Hiroshima is a great place to visit. Unfortunately, the city is famous for the atomic bomb, which gives the city a very rough history. The city has risen up, but it is still good to discover its past and the present. It has many sights to discover, and you can also make a day trip to the gorgeous Miyajima Island. Hiroshima cannot be missed in Japan, so keep reading if you want to know more about this great city.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: 4 hours by train from Tokyo, and 2 hours from Osaka. The city is easily reached throughout the country and internationally. 

How much time needed: 2 days

1. Feel emotional in the Peace Memorial Museum

August 6, 1945, is one of the darkest days in human history. An atomic bomb dropped on the city of Hiroshima, where 78,000 people were killed instantly, and in the months afterwards, many more. In this museum you will have information about this horrific event. I was emotional several times reading the stories of the victims or families of the victims. However tough, this museum cannot be missed in Hiroshima and may even be the biggest reason to go to this city. 

Price:  ¥ 200

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: 2-3 hours

2. Walk around in Memorial Peace Park

Right next to the museum you will find the Memorial Peace Park, which adds perfectly to the museum. There are several monuments and an eternal flame, and there is a serene vibe, which is impressive as you have to think about the horrific happenings in 1945. This park cannot be missed. 

Price:  Free

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 20 - 30 minutes

3. Have different experiences in the Orizuru Tower

The Orizuru Tower is one of the coolest things to see in Hiroshima. First of all, you have a great view over the city on the outside, which is very cool. Especially the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is seen fantastically from here. The next thing to do is make a swan from origami. There is a video that explains how to do it, and there are also helpful people. You will throw the swan in a room with over a million other swans. This is also a cool statement! At last, you will go down using a slide (if you want to)!

Price:  ¥ 2,300, which includes an experience with the origami. You can also buy it without the origami experience, but you should not.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1-2 hours

4. See the Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome is a dome that still stands after the atomic bomb in 1945. This is a Unesco Heritage Site, and that is for a reason. The dome may be the biggest icon of the city of Hiroshima. You cannot miss exploring the building. You can't enter it, but walk around it and have several views (also from the opposite side of the water).

Price:  Free 

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 20 minutes

5. Enjoy Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura

Okonomiyaki is a dish you should absolutely try in both Hiroshima and Osaka. One of the best places to do it in Hiroshima is at Okonomimura. This is a building that holds many small restaurants (often places for around 10 persons) that serve the fantastic dish. Make sure to get there early, as it can get crowded. This is a great option for dinner!

Price:  Free, except the okonomiyaki and drinks

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1-2 hours

6. Learn about history at Hiroshima Castle

The Hiroshima Castle holds some nice gardens and a small temple. The biggest highlight is the main building (the real castle), which is mostly made of wood, and you can enter it. Inside there is some information about the Edo period and some cool samurai outfits, but it was not too interesting. The view from above is pretty cool.

Price:  ¥ 370 for the main castle, the rest is free. 

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 hour

7. Enjoy a day trip to Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island is a gorgeous island you can visit as a day trip from Hiroshima. The island has some of the best views in Japan, the famous shrine with a gorgeous view, some great temples, great food, and some deer walking around. Visiting this island was one of my personal highlights in Japan.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: One hour by boat from Hiroshima or by train and ferry from Hiroshima (this is a bit of longer than an hour).

How much time needed: 1 day

If you want to know more about Miyajima Island, check out:

Things that I have not done, but could be cool

• Shukkeien Garden

Final Thoughts

Hiroshima is a fantastic city which holds a dramatic historical significance. The atomic bomb had a huge impact on the city, but the city made a huge comeback. It holds some fantastic sights (some are very rough but important to visit), which should be visited. In my opinion a visit to Hiroshima is a must-do.

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