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Home » Asia

A Quick Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary

Created On: June 20, 2015  |  Updated: February 2, 2024  |   26 Comments

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from which we may make commission from. As always, we only recommend places and products we love! In addition, we try our best to keep our articles up-to-date with current prices, locations, and hours of operation however we always recommend double-checking when planning a trip as these items can change frequently.

Table of Contents show
1 A Quick Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary
2 Where is Hiroshima?
3 How to Get to Hiroshima
3.1 Hiroshima Day Trip by Train
4 Transportation for A Hiroshima Day Trip
5 Where to Stay in Hiroshima
5.1 Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
5.2 Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
6 Places to Eat in Hiroshima
6.1 Hassei
6.2 Kuroyaki
7 One-Day Hiroshima Itinerary
7.1 Atomic Bomb Dome
7.2 Children’s Peace Monument
7.3 The Cenotaph
7.4 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
7.5 Hiroshima Castle & Castle Grounds

A Quick Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary

Each time we have visited Hiroshima on a day trip it has been a very humbling experience that leaves us with more to think about. Seeing the devastation and loss that happened here during World War II is truly unimaginable. It is a strong reminder of the horrific effects of war and how each of us should advocate against it.

The people of Hiroshima have overcome unimaginable grief, pain, and loss and have rebuilt a thriving city that shares its history but also the aspirations and creativity of its people. In this Hiroshima day trip itinerary, we will take you to all of the well-known places to visit in Hiroshima and where you can find some delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki!

Where is Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a city located in southern Japan in the Chugoku region. It is only about 2 hours from a few major cities in Japan which makes a Hiroshima day trip extremely easy to add to your itinerary. However, if you can fit it into your itinerary, we recommend spending at least one night to see more of Hiroshima.


How to Get to Hiroshima

The fastest and easiest way to get to Hiroshima is by Shinkansen (bullet train) which is what we have done on a few of our trips to Hiroshima. However, on one of our trips we were in the middle of a Japan road trip so we ended up driving to Hiroshima. Although you don’t need a car while in Hiroshima, the areas around Hiroshima City are great for driving!

Hiroshima Day Trip by Train

  • Kyoto to Hiroshima: Approximately 2 1/2 hours via Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.
  • Osaka to Hiroshima: Approximately 2 hours via Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.
  • Tokyo to Hiroshima: Approximately 5 1/2 hours via Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.

READ MORE: Things to Know About Driving in Japan


Transportation for A Hiroshima Day Trip

One unique characteristic of Hiroshima’s public transit is the electric streetcar which has 7 main lines that go to places all over Hiroshima and even out to Miyajima. These above-ground trolleys operate very similarly to other public transit in Japan.

To utilize the streetcars, first find a streetcar stop/station for your desired car. You can do this easily on Google Maps which will show you which car you need and the side of the road it is on. Then you will enter the streetcar through the entrance doors and pay with a transit card or cash when exiting. It is a flat fare of ¥220 within the city.

If you plan to use the streetcar a lot, you can purchase a 1 Day Streetcar Pass for ¥700 or the 1 Day Streetcar and Ferry Pass for ¥900 which gives you unlimited rides on the streetcars (and the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen tourist ship if purchased) for one day. These are available for purchase at the Hiroshima Streetcar Information Desk, from the conductors on the streetcars, or at some major hotels in Hiroshima.

To use the Streetcar Pass you’ll scratch off the year, month, and day of use on the pass with a coin. Make sure you only scratch off ONLY those three categories because if you scratch off more than one day it will be invalid. Then when you exit the streetcar you’ll show the driver your pass so that they can see the pass is valid.

There are also the typical local trains, buses, and taxis that allow easy access to sites in Hiroshima. Utilizing Google Maps can be very beneficial in determining which mode of transportation you need, what station or stop, and the cost.

READ MORE: Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan


Where to Stay in Hiroshima

While it is possible to only do a Hiroshima day trip and return to Kyoto, Osaka, or another nearby city at the end of the day, we feel like you’ll be able to enjoy your time more by spending at least one night for your Hiroshima itinerary, two if you want to spend a full day on Miyajima Island too.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima

Budget-friendly and perfect for short stays.

On our first trip to Hiroshima, we stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima. The Mitsui Garden is reasonably priced and the room is a great value, considering that the room was comfortably sized for two people on a short stay and very clean.

It has all the necessities such as a coffee maker, private bathroom, TV, mini-fridge, and toiletries. But if you are planning to stay for longer than 2-3 days, you might want to find a place that is a little more spacious because this is a smaller business hotel.

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Perfect location and spacious, comfortable rooms.

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Room at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is another place to stay in Hiroshima and it’s by far our favorite hotel that we’ve stayed at in Hiroshima! The rooms are stunning, spacious, comfortable – you name it! I also love that the location is steps away from Hiroshima Station making it easy for traveling on the Shinkansen or other trains.

Other Places to Stay in Hiroshima

  • BUDGET: Backpackers Hostel K’s House
  • MID-RANGE: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima
  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

Places to Eat in Hiroshima

Hassei

Okonomiyaki at Hassei in Hiroshima, Japan
Vegetarian okonomiyaki at Hassai.

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese dish that resembles a pancake. It is usually made up of cabbage, pork, other vegetables, and occasionally noodles with a savory sauce on top. It is a well-known dish of Hiroshima, hence why you should enjoy it while you’re visiting. Hassei is the perfect spot to try okonomiyaki for lunch. We loved the casual environment and the ability to customize your okonomiyaki (they have vegetarian options too!)

Location: 4-17 Fujimicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0043, Japan // MAP


Kuroyaki

Kuroyaki yakiniku restaurant in Hiroshima

Kuroyaki is a yakiniku restaurant that serves Motonari wagyu beef which is beef from Hiroshima prefecture. While you can order different beef cuts individually you can also order a set meal that comes with various high-quality cuts. Once you’ve made your selections the barbecue grill in the center of your table will be fired up so you can grill your meat to your liking!

Location: 13-22 Noboricho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0016, Japan // MAP


One-Day Hiroshima Itinerary

“This is our cry, this is our prayer, peace in the world.”

Atomic Bomb Dome

View of the Atomic Bomb Dome - Hiroshima day trip
Atomic Bomb Dome - Hiroshima

At 8:15 am on August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima by the United States, the first in human history. The Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, was directly hit and the remains are still here today. It is the only structure in Hiroshima that remains from before the bombing.

Atomic Bomb Dome - Hiroshima day trip
View of the Atomic Bomb Dome from across the river.

Because of its history, we started our Hiroshima itinerary in the Peace Memorial Park at the Atomic Bomb Dome, a Japanese World Heritage Site where, as we stated before, the first atomic bomb was initially dropped. The exact number of people who were killed during this catastrophic event is unknown. But it is estimated to be 290,000+ including those who were also killed by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki.

Location: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan // MAP


Children’s Peace Monument

Children's Peace Memorial - Hiroshima
Children’s Peace Memorial in Hiroshima.

The Children’s Peace Monument is to commemorate the many children who lost their lives, along with the Peace Memorial Museum – both unforgettable and moving. During our first visit, many older people who were just small children when this catastrophic event happened were there speaking to local schoolchildren for the 70th Anniversary.

For those who did survive the bomb, there was still extreme suffering. Many people were exposed to high levels of radiation which caused several health problems, including leukemia and other cancers.

As a young child, I remember reading a book titled Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes which told the true story of Sadako who was a young, healthy girl at the time of the bombing and a few years later was diagnosed with Leukemia. The story tells how she believed that if she could make 1,000 paper cranes her wish to live would come true. Unfortunately, Sadako passed away due to the after-effects of the atomic bomb. At the Children’s Peace Memorial statue, you can see Sadako on the top holding up a paper crane.

Location: 1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan // MAP


The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
The Cenotaph in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Another spot inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to take a moment to reflect on is the Cenotaph. The stone here holds the names of the 290,000+ people who lost their lives due to the bombing of all nationalities. As new names are discovered they are then added to the list.

Location: Japan, 〒730-0811 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Nakajimacho, 平和記念公園 // MAP


Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A little boys bicycle at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Next to the Peace Memorial Park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The purpose of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is to educate others about the need for lasting world peace and moving toward nuclear disarmament. When you first walk into the museum’s main building you will be taken on a humbling journey of the moments before the bombing on August 6th, 1945, and the aftermath.

In the east building, there is a 3D Projection Model showing a view of Hiroshima City before and after the bombing as well as the exhibits sharing the dangers of nuclear weapons in Japan and other countries and survivor video testimonies which can be viewed in individual booths in many languages.

We have visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum a few times, but of respect, we haven’t taken many photos here, although non-flash photography is permitted. But seeing the artifacts and photos along with hearing the stories from survivors was incredibly emotional and moving.

While I still don’t have the exact words, one thought I was left with was to never forget this horrible moment in history or ever take peace for granted.

Location: 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan // MAP
Cost: 200 yen/adults, 100 yen/high school students, FREE – junior high and younger


Hiroshima Castle & Castle Grounds

Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle was originally built in 1589 but was destroyed due to the atomic bomb in 1945. In 1958 reconstruction started and you can now visit the castle keep and grounds today. The keep of the castle is now a museum that we highly encourage all to visit to learn more about the history of Hiroshima and see several authentic artifacts. Not to mention, the exterior of the castle is beautiful and unique too!

If you have some extra time I recommend taking the casual boat ride offered in the moat of the castle. It’s especially pretty to enjoy the sunset in the summer when the weather cools off or in the spring during sakura season.

Location: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan // MAP
Cost: 370 yen/person, castle grounds are free to visit


After spending most of our day in Hiroshima we then headed to Miyajima Island via public transportation and ferry. If you are planning to visit Miyajima as well, read this itinerary next!

READ MORE: A Day Trip to Miyajima Island

posted in: Asia, Chugoku, Itineraries, Japan

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Paula says

    October 4, 2016

    Thank you for all these great posts about Japan. We are heading there in November and I really enjoying reading these.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 4, 2016

      Paula, I’m so excited for your adventure and that you found our Japan guides helpful! It’s by far our most favorite country that we’ve visited. Let us know if you have any questions. We’d be happy to help! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ashley Smith says

    October 23, 2016

    I visit a lot of tragic spots (for whatever reason lol) and I know exactly the feelings! I still feel they’re important places to visit though. Your pictures are gorgeous though and those deer are precious. ♡♡

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 23, 2016

      Ashley, I completely agree with you. It’s a humbling experience to visit such places and it really puts things into perspective. Thank you for the compliments!

      Reply
  3. Carmen says

    October 23, 2016

    I use to read the Thousand Papers Cranes to my 5th graders when I taught US history. The memorial looks just like the pictures in our history books. Very moving!

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 23, 2016

      Isn’t it a touching story? We didn’t take many photos inside the memorial because we were afraid it would be disrespectful, but we tried to take a few so that others could see the devastation second hand. It was definitely very moving!

      Reply
  4. Nanie says

    October 23, 2016

    Very useful post, Kallsy. I’d like to make another trip (or two) to Japan since its just next door. Well, kinda. I understand how you feel. I read 1000 Paper Cranes too when I was younger 🙁

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 24, 2016

      I wish we lived closer! We absolutely love Japan. Seems like many have read that book and I am really glad! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Susan says

    October 24, 2016

    I remember reading the Thousand Paper Cranes! Thank you such a poignant post. I think it’s really important to also visit places such as Hiroshima and pay respect for what has happened there. I’ve never been, but Japan is on my husband’s wishlist of places to visit.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 24, 2016

      Susan, I’m glad you also remember reading it! It’s a fabulous and humbling book. I highly recommend visiting if you have the chance. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Tom says

    October 25, 2016

    Very poignant post! Hiroshima is somewhere that I want to visit, especially as a History graduate.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 25, 2016

      I hope you make it someday Tom! It’s a very special experience.

      Reply
  7. Russell Fernandez says

    October 25, 2016

    I can imagine how it would feel being at a place with significant history and hope much the place would have changed since that time. Is live to visit hiroshima for all of its history and paying homage to the countless people that lost their lives. Appreciate the deep insight to the place but also it’s recovering interests that have rebuilt the place.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 25, 2016

      Russell, it’s truly amazing to see how much they’ve rebuilt in such a short amount of time. I only wish that the whole world could visit places like this so that we could all understand the need for understanding and peace.

      Reply
  8. Lianna says

    October 25, 2016

    Wow, what a humbling and incredible experience that must have been. I had to do a project on Hiroshima for one of my classes in college, really makes me want to visit and pay respects as well as discover what Hiroshima has to offer. I think you did a great job with this post, lots of information that inspires me to visit even more.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 25, 2016

      Lianna, thank you so much. When we decided to visit Japan we knew that we would need to visit Hiroshima and do exactly what you mentioned. It was humbling but also encouraging to see how much they have rebuilt and come together in such a short amount of time.

      Reply
  9. Wanderlust Vegans says

    October 25, 2016

    Some really great photos, thanks for sharing. We really want to get ourselves to Japan. I can’t believe you found accomodation for under $50USD! Now we are definitely going!

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 25, 2016

      Thank you Wanderlust Vegans, it’s well worth a visit! Most people think that Japan is expensive but we found that it’s all about how much to research. Most of our accommodations were around $40-$100USD a night and those that were not it’s because we splurged on a few places. 😉 Hope you make it soon!

      Reply
  10. Johann Kuruvilla says

    October 27, 2016

    I should commend the resilience and determination of the people of Hiroshima. This is a very touching post. Its great to know that the people have rebuilt their lives after the devastation they went through. Thank you for sharing this post with the world. Hoping someday I get to go here.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 28, 2016

      Johann, you are completely right. It’s amazing that the people in Hiroshima and others around the globe have worked together to restore a place with such devastating history. It was interesting to think that no structure that is currently there was there prior to the atomic bomb drop. I hope you are able to visit someday.

      Reply
  11. Brown Gal Trekker says

    October 29, 2016

    Nice experience it seems and the photos are great. Never been to Japan as it’s a bit pricier for travels. Glad to know there are some cheap accommodations.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 30, 2016

      The flight over to Japan is definitely costly but we found that once we were there it’s more affordable that one would think! I hope you get the chance to visit someday.

      Reply
  12. Maria says

    October 30, 2016

    Beautiful post about Hiroshima and great gallery of images. One can feel the emotions though the way you looked at the city.

    Reply
    • kallsypage says

      October 30, 2016

      Maria, it was definitely an emotional experience for obvious reasons. Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  13. Joan says

    August 28, 2017

    Beautiful pictures! I found your post while researching if it’s possible to see both Miyajima & Hiroshima in 8 hours. From reading your post it seems doable. We are planning to go early next year and our plan is to land in Tokyo at 5 am and then head down to Hiroshima via JR train right away (because the flight to Kansai will arrive there at 2 pm and I read that from Kansai to Hiroshima would be another 3 hours – which meant that we will get there at 5 pm). That meant that we are going to get there at 11 am-12 noon.

    Reply
    • Kallsy Page says

      October 21, 2017

      Thank you for stopping by Joan! The JR ride from Tokyo to Hiroshima will be a bit longer but is definitely doable. Are you planning to stay the evening in a hotel nearby? I think you can see Hiroshima and Miyajima in eight hours but I won’t lie, it will be a bit rushed. 🙂 I would suggest you visit Miyajima first (check and see if it’s high or low tide too) and then go to Hiroshima to see the museum and grab something for dinner. Let us know how you like Miyajima and Hiroshima!

      Reply

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