Hiroshima’s got a rep even outside Japan, and guess what? It’s just a quick 1.5-hour Shinkansen ride from Osaka. If you’re swinging by Osaka, make sure to hop over.
Not only is Hiroshima rich in history, but its food? Totally delish! Plus, the city’s warm vibes and cheerful folks make every interaction a treat.
And, don’t miss out on the rare tram rides here – a chill way to soak in the city vibes. Riding these slower-paced streetcars offers a charming way to navigate the city.
Ready for a day tour? Let’s zoom in on Hiroshima city’s hotspots for a one-day itinerary!
🕗 8:00 Atomic Bomb Dome
Standing near the hypocenter, this building miraculously survived the blast due to the almost direct overhead explosion, leaving it in its current state.
Though its sight brought sadness, stirring calls for its removal, it remains as a powerful testament to the importance of global peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
If you’re visiting, keep an eye out for volunteers in bright-colored clothing, guiding tourists around the dome. I’d recommend stopping for a chat. They’ll share insights into Hiroshima’s history that you won’t get just by looking.
🕣 8:30 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Within the museum, you’ll find personal belongings of the victims, haunting photos of the aftermath, diaries, and interview clips that narrate the journey after the bombing.
It’s a small fee of 200 yen for adults, and it’s a real eye-opener about the horrors of war and the immense value of peace. I’ve been there four times, and each visit leaves me reflecting deeply on war and peace.
Don’t worry if you’re not fluent in Japanese; there’s English signage to guide you. I’d love for you to immerse yourself in every exhibit.
By understanding this painful past, my hope is that more people will passionately yearn for lasting peace.
While exploring the area around the museum, you’ll likely spot colorful paper origami cranes, known as ‘Senbazuru’ or ‘Thousand cranes’.
In Japan, origami cranes symbolize long life, making them a fitting emblem of peace. They’re often folded with wishes for peace in remembrance.
Transport by train 🚃
| Vehicle | Entrainment station | Transfer station | Drop-off station | How long ⏳ | How much 💰 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram 🚉 | Honkawacho | – | Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi | 55 min | 270 Yen |
| Train 🚃 | Hondori | Shin-Hakushima | Miyajimaguchi | 33 min | 520 Yen |
And, hop on the tram I mentioned earlier to reach the ferry. It’s budget-friendly, just a bit slower than regular trains, so plan accordingly!
🕧 12:30 Anago-meshi (eel) for lunch 🍚
Miyajima’s calling card? Definitely anago. For ages, these waters have been home to some seriously quality eel.
Imagine this: anago with just the right touch of fattiness, grilled until it’s blissfully tender, then basted with a sweet sauce — it’s a flavor that’s simply divine with rice.
If you fancy savoring your meal with a view of Miyajima’s picturesque scenery, consider this little tip: you can pre-order a bento box.
Taking your meal to go and enjoying it on Miyajima itself might just be the leisurely dining experience you’re looking for.
Transport by ferry ⛴️
| Vehicle | How long ⏳ | How much 💰 |
|---|---|---|
| JR Miyajima Ferry ⛴️ | 10 min | 200 Yen |
🕑 14:00 Itsukushima Shrine ⛩️
Ever heard of Japan’s top three scenic spots? Well, this is one of them! As you ferry closer to Miyajima, a vibrant red gate emerges from the sea. This spot definitively makes my list of best places to visit in Japan!
Why in the middle of the water? It’s believed they didn’t want to disturb the sacred land by cutting trees or digging. At low tide, you can even walk up to this iconic gate.
The main shrine, painted in the same striking red, offers a unique view of this gate.
Taking photos with the monk-themed panels scattered around is also a fun idea to consider!
When at Itsukushima Shrine, you’ve got to try the iconic Momiji Manju. These Hiroshima sweet treats have a fluffy exterior filled with chocolate, red bean, or custard.
At around 100 yen each, you can choose between steamed or fried versions. Given their bite-sized nature, why not sample a few?
When you visit Miyajima, get ready to be greeted by the wild deer roaming around. They might just come closer if they notice you’ve got some snacks!
Transport (Same transportation as on the way there）
| Vehicle | Entrainment station | Transfer station | Drop-off station | How long ⏳ | How much 💰 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram 🚉 | Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi | – | Hokawacho | 55 min | 270 Yen |
| Train 🚃 | Miyajimaguchi | Shin-Hakushima | Hondori | 33 min | 520 Yen |
🕕 18:00 Okonomiyaki for dinner
Okonomiyaki, often hailed as the “Japanese pancake,” is far from the sweet treat the name might suggest.
It’s a savory delight with a thin batter made from flour, heaped with cabbage and pork, and grilled to perfection.
The secret’s in the sauce – a rich, flavorful addition that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
While Osaka is famed for its style of okonomiyaki, Hiroshima boasts its own take on this dish, featuring distinct differences in cooking methods and batter thickness. But make no mistake, both styles are equally mouthwatering.
You can find more unique and local dishes in Hiroshima here.
Three options for enjoying Okonomiyaki:
Okonomiyaki at a Popular Spot
My recommended restaurant: hassho
With five outlets throughout Hiroshima, what sets this restaurant apart is its perfectly crisped noodles in their okonomiyaki, giving it a delectably crunchy and aromatic taste. Amidst a sea of eateries, it’s made its mark, even earning a spot in the Hiroshima Michelin guide. It’s truly a top-tier spot!
Of course, there are countless other Okonomiyaki spots to discover. If you’re on the hunt for the most popular joints, I’ve got some recommendations on this page. Don’t forget to check them out!
Give making your own okonomiyaki a try 🔥
Near Hiroshima Station, there’s a delightful place where you can whip up your own okonomiyaki and add your favorite toppings.
Eating at a restaurant might cost you about 1,000 yen, but creating your personal pancake masterpiece is a steal at 2,000 yen. It’s a small price for such a memorable experience.
This is the English website. You need to book by 3pm the day before. Three hands-on workshops are offered daily. Night workshop start at 6:30 pm.
Flipping okonomiyaki is actually a bit of an art. Even after making it countless times, I still mess up now and then. Even if your okonomiyaki flops, it just adds to the joy and stories you’ll tell. After all, every attempt, perfect or not, is part of the Japanese experience.
Explore and compare various okonomiyaki from multiple eateries
Okonomimura and Okonomi Kyowakoku, Okonomi story, Hiroshima boasts areas, where you can find dozens of Okonomiyaki joints packed close together.
Each spot has its own twist, so why not try a couple and compare the different flavors?
🕗 20:00 Hiroshima Castle 🏯
Hiroshima was strategically built with both water and land accessibility in mind.
The stone walls of Hiroshima Castle are notably lower than most, which gives a cool effect: when the castle is reflected on the water, it appears upside down.
At night, its illuminated white walls radiate a majestic aura – it’s a sight I highly recommend catching!
Conclusion
Hiroshima is a magical blend of history, gourmet delights, and stunning nature. One visit and you’ll be captivated by its diverse charm and rich tapestry.
While this article gives a glimpse, there’s so much more to explore.
I hope you get to see Hiroshima’s allure for yourself and dive into its beauty firsthand, if you do, please consider this Hiroshima one-day itinerary as your guide!
