If it's your first trip to Hiroshima, here are the recommended classic sightseeing spots in Hiroshima!
Hiroshima Prefecture is the main city in the Chugoku region. There are many tourist spots, including two World Heritage sites, and tens of millions of tourists visit Hiroshima every year from both within Japan and overseas. This time, we will introduce the standard tourist spots in Hiroshima for those who have not yet visited the city!
table of contents
> Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site standing on the sea
> The Atomic Bomb Dome, a symbol of the importance of peace
>Shimanami Kaido: a world-class road with spectacular views
> Meet rabbits on Okunoshima Island
> Hiroshima Castle: A historical spot with plenty of atmosphere
> Tomonoura, the setting for movies and anime
> If you want to enjoy local gourmet food to your heart's content, try Okonomimura
> Sandankyo, one of the most scenic spots in Western Japan
> Serakogen Farm: where flowers bloom in every season
> Onomichi, a popular tourist destination with many different sides
1. Itsukushima Shrine
World Heritage Sites Standing on the Sea
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island can be reached by train or ferry from central Hiroshima. Its symbol is a large torii gate that appears to float on the sea, and it is registered as a World Heritage Site. In fact, it is said that Taira no Kiyomori deepened his faith during the Heian period and constructed the current shrine building on the sea. It is also characterized by the group of Shinden-zukuri shrine buildings that stand in a place where the tides go in and out, the only one in Japan, and just walking around the gorgeous vermilion architectural beauty will make you feel like you have traveled back in time to the Heian period.
① The scenery changes with the tides!
The greatest attraction of Itsukushima Shrine is how it looks different depending on the tide. At high tide, the base of the shrine and the great torii gate are submerged in water, creating a mystical sight as if they are floating on the surface of the ocean. On the other hand, at low tide, you can walk up to the great torii gate and experience its grandeur up close.
② Enjoy eating Hiroshima specialties!
At the 350m Omotesando Shopping Street leading to Itsukushima Shrine, you can enjoy Hiroshima's specialty gourmet foods such as Momiji Manju, oysters, and conger eel. There is also a drink bar that serves gin and highballs made with Hiroshima lemons, so alcohol lovers can't miss it.
2. Atomic Bomb Dome (Peace Memorial Park)
A symbol of the importance of peace
The Atomic Bomb Dome is located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in the center of Hiroshima City. It is registered as a World Heritage Site as an important place to convey anti-war and peace, and is a representative spot of Hiroshima that is visited by tourists from both Japan and overseas.
① Numerous documents that reveal the true nature of the atomic bombing
At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you can see actual items that show the devastation of the atomic bomb, such as a charred tricycle and lunch box, as well as video materials such as photos of people and the city immediately after the bombing. There are also talks by atomic bomb survivors, survivors, and family survivors.
② A convenient rest house
Near the Motoyasu Bridge near the Atomic Bomb Dome, there is a rest house that uses a building that was bombed. The facility has a cafe where you can take a break, a souvenir shop, a tourist information counter, and more, making it the perfect place to stop by for a rest.
3. "Shimanami Kaido"
A world-class road with spectacular views
The Shimanami Kaido is a 60km long road that connects Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. It connects the islands in the Seto Inland Sea with seven bridges. The contrast between the blue sea and the lush green islands, as well as the interactions with the people who live on the islands, are sure to be special memories.
A mecca for cyclists
The Shimanami Kaido is home to Japan's first cycling road that crosses a strait. There is also a bicycle rental service, so why not take a leisurely bike ride around the islands while enjoying the sea breeze?
4. "Okunoshima"
The photogenic "Rabbit Island"
Okunoshima is a small island with a circumference of about 4km , located off the coast of Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The pink postbox at the entrance to the island, Tadanoumi Port, has become a hot topic on social media . You can encounter rabbits everywhere on the island, which is why it is also known as the "Rabbit Island." Why not relax on this island, where the entire area is a photo spot?
Traces of war remain everywhere
In recent years, Okunoshima has been strongly associated with rabbits, but it has a history of manufacturing poison gas during World War II. The island was removed from maps at the time to maintain secrecy, and the remains of poison gas factories and storage facilities are dotted around the island, still emanating a strong presence today.
5. "Hiroshima Castle"
A historical spot with a lot of charm
Hiroshima Castle, located in the center of Hiroshima City, was once burned down in the atomic bombing but was rebuilt. Highlights include the castle tower, where you can enjoy spectacular views and historical documents, and the moat where many carp swim. When you step inside the castle ruins, you will feel an atmosphere that makes you forget that you are in the city.
You can also enjoy Hiroshima specialties and historical experiences!
A commercial facility adjacent to Sannomaru is scheduled to open in March 2025. The facility will house a Hiroshima specialty okonomiyaki restaurant, shops where you can experience historical culture such as tea ceremony and archery, and stores selling carefully selected traditional crafts and Hiroshima souvenirs, allowing you to fully enjoy the charms of Hiroshima.
6. "Tomonoura"
A port town that has been the setting for numerous movies and anime
Tomonoura is a port town located on the southeastern tip of the Numakuma Peninsula in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The townscape with its atmosphere that continues from the Edo period is a highlight, and it has also been the setting for many movies and anime, including "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea." Why not experience the nostalgic atmosphere that captivates all visitors?
Numerous port facilities that are rare nationwide
Tomonoura has a streetlight built in the Edo period that is loved as a symbol of the town. There are other port facilities in the surrounding area, such as gangi and wharfs, but Tomonoura is the only place in Japan where these still remain.
7. Okonomimura
This is the place to enjoy local gourmet food to your heart's content!
When talking about local gourmet food that you should try while sightseeing in Hiroshima, it's definitely okonomiyaki. Okonomimura is located in downtown Hiroshima, so it's recommended for lunch during sightseeing or as a way to end a night out with a drink in the downtown area. In this complex with dozens of stores lined up, you can compare the different flavors of each store and enjoy the differences between them.
The retro atmosphere is still alive and well
Okonomimura was born from the development of okonomiyaki food stalls that gathered in a park, and has a history of more than several decades since the food stall days. Even now, when it has become one of Hiroshima's most famous tourist spots, the traditional flavors and lively atmosphere remain alive and well.
8. "Sandankyo"
One of the most scenic spots in western Japan
Sandankyo Gorge is located in Akiota Town in the northwest of Hiroshima Prefecture. The 16km long gorge is the only one in western Japan to be designated as a special place of scenic beauty. Why not try walking or trekking through the gorge, where untouched nature remains, and feel the breath of the earth?
You must see the "Five Great Spectaculars"!
There are many spectacular views within Sandankyo, but the five most spectacular spots are Kurofuchi, Sarutobi, Nidan-taki, Sandan-taki, and Mitsutaki, known as the "Five Great Spectacular Views." If you visit, we recommend taking a stroll around all five spots.
9. "Sera Highlands Farm"
Flowers bloom in every season
Located in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Serakogen Farm is a flower park where you can see flowers of every season. In spring, cherry blossoms and tulips, in summer hydrangeas and sunflowers, and in autumn cosmos and dahlias bloom all over the place. This flower garden is also a great photo spot, so why not try taking some photos that will look great on social media ?
Candlelight nights in the winter too!
At Serakogen Farm, a candle night is held every year at the end of the year. The fantastic lights and the beauty of the starry sky are impressive. *Photo source: Mitai Kenna Photography Club 1st term @tomoyo_13
10. "Walking around Onomichi"
A popular tourist destination with many different sides
Onomichi, located in the southeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination known by various names such as "town of slopes," "town of movies," and "town of cats." The area is dotted with attractions such as Senkoji Temple, which stands on Mount Senkoji (Mount Daiho) overlooking the town, the "Narrow Cat Street" where you can meet cats, and a shopping street with a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Why not spend some time strolling around these places and relax?
① Senkoji Temple Summit Observatory "PEAK"
This spot offers a panoramic view of Onomichi's beautiful cityscape and the tranquil Onomichi Strait. In spring, the cherry blossoms of Senkoji Temple are in full bloom, decorating the historic temple and slopes with flowers. At night, the city lights are reflected in the Onomichi Strait, creating a fantastical landscape.
② Retro Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street
Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street is a place where you can enjoy shopping and dining in a retro atmosphere. Lined with general stores and cafes, it's perfect for a stroll. Also noteworthy is the 16-seater bicycle "ICHIROKU ONOMICHI." It offers a new experience of touring tourist spots while tasting local drinks.
Related articles
The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido is one of the most scenic roads in the world. Recommended spots and gourmet food for touring the islands
A power spot that will soothe your soul: World Heritage Site "Itsukushima Shrine"
Be comforted by the beautiful scenery of Setouchi and the rabbits! Okunoshima Healing Trip
The symbol of Hiroshima! How to walk around Hiroshima Castle, where you can encounter history and spectacular views