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Things to Do in Hiroshima: Top Experiences & Activities

8 curated experiences — from guided tours to tickets and hands-on workshops

Hiroshima is a city of profound contrasts — a moving Peace Memorial Park at the epicenter of history's first atomic bomb, and just a ferry ride away, the ethereal Miyajima Island with its floating torii gate and free-roaming deer. Hiroshima's resilience, okonomiyaki cuisine, and welcoming spirit make it one of Japan's most unforgettable cities.

Top 8 Things to Do in Hiroshima

1

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

One of the world's most important museums — deeply moving exhibitions on August 6, 1945, and the humanitarian case for nuclear abolition.

2
Miyajima Island & Floating Torii Gate

Take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine's iconic torii gate rising from Hiroshima Bay, with free-roaming deer on the island.

3

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Cooking Class

Learn to cook Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki — the distinctive layered pancake with noodles — at a hands-on cooking class with local ingredients.

4

Hiroshima Castle & Samurai Experience

Visit the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle for its excellent feudal history museum, and try on samurai armor for an unforgettable photo.

5

Shukkeien Garden Tea Ceremony

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Shukkeien — a 400-year-old miniature landscape garden in central Hiroshima.

6

Mt. Misen Hike on Miyajima

Hike or take the cable car to the summit of Mt. Misen (535m) for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea islands.

7

Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour

Guided walking tour of the Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome, Cenotaph, and surrounding Peace Boulevard with historical context.

8

Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido Cycling

Cycle the Shimanami Kaido — the world-famous 70km cycling route across 6 Seto Inland Sea islands connecting Hiroshima to Shikoku.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hiroshima worth visiting as a tourist?+
Absolutely — Hiroshima is one of the most meaningful and moving destinations in Japan, and indeed the world. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum provide essential historical perspective. Combined with Miyajima Island (one of Japan's three most scenic views), Hiroshima is a 2–3 day destination.
How do I get to Miyajima Island?+
Take the JR San-Yo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (26 min), then the JR Ferry to Miyajima Island (10 min). JR Pass covers both the train and the JR Ferry. The Matsudai Ferry is not JR-covered but is a similar 10-minute crossing.
When does the Miyajima torii gate float?+
The torii gate appears to float at high tide when the surrounding tidal flats are submerged. Low tide reveals the gate standing in sand, allowing visitors to walk to its base. Check JMA tide tables (available at Miyajima tourist office) for the high-tide timing on your visit day.
What is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki?+
Hiroshima okonomiyaki differs fundamentally from Osaka-style: ingredients are layered (not mixed), with crepe batter at the bottom, a pile of cabbage and bean sprouts, pork, then yakisoba noodles, then egg — all assembled on a teppan griddle and topped with sauce and bonito flakes. The pancake is larger and thicker.
Is it appropriate to treat Hiroshima as a tourist attraction?+
Yes — Hiroshima has actively rebuilt as a city of peace and welcomes visitors as part of its mission to share its history with the world. The Peace Memorial Museum itself asks visitors to reflect and spread the message of nuclear abolition. Tourism is welcomed and important to the city's mission.

Where to Stay

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