Hiroshima, Japan-7-day-itinerary

August 6, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Hiroshima

Morning: Arrive at Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) and take a bus or taxi to your hotel. Check-in at Hotel Gajoen Hiroshima or similar.
10:00 AM: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a must-visit attraction that commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.
- Take a stroll through the park and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome (HPM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- See the Children’s Peace Monument, a poignant tribute to the children who lost their lives in the bombing.
1:00 PM: Have lunch at Okonomiyaki Mizuno, a popular restaurant serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
2:30 PM: Visit the Shukkei-en Garden, a serene and beautiful Japanese garden with walking paths, ponds, and teahouses.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kappo Miyata, a traditional Japanese restaurant serving kaiseki cuisine (multi-course meal).
Tips:
- Try some Hiroshima-style street food, such as oysters or yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), from vendors throughout the city.
- Don’t miss the sunset views of the Seto Inland Sea from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Day 2: Miyajima Island

8:00 AM: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks.
9:00 AM: Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for its “floating” torii gate (gateway).
- Watch the sunrise or sunset over the ocean for breathtaking views.
12:00 PM: Have lunch at Suzaku Restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine on the island.
2:00 PM: Visit the Momotaro Folk Museum, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Miyajima Island.
4:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the island’s scenic trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Tofuya Ukai, a popular restaurant serving tofu cuisine.

Day 3: Hiroshima Museum of Art

10:00 AM: Visit the Hiroshima Museum of Art, which features a collection of Japanese and Western art.
- See works by famous artists such as Van Gogh and Monet.
12:30 PM: Have lunch at Café Hikari, which serves delicious sandwiches and salads.
2:00 PM: Visit the Hiroshima City Museum, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Hiroshima city.
- See exhibits on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its aftermath.
4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the Peace Memorial Park’s gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kappo Miyata, a traditional Japanese restaurant serving kaiseki cuisine.

Day 4: Okonomi-mura

10:00 AM: Visit Okonomi-mura, a shopping street dedicated to okonomiyaki (savory pancake) and related food.
- Try different types of okonomiyaki at various stalls and restaurants.
12:30 PM: Have lunch at Okonomiyaki Mizuno, a popular restaurant serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
2:00 PM: Visit the Hiroshima City Industrial Museum, which showcases the history of industry in Hiroshima city.
- See exhibits on textiles, machinery, and other industries.
4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the city’s shopping streets and enjoy the local atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Tofuya Ukai, a popular restaurant serving tofu cuisine.

Day 5: Hakushima

10:00 AM: Visit Hakushima, a scenic island located in Hiroshima Bay.
- Take a ferry to the island and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.
12:30 PM: Have lunch at Suzaku Restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine on the island.
2:00 PM: Visit the Hakushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine located on the island.
- See the shrine’s beautiful gardens and architecture.
4:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the island’s scenic trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kappo Miyata, a traditional Japanese restaurant serving kaiseki cuisine.

Day 6: Local Food and Shopping

10:00 AM: Visit the Hiroshima Central Market, a bustling market that sells fresh produce, seafood, and local food.
- Try some of the local street food, such as oysters or yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
12:30 PM: Have lunch at Okonomiyaki Mizuno, a popular restaurant serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
2:00 PM: Visit the local shopping street, which features a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Try some of the local snacks, such as momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cake).
4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the city’s scenic streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Tofuya Ukai, a popular restaurant serving tofu cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Check-out of your hotel and take a bus or taxi to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ).
12:00 PM: Depart from Hiroshima Airport for your next destination.
Tips:
- Try some of the local specialties, such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or momiji manju, before you leave.
- Don’t forget to bring some souvenirs back home.

Things to Know

Language: Japanese is the primary language spoken in Hiroshima. Many locals speak basic English, but it’s still a good idea to learn some Japanese phrases to help you navigate the city.
Currency: The Japanese yen (JPY) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at banks or currency exchange machines throughout the city.
Weather: Hiroshima has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, and bring sunscreen and sun hats for the summer months.
Safety: Hiroshima is generally a very safe city, but be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots.

Transportation

Tips and Recommendations

Try local food: Sample some of the local cuisine, such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or momiji manju.
Visit the peace memorial park: Take a stroll through the Peace Memorial Park to learn about the history and significance of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Explore Miyajima Island: Visit Miyajima Island for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks.
Relax in the gardens: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city’s beautiful gardens, such as Shukkei-en Garden or Hakushima Garden.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Hiroshima!