Japan · Chugoku

Hiroshima

Peace Memorial + Miyajima's floating torii — Japan's essential pilgrimage city

Hiroshima is Japan's peace pilgrimage — the 1945 atomic bombing site is now the moving Peace Memorial Park + Museum. A short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island features the iconic floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine. Together, one of Japan's most impactful 2-day experiences.

From Tokyo

4h by Shinkansen (JR Pass covered)

From Osaka

1h 25m by Shinkansen

Airport

Hiroshima (HIJ) — 50 km east

UNESCO sites

Genbaku Dome + Itsukushima Shrine

Hiroshima highlights

Peace Memorial Park

Central landmark — the Genbaku Dome (UNESCO) + cenotaph + Children's Peace Monument.

Peace Memorial Museum

Moving + essential. Allow 2-3 hours. Renewed in 2019 with survivor artefacts + testimonies.

Miyajima Island floating torii

The iconic vermillion torii of Itsukushima Shrine. Ferry from Miyajimaguchi (10 min) covered by JR Pass.

Hiroshima Castle

Reconstructed castle in a lovely moat setting. Small museum inside.

Shukkeien Garden

Traditional Japanese garden — small but perfectly formed.

Okonomiyaki dinner

Hiroshima's savoury pancake — layered with cabbage + noodles + pork. Okonomimura has 24 stalls in one building.

Getting there

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is 50 km east. Most travellers take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo (4h) or Osaka (1h 25m) — covered by JR Pass.

Getting around

Streetcar (Hiroden) covers the city — day pass ¥700. JR trains + streetcar. Miyajima ferry from Miyajimaguchi.

Best time to visit

March-May (cherry blossoms) + October-November (autumn colours). Summer humid, winter mild.

Budget per day

$60-90 backpacker · $130-200 mid-range · $300+ luxury

Airport transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Getting out of Hiroshima (HIJ)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

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Where to stay in Hiroshima

Fly to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Popular direct routes from: Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai

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Frequently asked about Hiroshima

How many days do I need in Hiroshima?

2 full days — day 1 Peace Memorial Park + Museum + Hiroshima Castle, day 2 Miyajima Island day trip (floating torii + Mount Misen).

Is Hiroshima worth visiting?

Absolutely — one of Japan's essential pilgrimage cities. Peace Memorial + Miyajima together are unmissable for any 2-week Japan trip.

How do I get from Tokyo to Hiroshima?

Shinkansen (bullet train) is fastest — 4h direct on Nozomi (not JR Pass) or 5h on Hikari/Sakura (JR Pass covered).

When is the best time to visit Hiroshima?

March-April for cherry blossoms (early April peak). October-November for autumn colours. Avoid July-August (very humid).

How much is a ferry to Miyajima?

¥180 each way. FREE with JR Pass (JR ferry, 10 min). Departs Miyajimaguchi terminal.