Hiroshima 3-Day Itinerary: Peace Park, Floating Torii Gates, and Retro Seaside Towns

How to Get to Hiroshima

The most convenient way to travel from Tokyo and Osaka to Hiroshima is on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train. It takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Hiroshima Station, and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station.

If you choose to fly from Tokyo, it takes approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes from Narita Airport and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport.

Day 1: Prayers for Peace and Local Flavors in Hiroshima City

Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome

Access: Approx. 1-minute walk from Genbaku Dome-mae Station on the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden Main Line).

Peace Memorial Park, situated on a strip of land between two rivers in the center of Hiroshima City, was created to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb and advocate for global peace. The park comprises several monuments and facilities, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Genbaku Dome, Children's Peace Monument, and the Flame of Peace.

The Genbaku Dome continues to stand as the most stark display of the tragedy of WWII. It was originally built in 1915 and was a landmark in Hiroshima at the time, and its charred remains survive as a poignant symbol of the horrors of nuclear war. In 1996, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming a global monument to peace.

Lunch: Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya

Access: Approx. 3-minute walk from Genbaku Dome.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a savory pancake-like dish packed with ingredients. It’s made by spreading a layer of batter and piling on cabbage, pork, noodles, egg and grilling it all up, with a rich, sweet sauce to boot.

Nagata-ya is a famous restaurant specializing in Hiroshima okonomiyaki. They use traditional cooking methods and careful heat control to fully blend the aromas and flavors. Its original sauce adds a kick of tomato, offering a light, refreshing taste.

The interior of Nagata-ya is inspired by 1950s Japan, with decor and posters reflecting the nostalgic charm of the period.

Hiroshima Castle

Access: Approx. 18-minute walk from Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya

Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 by the powerful Mori clan, who ruled much of the Chugoku region. The site was chosen for its prime access to both land and water routes, and grew into an expansive network of stone walls, moats, a central keep, and surrounding castle town. After the Mori clan were defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Hiroshima Castle became the residence of Masanori Fukushima, and later, the Asano clan, who occupied it for twelve generations.

Hiroshima Castle remained well preserved up until the Meiji era (1868-1912), but it was eventually destroyed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The main keep was rebuilt in 1958 and now serves as a museum showcasing its history, structure, and life in the castle town. Exhibits include armor, swords, and important artifacts. On the 5th floor is an observation room with sweeping views of the Hiroshima cityscape, including the Genbaku Dome and even Miyajima Island on clear days.

Shukkeien Garden

Access: Approx. 8-minute walk from Hiroshima Castle.

Shukkeien is a historic garden in the heart of Hiroshima City. It was built in 1620 as a villa garden for the first lord of the Hiroshima Asano domain. While significantly damaged by the atomic bombing, it was restored to its original appearance and celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2020.

Shukkeien is renowned for its seasonal beauty. In spring, you’ll find cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and rhododendron; summer brims with vibrant greenery alongside lotus flowers and hydrangeas; the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn; and in winter, plum blossoms and camellias add splashes of color to dreary days. Shukkeien also hosts night-time light-up events during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Nagarekawa

Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from Shukkeien Garden

Nagarekawa is a bustling neon-lit street in central Hiroshima City. It developed during the post-war reconstruction period and has blossomed into a vibrant commercial district.

During the day, Nagarekawa is a shopper's paradise, featuring a wide range of shops like the Mitsukoshi department store. However, Nagarekawa is best known for its vibrant nightlife, with countless clubs, bars, and eateries buzzing with locals and visitors having a good time. If you’re looking to drink, eat, and party in Hiroshima, Nagarekawa is the place to go.

Recommended Accommodation in Hiroshima City: The Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Riverside

Day 2: Sacred Sites and Natural Wonders on Miyajima

Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

Access: From Hiroshima Station, take the San-yo Line (For Iwakuni) and get off at Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 26 mins). Then walk 5 minutes to the Miyajimaguchi Ferry terminal. Take the JR Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Island (approx. 10 minutes).

Miyajima Omotesando is a 350-meter-long shopping street on Miyajima Island leading to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Its history dates back to the late Edo period (1603-1868), and it remains full of traditional charm. Quaint shops sell local crafts like rice scoops and woodwork, while restaurants serve local delicacies such as oysters and anago (conger eel). Be sure to try the “momiji manju,” a type of maple leaf-shaped pastry sold at several locations along the street.

Lunch: Mametanuki

Access: Next to the Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

Mametanuki is a restaurant specializing in Miyajima's famous “anago-meshi” (conger eel on rice) and oyster dishes. The menu is diverse, offering set meals during the day and à la carte dishes in the evening.

Mametanuki's anago-meshi uses eel simmered and then steamed together with rice in a ceramic pot, yielding an unforgettable presentation, flavor, and texture. We recommend the “Conger Eel and Oyster Combo,” which lets you enjoy both of Miyajima's specialties in one meal.

Senjokaku Pavilion (Hokoku Shrine)

Access: Approx. 3-minute walk from Genbaku Dome.

The Senjokaku Pavilion is a stunning relic constructed in 1587 under the orders of samurai ruler Hideyoshi Toyotomi. This large hall was originally intended for Hideyoshi to recite a thousand Buddhist scriptures each month, however, following his sudden death, construction was halted and remains unfinished to this day. The Senjokaku Pavilion is famous for its expansive interior, equivalent to approximately 857 tatami mats in size.

Many historical relics can be seen throughout the building, like columns engraved with the names of old kabuki actors and poets, and the ceiling adorned with numerous “ema” (votive wooden plaques).

Itsukushima Shrine

Access: Approx. 4-minute walk from Senjokaku Pavilion.

Itsukushima Shrine boasts a history dating back to the first year of Empress Suiko's reign (593). Originally, it was a sacred site dedicated to deities responsible for the stability of the imperial family and more. The shrine was expanded in the Heian period (794-1185) by Taira no Kiyomori, resulting in the impressive layout we see today. In 1996, Itsukushima Shrine was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Itsukushima Shrine’s most famous feature is its grand torii gate, which stands in the sea about 160 meters from the main hall. The gate is 16.6 meters high and 24.2 meters wide, making it the largest wooden torii gate in Japan. While surrounded by water during high tide, visitors can walk out to the torii gate once the tide goes out.

Be sure to also admire Itsukushima Shrine’s five-story pagoda, next to the Senjokaku Pavilion. It stands 27.6 meters and is believed to have been built in 1407, blending traditional Japanese and Tang dynasty Chinese architecture.

Mount Misen

Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine to Momijidani Station.

The 535-meter-tall Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima. It is considered a sacred deity and the site of a 100-day spiritual retreat by influential Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) over 1,200 years ago. The mountainside contains many attractions, such as the Misen Hondo temple and the "Eternal Flame," which has been burning continuously since Kobo Daishi’s visit. Near the summit are also surreal natural rock formations like "Kuguri-iwa" (Pass-through Rock) and the sacred "Iwakura Stone."

For hiking enthusiasts, Mount Misen has three trails of varying difficulty levels. The Daishoin Route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is filled with stone steps and religious sites, offering excellent views along the way. The Momijidani Route is the best for beginners, with a similar duration but a gentle first half followed by some steps in the latter half. The Omoto Route is more challenging, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours through dense primeval forests.

For those who prefer not to hike, there is also the Miyajima Ropeway, which runs from Momijidani Station to Shishiiwa Station. From Shishiiwa Station, it's about a 30-minute walk to the summit

Recommended Accommodation in Hiroshima City: Sakuraya

Day 3: Retro Alleyways and Historic Ports in Onomichi and Tomonoura

Mount Senkoji Ropeway

Access: From Hiroshima Station, take the bullet train (For Tokyo) and get off at Fukuyama Station (approx. 25 mins). Then take the San-yo Line (For Mihara) to Onomichi Station (approx. 20 mins). Then walk approx. 15 mins from JR Onomichi Station.

The Mount Senkoji Ropeway runs from Sanroku Station at the base of the mountain to Sancho Station at the summit, taking only 3 minutes. We recommend purchasing a one-way ticket up and then walking back down to enjoy the attractions along the way.

Senkoji Park, located at the summit, is a beautiful slice of nature famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, earning it a ranking as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The park's observation deck also looks out over Onomichi and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the Shikoku mountain range in the distance.

From Senkoji Park, stroll through the quaint “Literary Path” to reach Senkoji Temple. The temple, founded by Kobo Daishi in the Heian period (794-1185) is packed with priceless cultural artifacts, and its Red Hall built in the 1600s boasts a unique architectural style.

Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)

Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Senkoji Temple.

Neko no Hosomichi (Cat Alley) is a 200-meter-long alleyway that stretches from the Three-Story Pagoda of Tenneiji Temple to the east side of Ushitora Shrine. It got its name from the over 1,000 "Fukuishi-neko" (Lucky Stone Cats) that dot the alleyway created by artist Shunji Sonoyama. Onomichi is also nicknamed the “City of Cats” due to the numerous felines that roam its streets, many of which gather here. The alley also has a deeply historical atmosphere, lined by traditional houses transformed into unique shops, art galleries, and cafes.

Recommended Accommodation in Onomichi: Sakura Hotel Onomichi Ekimae

Lunch: ONOMICHI U2 The RESTAURANT

Access: Approx. 20-minute walk from Cat Alley or approx. 7-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station.

ONOMICHI U2 is a unique multipurpose facility renovated from a maritime warehouse built in 1943. It contains a hotel, restaurant, bar, cafe, bakery, bicycle shop, and more.

The restaurant serves up dishes made with fresh ingredients from the Setouchi region. The lunch menu includes wood-fired pizza, pasta, and local seafood and meat. Together with homemade bread and the salad bar, these healthy meals are sure to give you the energy you need to complete your Hiroshima itinerary.

Tomonoura

Access:
Car: Approx. 45-minute drive from JR Onomichi Station
Public Transport: From JR Onomichi Station, take the JR Sanyo Main Line to JR Fukuyama Station (approx. 20 mins). After arriving, exit through the south gate and board the Tomotetsu Bus from the bus stop directly in front of the station. You can catch either the bus heading to "Tomonoura" or "Tomoko" from Platform No. 5.

Tomonoura is an old port town on the Seto Inland Sea. For a very long time, Tomonoura was a “waiting port” for ships to shelter as they waited for the perfect tide. Mentioned in the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest poetry collection, Tomonoura was a key stopover for the “kitamaebune” (north-bound trade ships) and a harbor for diplomatic missions, such as the Joseon (Korean) envoys.

Tomonoura’s history is remarkably well preserved, showcasing significant chapters in Japan's maritime history. Highlights include Taichoro, next to Fukuzenji Temple’s Main Hall, which was once a guesthouse for Korean envoys praised as the “most beautiful spot in Japan.”

Another must-see is the Ota Residence, a merchant house that showcases the architectural style of the middle-late Edo period; along with the iconic Joyato Stone Lighthouse, built in 1859 to guide ships at night.

Be sure to also visit Okamoto Kametaro Honten, a historic brewery that produces “Homei-shu,” a kind of medicinal wine made from mirin with 16 spices. With over 360 years of history, its unique flavor makes it a notable local specialty.

Finally, check out Onfunayado Iroha, which was built 220 years ago and was the site of negotiations with infamous samurai Ryoma Sakamoto. It has since been restored and transformed into an inn offering both accommodation and dining.

Abuta Kannon

Access:
Car: Approx. 10-minute drive Tomonoura Port
Public Transport: From the Minatoguchi bus stop in Tomonoura, take a bus on the Shonan line to Abuto Kannon (approx. 15 mins). You can also rent a bicycle from the Irie Toyosaburou Honten Ferry Terminal Shop.

Abuto Kannon sits on Abuto Cape about 4 km west of Tomonoura. This hall was built between 1570 and 1573 by the Sengoku period (1477-1573) lord Terumoto Mori to venerate Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Standing solemnly on a cliff jutting out into the sea, it evokes the scene of an ancient painting.

Abuto Kannon is also known for its unique focus on prayers for childbirth. The walls inside are adorned with hand-crafted “oppai ema” (breast-shaped tablets), symbolizing wishes for children and safe delivery.

A Journey of Remembrance and Renewal in Hiroshima

As you conclude your 3-day journey through Hiroshima, you'll carry with you a profound appreciation for the region's resilience, rich history, and breathtaking beauty. From the poignant reminders of the past at the Peace Memorial Park to the serene tranquility of Miyajima Island, Hiroshima offers a unique blend of experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.

Top image: PIXTA