Hiroshima Japan 3 Day Itinerary
Hiroshima, Japan 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Discovering Hiroshima’s Past and Peace
Morning
- Breakfast at Cafe de Lait (7am - 10am) - A charming French café with a variety of breakfast options. Google Maps Link
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (9am - 5pm) - A must-see for understanding the city’s history and promoting peace. Google Maps Link
- At the park, you can also visit the Peace Memorial Museum (8:30am - 5pm; closed Tuesdays) and the A-Bomb Dome.
Afternoon
- Lunch at Okonomimura (12pm - 9pm) - A famous okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) restaurant with many vendors to choose from. Google Maps Link
- Take a Hiroshima River Cruise (1:30pm - 4:30pm; departs every 30 minutes) - Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the river, seeing sights like Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle from a different angle. Website
Evening
- Dinner at Izakaya Miyagi (5:30pm - 12am) - A popular izakaya (Japanese pub) offering a wide selection of local dishes and drinks. Google Maps Link
- Explore Otaru Dori (6pm - 10pm) - A lively pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and arcades. Google Maps Link
Accommodation:
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (Booking.com / Agoda links) - A modern hotel located within the Hiroshima Station building, providing easy access to various attractions. Google Maps Link
Day 2: Exploring Hiroshima’s Nature and Islands
Morning
- Breakfast at your hotel or grab a bento box from a convenience store for a quick bite.
- Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (20 minutes; 340 yen one way) and then take the Miyajima Ferry to Itsukushima Shrine (10 minutes; 190 yen one way). Website
- Explore the Itsukushima Shrine, Deer Park, and hike up Mount Miyajima. Google Maps Link for Itsukushima Shrine
Afternoon
- Lunch at a local restaurant on Itsukushima Island (12pm - 3pm; many options available near the shrine)
- Return to Miyajimaguchi Station and take the JR Sanyo Line back to Hiroshima.
- Visit Shukkei-en Garden (9am - 5pm; closed Tuesdays) - A beautiful Japanese garden with a tea house for refreshments. Google Maps Link
Evening
- Dinner at Ramen Nakamura (5:30pm - 10pm) - A popular ramen shop known for its rich Hiroshima-style ramen. Google Maps Link
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (same as Day 1)
Day 3: Adventure in Seto Inland Sea and Farewell to Hiroshima
Morning
- Breakfast at your hotel or grab a bento box from a convenience store for a quick bite.
- Take the JR Sanyo Line to Takehara Station (1 hour; 560 yen one way) and then transfer to the Oshima Ferry to Oshima Island (20 minutes; 460 yen one way). Website
- Explore Takehara Town, an Edo Period town known for its copper mine history and salt production.
Afternoon
- Lunch at a local restaurant on Oshima Island (12pm - 3pm; many options available)
- Return to Takehara Station and take the JR Sanyo Line back to Hiroshima.
- Visit Hiroshima Castle (9am - 5pm; closed Tuesdays) - A must-see for understanding more about Hiroshima’s history. Google Maps Link
Evening
- Farewell Dinner at Ganko Sushi (5:30pm - 10pm) - A high-quality sushi restaurant with an impressive view of Hiroshima Bay. Google Maps Link
Tips and Things to Know:
- Hiroden is the local tram system that covers many attractions within the city. Consider purchasing a 1-day pass for convenience (500 yen). Website
- Japanese Etiquette - Remember to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or a shrine, bow slightly when greeting people, and use chopsticks properly.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan, so don’t feel obligated to leave tips at restaurants or hotels.
- Language Barrier - While English is spoken in many tourist areas, it can be challenging outside of the city center. Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook for convenience.
- Respectful Dressing - When visiting temples and shrines, avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended for any international travel.
- Stay Connected - Purchase a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected during your trip.