Hiroshima Day Guides
Hiroshima is a city of history, remembrance, and peace. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum helps us understand the past and hope for a better future.
This guide will take you through a full day in Hiroshima, including historical sites, beautiful gardens, and delicious local food.
Let’s begin!
Start your day by taking the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) tram from the nearest station to Genbaku Dome-mae Station.
Line 2 (Miyajima Line) – Best for travelers staying near Hiroshima Station or in central Hiroshima.
Line 6 (Eba Line) – Another direct option to Genbaku Dome-mae Station.
Walking Distance: Right next to Genbaku Dome-mae Station
Entrance Fee: Free
The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the few buildings that remained standing after the bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved as a symbol of peace.
✔ Take in the ruins and think about their history.
✔ Read the nearby signs to learn more.
✔ Take a quiet moment to reflect.
Walking Distance: Next to the Atomic Bomb Dome
Entrance Fee: Free
This large park was built to honor the victims of the bombing and to remind the world of the importance of peace.
✔ Visit the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki and her 1,000 paper cranes.
✔ Ring the Peace Bell, a symbol of world peace and hope.
✔ Walk to the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, a stone monument with an inscription: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”
✔ See the Flame of Peace, which will burn until nuclear weapons are no longer in the world.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Walking Distance: Inside Peace Memorial Park
Entrance Fee: About 200–500 yen
This museum tells the story of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bomb. It is a powerful and emotional experience.
✔ Stories from survivors.
✔ Clothes and items from the bombing.
✔ Exhibits about the effects of nuclear weapons.
✔ Videos and pictures of Hiroshima before and after the bombing.
After visiting the museum, take a break and enjoy some local food. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) is a must-try!
Okonomimura – A sprawling food hall filled with okonomiyaki stalls so you can have your pick!
Nagata-ya (Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly)– Famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) with vegan and vegetarian options available
Hassei (Vegetarian/Gluten Free Friendly) - Enjoy big portions at low prices at this okonomiyaki joint with vegetarian and gluten free options available.
Tempura Tenkou - Delicious tempura in a relaxed traditional atmosphere, reservation is recommended.
Traveler’s Tip: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki has noodles in it!
Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Peace Memorial Park
Entrance Fee: About 370 yen
After lunch, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Motoyasu River, then visit Hiroshima Castle. The castle was destroyed in 1945 but was later rebuilt.
✔ Walk through the beautiful castle park.
✔ Go inside the castle to see Samurai armor and artifacts.
✔ Climb to the top for great city views.
Take a short break and enjoy a coffee or tea at a local café.
Obscura Coffee Roasters – A modern café with specialty coffee.
Kissa Saeki (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly) – A retro-style Japanese café with vegan drinks, desserts, and light meals and an easy to understand menu.
Caffé Ponte – A riverside café/restaurant bringing a taste of Italy to Hiroshima.
Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Hiroshima Castle
Entrance Fee: About 350 yen
✔ Walk around the scenic paths and take photos.
✔ Stop at a tea house for matcha and sweets.
✔ Relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy dinner at one of Hiroshima’s great restaurants.
Guttsuri-an - It's a bit of a distance, taking 35 minutes by bus from the garden, but this is a must visit for seafood and oyster lovers!
Number 3 - For those looking to sample some Hiroshima beef, then this is the perfect spot recommended by locals.
Okamoto's Okanomiyaki (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly) – One of the most highly rated okonomiyaki restaurants in the city with delicious food and entertaining staff.
Seitan-wo-Tsuke (Vegetarian Friendly) - Want wagyu, and oysters, and ramen? Then this place is for you as it all three, serving up delicious wagyu oyster ramen! It also appears to have a vegetarian ramen on offer as well.
After dinner, return to your hotel in Hiroshima. If you're staying near Hiroshima Station, you can take a tram or taxi.
