Hiroshima changed world history — and today stands as one of the most powerful symbols of recovery and peace on earth. The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum draw visitors from every corner of the globe to reckon with a history that should never be forgotten. Miyajima Island, just 30 minutes away, offers the timeless beauty of a vermillion torii rising from the sea.
#1 Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
The vivid red O-torii standing in the sea is one of Japan's most recognized images anywhere in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Shinto shrine, built during the Heian period, features wooden corridors raised on stilts along the shoreline that create an atmosphere of quiet reverence. At low tide you can walk out and touch the base of the gate; at high tide it appears to float on the water.
- Check the tide table in advance to plan the best time to photograph the torii
- Stay overnight on the island to experience the calm that settles once the day-trippers leave
- Hike the Momijidani Valley trail for autumn maples (November) or cherry blossoms (April)
#2 Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima Peace Memorial)
The skeletal remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which survived the nuclear blast of 6 August 1945 almost directly overhead, are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a permanent symbol of peace. The iron framework still holding above the collapsed dome tells a story that no words can fully capture. The building photographs best reflected in the Motoyasu River alongside it.
- The site is open 24 hours; floodlit at night, the atmosphere becomes deeply affecting
- Read the interpretive signs around the building before entering the museum — they provide essential context
- The Peace Memorial Museum is just a 5-minute walk away
#3 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
One of the most emotionally powerful museums in the world, presenting evidence, survivor testimonies, and physical artefacts from the 1945 atomic bombing with unflinching clarity and detail. Designed by the great architect Kenzo Tange, the bare concrete building is raised on pilotis, framing a direct view of the Atomic Bomb Dome through its central opening.
- Set aside at least 2 hours — the exhibits run deep
- Prepare yourself; some sections are profoundly distressing
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages
#4 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
This 12-hectare park occupies land that was once a busy commercial district before the war. It is now home to a series of significant memorials: the Flame of Peace, which will burn until the world is free of nuclear weapons; the Children's Peace Monument honoring Sadako Sasaki; and the Cenotaph arch, aligned perfectly with the Atomic Bomb Dome beyond it.
- The Flame of Peace and the Atomic Bomb Dome line up exactly — position yourself at the Cenotaph for the classic shot
- Visit on 6 August to attend the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony
- Early mornings see local residents jogging through the park — a quietly moving contrast to the history around you
#5 Hiroshima Castle
This elegant Japanese wooden castle was originally built in 1589 by daimyo Mori Terumoto. Destroyed in the atomic blast, it was reconstructed in 1958. Inside, exhibits trace the history of Hiroshima city and its feudal era. The top floor opens onto a viewing deck with panoramic views of the city and the mountains ringing it.
- The gardens around the castle are one of the best cherry-blossom spots in the city — late March to early April
- A combined ticket with the Hiroshima Museum of Art offers better value
- Rowing boats are available on the moat in spring
#6 Hondori Shopping Street
A 600-metre covered shopping arcade packed with local shops, Japanese-style cafes, okonomiyaki restaurants, souvenir sellers, and national retail brands. Hondori is the beating heart of Hiroshima's evening street life, with seasonal festivals and street performances throughout the year.
- Come in the evening — restaurants open later but the energy peaks after 18:00
- The side alleys off Hondori hide several bars and ramen shops worth seeking out
- For local souvenirs, the Parco and Fukuya department store branches inside the arcade have the best selection
#7 Momijidani Park (Miyajima Maple Valley)
A maple-lined valley on Miyajima Island, this nature trail leads up to the summit of Mt. Misen via ropeway. In late November the maples turn blazing shades of red and orange throughout the valley — it is ranked among the finest autumn-foliage spots in western Japan.
- The Miyajima Ropeway carries you to the Shishi-iwa observation deck for sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea
- Wild deer wander freely through the park — fine to photograph, but do not feed them
- During the autumn-foliage season (November) book your ferry in advance as boats fill quickly
#8 Onomichi Old Town
A fishing-port town with over a thousand years of history, perched on hillsides overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Some 25 temples line the Temple Walk trail that follows the slope, alongside old wooden townhouses converted into stylish cafes and hostels. Onomichi is also the starting point for the Shimanami Kaido — one of the world's great cycling routes.
- Rent a bicycle in town and ride a stretch of the Shimanami Kaido — a genuine bucket-list experience
- Take the ropeway up to Senkoji Temple then walk down via the Temple Walk
- The hillside cat alleys have earned Onomichi the nickname 'City of Cats'
Where to stay in Hiroshima for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Hiroshima — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
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Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
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Hilton Hiroshima
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Tours, tickets & activities in Hiroshima
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Before You Pack
Hiroshima shows what people can do — build something more beautiful from the ruins of unimaginable destruction. Every path through this city carries a story you will take home with you for the rest of your life.