Hiroshima, Japan-6-day-itinerary

Hiroshima, Japan - 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Hiroshima City

Morning

  • Arrive at Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) and take a train or bus to your hotel
  • Check-in to Hotel Gajoen Hiroshima, a unique hotel with a beautiful garden
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a must-visit site for anyone traveling to Hiroshima

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll around the park and visit the:
    • Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Peace Bell, a symbol of peace and reconciliation
  • Grab lunch at Okonomi-Mura, a popular food street with many restaurants serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Evening

  • Visit the Mazda Museum (free admission) to learn about Hiroshima’s history and culture
  • Enjoy dinner at Kappou Nakamura, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a focus on local ingredients

Day 2: Miyajima Island

Morning

  • Take the Miyajima Ferry (about 10 minutes) from Hiroshima Port to Miyajima Island
  • Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine known for its beautiful architecture and location on the sea
  • Watch the Miyajima Floating Torii Gate, a iconic gate that appears to be floating during high tide

Afternoon

  • Explore the island’s scenic trails, including the Momijidani Park (Maple Valley), famous for its autumn foliage
  • Have lunch at Shin-Itoku, a local restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine

Evening

  • Return to Hiroshima City and visit the Hiroshima Museum of Art, which features a collection of Japanese art from the 19th century onwards
  • Enjoy dinner at Nagataya, a popular restaurant serving local ingredients and traditional dishes

Day 3: Shukkei-en Garden and Okonomi-Mura

Morning

  • Visit the Shukkei-en Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden featuring ponds, waterfalls, and walking paths
  • Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the garden

Afternoon

  • Return to Okonomi-Mura for lunch and try different types of okonomiyaki or other local dishes
  • Visit the Hiroshima Castle, a historic castle that has been rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Mintto, a restaurant serving modern Japanese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients

Day 4: Miyajima Island (again!)

Morning

  • Take the Miyajima Ferry again to explore more of the island
  • Visit the Senjokaku, a Buddhist temple famous for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding area

Afternoon

  • Take a leisurely walk around the island’s scenic trails, including the Momijidani Park
  • Have lunch at Shin-Itoku again, or try something new at one of the many local restaurants on the island

Evening

  • Return to Hiroshima City and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore the city’s nightlife

Day 5: Local Cuisine and Shopping

Morning

  • Visit the Hiroshima Central Market, a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties
  • Try some of the local cuisine, such as oysters, scallops, or other seafood delicacies

Afternoon

  • Shop for souvenirs at Peace Boulevard, a shopping street lined with local shops and restaurants
  • Visit the Hiroshima Museum of History, which features exhibits on Hiroshima’s history and culture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Gion Maiko, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a focus on local ingredients

Day 6: Last Day in Hiroshima

Morning

  • Visit the Hiroshima Botanical Garden, which features over 2,000 species of plants and flowers
  • Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the garden

Afternoon

  • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Depart from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) for your onward journey

Getting Around

  • Hiroshima City: Walk, take a bus, or use the subway system to get around the city
  • Miyajima Island: Take the Miyajima Ferry from Hiroshima Port to the island
  • Airport: Take a train (JR Sanyo Line) or bus from the airport to your hotel

Tips and Other Information

  • Weather: Hiroshima has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for rain showers during the spring and summer months.
  • Language: Japanese is the primary language spoken in Hiroshima. However, many locals speak basic English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY) is the local currency.
  • Safety: Hiroshima is a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gajoen Hiroshima: A unique hotel with a beautiful garden, located in the heart of Hiroshima City
  • Other options: Consider staying at one of the many local guesthouses or budget hotels in Hiroshima City

Additional Tips

  • Try some of the local cuisine, such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and other seafood delicacies
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to learn about the city’s history and culture
  • Take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island for stunning views and beautiful scenery