Immerse Yourself in the 10 Best Attractions in Hiroshima City

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Covering an area of 120,000 m2 in the central area of Hiroshima city, before World War II, Hiroshima Park used to be the political and commercial center of the city. After the war, the park became a place to preserve historical markers to remind people of peace.

The park has the Atomic Bomb Dome memorial house, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage that can accommodate more than 220,000 people.

2. Hiroshima Castle

For many tourists, when coming to Hiroshima, it would be a mistake not to visit Hiroshima Castle. In the past, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed in 1945 and restored in 1958. Now, it has become a museum of typical Samurai culture and history. The castle is 5 stories high and has an observation deck, allowing visitors to view the city from above.

Coming here in the spring, you can admire the view of cherry blossoms blooming, making the whole castle more brilliant and majestic.

3. Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

Located in the northwest of Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima is an island famous for its Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, which is recognized as a world heritage site.

In fact, Itsukushima is one of the largest shrines in Japan. This is also the only temple in the world with a torii gate and a shrine in the middle of the sea. Itsukushima was built under the orders of General Kiyomori Taira in the 12th century, with the structure and walkways built on pillars just above sea level. Accordingly, the temple seems to be floating on the sea when the tide rises.

In addition to Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island also has many other attractions and fun activities. You can watch wild deer roaming the beautiful streets, and visit many Shinto shrines and traditional Japanese temples. Particularly, you can enjoy oyster specialties including raw oysters, grilled oysters, or crispy fried oysters in flour,…

You can easily travel to Miyajima Island by ferry or boat to freely explore the island.

4. Shukkei-en Garden

As a verdant oasis in the city, Shukkei-en Garden is a historical Hiroshima attraction that has been providing a picturesque retreat since 1620. Designed to encapsulate the vastness of nature in a compact space, the garden features miniature landscapes of mountains, valleys, and forests. You can wander through the paths that meander around the central pond and discover various tea houses offering tranquil views. The garden’s meticulous design and seasonal beauty make it a top destination for those seeking the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

5. Mitaki-Dera Temple

Considered a “Jewel in the rock” of Hiroshima, Mitaki-dera Temple embraces a walk through the forest. It’s a destination for tourists who want to return to nature and escape the noise of daily life. This is not only a sacred and famous temple for its unique architecture and characteristic red paint, but also an attractive check-in point for tourists in the fall, when the leaves change color.

On the slope up to the temple, you will see many waterfalls, lakes, stone Buddha statues, and fresh green forest carpet, creating a poetic scene like a watercolor painting.

6. Sandankyo Gorge

If you want to fully feel the majesty of Hiroshima, you can visit Sandankyo Gorge. It’s a place with clear stream water gurgling in all four seasons, from the brilliant cherry blossoms in spring, and beautiful red foliage in autumn to the green, cool on summer days despite the sweltering heat.

Coming here, you can choose a trekking route through the forest or rent a kayak to fully immerse yourself in nature. Special stops after the journey are the beautiful 3-tiered Sandan waterfall and Kurofuchi Lake with emerald green water.

7. Orizuru Tower

Orizuru Tower, a recent addition to Hiroshima attractions, offers a unique vantage point over the city. Opened in 2016, this 50-meter tall structure provides an unobstructed view of the Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome. In particular, the tower’s observation deck, ‘HIROSHIMA HILLS,’ and the interactive Orizuru Wall, where you can add your own paper crane, are highlighted. The tower’s design and the experiences it offers embody Hiroshima’s commitment to peace and remembrance.

8. Mazda Museum

The Mazda Museum is an automotive enthusiast’s dream and a proud Hiroshima attraction. Located within Mazda’s headquarters, the museum showcases the company’s journey from its inception to its current status as a global car manufacturer. Visitors can explore exhibits of historic cars, learn about the revolutionary rotary engine, and even observe the car assembly line. The museum encapsulates Mazda’s spirit of innovation and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of the automobile industry.

9. Hiroshima Museum of Art

The Hiroshima Museum of Art stands as a beacon of culture among Hiroshima attractions. Established in 1978, it’s nestled within Hiroshima Central Park and boasts a collection that spans European masterpieces to modern Japanese art. The museum’s galleries are a dialogue between the East and West. Some works range from Impressionist paintings to contemporary pieces. It’s a sanctuary for art lovers and a testament to Hiroshima’s resilience and dedication to peace and culture.

10. Okonomi-mura Culinary Village

A journey to explore Hiroshima cannot be complete without a culinary experience. Especially, there is the famous Japanese version of pancakes – okonomiyaki. To enjoy authentic Japanese pancakes, you need to visit Okonomi-mura culinary village. This is a complex restaurant consisting of 24 okonomiyaki stalls with many different flavors and styles.

Made in a new version, which is different from the Kansai or Tokyo region, the pancake is made from flour, cabbage, and pork with octopus, and cheese, then arranged in layers. The top layer is yakisoba noodles, fried eggs, and lots of okonomiyaki sauce. In addition, you can enjoy versions such as seafood pancakes, pork, garlic, or vegetarian pancakes,…

Read more: Monjayaki vs Okonomiyaki: A Battle of the Japanese Savory Pancakes