Location: Hiroshima
Top Things to do in Hiroshima
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Hiroshima, Chugoku
A trip to Hiroshima is best kicked off with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which contains a museum, the remnants of buildings destroyed by the 1945 atomic bomb and monuments to the people killed by this nuclear attack. Understanding Hiroshima’s relatively recent devastation is key to fully appreciating its beauty and culture. Visit splendidly rebuilt historic sites like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden, and don’t miss the Itsukushima Shrine on the nearby island of Miyajima.
Restaurants in Hiroshima
1. Atomic Bomb Dome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,989 reviews
This skeleton of a building is all that remains in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945, and serves as a symbol of both the horrors of atomic war and the hope for world peace.
Reviewed By Livetotravel747 - Coombabah, Australia
The Atomic Bomb Dome is a well maintained piece of history that should be visited by everyone. It is preserved also for future generations. Words cannot describe this place, just have to go for yourself
2. Hiroshima Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
Half of the paintings in this round museum in the center of Hiroshima are by the French masters, including Degas, Renoir and Monet, and the other half are by Japanese artists.
Reviewed By WarnerL_12 - Pasadena, United States
Last year I was so impressed by this museum without the time to really go through it, I had to return to see a very nice French impressionist collection containing famous artists including van Gogh & Picasso to name just two.
3. Shukkei-en Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,083 reviews
This 17th-century miniature landscape garden was restored after its destruction in 1945, and contains a pond, streams, islets and bridges.
Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan
I love Hiroshima, there are always new attractions to explore. I saw Shukkei-en Garden on a map, and decided to check it out. It is not far from the main train station, so it is a must. I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary. The entrance was pretty cheap, around 260 yen a person. You need at minimum an hour here as there are trails and interesting historical markers worth reading, not to mention many photo spots and places to relax and enjoy the beauty. Japan seems to have varieties of flowers that bloom at different times of the year, so anytime is a good time to visit. The pond in the center is lovely and is full of beautiful koi fish among other species and lots of adorable turtles. These gardens are a must when visiting Hiroshima.
4. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,977 reviews
This park commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb, and houses the Peace Memorial Museum and monuments related to the horrific event.
Reviewed By Dan06101973 - Toowoomba, Australia
This is perhaps one of the most moving experiences we had during our Japanese holiday. The Atomic Dome, Peace Park and Museum are all captivating, with many deeply personal stories and reflections. There is an audiovisual display that gives a depiction of the bomb dropping which depicts Hiroshima both before and after the event which is extremely thought-provoking and intense. If you travel to Japan you must visit this site - you will not be disappointed.
5. The Cenotaph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 987 reviews
Reviewed By alan2303 - Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom
The view through the arch of the cenotaph all the way across the park to the A-bomb dome is supposed to put you in a thoughtful contemplative state of mind as you ponder on the significance of what you are looking at. It’s not the place to stand in front and take a selfie. Yet if you pause here for a few minutes you will see people doing this. I’m not sure it’s appropriate in my opinion. Admire the clever perspective and take a photo but you don’t need to be in it. The whole area around is dedicated to peace but peace and quiet is sometimes lacking here. Stand a look for a few minutes while you remind yourself why this must never happen again.
6. Children's Peace Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,551 reviews
Reviewed By traveler_AIS - Bogota, Colombia
When we were at this monument, after reading the story of the children accross Japan creating origami cranes wishing for a future in peace and without nuclear weapons, there were some children from schools paying their respects, giving some words and offering their origami cranes while singing. It was overwhelming thinking of all the children that suffer in the world because of the wars, and seeing and hearing these kids with their little origami cranes wishing for a peaceful future and paying respects without forget the past. Tears came down and my heart was full of love and admiration for these kids.
7. Hiroshima Children's Museum
8. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,666 reviews
Reviewed By Komator - Barcelona, Spain
The Peace Memorial park is an area where you can walk and remember the horrors of the war by seeing several points: Genbaku Dome, Eternal Flame of Peace, Peace Flame or the Children's Peace Monument. Memories come and it's a good moment to think about what we have done (and still do) as a society.
9. Mitaki Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Silver325
A must see for art and nature lovers. The temple is located on the slope of a mountain just outside Hiroshima. You can get there in 20-50 minutes depending on the location of your hotel. Starting from the Mitaki JR Station: exit the station and walk left for a couple of minutes until you get to the intersection, turn right and follow the road uphill. Soon you will find yourself in front of the Saigan-ji temple. Have a quick look, the temple was closed but the grounds were nice. Then continue on the right of the temple. If you have plenty of time - explore the cemetery which you will see on the left side after a few minutes. Otherwise keep walking uphill until you reach the entrance to the temple complex. The path to the main building winds through beautiful forest and is surrounded with endless pieces of art. The forest is literally filled with beautiful old sculptures. The main temple itself has some really strong wooden sculptures, some of the best you will find anywhere. If you love nature and have time - follow the path uphill from the main temple to get to the top of the mountain. There are some views there, which are not bad, but the main attraction is just the walk through the forest. Allow 3-4 hours at least, I spent half a day in the area and didn't want to leave. There were only a few other visitors there. A hidden gem, incredibly beautiful combination of art and nature.
10. MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
Reviewed By Central_NewJ_Steve - Fair Haven, United States
We enjoyed everything about our visit to the stadium. The local team, Hiroshima Carp, were playing the Tokyo Swallows. The actual baseball was very good, but for us secondary to everything going on around us. The Japanese people are generally reserved in public, but at the stadium they let loose! There was singing and chanting and noise makers banging all night. Nothing was over the top; all was in good fun. They have a really cool seventh inning stretch routine which you need to experience. The whole thing was a blast! If you have a chance to see a game here go for it! Tickets are very hard to get, at least for resrved seats, so try to get them in advance. We used the online ticket service Viagogo and got great seats for not too much money.
