Whether you have a few hours in Hiroshima or a few days, we’ve laid out the best things to do in this city.
With limited time, we’d suggest sticking to #1-4 on this list, as they are the most important WWII sites in the city and will make up a perfect “DIY walking tour of Hiroshima”.
Touring the museum and walking around the park can take about half a day and it’s totally doable on your own as there there are many signs in English.
If you have more time, continue down the list. Oh, and don’t forget to try some of the regional cuisine in Hiroshima
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Newly renovated, this museum displays the horrors and devastation the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and it’s people. Through artifacts, belongings and personal stories of victims of the catastrophic attack, the museum demonstrates the inhuman nature of an atomic bomb and seeks to spread the message of “No More Hiroshimas”.
Entry is just ¥200 ($2 USD) for adults and is open 7 days a week between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. - Hiroshima Peace Park
This open park in the center of Hiroshima is dedicated the victims of the atomic bomb.
Within the park, you’ll see many different monuments, art installations and memorials:
Fountain of Prayer: Situated at the museum entrance, this fountain is dedicated to all those who were lost. It is said that after the bombing, many victims lay crying out for water in their final moments, so this fountain is meant to be a somber tribute.
Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims: This quiet hall is meant to be a place where visitors can read memoirs and poems and watch testimonial videos from survivors.
The Cenotaph: This arched concrete structure is hard to miss. Inside it are registries of all known victims of the atomic bomb, and there is an etched inscription that reads: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”
Peace Flame: Near the center of the park, you’ll see a flame that is said to stay lit until all nuclear weapons on earth are gone.
Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound: This grassy mound holds the bodies of 70,000 people who were mass cremated.
Peace Bell: You can ring this bell, which sits over a lily pad-covered pond.
- Children’s Peace Monument
Filled with paper cranes, this monument is dedicated all the children who lost their lives due to the bomb.
The paper cranes pay homage to the true story of Sadako Sasaki — a Japanese girl who was just two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on her home. She was exposed to the radiation of the blast and diagnosed with leukemia caused by her exposure.
Japanese legend has it that one who folds one thousand origami paper cranes will be granted a wish. Believing this legend, Sadako started folding the cranes as she fought for her life with one simple wish in mind: to overcome her illness so she could fulfill her dream of joining the running team.
She died at age 12 having only completed 644 of the cranes before the leukemia took her. Her friends and family completed folding the remaining 356 paper cranes to be buried with her.
Sadako can be seen at the top of the monument holding a “paper crane” above her head. Onlookers add their own paper cranes to the monument symbolizing the continued pursuit of peace.
- Atomic Bomb Dome
Once a convention center, the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was one of the only structures still standing after the bomb’s blast.
The hypocenter of the bomb was only a few blocks away, so it is one of the most iconic sights in Hiroshima today. - Get a view above the city
If you’re a fan of getting a bird’s eye view, Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is where you’ll find the best panorama in the city.
The view over Hiroshima is pretty impressive, and this place isn’t very crowed. It’s also nice that they let you bring food and drinks to the top to have your own little “picnic with a view”.
However, at ¥1,700 per adult, the entrance fee to get to the top isn’t cheap, so if you’re traveling to Japan on a budget, you might want to skip this stop.
- Explore the Hiroshima Castle
Originally constructed in the 1590’s, the Hiroshima castle was rebuilt in 1958 as a replica to the original after it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in WWII.
Just a 15-minute walk from the Peace Park, you can stroll the castle grounds and take photos for free or pay the ¥370 fee to enter the main keep which is 5 stories tall.
- Gokoku Shrine
A large shrine next to Hiroshima Caste that is the center of many religious and cultural ceremonies in the city.
The original shrine was established in 1869 to mourn the victims of the Boshin War. As with most things in the city, the Gokoku Shine as it came to be known was destroyed by the bomb. In 1965 the shine was rebuilt within the confines of the castle, with the help and donations of the citizens of Hiroshima. - Wander around Shukkeien Garden
When translated into English, “Shukkeien Garden” becomes “shrunken scenery garden”. As you walk through the gardens, you’ll notice the landscapes mimic natural formations such as mountains, valleys and forests in miniature versions.
For an entrance fee of ¥260, you can meander through the traditional Japanese gardens on a path that winds around the central pond. There are also a number of tea houses that offer visitors a relaxing space to enjoy the scenery.
- Visit Miyajima Island
A small island in Hiroshima Bay, officially named Itsukushima, is more commonly known as Miyajima Island, which is Japanese for “shrine island”.
Miyajima is known for its picturesque floating tori gate, wild deer, and beautiful views from Mount Misen which can be reached on foot or by cable car. It is the perfect place to spend the afternoon or an overnight while visiting Hiroshima.
- Experience Hiroshima Nightlife
Spending the night? Head out on the town to experience the young and vibrant nightlife scene this city is becoming more and more known for.