Top Things to Do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

About the City

Hiroshima, nestled on Japan's Honshu Island, is a city of resilience and beauty. It's a place where history and modernity entwine like the branches of its flourishing cherry blossom trees. This city, once devastated by the atomic bomb in 1945, now stands tall with pride, showcasing an astonishing recovery. Visitors are often moved by the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which pay homage to the past while advocating for a future of peace. Hiroshima is also a culinary treasure trove! Food aficionados revel in the local speciality, okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that will send your taste buds into a joyful dance. The city's vibrant atmosphere is encapsulated in its local markets and the buzzing shopping arcade of Hondori Street, brimming with eclectic goods and smiling faces. Beyond the urban landscape lies the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, a sight so picturesque it looks like it's been painted into existence by the gods. However, let's not sugarcoat it; summers can get quite humid, and navigating through the squishy throngs of tourists can sometimes feel like a strategic video game. Yet, the warmth of the local people and the city's dedication to peace and rebirth always leave a lasting, positive impression on its visitors.

Things to Do in Hiroshima

Anago Meshi

Food & Drink

Taste the delicacy of the sea with Anago Meshi, Hiroshima's eel-ectrifying dish. The slightly sweet, remarkably tender eel perched atop a bed of fluffy rice? It'll reel you right in!

Pedal Power Extravaganza: Bike the Shimanami Kaido

Outdoors

Ready to pedal through paradise? Grab a bike and hit the Shimanami Kaido! It's the ultimate cyclist's dream road, hopping from island to island with the sea breeze as your sidekick. Scale bridges, rol...

Antique Alley Treasure Hunt

The Unexpected

Get ready to rummage through time in Hiroshima's treasure-filled antique shops! Each nook and corner hides a potential gem, from samurai swords that whisper of the past to delicate ceramics that could...

Sumo for a Day

The Unexpected

Suit up and sumo-size yourself! Hiroshima's letting you stomp around in oversized belts for the day. Dive into sumo culture, meet wrestlers who double as mountains, and learn what it takes to win the ...

Garden Tea Experience

The Unexpected

Become a zen seeker in the lush greenery of Hiroshima's gardens. Taste matcha that's smoother than a zen garden's raked sand. It's not just about sipping tea; you're soaking up centuries of tradition ...

Antique Alley Treasure Hunt

The Unexpected

Prowl the alleys of Hiroshima for relics of yesteryear! From wartime memorabilia to delicate tea sets that could tell tales, get ready to hunt down history in a hustle. These backstreet boutiques are ...

Hiroshima Street Food Walk

Outdoors

Buckle up your taste buds! Stroll through Hiroshima's streets, and let the aromas guide you. Dig into local street food favorites like Hiroshimayaki, and sip on some sake. Remember, calories don't cou...

Sunset Cruise on the Seto Inland Sea

Outdoors

Ahoy there, sea-faring adventurers! Get ready to sail into the sunset on the gorgeous Seto Inland Sea. Hop on a cruise, feel the breeze, and watch the sky paint masterpieces with shades of pink, orang...

Open Sea Swimming Adventure: Seto Inland Sea

Outdoors

Strip down to your swimsuit and make a splash in the Seto Inland Sea's crystal-clear waters! Perfect your freestyle or just float around, feeling mermaid-levels of bliss. With calm tides and postcard ...

Majestic Mountain Endeavor: Mount Misen

Outdoors

Eager for a hike that'll knock your socks off? Mount Misen's your go-to peak! Prepare for some epic cardio with a side of stunning views. The ascent is a calorie-blasting pilgrimage through lush fores...

Kaki no Dotenabe

Food & Drink

Warm up your heart with Kaki no Dotenabe, Hiroshima's oyster sensation in a pot. Dive into the savory depths of miso and soy broth, swimming with luscious oysters and tender veggies. It's a flavor jac...

Shukkei-en Garden Stroll

Sights

Take a zen moment (or many) in the lush Shukkei-en Garden! This place is prime for a leisurely walk or a full-on nature meditation session. Find inner peace or just a nice bench to chill on amongst th...

Hiroshima Castle Samurai Spirit

Sights

Get your history buff on with a visit to Hiroshima Castle! Discover layers of Japan's feudal past and imagine life as a samurai. Get kitted out in replica armor, strut around the grounds, and see the ...

Atomic Blast Epicenter

Sights

Ever wondered where history's biggest kaboom happened? Mark the spot at the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter. It's a super simple stop, and all that's left is a stone to say 'This is the place'. Sobering, yes, ...

Tram Ride Time Travel

Sights

Hop on Hiroshima's trams, some are legit survivors from the 1940s! Riding one feels like you've been whisked to a bygone era. It's not just a ride, it's like chugging along history. Roll through the c...

Oyster Bar Hopping

Sights

Shuck yeah! Hiroshima is Japan's oyster capital, so get ready to slurp your way through some top-tier seafood joints. From fancy spots to street stalls, oysters take center stage. Go raw, fried, baked...

Kaki no Dotenabe

Food & Drink

Get cozy with Hiroshima's hearty hotpot, Kaki no Dotenabe. Brimming with oysters, veggies, and tofu in a miso or soy sauce broth, it's the perfect dish to warm your soul and spice up your culinary adv...

Hiroshima Carp Sazae

Food & Drink

Step up to the plate and try a Hiroshima Carp baseball game favorite – sazae! These turbo snails are grilled up in their shells and served with a splash of soy sauce. It's a crunchy, chewy snack you'l...

Hiroshima-Style Tsukemen

Food & Drink

Slurp up the fun with a bowl of Hiroshima's signature Tsukemen! The thick, chewy noodles are perfect for dipping into the rich, tangy broth. It's like a noodle party and your chopsticks are the DJ!

Garden Tea Experience

The Unexpected

Sit back in the serene Japanese gardens of Hiroshima and let the 'cha' flow in a traditional tea ceremony. Sip matcha like a shogun and get whisked away in the history and customs of this deliciously ...