Hiroshima in 5 days

A moving city of peace and resilience, gateway to the floating torii of Miyajima and famous savoury pancakes. Best time to visit: March-May and October-November. Average daily budget: $90 to $150 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Peace Memorial Park area, The central riverside park, museum and Atomic Bomb Dome.

Morning: Peace Memorial Park & Museum. The Atomic Bomb Dome, cenotaph and a powerful, essential museum.

Afternoon: Explore Peace Memorial Park area, The central riverside park, museum and Atomic Bomb Dome.

Evening: Miyajima's floating torii. Ferry to Itsukushima Shrine's iconic gate over the water.

Eat: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with soba noodles

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Hondori, The covered shopping arcade and downtown core.

Morning: Mount Misen on Miyajima. Ropeway and hike to island summit views over the Inland Sea.

Afternoon: Explore Hondori, The covered shopping arcade and downtown core.

Evening: Okonomiyaki feast. Hiroshima-style layered savoury pancake with noodles.

Eat: Fresh oysters, a regional specialty

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Okonomi-mura, A building packed with okonomiyaki stalls.

Morning: Shukkei-en, a serene classical landscape garden.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Okonomi-mura, A building packed with okonomiyaki stalls.

Evening: Hiroshima Castle, rebuilt after the war.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Tsukemen dipping noodles

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Hijiyama, A park hill with city views and a contemporary art museum.

Morning: The deer and quiet temples on Miyajima away from the torii.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Hijiyama, A park hill with city views and a contemporary art museum.

Evening: Sunset views from Hijiyama Park.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Momiji manju, the maple-leaf-shaped cakes from Miyajima

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Miyajima (nearby), The sacred island with the floating torii and tame deer.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Miyajima (nearby), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Miyajima (nearby), The sacred island with the floating torii and tame deer.

Evening: Dinner at Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with soba noodles, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Miyajima (nearby).

Eat: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with soba noodles

Hidden gems

Shukkei-en, a serene classical landscape garden.
Hiroshima Castle, rebuilt after the war.
The deer and quiet temples on Miyajima away from the torii.
Sunset views from Hijiyama Park.

Getting around

Hiroshima's tram network is charming and reaches most sights cheaply, and the centre is walkable. For Miyajima, take a tram or JR train to the ferry terminal, then the short ferry across. The Shinkansen makes Hiroshima an easy stop on a wider Japan rail itinerary.

Safety

Hiroshima is very safe and welcoming. The Peace Memorial Museum is emotionally intense, so allow time and space for it. On Miyajima, the tame deer will nose into bags for food, so keep snacks and tickets secured, and check tide times so you see the torii at its best.

Hiroshima in 3 days | Hiroshima in 7 days | Full Hiroshima guide