5 Less Ideal Times to Visit Hiroshima and When to Go Instead!
Hello everybody. My name is Kevin and welcome back to another installment of Discover Hiroshima: Beyond the Basics. My goal today is for those planning a trip to Hiroshima,
as I hope you already are. In this video, I will share with you some of the most ideal and
some of the less ideal times, perhaps to visit Hiroshima based on
factors such as cost, weather, and a variety of others. Today I hope to share five times you should avoid,
if possible, coming to Hiroshima with some solutions as to how to maximize your time,
even if those are the times you come in three absolutely ideal times to visit. With that said, in recent years Japan has become
very popular amongst international travelers. In 2020, for almost 37 million foreign
guests came to our beautiful country of Japan. And of those, almost 640,000 visited just Miyajima Island
alone in Hiroshima, almost a 40% increase from the previous year. With the Japanese yen depreciating, domestic tourism amongst Japanese and
international tourism amongst foreign guests has become,
how should I say at its climax, this has caused overtourism. Other areas, But Hiroshima is perfect timing as always to visit. So today I want to share with you all of this information with you to make sure that you have the best time possible in our beautiful city of Hiroshima. Let’s get started. Less Ideal Times. No1, mid-June to early July. Rainy season. The first one is from mid-June to the beginning of July,
known as rainy season. Here in Hiroshima in particular, there are days that go from rain the whole day,
from the morning until the evening, which can make traveling though
public transportation is very convenient in the city. A little bit less enjoyable, perhaps also to enjoy
the wonderful balance of urbanization and nature. I would recommend avoiding this time if possible. Now back home we often expect, at least for me,
where I’m from in America, the rain to come
and go and stop so we don’t carry umbrellas. Also a car centric society,
easy to get around without worrying about the rain. In Japan, not so much the case,
including Hiroshima. Japanese people are very conscientious
and often have their umbrellas. I would recommend you prepare one as well
if you do visit during this time. That said, during this period, actually just before generally
the start of the rainy season, we have one of the,
I’d say, most meaningful local festivals associated with the over 400 year
old Shinto shrine downtown here known as Tokasan, a wonderful local experience. If you do have the interest, maybe bring an umbrella with you just in case. No2, August. A lot of heat and humidity. Also the summer holidays. So in recent years Japan’s summers have become increasingly hot, in particular Hiroshima the beautiful Seto Inland Sea increasingly humid as well. The average temperature last year was 30.7°C, 87.5°F,
but it feels much hotter due to the humidity every year. Now it is an enjoyable time to visit,
but the Japanese Obon holiday is one of the three largest holidays as well. In the middle of August, more or less make for crowded public transportation
and tourist sites as well, many with domestic travelers within Japan. August, however, is a special month for Hiroshima August 6th, 1945.
Of course, this year will be 80 years. We commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima City and
honor the victims in a wonderful and meaningful ceremony. In Peace Memorial Park dignitaries, guests,
students, groups from all around the world and Japan. However, that said, if your goal is not to attend the ceremony specifically,
but rather to enjoy Hiroshima’s treasures,
I would recommend following a slightly quieter time to come and visit. No3, late December to early January,
known as “Oshougatu”. That’s the Japanese New Year holiday. Many people visiting the shrines known as Hathumoude. The wishing essentially for good health and good luck from the spirits. The Shinto spirits at the beginning of the year is a wonderful experience
to witness and see, but you might be waiting 3 or 4 hours,
particularly in Hiroshima’s main Gokoku shrine. If possible, I would recommend finding another timeto visit,
as many of the restaurants, tourist attractions, shops
and other places are closed. Similar at least for me back home on
Christmas Day, perhaps Christmas Eve. Japan’s Oshogatu holidays also, particularly long again one of the three main holidays,
making it perhaps less ideal to visit. As you may miss out on some places that are can’t miss attractions in Hiroshima
and of course, throughout Japan. Because of the closures and the concentration of people,
I would recommend visiting another time as the Japanese folks are traveling home
and visiting with loved ones. No4, late March January, February, March.
The end of the third month of the year. March in Japan is something that might surprise you. It’s actually the end of the fiscal business and also school years. Now back home, For me, that was the end of the school
year was essentially depending April, may maybe
the beginning of June and the end of the summer after the long summer break. Students are on the move. They’re entering new schools,
going different places. The fiscal year, of course,
separated from that in many ways. In Japan, all of this occurs at the same time, At the end of March. This can mean that with workers on the move
finding new opportunities and moving companies moving office locations,
students going to schools, finding new places to live, accommodation and
transportation becomes scarce and surprisingly expensive. I would recommend, if possible, to wait out just a few more weeks
through the beautiful spring months to plan your trip to Japan. No5, the last week of April to the first week of May. Golden Week！ Golden week is an amazing holiday series of Japanese holidays
running from the end of April through the beginning of May. Now, though, this is a very energetic and beautiful time of year. It’s extremely busy. Families are often on the move to visit relatives,
tourist spots become extremely crowded, and prices for accommodation and
transportation surge, particularly the Shinkansen. The Japanese bullet train obviously one of the primary ways to reach Hiroshima
from wherever else you may be in Japan becomes extremely crowded. Reservations for reserved cars are difficult, and often the only way,
as opposed to unreserved seats that are generally available. If you are going to visit during this time, absolutely, please consult us. Leave a comment. We can help out. Otherwise I’d recommend just wait out Golden week and come after. We’ll get more to that in a moment. Now everybody, some of the absolutely ideal times to visit Hiroshima in particular. No1, early April. In Hiroshima, due to our location and whether the Inland Sea
climate are cherry blossoms, often are in full bloom in very early April. Early April is a time when many Japanese
are getting into their new routines. All of the energy expended moving
planning for the new year trails off into a bit of routine. This is the perfect opportunity for you to make
the most have a bit more tranquility. Time and space to take in the cherry blossoms in our beautiful nature. Even close to my home, close to Hiroshima Station, one of my favorite places
near the new Sannomaru near Hiroshima Castle and the revamped area. So many beautiful cherry blossom areas
and you can explore them essentially all to yourself. Don’t miss early April if possible. No2, the second half of May. After the Golden week holiday in Japan and Hiroshima as well, things quiet down. People are back to work, back to school, focusing on their goals. The weather is still absolutely perfect. This is one of my favorite times of year. Prior to the beginning, the real onset of rainy season,
A great time to go for hikes outdoors, have Riverside barbecues,
check out Sanfrecce Hiroshima soccer game at the new stadium. Being outside is one of my favorite things to do
and you’ll see me outdoors at this time. I’m sure you will be too. If you visit during this ideal springtime period. No3, the fall months, September to November. The fall months as the weather starts to cool off is absolutely ideal. It’s pleasantly cool tourism, both from Japanese who are back
in their regular routines after the busy summer months
and from abroad, slows down a bit, allowing you to take in the warmth
and emotional beauty of Hiroshima to its fullest. I have so many memories of places I have visited in the fall, Miyajima,
for example, seeing the enigmatic and beautiful maple leaf trees,
taking the ropeway, for example, and going through Momiji Park. There’s so many beautiful places to take in the fall foliage and irradiation of colors. Hiking, Mount Mitaki, check out. The history and the temples there, culminating
with an incredible view over the city of Hiroshima. You can take it in for yourself, have more space,
and enjoy the full presence of Hiroshima to yourself, If you do visit in the fall. Now, I do realize that not everyone will have the ideal conditions,
nor the ability to travel exactly during the ideal periods. It’s beautiful at all times, you and you can make the most of it. I do want to share with you a few tips now though, as to how to maximize
your experience by avoiding some of the overcrowding and, areas that are,
well worth it on your own time and at your own pace. Let’s get to it. No1, visit places at times other than the peak hours during off hours. If you can check out, with through our channel
and through many of the other, lovely information that is availablehere,
maybe morning and evening events. One example I have for you and I always recommend to guests
I meet here is visiting its a Kashima shrine on me,
a Jima island early in the morning. The shrine opens at 6:30 a.m.. If you go at this time, you can take in the tranquility the beauty of Miyajima
before it is busy and full of vitality and energy, which is also worth seeing. Taking in the shrine your own time, feeling the peacefulness
in a true sense is, well, well worth getting up early for. In addition, just another example. From April through the fall months, Hiroshima Orizuru
Tower offers a rooftop bar and cafe. This is a perfect place to enjoy a drink and take in the city skyline. Getting a different view of Peace Memorial Park from a castle even viewing
as far as Miyajima taking in the city skyline as you do, there’s a variety of options
like this just takes a little bit of searching and an open mindedness to do so. No2, use technology to check crowd levels online. So these days, to navigate Japan’s busy spots, there are many services
that offer real time crowd monitoring, even live video feeds. For example, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Museum offers live video streams
of the crowds both inside and outside the museums. Perhaps to time your visit. Ideally so you can take in at your own pace and in your own manner. The extremely important and touching, moving contents of the leaders
from a Peace Memorial Park Museum. Another example at Hiroshima Station and Miyajima guchi, the mainland equivalent,
where you take the ferry to our wonderful island of Miyajima. You can check the parking availability online as well, showing in simple icons
like empty, busy or full. For example, using these tools can help
you avoid crowds and maximize your time. No3, avoid public transportation. Now, we’ve spoken a lot about how convenient the public transportation is, particularly
in Hiroshima and that’s absolutely true. The electric trams or streetcars, the busses are an extremely convenient way
to get around the downtown area, stretching from Hiroshima Station
the whole way to Miyajima and everywhere in between. However, Japan is famous for overcrowding the busses and trains during peak hours. That’s no exception in Hiroshima, as well. I ride my bicycle everywhere because Hiroshima is so convenient to get around,
so flat in the downtown area. When I’m getting a nice breeze
riding on my bicycle, my hair… My hat, fluttering in the wind and seeing many people sweating
and standing on the busses holding on. Now, of course, it is very convenient for them. They can listen to their music or podcasts and enjoy, but I love having the freedom
to go about the city at my own pace, and I would recommend this to you as well. Rent a scooter or bicycle. One service I can recommend to you in Hiroshima in particular,
amongst many, is a very simple way to rent, with an online application available
in English and for foreign guests as well. You can check the availability of bicycles, make reservations online and have
a bicycle, whether for an hour or a full day, relatively easily. Get around the entire downtown area not only good for a little bit
of exercise to work off the okonomiyaki, but also environmentally friendly. So take a bike. Join me. Let your hair flutter in the wind as well. No4, go off the beaten path. No doubt Hiroshima has some absolutely can’t miss places
that you will surely visit, hopefully making the most of our other tips
today to maximize your experience. Otherwise, check out our channel. Subscribe. Of course. Check out some of the things that interest you. For me personally, one amazing experience the magic show
in Nagarekawa entertainment district was something I have done multiple times since,
and I recommend if it’s interesting to you, check that out. The experience Hiroshima covered of course, over 300 local troops in the area. You’ll always have a unique experience. And the one for me, which I share with you on our channel as well,
was one that changed my perspective of some of the off the beaten path things
to do in Hiroshima. Even living here this long. Check out some of the less trafficked areas. There’s so many beautiful natural areas both in the afternoon and the evening hours. I’ll take a walk, take a stroll, grab a bike, go off the beaten path,
get an original meal from a local legend, an original Nihonshu Japanese Hiroshima saké with the oysters from Saturday. And just think about it now. And the local beef. Check that video out too. There’s so many amazing experience that I’ve had, and I hope that you go off
the beaten path, find some that interest you and check those out as well, or maximize
your tranquility, comfort and experience even more. Don’t be scared. Go do it. Check it out. Well everybody, today we spoke about the absolute best and some of the less ideal,
times to visit Hiroshima every year. But what do you think?
Have you visited before? Do you have any questions? Any comments? Drop a comment below. Regardless, let us know what you think
and don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel. Peace and love from Hiroshima.
🔍Discover Hiroshima: Beyond the Basics!🔍
Thinking about visiting Hiroshima?
Don’t book your ticket until you watch this. I’ve lived here for 8 years, and I’ll show you exactly when to come for the best experience and when to stay away. Weather, crowds, and hidden gems included!
I’ve been living in Hiroshima for 8 years, and I started this channel to introduce our lovely and peaceful city.
Join me as we explore the beauty and history of Hiroshima through my eyes.
Stay tuned for more episodes showcasing Hiroshima’s rich culture, deep history, and must-see attractions!
👀 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Hiroshima adventures!
📖Chapters📖
0:00 Opening
1:12 *The Less Ideal Times*
6:02 *The Best Ideal Times*
8:23 *Tips*
13:44 Ending
📝Resources📝
・Inbound Tourism Statistics for 2024
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://finance-frontend-pc-dist.west.edge.storage-yahoo.jp/disclosure/20250206/20250206564800.pdf
・Miyajima Visitor Numbers in 2024
https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST1J3Q6VT1JPITB00CM.html
・Average Temperature and Humidity in Japan (2024)
https://www.data.jma.go.jp/stats/etrn/view/monthly_s1.php?prec_no=67&block_no=47765&year=2024&month=&day=&view=a2
・August 6 Peace Memorial Ceremony
https://kanko-h.com/info/?p=33087
・Shinkansen Seat Policy During Golden Week
https://travel.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1567958.html
・Peace Memorial Museum Crowd Forecast Site
https://hpmmuseum.jp/modules/info/index.php?action=PageView&page_id=182
・Hiroshima City Congestion Monitoring Site
https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/information/live/
・Minamoa Parking Availability Website
https://www.minamoa-ekie.jp/
・Peacecle 1-Day Bicycle Rental Website
https://docomo-cycle.jp/web-onedaypass/en/
・Peacecle 1-Day Rental – Payment Instructions
https://docomo-cycle.jp/onedaypass/
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