10 Best Things to Do and See in Hiroshima
Exploring Hiroshima on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Hiroshima, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Hiroshima. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Itsukushima Shrine
Located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay, Itsukushima-jinja is one of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines. It features an elegant architectural complex built in harmony with the sea, with wooden walkways, vermilion pavilions, and views over the coastline creating a truly distinctive landscape that changes with the tide. The site invites visitors to stroll in a peaceful atmosphere, between spirituality, nature, and Japanese tradition. It also offers a beautiful view of the floating torii gate, the shrine’s emblem.
2. Atomic Bomb Dome
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, in Hiroshima, is one of Japan’s most moving places of remembrance. Visitors discover the preserved ruins of a building that once stood at the heart of the city, whose brick and steel silhouette remains standing as a silent witness to wartime destruction. Listed as a war monument, it now attracts visitors for its solemn atmosphere and powerful message of peace. Located near Peace Memorial Park, it invites reflection and quiet contemplation.
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a vast memorial space located in the heart of the city, designed for remembrance and reflection. As you walk through it, you will find open pathways, monuments dedicated to peace, explanatory plaques, and several iconic spots that invite contemplation. The park also offers views of the surrounding riverbanks and connects different sites linked to Hiroshima’s memory. It is a peaceful place, both green and solemn, where visitors can appreciate the importance of the city’s message of peace.
4. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an essential place of remembrance for understanding the devastating effects of nuclear war and the city’s enduring commitment to peace. Visitors can explore exhibits on Hiroshima before and after the destruction, everyday objects marked by the explosion, survivor testimonies, and documents that place the tragedy in its historical context. The visit is sober and moving, with a presentation that invites reflection on peace, conflict prevention, and human responsibility.
5. Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is an iconic landmark located in the heart of the city. As you explore its grounds, you will discover ramparts, moats, and a large park that is ideal for a walk, with beautiful views over the city center. The reconstructed keep houses an exhibition space dedicated to the history of the castle and the region. Altogether, it offers a peaceful stop where you can admire traditional Japanese architecture and enjoy a lush green setting in any season.
6. Shukkei-en Garden
Shukkei-en Garden in Hiroshima is an elegant Japanese landscape garden that invites visitors to stroll and reflect. It features ponds, bridges, small islands, winding paths, and carefully maintained vegetation that create beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. Its layout plays with perspective and miniature natural landscapes, offering a peaceful setting in the heart of the city. It is a popular place to admire the beauty of a traditional Japanese garden, relax, and enjoy a serene atmosphere.
7. Hiroshima Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection that lets visitors explore Japanese and Western art in a peaceful setting. It features paintings, sculptures, and graphic works, with particular attention to modern art and renowned artists. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that regularly refresh the visitor experience. Its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere make it an enjoyable stop for art lovers and for travelers eager to better understand Hiroshima’s cultural scene.
8. Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum showcases a diverse collection of Japanese and international works, with a special focus on the arts connected to the Chūgoku region. Visitors can discover paintings, prints, sculptures, and craft pieces that offer insight into different periods and artistic sensibilities. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, providing a fresh look at contemporary creation and major movements in art history. It is a peaceful and enriching visit for art lovers and curious travelers alike.
9. Mitaki-dera
Perched on the lush hills of Hiroshima, Mitaki-dera is a peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by forest, shaded paths, and abundant moss. Visitors can discover traditional pavilions, subtle statues, and an atmosphere perfect for strolling and quiet reflection. The site is especially appreciated for its natural setting, where water, trees, and stones create a soothing landscape that changes with the seasons. It is an ideal place to experience another side of Hiroshima, calmer and more spiritual, away from the bustle of the city.
10. 5-Day Children’s Cultural Science Museum
The 5-Days Children’s Cultural Science Museum in Hiroshima is a museum designed to spark children’s curiosity through fun, educational activities. Visitors can explore hands-on discovery areas focused on science, nature, and everyday phenomena, as well as interactive workshops that encourage children to touch, observe, and learn through play. The museum also offers accessible exhibitions and activities tailored to young visitors, in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. It is an ideal stop for an educational outing in the city.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
