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Hiroshima pairs a moving history with one of Japan’s most beautiful islands next door. It’s an easy and rewarding stop on any wider trip. Here’s how to do Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Hiroshima: the essentials
- Peace Memorial Park & Museum — a powerful, essential visit remembering the 1945 atomic bombing.
- A-Bomb Dome — the preserved ruin and UNESCO site by the river.
- Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden for a calmer afternoon.
- Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima-style — layered with noodles; don’t miss it.
Miyajima (Itsukushima)
- The floating torii gate — the iconic vermilion gate that appears to float at high tide.
- Itsukushima Shrine — the over-water shrine complex.
- Mount Misen — hike or take the ropeway for island views.
- Friendly deer roam the town (don’t feed them; watch your maps and snacks).
- Momiji manju — maple-leaf-shaped cakes, the local sweet.
Getting there
- Hiroshima is on the shinkansen line — about 1.5 hours from Osaka, ~4 from Tokyo.
- To Miyajima: local train/tram to the ferry terminal, then a short ferry (JR ferry is covered by the JR Pass).
- Time the ferry for high tide to see the torii “float.”
How long to stay
You can day-trip Hiroshima + Miyajima from Osaka/Kyoto, but an overnight lets you enjoy Miyajima after the day-trippers leave. See accommodation tips and plan with our 14-day itinerary.