Hiroshima Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Traveling to Hiroshima from Kyoto or Osaka
Hiroshima is a city with a deep history, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful sights. If you’re traveling from Kyoto or Osaka, this guide will help you make the most of your day while ensuring a smooth trip.
Take a Train to Hiroshima Station
The best way to travel from Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima is by bullet train (Shinkansen).
Best Train Options:
Nozomi Shinkansen – The fastest option (about 1 hour 40 minutes from Kyoto, 1 hour 30 minutes from Osaka).
Sakura Shinkansen – Slightly slower but covered by the JR Pass (about 2 hours from Kyoto, 1 hour 40 minutes from Osaka).
Hikari Shinkansen – Also covered by the JR Pass but not as frequent (about 2.5 hours from Kyoto, 2 hours from Osaka).
Departure & Arrival Stations:
From Kyoto: Kyoto Station → Hiroshima Station
From Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station → Hiroshima Station
Traveler’s Tip: Reserve your seats in advance for a comfortable ride.
Arrive in Hiroshima and Drop Off Your Luggage
Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, drop off your luggage before exploring.
Where to Store Your Luggage:
Your Hotel – If early check-in is available.
Coin Lockers – These are available at Hiroshima Station for small luggage.
Luggage Storage Services – Inside Hiroshima Station for larger bags.
Travel Time: 8 minute bus or 11 minute walk from Hiroshima Station.
Entrance Fee: ¥350
Start your day off with a peaceful stroll through Shukkeien Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and teahouses.
What to See:
✔ Tea Houses
✔ Scenic Bridges & Ponds
✔ Seasonal Flowers
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Travel Time: A 15-minute bus ride from Shukkeien Garden or, if you want to see the city on foot, a 27-minute walk.
Entrance Fee: ¥200 (Memorial Museum)
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a must-visit, dedicated to remembering the events of August 6, 1945.
What to See:
✔ Atomic Bomb Dome
✔ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
✔ Children’s Peace Monument
✔ Flame of Peace
Lunch Near the Peace Park
After exploring, enjoy a delicious lunch near the Peace Memorial Park.
Recommended Restaurants:
Nagata-ya (Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly)– Famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) with vegan and vegetarian options available
Hassei (Vegetarian Friendly) – Another great spot for okonomiyaki, with vegetarian options.
Otis! (Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly) – Looking for something a little different, try Otis! A Tex-Mex restaurant close to the Peace Park.
Take a Ferry to Miyajima Island
Travel Time:
From the Peace Park, you can access a ferry only a few minutes walk away. You can take the Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route which boards from Motoyasu Pier.
Tickets cost ¥2,200 one way or ¥4000 return.
However, the ferry is dependent on the water levels of the river, so make sure to check online the day of.
If you are leaving from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25 minutes).
Walk to the ferry terminal (5 minutes).
Take the Miyajima Ferry (10 minutes).
Traveler’s Tip: If you have a JR Pass, the JR Miyajima Ferry is free!
Explore Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine
Entrance Fee: ¥300 for Itsukushima Shrine
Miyajima is one of Japan’s most beautiful islands, known for its floating torii gate and scenic nature.
What to See & Do:
✔ Explore Itsukushima Shrine
✔ Visit Daisho-in Temple
✔ Take the ropeway to Shishiiwa Observatory for stunning views
✔ Continue on to the top of Mount Misen
✔ Try Momiji Manju and fresh Hiroshima oysters
✔ See the deer wandering around the streets
Afternoon Coffee Break on Miyajima
Relax at a cozy café before heading back to Hiroshima City.
Recommended Cafés:
Miyajima Coffee – A great spot for freshly brewed coffee and delicious soft serve ice cream.
Kakiwai – A stylish café with stunning ocean views that looks like something from a postcard.
Sonoma (Vegetarian Friendly) - Small cafe serving vegetarian craft drinks and even soy gelato!
Dinner in Hiroshima
After you've explored all that Miyajima has to offer, you can make your way back to the mainland to find yourself a bite to eat for dinner (that is unless you've opted to stay overnight on the island). Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the mainland in time to find dinner as some restaurants can close as early as 8:30 pm.
Recommended Restaurants:
Kakiya - If you want to eat on Miyajima, then you have to try oysters at Kakiya, the highest rated oyster restaurant according to locals.
Okamoto's Okanomiyaki (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly) – One of the most highly rated okonomiyaki restaurants in the city with delicious food and entertaining staff.
Number 3 - For those looking to sample some Hiroshima beef, then this is the perfect spot recommended by locals.
Check In to Your Hotel & Rest
After dinner, check in to your hotel and relax for the night.
Recommended Areas to Stay in Hiroshima:
Near Hiroshima Station – Convenient for transport.
Near Peace Memorial Park – Close to key attractions.
Miyajima Island – A scenic option for nature lovers.
Traveler’s Tip: If you plan to explore more of Hiroshima the next day, consider visiting Hiroshima Castle or Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)!
