Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a historic city on Japan's Honshu island along the Seto Inland Sea. Globally recognized as a symbol of peace and resilience, it attracts visitors to its Peace Memorial Park and Museum, while offering incredible natural beauty, regional okonomiyaki cuisine, and the famous floating torii gate of Miyajima Island.
- Country
- Japan
- Airport
- Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Originfacts stories
- 1 story
Where to stay in Hiroshima
Downtown Hiroshima (Hondori and Hatchobori) is the best area for first-time travelers, putting you within walking distance of the Peace Park, shopping arcades, and Okonomimura dining hall. Hiroshima Station area provides convenient access to Shinkansen bullet trains, JR regional lines, and modern hotel towers. Staying on Miyajima Island (Itsukushima) offers an unforgettable overnight experience in traditional ryokan inns with hot spring baths.
Things to do in Hiroshima
Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), and Peace Memorial Museum. Take a 10-minute ferry to Miyajima Island to admire the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine and its floating red torii gate. Ascend Mount Misen via cable car for sweeping vistas over the Seto Inland Sea. Feast on Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki at Okonomimura. Tour the historic Hiroshima Castle.
Getting around Hiroshima
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is situated 50 km east of the city centre. Airport limousine buses reach Hiroshima Station in 45 minutes. City transit relies on Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway), Japan's largest streetcar (tram) network. Passengers can pay using any major Japanese IC card like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca, or purchase a 1-Day Streetcar Pass.
When to visit Hiroshima
Hiroshima enjoys a temperate maritime climate. Spring (March to May) features cherry blossoms along the Motoyasu River and comfortable temperatures averaging 18°C. Autumn (September to November) brings clear skies and vibrant red maple leaves on Miyajima Island. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy, while winter (December to February) is chilly with occasional snow.
Practical tips for Hiroshima
- Ride Hiroden streetcars for easy transit between Hiroshima Station, Peace Park, and Miyajima ferry port.
- Japan uses Type A ungrounded electrical outlets operating at 100 V.
- Hiroshima okonomiyaki includes a layer of fried yakisoba noodles; specify your preferred toppings.
- Board streetcars from the rear door and tap your IC card or pay cash at the front exit.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan; service charges are included in dining bills.
Read before you go to Hiroshima
1 story
Hiroshima to Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkansen: Times and Pass Math
Nozomi or Hikari? JR Pass or pay-as-you-go? Here's what the Hiroshima–Kyoto–Osaka Shinkansen run actually costs and takes, down to the platform.
Popular hotels
Popular hotels in Hiroshima
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Getting to Hiroshima
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FAQ
Hiroshima — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
6 common questions
- Take Hiroden streetcar Line 2 or Line 6 from Hiroshima Station directly to the Genbaku-Dome-Mae (Atomic Bomb Dome) stop in approximately 15 minutes.
- Take the JR Sanyo Line train or Hiroden Streetcar Line 2 from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi Station (30 minutes), then walk to the ferry terminal for a 10-minute JR ferry ride to Miyajima.
- Osaka okonomiyaki mixes all ingredients into a batter before grilling, whereas Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki layers cabbage, pork, fried yakisoba or udon noodles, and a fried egg individually on a thin crepe base.
- Hiroshima Airport Limousine Buses depart regularly from the arrival terminal directly to Hiroshima Station's Shinkansen entrance, taking roughly 45 minutes.
- Yes, tame wild sika deer roam freely through Miyajima village and around Itsukushima Shrine. Visitors are asked not to feed or touch them to protect their natural behavior.
- Yes, the nationwide JR Pass and regional JR West passes cover the official JR West Miyajima Ferry operating between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima Island.