ฮิโรชิมะ 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.
✔ Look at 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.
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 famous place with many okonomiyaki stalls.
Nagata-ya – A popular spot for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Shirakabe – A traditional Japanese restaurant with local seafood.
Matsukaze (Vegan-Friendly) – Serves a plant-based version of okonomiyaki.
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 – A retro-style Japanese café with desserts.
Elk Hiroshima – Famous for thick, fluffy pancakes.
Café Ponte (Vegan-Friendly) – A riverside café with plant-based drinks and sweets.
Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Hiroshima Castle
Entrance Fee: About 260 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.
Steakhouse Hama – A restaurant serving Hiroshima wagyu beef.
Ekohiiki – A seafood spot known for fresh oysters.
Chikara Sushi – A traditional sushi restaurant.
Monta (Vegan-Friendly) – A cozy place with plant-based Japanese dishes.
After dinner, return to your hotel in Hiroshima. If you're staying near Hiroshima Station, you can take a tram or taxi.
