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine to honour the souls of victims and soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. Those who enjoy meditating in serene, green spaces should consider exploring Kokozenji Temple, Shukkei-en Temple, Fudoin Temple, Hojoji Temple, and Saizenji Temple.
Also read | This Might Be Japan’s Most Beautiful National Park — With Superb Hiking & Waterfalls
Must attend festivals and events in Hiroshima
Hiroshima Flower Festival | Image credit: Agustin Rafael Reyes/Flickr
Hiroshima hosts exciting events and festivals throughout the year. Don’t miss the festivities in 2025!
Kiyomori Festival (March 23): This annual samurai parade, held at Itsukushima Shrine and along Miyajima’s streets, marks the beginning of spring.
Hatsukaichi Sakura Festival (April 6): This festival, which takes place every Sunday in April at Syohoku Ground, features numerous stalls offering food, handmade items, and sakura-themed goods.
Tea Harvesting Ceremony (April 29): Join us at Shukkeien Garden from 10 am to 3 pm to watch farmers cultivate tea. For a small fee, you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed green tea.
Hiroshima Flower Festival (May 3-5): This annual event at Peace Boulevard celebrates Hiroshima’s rebirth while promoting global peace.
Mibu-no-Hanadaue Traditional Rice Planting Ritual (June 1): This agricultural ritual, which takes place on the first Sunday of June at Mibu, honours the sacredness of rice farming and fosters a sense of community among locals.
Toukasan Yukata Festival (June 6-8): Held at Tōkasan Enryu-ji Temple, this festival features bon dancing, delicious snacks, and socializing opportunities.
Takehara Summer Festival Fireworks (August): A 30-minute fireworks display takes place on the bay in front of Oonori Elementary School, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
Bamboo Candlelight Festival (October 26): Experience an illuminated bamboo display at the Takehara Historic Preservation District.
Chinkasai Fire Festival (December 31): Celebrated at Itsukushima Shrine on the last day of the year, this festival honours the cyclical nature of life and the importance of unity during natural calamities.
Also read | Exploring Japan’s Lantern Festivals, Beautiful Displays Of Light And Tradition
Shopping in Hiroshima
Hondori Shopping Street | Image credit: Richard Cassan/Flickr
Shopping for traditional souvenirs and local ingredients in Hiroshima is one of the best things to do in the city!
Hiroshima Parco: This mall in Naka Ward is popular among female students and women looking for fashion, interior decor, and miscellaneous items. It is open from 10 am to 8:30 pm.
Hondori Shopping Street: This famous shopping street in Naka Ward, open from 10 am to 8 pm, is dedicated to fashion goods, trendy accessories, vintage finds, magazines, books, and cosmetics.
The Outlets Hiroshima: This outlet mall has about 200 stores in Saeki Ward and is open from 10 am to 8 pm. Here, you can shop for discounted branded and vintage clothing.
Ekie Hiroshima: Located in Minami Ward, right in front of Hiroshima station’s ticket gates, this place is the hub for local souvenirs, gourmet restaurants, fashion items, and beauty products. It is open from 8 am to 9 pm.
Kamiyacho Shareo: This underground shopping district in Kamiyacho, Naka Ward, is open from 10 am to 8 pm, boasts a wide range of chic boutiques and is always vibrant.
Takanobashi Shopping Street: This fashion district in Naka Ward has cosy cafes, everyday items, books, and more. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Hiroshima Morning Market: This local market comes alive every Sunday in the Green Zone on Peace Boulevard. Open from 10 am to 8 pm, it’s the best place to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and seafood.
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Restaurants in Hiroshima
When in Hiroshima, you must treat yourself to the local cuisine at these restaurants. Also, check out these Japanese convenience store snacks that locals love.
Visit Nagataya or Okonomimura to try Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. This savoury pancake is made with cabbage, pork slices, thick batter, noodles, and okonomiyaki sauce.
For a delicious experience, head to Mutsuki and Tsukemen Karabu Tokaichimachi to try Hiroshima-style Tsukemen ramen. These cold noodles are served with a rich and refreshing broth.
Don’t miss out on Anago Meshi at Miyajima Anago Meshi Mametanuki and Anagomeshi Ueno. This dish features grilled saltwater eel served over rice.
Visit Gute Tako House and Honke Karitoro to sample Hiroshima-style takotoki, a tasty treat made with octopus.
Lastly, be sure to stop by Caffè Ponte, STEAM Oyster Pub, and Oyster and Beef Sake Muro to try some of the best oysters in the country. Whether grilled, stewed, sautéed, or fried, Hiroshima oysters are truly a must-try!
Book your stay at Hilton Hiroshima via Hilton.com
Book your stay at Hilton Hiroshima via Booking.com
Best hotels in Hiroshima
For a luxurious stay in Hiroshima, consider booking a room at one of the top hotels like Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto, Itsukushima Iroha, the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, or the Hilton Hiroshima. You can expect an enjoyable experience at these hotels regardless of where you stay.
Also read | Ryokan, Capsule Or Luxury? Find Your Perfect Stay From Japan’s Endless Hotel Options
Book your stay at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel via Marriott.com
Book your stay at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel via Booking.com
Tips for visitors
Hiroshima City | Image credit: s.yume/Flickr
Dress appropriately for the season. Check the weather first thing in the morning to avoid any fashion mishaps.
Aside from railways, tourists can explore Hiroshima using water taxis, ropeways, boats, and streetcars.
Use the coin lockers near stations and shopping malls to store your luggage for the day.
If you’re interested in experiencing the city’s culture, consider joining a guided tour.
You can also attend a free seminar to learn about the experiences of atomic bomb survivors, but remember to make a reservation in advance.
In addition to sightseeing, visitors can participate in workshops on calligraphy, tea ceremonies, guided cycling tours, and sea kayaking.
To save money, shop at duty-free stores.
When visiting museums, peace memorial sites, and parks, please be quiet, respectful, and mindful of your actions.
Staying at a capsule or business hotel tends to be more affordable than luxury accommodations.
If you lose something, report it to the police station to file a lost property report.
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(Feature image credit: Jennifer Morrow/Flickr)
Related | Exploring Japan: A 10-Day Itinerary Packed With Fun And Adventure For First-Timers
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long should I spend in Hiroshima?
Two to four days is a good amount of time to explore Hiroshima.
Are there any activities for families with young children in Hiroshima?
Yes, there are plenty of attractions in Hiroshima for families with young children. Take them to Asa Zoo to see exotic animals, the Sera Kogen Farm to see rare flowers, and Hiroshima’s Children’s Museum and Library for a rich learning experience.
What are the adventure activities to do in Hiroshima?
Hiking to Mt Misen, sea kayaking around Miyajima, and river rafting on the Gonokawa River are a few adventure activities to try in Hiroshima.
What are some must-visit islands near Hiroshima?
Several small islands near Hiroshima, such as Naoshima, Okunoshima, Miyajima, Sensui Island, Ikuchijima, and Mukaishima, are worth the trip.
What should I wear when visiting Hiroshima?
Your clothing choices will depend on the season you wish to visit Hiroshima. Light layers during spring, breathable clothing in summer, cardigans, knitwear, corduroy in autumn, thermal layers, sweaters, and thick pants in winter.
How do I get from Hiroshima to other parts of Japan?
The most popular ways to travel from Hiroshima to other parts of Japan are bullet trains and airplanes.
What day trips can I take from Hiroshima?
Miyajima, Onomichi, Iwakuni, Miyoshi, Kure, Hatsukaichi, and Kurashiki are great day trip options from Hiroshima.
What’s the best way to get around Hiroshima?
Trams, rental bikes, buses, and subways are a few convenient ways to get around Hiroshima.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read Moreshe worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte. Read Less
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