Planning a Hiroshima day trip from Kyoto or Osaka? Our one day itinerary shows you how to make the most of your time in this famous city.
From the floating vermillion gate of Itsukushima Shrine to the blue waves lapping on the banks of the Motoyasu River, Hiroshima is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting in Japan.
We understand that many people’s first introduction to Hiroshima is through black-and-white images of the complete devastation the city sustained after the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945.
Over seventy years have passed since that fateful day. However, it’s with great pleasure that we get to demonstrate how Hiroshima has since become a bustling city full of high-rise condominiums dappled with green spaces and flower beds through this one-day itinerary.
Hiroshima attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, thanks in part to its easy access from Kyoto and Osaka. This city has become a mecca for advocates of world peace and a beacon of hope for future generations.
If you’re planning a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto, read on to learn more about this amazing city and how to see the best it has got to offer.
Hiroshima Day Trip Overview
Here’s a quick map of this Hiroshima day trip itinerary:
Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary
Here is our detailed itinerary for spending one day in Hiroshima:
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum rests in the heart of the city, inviting guests from all around the world to remember the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
The first of the two nuclear bombs the United States dropped on Japan, nicknamed “Little Boy“, was dropped on August 6, 1945. Thousands lost their lives in an instant and many of Hiroshima’s most historic neighbourhoods, such as Tenjin Town (where the Peace Memorial Museum is now located), were reduced to ashes in a matter of seconds.
Today, the museum stands in the centre of the Peace Memorial Park. It has become the city’s largest public green space and is a beautiful central park that is a must-visit for our Hiroshima itinerary.
Similar to Nagasaki’s Peace Park, the Peace Memorial Park has lots of shaded areas and park benches for visitors to rest on. If you would like to opt out of visiting the museum, I highly recommend checking out the park’s many beautiful monuments.
You might recognize the Hiroshima Victims’ Memorial Cenotaph and The Flame of Peace. This was televised when former U.S. President Barack Obama made history and embraced Shigeaki Mori, an A-bomb survivor from Hiroshima.
2. Atomic Bomb Dome
Formerly known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the “Genbaku Dome” or the Atomic Bomb Dome has become a symbol of hope and a reminder of the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons.
Constructed in 1915 by Czech architect Jan Letzel, the Atomic Bomb Dome was a sight to behold decades before it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The building was rare simply for the fact that, unlike its surrounding buildings, it was one not made entirely of wood and stood taller than two stories.
Its shell survived the bombing and has been restored as part of the Peace Memorial Park project. To protect this important cultural building, it’s forbidden for anyone to enter.
However, just behind the Atomic Bomb Dome, you can find the newest attraction on our list – a tower that offers a bird’s-eye view of the dome and breathtaking views of the Peace Memorial Park from high up in the sky.
3. Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, which is directly behind the Atomic Bomb Dome, stands near the bomb’s hypocenter. “Orizuru“, which stands for “folded crane“, is a famous symbol of peace.
From several vantage points on the rooftop and twelfth floor, you can enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima City’s skyline.
There is also a slide which guests can take all the way back down to the first floor, a rooftop cafe, and a place to fold your own peace crane. The gift shop on the first floor is an excellent place to grab some “omiyage” or souvenirs.
Within view of Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is the under-construction soccer stadium (or the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima), Hiroshima Gate Park, and the next stop on our itinerary, Hiroshima Castle.
From the observation floor, you can see the Peace Memorial Park, the Memorial Museum, and the outline of Miyajima.
4. Hiroshima Castle
A day trip to Hiroshima would not be complete without visiting Hiroshima Castle. This beautiful building plays another big part in Hiroshima’s long history.
Also known as the Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle was once home to a feudal lord. It was designated a National Treasure in 1931 and the main tower was rebuilt in 1958 after the original castle was toppled by the a-bomb and subsequently destroyed.
To make the most out of visiting Hiroshima Castle, we recommend walking around the island it stands upon. Here, you can also stop by another historic attraction – Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (more info about this place can be found below!).
Nearby, you can observe works by legendary painters such as Van Gogh and Picasso at the Hiroshima Museum of Art before heading back to do some shopping in downtown Hiroshima.
5. Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is a Shinto shrine founded in the Meiji era. It was rebuilt after it was destroyed by the atomic bomb and relocated to its present location. From Hiroshima Castle, it takes less than five minutes to walk to Gokoku Shrine.
Gokoku Shrine is a popular place to attend seasonal events such as celebrating Shichi-go-san, Coming-of-Age-Day, and New Year’s celebrations among many others.
When visiting, I was impressed by the shrine’s huge stone torii gate and the beauty of the elegant, sloping roofs.
It’s said that the number of casualties of Japan’s greatest wars stretches well into the thousands, many of whose souls are enshrined at Gokoku Shrine. Victims of the a-bombing are also enshrined here, therefore making Gokoku Shrine yet another place where visitors may honour the victims of August 6, 1945.
6. Hiroshima Hondōri Shopping Street
The liveliest street of Hiroshima is none other than the Hondōri Shopping Street. Easily recognizable by its covered archway, this busy shopping district is made up of a menagerie of Western-style eateries, vintage clothing shops, and luxury boutiques.
The further down Hondōri Street you go, the more recognizable the name brands become. It culminates on a small traffic circle where you will find a multi-story PARCO Department Store very similar to the ones found in Shibuya and Fukuoka.
Near the main entrance of the Hiroshima Hondōri Shopping Street, not far from the Hondōri Tram Station, lies the famous Andersen Takaki Bakery. This bakery was once visited by a Queen and Crown Prince from Denmark and has been in operation since 1967.
7. Fumi-Chan’s Okonomiyaki Restaurant
When it comes to culinary delicacies, Hiroshima is famous for two things: oysters and okonomiyaki.
Okonomiyaki is a savoury dish that is reminiscent of a “veggie pancake“, consisting of batter, a variety of toppings, and different kinds of protein (there are also vegetarian options available).
Oysters are in season between October and May, but since okonomiyaki can be enjoyed year-round, it can be difficult for non-locals to tell which local restaurant has the best and most authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki.
After doing some research, I decided to try Fumichan Nagarekawa-ten, one of Hiroshima’s most famous okonomiyaki restaurants. The staff were professional and served our food in a timely manner. Standing in line took less than thirty minutes.
We tried the standard okonomiyaki and were not disappointed. Sitting down at Fumi-chan’s okonomiyaki restaurant was the best way to conclude our one day in Hiroshima.
How to Take a Day Trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto
If you want to visit Hiroshima from Kyoto, the best way to do so is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). Using the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line, you can get from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station in a little over 1.4 hours.
Certain trains are currently not included in the JR Pass, so be sure to carefully look at the information below to find out which pass is right for you!
How to Take a Day Trip to Hiroshima from Osaka
If you’re staying in Osaka and want to visit Hiroshima, the quickest way is to board the Sanyo Shinkansen Line at Shin-Osaka Station and get off at Hiroshima Station
The ride takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on which bullet train you choose.
While the fastest trains are the Mizuho and Nozomi, it is important to note that they are not currently covered by the JR Pass. There are also buses available from the JR Express Bus Terminal at Osaka Station. For more information about bus timetables, please check out their website here.
Best Passes for a Hiroshima Day Trip
In addition to the Japan Rail Pass, Hiroshima has a few other day passes that make getting around the city very convenient for tourists:
- Kansai–Hiroshima Pass: This pass gets you unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, including the adorable Hello Kitty Shinkansen. It also includes rides on the JR West Miyajima Ferry.
- One Day Street Car & Ferry Pass: Includes a discount on street car rides for 24 hours. You can purchase this pass at the Street Car Information Desk at Hiroshima Station or check if your hotel has any availability. This pass does not cover the Matsudai Kisen Tourist Ship, which is owned by a separate company (see below), but you can use it on the other ferry that runs from Miyajima-guchi to Miyajima.
- Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Tourist Ship: If you plan on exploring Miyajima during your trip, this pass includes discounts on round-trip tickets for Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Ferry and Miyajima Ropeway. Our Miyajima itinerary can help you plan your trip in more detail.
Can You Do Hiroshima as a Day Trip?
Yes, you can absolutely do Hiroshima as a day trip. Hiroshima is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka. Whether you’re interested in staying for a day (or two), there are tons of things in addition to visiting all of the places we covered in this itinerary.
If you would like to spend an extra day or two in Hiroshima, consider taking a ferry to a nearby island! The most popular destination is Miyajima, where the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine is located.
Conclusion – Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary
From the breezy overlook of Orizuru Tower to the lively promenade of Hondōri Shopping Street, the city of Hiroshima continues to be a symbol of world peace and prosperity in the wake of nuclear devastation. Hiroshima is a must-visit destination to add to your next-day trip from Kyoto and Osaka.