Hiroshima, Japan 5 Day Itinerary

Hiroshima, Japan - 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Arrive at Hiroshima Airport or Shin-Hiroshima Station.
  • Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Park Hotel Hiroshima)
  • Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. Reflect on the city’s history and its message of peace.
  • Lunch at Oyajiyan (おやじ屋ん) - A popular okonomiyaki restaurant near the Peace Memorial Park.
  • Afternoon visit to the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or Shukkei-en Garden.
  • Dinner at a local Izakaya in the Naka Ward, like Nanba Sushidokoro Daiwa for sushi and izakaya dishes.
  • Evening stroll around the Naka Ward known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping districts.

Day 2: Miyajima Island

  • Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
  • Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate.
  • Climb Mount Misen for stunning views of the island and Inland Sea. The ropeway and cable car can help you reach the top if preferred.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant on the island, such as Ichidaiya Sushi for fresh seafood.
  • Return to Hiroshima in the evening and have dinner at a local ramen shop, like Ramen Ichiran or Hakata Ikkousha.

Day 3: Hiroshima Castle & Museums

  • Visit Hiroshima Castle, learn about its history, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top floor observation deck.
  • Lunch at a nearby restaurant serving traditional Hiroshima cuisine, like Oboro or Orizuru Cafe
  • Spend the afternoon at the Hiroshima Museum of Art or the Children’s Peace Monument.
  • Dinner at Kagura, a renowned kaiseki restaurant with a strong focus on seasonal and local ingredients.

Day 4: Exploring the Surrounding Areas (Morioka, Onomichi & Seto Inland Sea)

  • Take a day trip to nearby towns like Morioka, Onomichi, and the stunning Seto Inland Sea views.
  • Start in Morioka, visit the Oyamazumi Shrine and enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Head to Onomichi and climb the many stairs of Ropeway Hill for a panoramic view of the town and the Inland Sea. Visit Senjokaku and Onomichi Cathedral.
  • Return to Hiroshima for dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Day 5: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs in the Naka Ward or exploring more of the city center.
  • Lunch at a local favorite, such as Okonomiyaki Kashin for okonomiyaki or Bistrot de Famille for French cuisine.
  • Depart from Hiroshima Airport or Shin-Hiroshima Station with memories of your incredible journey through Hiroshima and its surrounding areas!

Transportation:

  • JR Pass, Japan Rail Pass, or Hiroshima City Rail Loop Line for getting around the city. Ferry tickets to Miyajima Island are separate.

Things to Know:

  • Be respectful when visiting temples and shrines by wearing appropriate clothing (cover your shoulders and knees).
  • Taxis can be expensive in Hiroshima, so consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like JapanTaxi.
  • English is not widely spoken outside of the tourist areas, so learning a few Japanese phrases will come in handy.
  • Always carry cash as not all places accept credit cards.

Tips:

  • Avoid visiting on weekends and national holidays as the city can become very crowded.
  • Check out local events happening during your visit, such as festivals or concerts, to immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Consider staying an extra day if you wish to visit other nearby cities like Fukuyama or Kurashiki.