11+ top attractions & best places to visit in Hiroshima

Hiroshima tourist attractions with rich historical and cultural imprints will give you memorable experiences. Explore this destination with 11+ top attractions & best places to visit in Hiroshima as follows!

Located in the West of Japan, Hiroshima is not only famous for its sad history but also an interesting and attractive tourist destination. With the beauty of a blend of peaceful nature and dynamic modernity, Hiroshima attracts millions of visitors every year. Coming here, you will experience impressive landscapes and rich Japanese culture. Let’s explore famous Hiroshima tourist destinations with us to better understand this special city!

Best places to visit in Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle – Japan

Hiroshima Castle, or Carp Castle, is one of the castles built in the center of the city instead of on a hilltop or mountaintop like other castles. The main tower of the castle has five floors, surrounded by a moat. Within the castle grounds are shrines, some ruins, and restored structures of the Ninomaru (second line of defense).

The castle was built in 1589 by Lord Mori Terumoto, and is an important landmark in the western part of Japan. Although it was saved during the Meiji Restoration, like many other parts of the city, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.

After thirteen years, the main tower of the castle was rebuilt from concrete and wood with an impressive appearance. Inside the tower is a museum with information about the history of Hiroshima city, Hiroshima Castle, and Japanese castles in general. The top floor of the castle is an ideal viewing platform with panoramic views of the city.

Heiwa Kinen Kōen Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is a must-see tourist destination in Hiroshima. The large park, covering an area of ​​over 120,000 square meters, is distinguished by lush greenery and walking paths, separated from the bustling downtown area.

The center of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum, the A-Bomb Dome – Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The A-Bomb Dome is one of the only structures that remained standing after the explosion, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Between the Museum and the A-Bomb Dome is the Atomic Bomb Memorial. Every year, on the anniversary of the explosion, the park holds a memorial service, and observes a minute of silence at 8:15 a.m., the exact time the explosion occurred.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Located within the Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a must-see when exploring Hiroshima. It not only preserves historical relics, but also educates future generations about peace.

At the museum, you will be able to visit exhibits about the horrific devastation of the atomic explosion, from the victims’ personal belongings to images and objects involved in the war. In addition, you will also be able to observe more closely the structure simulating the A-Bomb Dome building under the devastation of the atomic bomb.

Along with that, modern presentation methods such as 3D models and multimedia explanations at the Museum will help you better understand the painful consequences of war, and appreciate the current peace.

Itsukushima Shrine – Famous Hiroshima Tourist Place

Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Hiroshima, and is also the origin of the name of Miyajima Island – the island of shrines. Miyajima Island has a long history associated with Shintoism. The island’s highest peak, Mount Misen, has been worshiped since the 6th century.

It attracts visitors with its uniquely built shrine and torii gate, which floats on the water. The shrine consists of many structures, including the main hall, main shrine, and noh theater, built on the water. At sunset, the shrine and torii gate are lit up, creating a wonderful space for you to enjoy the peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the bay and torii gate on the island cruise.

Miyajima Island – Beautiful Hiroshima Scenery for Nature Lovers

Miyajima Island, located less than an hour by train from Hiroshima city, is a great natural tourist destination. It is named one of the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan, offering visitors a romantic space, especially when staying overnight at one of the ryokan on the island.

Miyajima, also known as “shrine island”, is especially famous for Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate. The island is also home to wild deer, which are friendly to visitors and often appear in the sightseeing areas.

Interesting places such as the History Museum, Daisho-in Temple, and Senjokaku Hall are historical and cultural tourist attractions on Miyajima. The island also has Mount Misen and the Miyajima Aquarium, creating a diverse and rich tourist itinerary.

Hiroshima – Symbol of Rebirth and Peace

Founded in 1589, Hiroshima was once an important political and military center. After the atomic bomb disaster in 1945, the city rose strongly, becoming a symbol of peace and reconstruction.

Today, Hiroshima attracts visitors with the intersection of nature, historical relics, and traditional culture:

• Trekking, hot springs, and the Seto Inland Sea for nature lovers.
• Itsukushima Shrine, Peace Memorial Park, and the Atomic Bomb Museum are places to mark history.
• Don’t forget to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki pancakes and steamed eel dishes like anago meshi.

Kosanji Temple – A Famous Cultural Destination in Hiroshima

Kosanji Temple, located on Ikuchijima Island, is a unique destination that attracts visitors when exploring Hiroshima. The temple was built over a period of 30 years, with many structures modeled after Japan’s most famous temples, such as Nikko Toshogu’s Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin’s Phoenix Hall.

The temple grounds are not only diverse and colorful, but they also maintain a uniform style. Another highlight is a long cave system displaying images depicting Buddhist hells. The Miraishin no Oka hilltop, meaning “Peak of Eternal Hope for the Future,” features abstract statues. Miraishin no Oka has no religious function, but is one of Kosanji’s artistic specialties.

Many other works of art are displayed in the buildings on the main temple grounds, including: Buddhist sculptures, paintings, modern art, and objects related to Japanese tea ceremony.

Shukkei-en Garden in Hiroshima

Shukkei-en Garden, or “miniature garden”, located in the heart of Hiroshima City, is a unique masterpiece of landscape design. Created in 1620, Shukkei-en is a symbol of traditional art in Japanese gardening culture. The unique feature of the garden is the reproduction of valleys, mountains and grassy forests in miniature form, creating exquisite scenes.

The journey through the garden via the path connecting all the miniature scenes of Shukkei-en, creating the most wonderful experience for visitors. The careful care of the land and plants helps the garden recreate unique natural landscapes, making Shukkei-en a must-see destination for those who love to enjoy the exquisite beauty and history of Hiroshima. Surrounding the main pond of the garden are many teahouses, providing great opportunities for visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Orizuru Tower – Hiroshima, Japan

Explore Hiroshima, Orizuru Tower, an impressive tourist attraction located next to the A-Bomb Dome. The 50-meter-tall tower stands out in the Peace Memorial Park area and offers a great view of the A-Bomb Dome from above.

The tower was designed by Hiroshima architect Sanbuichi Hiroshi, famous for integrating architecture with the surrounding environment. With a 450-meter spiral staircase and art corridors, the tower offers a unique experience.

The top observation deck is open to visitors to feel the open space and see the whole city. On the 12th floor, the interactive multimedia area displays interesting animations, from the bombing site to predictions about the future of Hiroshima, which is a special attraction for all ages.

Saijo Sake District

Saijo sake center is an interesting destination for you to learn about Japanese culture and cuisine. This area is famous for its new style of sake brewing, ginjo sake. It is made from the region’s special soft water and highly polished rice fermented at low temperatures. There are currently 7 breweries here, characterized by their white walls and red brick chimneys.

Every year in October, the Saijo neighborhood hosts the Saijo Sake Matsuri, Japan’s largest sake festival, with over 800 types of sake. Visitors can enjoy sake at the 2.5-hour festival.

In addition to the festival, you can stroll along the quiet streets around Sakagura Dori – the sake brewery street, visit shops and tasting rooms at sake breweries. Kamotsuru also has a sake brewing museum where visitors can take pictures in a large wooden fermentation tank, watch videos about production, and taste special sake.

Okunoshima Rabbit Island – Hiroshima

Located east of Hiroshima, Okunoshima Rabbit Island is a small oasis where hundreds of wild rabbits roam freely in the forests and fields. Just 15 minutes by ferry from the coast, the island attracts visitors from all over the world.

Rabbits often live in large groups and are known for their high reproductive rate. Therefore, they are often considered a symbol of reproductive safety, and bring happiness to the family.

In addition to rabbit viewing, the island also has many walking paths along the coast and up the mountain, providing a dynamic travel experience. In the summer, you can also enjoy swimming in the cool blue sea. Okunoshima Rabbit Island is not only an interesting tourist destination but also a unique destination for relaxation and vacation.

Experience Cycling and Visiting Rabbit Island in Hiroshima with Klooker to get up close to the cute bunnies.

Shimanami Kaido – Hiroshima

Shimanami Kaido, also known as Nishiseto Expressway, is a 60km-long highway that connects the main island of Honshu with the island of Shikoku. Starting from Onomichi City on Honshu, Shimanami Kaido passes through six islands: Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima, and ends at Imabari City on Shikoku.

On this journey, you not only gets to see the stunning beauty of the Seto Inland Sea but also explores the small towns on the islands. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Shimanami Kaido also has many other attractions along the way, such as the Hirayama Museum on Ikuchijima Island, Kosanji Temple. If you want to enjoy nature and relax for a few days, you can also stay at the campsites on the islands. Experience Shimanami Kaido Cycling in Hiroshima, enjoy the beautiful nature of Hiroshima’s islands!

Self-guided Travel Guide to Hiroshima, Japan

Located in the West of Japan, Hiroshima is an ideal destination to explore culture and history, with a convenient transportation system that makes it easy for you to travel:

• Shinkansen bullet train: From Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Nozomi Shinkansen line straight to Hiroshima in just 4–5 hours.
• Long-distance bus: Companies like Willer Express have cheap night flights from Tokyo, Osaka to Hiroshima – suitable for those who want to save money.
• Domestic flight: From Haneda Airport (Tokyo), the flight to Hiroshima Airport takes about 90 minutes. You should book at least 1 month in advance to get a good ticket.

Famous Hiroshima tourist destinations will take you on a journey to discover a different Japan. Historical stories, unique cultural features, and pristine natural landscapes will give you a memorable vacation.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Hiroshima you can refer to

• Hiroshima & Miyajima Group Day Trip from Osaka
• Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima
• Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass
• Hiroshima Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Pass
• JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5 Days)
• JR Sanyo-San in-Northern Kyushu Area Pass
• Sanyo Shinkansen Train Ticket
• JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
• JR Sanyo-San’in Area Pass
• Orizuru Tower Admission Ticket in Hiroshima
• JR Setouchi Area Pass
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Ticket
• Hiroshima & Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour
• Klook Pass Hiroshima
• [Sale] 5-Day JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass with Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus Tour Combo Package
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

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