One Day in Hiroshima, Japan: A City of Remembrance

Hiroshima is a major city on the Japanese Island of Honshu. It is a haunting city where World War II ruins are still prevalent throughout the area. Hiroshima makes for the perfect day trip from the Osaka area. It is also very accessible and easy to get around. One day in Hiroshima and Miyajima is the perfect amount of time to see all of the main sites. 

A Brief History of Hiroshima

Once a small fishing village, Hiroshima became prosperous through trade. In the 1100s, many Zen Buddhists came to the area. Later in the late 1500s, the warlord Mori established the Hiroshima Castle but quickly lost the land in a battle. In the 1800s, Hiroshima became a major urban center with an English Language school. During both World Wars, the city converted to a military center. Present-day Hiroshima is a city of peace and continues to promote the abolishment of atomic weapons.  

Transportation Around Japan

If traveling around Western Japan, opt to get a JR West rail pass. This is a cheaper option than getting a Japan rail pass, yet still provides the flexibility of seeing many different places. The JR West Pass is good for Kobe, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and the surrounding area. A 5-day pass that covers all of these areas is $127. There is an array of passes, so make sure to check the website for more details. This is best if you are basing yourself in one area and planning to travel around a lot by train.

How to Get to Hiroshima

Hiroshima has one major international airport. Most of the flights come from Tokyo, and a few come from other areas in Asia. The easiest way to get to Hiroshima from other Japanese cities is by the Shinkansen (the Japanese bullet train). It is about a four-hour train ride from Tokyo or an hour and a half from Osaka. Trains run every 30 minutes to an hour. 

Where to Stay for One Day in Hiroshima

If you plan on staying in Hiroshima, opt to stay in the city center area near the Hiroshima Castle. This area is easily accessible from public transportation. However, I recommend visiting Hiroshima as a day trip from Osaka, so you do not have to constantly be moving hotels. This itinerary can help you plan your trip.

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Hiroshima hotels here! You can also check out these hotels.

• Hilton Hiroshima
• Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
• ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima

Transportation for One Day in Hiroshima

In Hiroshima, the Hop On-Hop Off bus pass is the best value and easiest way to get around during one day in Hiroshima. It takes you to all the main spots. You can get the bus pass at the Hiroshima Station for about $4 (400 yen). It is good for the entire day on all 4 routes. The Lemon Route is the best one for hitting all of the main sites. Taxis and Uber are also available. 

What to See in One Day in Hiroshima

There are many historical and interesting sites to see during one day in Hiroshima. Although some of the sites may be haunting, it is important to visit them to remember the past. 

Day 1

Take the Ferry to Miyajima

Cost: Free if you use your rail pass or the Ferry Costs $1.70

Hours: 6:30am-10:20pm

This morning take a quick visit to Miyajima. If you have more than one day in Hiroshima, you can spend the entire day exploring this gorgeous island, but a few hours is sufficient to see the main sites. Miyajima is an island off the coast of Hiroshima in Hiroshima Bay. The main attraction is the Itsukushima Shrine. Make sure to check the tide times prior to visiting to ensure you get the view you would like! The ferry station has the tide times as well as the Hiroshima train station.

Okonomi-mura

Cost: $-$$

Hours: 11am-9pm

After your morning on Miyajima, grab lunch at Okonomi-mura. This venue is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. It is considered a “food theme park” due to the 24 different places to eat. All of the restaurants also use okonomiyaki sauce, a special sauce created just for these restaurants. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Cost: Free

Hours: Open 24 hours

After lunch, head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Located in the center of Hiroshima, this park commemorates the Hiroshima atomic bombings during World War II. It is built in a field created by the bombing. The park contains several monuments, museums, and symbols dedicated to the remembrance of the atomic bombings. Make sure to stop at the A-Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Children’s Peace Monument. 

Atomic Bomb (A-Bomb) Dome

Cost: Free

Hours: Open 24 hours

Next, stop by to view the Atomic Bomb, also known as A-Bomb Dome. This structure is part of the Peace Memorial Park. It is one of the only buildings that survived the atomic bombing and the ruins now serve as a reminder and memorial. The A-Bomb Dome is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Cost: $2

Hours: March-July: 7:30am-7pm, Aug: 7:30am-8pm, Sept-Nov: 7:30am-7pm, Dec-Feb: 7:30am-6pm

Finish your day at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This museum depicts the events of the atomic bombing during World War II. It also contains artifacts and photographs of the aftermath as well. Although a little disturbing, it serves as a reminder of the events and effects of the war. Plan to spend about an hour viewing the exhibits and make sure you are emotionally prepared before visiting the inside.

More Than One Day in Hiroshima

There are many more sites to see in Hiroshima. If you have more time, spend more than one day in Hiroshima.

Day 2

Hiroshima Castle

Cost: Grounds are free $3.50 if entering the inside

Hours: March-Nov: 9am-6pm, Dec-Feb: 9am-5pm

Start your morning at the Hiroshima Castle. Built in the 1590s, Hiroshima Castle was the home to several daimyos. The atomic bombings later destroyed it, but it was later rebuilt to look like the original. The main grounds are free, but you will have to pay to enter the inside museum. Plan to spend an hour or two walking around the grounds. Make sure to check out the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, originally founded in 1869. This shrine is a popular site for locals to celebrate the Japanese New Year.

Lunch

Cost: $

Grab lunch at Mos Burger or Coco Curry. Mos Burger, a Japanese Burger company offers delicious and unique burgers. Make sure to grab a melon soda with your meal. At Coco Curry, you can try Japanese Curry where you choose your meat and pick your spice level. Both restaurants are good hardy choices for lunch and located near Hiroshima Castle.  

Shukkei-en Garden

Cost: $2.50

Hours: March-Sept: 9am-6pm, Oct-Feb: 9am-5pm

After lunch, visit the Shukkei-en Gardens. This traditional gorgeous Japanese garden dates back to 1620. It contains a main pond as well as a tea house. The many walking paths make for a pleasant and peaceful afternoon. 

Hiroshima Museum of Art

Cost: $5.60

Hours: 9am-5pm, Closed Mondays

Spend the afternoon wandering around the Hiroshima Museum of Art. Founded in 1978, this museum contains Japanese art from different eras. Prominent artists include Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. Two galleries include Japanese art as well. Visitors can spend several hours perusing the exhibits. 

Fudo-in Temple

Cost: Free

Another possible stop is the Fudo-in Temple. Although a smaller temple, it is one of the few buildings that survived the atomic bombing. The buildings date back to the 1500s. Present-day, you can walk around the area or opt to spend the night. In the springtime, visit here to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. Make sure to visit the bell tower and the main shrine. 

One day in Hiroshima is the perfect amount of time to spend in this amazing city. If you have more time, make sure to check out other cities in the area, such as Nara, Kyoto, Okyoyama, or Kobe. All make for great day trips from Osaka and the perfect addition to your Japan trip! A trip to Japan does not have to be as expensive as you think it might be and is an amazing country to visit.

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