Hiroshima: Miyajima, Peace Memorial

Destinations

Explore Hiroshima by Area

From the sacred island of Miyajima to the poignant Peace Memorial Park, discover Hiroshima's essential destinations.

Guide Available

Miyajima

UNESCO World Heritage island — Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii, Mount Misen hiking, wild deer, and fresh oysters.

UNESCO Shrine Hiking Oysters

Must-See

Top 6 Hiroshima Attractions

The essential experiences that define a trip to Hiroshima — from sacred shrines to powerful memorials.

Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine

UNESCO World Heritage shrine with the iconic floating torii gate — one of Japan's most photographed views.

          🎫 ¥300
          🕐 6:30–18:00
        

Central

Peace Memorial Park

A solemn park dedicated to world peace, featuring the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, and cenotaph.

          🎫 Free (Museum ¥200)
          🕐 Park 24h, Museum 8:30–18:00
        

Miyajima

Mount Misen

Sacred mountain with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. Hike 2-3 hours or take the ropeway.

          🎫 Free (Ropeway ¥2,000)
          🕐 Daylight
        

Central

Hiroshima Castle

Reconstructed feudal castle from 1589, known as Carp Castle, with a museum and beautiful surrounding grounds.

          🎫 ¥370
          🕐 9:00–18:00
        

Central

Shukkeien Garden

A traditional Japanese garden from 1620 with miniature landscapes, ponds, bridges, and seasonal beauty.

          🎫 ¥260
          🕐 9:00–18:00
        

Miyajima

Omotesando Shopping Street

Miyajima's main street lined with shops selling momiji manju, grilled oysters, anago-meshi, and local crafts.

          🎫 Free
          🕐 9:00–18:00
        

Plan

2-Day Hiroshima Itinerary

A comprehensive itinerary covering Hiroshima's essential sights — from peace memorials to sacred islands.

Day 1

Central Hiroshima — Peace & History

Start early at Peace Memorial Park and Museum (allow 2-3 hours). Walk through the Atomic Bomb Dome area. Lunch at Okonomimura for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Afternoon at Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden. Evening stroll along the Peace Boulevard.

Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Castle Shukkeien Garden

Day 2

Miyajima Island — Sacred Shrine & Nature

Take the morning ferry to Miyajima. Visit Itsukushima Shrine at high tide for the floating torii view. Explore Omotesando shopping street for grilled oysters and momiji manju. Hike Mount Misen or take the ropeway (2-3 hours). Walk the island's quieter temples. Return to Hiroshima for dinner.

Itsukushima Shrine Floating Torii Mount Misen Omotesando Street

Pro Tips

Hiroshima Travel Tips

Essential knowledge to navigate Hiroshima like a local and make the most of your trip.

⛩️

Check Tide Times for Miyajima

The floating torii gate is only "floating" at high tide (roughly 6 hours per day). At low tide, you can walk up to it. Check tide tables online before your visit to plan the best viewing time.

🚃

Get a Streetcar Day Pass

Hiroshima's streetcars (tram) are the main transport. A 1-day pass costs ¥700 and covers unlimited rides. Buy at the tourist office or on the streetcar. Essential for visiting multiple sites in central Hiroshima.

🦌

Don't Feed the Deer

Miyajima's deer are wild, not pets. They may be cute, but don't feed them human food or leave bags unattended — they will steal food and can be aggressive if they smell snacks.

🦪

Try Hiroshima Oysters

Hiroshima is Japan's top oyster producer. Try them grilled, raw, fried (kaki furai), or in hot pot. The best spots are on Miyajima's Omotesando Street or at restaurants near Peace Memorial Park.

🥞

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki Is Different

Unlike Osaka-style, Hiroshima okonomiyaki layers ingredients (cabbage, noodles, pork, egg) instead of mixing them. Visit Okonomimura, a 4-floor building with 25+ okonomiyaki stalls, near Peace Memorial Park.

📸

Stay Overnight on Miyajima

For the ultimate experience, stay at a ryokan on Miyajima. Early morning and evening offer the best light for photos, no crowds at the shrine, and a peaceful atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.

Transport

Getting Around Hiroshima

Hiroshima is easy to navigate with its efficient streetcar system and well-connected train lines.

Streetcars (Tram)

Hiroshima Electric Railway operates 8 streetcar lines covering all major attractions. Single ride ¥190-270. 1-Day Pass ¥700 covers unlimited rides. Essential routes: Line 2 (Hiroshima Station → Peace Park → Miyajimaguchi), Line 6 (Hiroshima Station → Peace Park).

To Miyajima Island

Hiroshima Station → Miyajimaguchi: JR Sanyo Line, 25 min, ¥420 (covered by JR Pass). Then Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima Ferry: 10 min, ¥180 (JR ferry covered by JR Pass). Ferries run every 15-30 minutes. The JR ferry route passes closer to the floating torii gate.

From Other Cities

Tokyo → Hiroshima: Shinkansen, ~4 hours, ¥19,000
Osaka → Hiroshima: Shinkansen, ~1.5 hours, ¥10,500
Kyoto → Hiroshima: Shinkansen, ~2 hours, ¥11,000
Tip: JR Pass highly recommended if combining Hiroshima with Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka trips.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need to visit Hiroshima?

We recommend 2-3 days to explore Hiroshima's highlights. Spend 1 day in central Hiroshima visiting Peace Memorial Park and the museum, plus Hiroshima Castle. Dedicate a full day to Miyajima Island to explore Itsukushima Shrine, hike Mount Misen, and enjoy local oysters. Add an extra day if you want a more relaxed pace or visit nearby Onomichi.

What is the best time to visit Hiroshima?

The best times are spring (late March – April) for cherry blossoms at Peace Memorial Park and autumn (October – November) for stunning foliage on Mount Misen. Summer (June – August) is hot and humid, but perfect for beach activities. Winter (December – February) is mild compared to Tokyo, with fewer crowds and the chance to see the floating torii at low tide.

How do I get to Miyajima Island?

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 min, ¥420). Then board the JR ferry (10 min, ¥180, covered by JR Pass) or Matsudai ferry (10 min, ¥180) to Miyajima Island. Ferries run every 15-30 minutes from early morning until late evening. The JR ferry route passes closer to the floating torii gate.

What should I eat in Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is famous for its oysters (kaki), available grilled, raw, fried, or in hot pot. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which layers ingredients with noodles instead of mixing them. Other specialties include anago-meshi (conger eel rice), momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes), and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. Miyajima is especially renowned for oysters and anago-meshi.

Is one day enough for Miyajima?

One day is sufficient to see Miyajima's main attractions — Itsukushima Shrine, the floating torii, and shopping on Omotesando Street. However, to hike Mount Misen (2-3 hours round trip) or explore the island's quieter temples and beaches, consider staying overnight. Evening and early morning offer the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds at the shrine.

How long should I spend at the Peace Memorial Museum?

Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to fully absorb the exhibits, personal stories, and historical context. The museum is emotionally intense but essential for understanding Hiroshima's history and message of peace. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Combine it with a walk through Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

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