Location: Hiroshima
Top Things to do in Hiroshima
Top 10 Free 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 968 reviews
Reviewed By grwpl
This is not a tourist attraction but it is somewhere all visitors should visit. It serves at just how all of us should strive to avoid conflicts and wars. The bomb in August 1945 may have served to end WW2, the lives lost as a result are an almost impossible trade off for the end result gained. World leaders who continual sabre rattle and and boast like small children in a school playground should be forced to visit here an see the faces and photographs of the devastation caused by what in todays terms was a fairly small weapon. The hall is a good reminder of the impact of war and is delivered in a very tasteful way that allows you to think and reflect. Meeting Japanese schoolchildren in the immediate area who were learning English and keen to practice just served to demonstrate further what a peaceful, happy and optimistic country Japan is today, one that many other countries could learn from.
7. Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By ORP-or - Brazil, null
A quiet and sad, yet beautiful memorial with a museum that serves as a reminder of one of the most infamous periods of human history
8. Peace Bell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 676 reviews
Reviewed By 707jefff - Ambler, United States
As you walk around the park you occasionally hear the bell. When you find it you have an opportunity to ring the bell yourself. Being able to do so puts a personalized touch to the respect for those who lost their lives from that event. Very moving.
9. Honkawa Peace Museum
10. Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum
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