Updated November 12, 2024

Hiroshima is a beautiful place to visit while in Japan. Hiroshima is one of the main destinations that people travel to even for a day. Rich with history and culture, Hiroshima has so much to offer. Here below in a short selection of some of the most visitied and popular places to go!

---Hiroshima Peace Park/Museum---

Remnants of the city’s tragic history can be observed at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a must-visit for anyone traveling in the area. Within the park are various monuments and vestiges of the atomic bombing, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome), the only building that was left standing after the bombing, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where visitors have the opportunity to learn firsthand the atrocities and devastation caused by war. No matter where you’re from, you are guaranteed to leave Hiroshima with a broader worldview and understanding of the importance of world peace.

---Hiroshima Castle---

True to the city’s resilient nature, Hiroshima Castle, originally built in the 16th century but destroyed by the atomic bombing in World War II, was reconstructed to its former glory in 1958. The Sanyo Shinkansan (bullet train) provides direct access to Hiroshima and the surrounding area, making it a great day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. The Hiroshima Castle makes a stark contrast against the more modern architecture surrounding it.

---Miyajima---

A short trip from Hiroshima City, Miyajima is a center of both tourism and pilgrimage, a serene yet popular destination home to many holy sites such as the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine’s floating torii gate, Mt. Misen, and more to discover. The Itsukushima Shrine has become a marker of Miyajima and one of the most famous shrines in Japan.

Like in Nara, deer, believed to be messengers of the gods in Shinto, roam freely, and live alongside humans. These deers are used to humans and they don't run away when you get too close! However, you are not allowed to feed or touch the deer, and visitors are required to take care of their trash so that the deer do not ingest something that could potentially be toxic to them or harm them. In recent years, the deer population has increased, and there have been problems that have arisen from this. As such, visitors are cautioned to be wary, keep a safe distance, and not aggravate the deer. They're still regarded as a national treasure and protected by law, and a sight worth seeing in Miyajima.

---Onomichi---

Although certainly off the beaten tourist path, the seaside town of Onomichi could be a great place to get a glimpse of a less “touristy” Japan. This quaint port town offers wonderful views of the Seto Inland Sea as well as a rich artistic and historic legacy, having appeared in many classic Japanese films. Many people come here to cross the Shimanami Kaido. It's a bridge that that connects the main island of Japan, Honshu, with Shikoku. It’s also known as a great cherry blossom viewing spot for those trying to get outside the main destinations!