7 days in Hiroshima, Japan: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Stepping into Hiroshima, Japan, is like walking through a beautiful contradiction where the past meets the future. This vibrant city, marked by its history and resilience, promises a rich cultural experience, delicious local cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes. With iconic sights such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, and the famous Hiroshima Castle, the city is an exciting destination for both history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Things to Consider Before Arriving to Hiroshima
Rich history waiting to be explored
Fantastic local cuisine – Don’t forget to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki!
Tragic historical events may stir strong emotions
Ideal for: History enthusiasts, foodies, and nature lovers.
What to Bring with You
1. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city on foot.
2. Lightweight rain gear, as Hiroshima experiences frequent rain showers.
3. A pocket-size Japanese phrasebook to overcome language barriers.
4. A reusable shopping bag, to help reduce plastic waste and respect Japan’s eco-conscious culture.
Best Time of the Year to Visit
The best time to visit Hiroshima is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, you’ll experience pleasant weather and stunning colors, with springtime cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage enhancing Hiroshima’s beauty.
How to Get into the City
1. By Air: Hiroshima Airport is located about 50 km away from the city center. Several domestic and international flights connect to Hiroshima, making it an easily accessible destination. From the airport, you can take the Hiroshima Airport Limousine Bus to the city center (approximately 45 minutes).
2. By Train: The Shinkansen (bullet train) is an efficient and popular way to reach Hiroshima. The city is well-connected to major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka via the Shinkansen network.
3. By Bus: Overnight buses from major cities offer an affordable alternative to the Shinkansen. The trip from Tokyo or Kyoto can take around 10 to 12 hours but offers significant savings on transportation costs.
7 day city guide trip in Hiroshima, Japan
Day 1: Arrival and exploring the city
Start your day with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history and the devastating effects of the atomic bomb that was dropped during World War II. Then, head to the nearby Hiroshima Castle, a beautiful 16th-century castle that offers stunning views of the city. For lunch, try some local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with meat, seafood, and vegetables. In the afternoon, explore the Shukkeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden that features beautiful ponds, bridges, and teahouses.
Day 2: Miyajima Island
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most scenic spots. Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its magnificent “floating” torii gate. Take a stroll around the island’s quaint streets and try some local street food such as grilled oysters and momiji manju, a sweet maple leaf-shaped cake filled with various fillings.
Day 3: Hiroshima Castle and local food tour
Start your day with a visit to the Hiroshima Castle, a beautiful castle that showcases the city’s history. Afterward, join a local food tour where you can sample different Hiroshima-style dishes such as tsukemen and Hiroshima-style ramen. In the evening, take a stroll around the city’s night market, where you can find a variety of street food, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
Day 4: Kurashiki City Day Trip
Take a day trip to Kurashiki City, a beautiful town located about an hour away from Hiroshima. Stroll through the charming streets of the Bikan Historical Quarter, which is lined with old-fashioned houses and shops. Visit the Ohara Museum of Art, a renowned museum that features collections of Western and Japanese art.
Day 5: Hiroshima Modern Art Museum and Okonomiyaki Cooking Class
Visit the Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases modern art from both Japanese and international artists. Afterward, take an Okonomiyaki cooking class and learn how to make the savory pancake dish that is popular in Hiroshima.
Day 6: Onomichi City and Shimanami Kaido
Take a day trip to Onomichi City, located about an hour from Hiroshima. Explore the city’s quaint streets and visit the Onomichi Temple Walk, a scenic trail that winds through several temples and offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. In the evening, drive or cycle along the Shimanami Kaido, a spectacular bridge that connects honshu and shikoku island will offer you beautiful sea views.
Day 7: Hiroshima Castle and Okonomimura
Finish your trip with a visit to the Hiroshima Castle, situated in the center of the city. Afterward, head to Okonomimura, a multi-story building that houses more than 20 different stalls serving Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. Try a variety of different flavors and styles of the dish before heading back to your hotel.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Hiroshima, Japan:
If you’re looking to explore more of Japan, consider taking a bullet train to Kyoto, which is known for its beautiful temples and gardens. Alternatively, head to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, where you can indulge in local delicacies such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Both cities are easily reachable from Hiroshima by train and offer a wealth of things to see and do.
