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Epic Day Trip From Osaka to Hiroshima (& Miyajima!)

• by Jonny Duncan
• July 2, 2023 November 10, 2023

A day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island is one of the best options out of any of the day trips from Osaka that you can choose from and this is what to do and where to go when there.

Going from Osaka to Hiroshima on a day trip is also easy with the excellent rail network that connects the two and in this article, I will show you how to do it and where to go.

I spent several weeks living in Osaka and I day-tripped all over the place from there. The day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima is one of my favourite options and that I recommend to others.

Day Trip From Osaka To Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city in Japan that should be visited as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and how through hell a city can come back and flourish in the modern age.

Nearby Miyajima Island is an excellent side trip from Hiroshima for shrines/temples and mountain hiking with a view.

Getting To Hiroshima From Osaka

The Osaka to Hiroshima bullet train (Shinkansen train) makes longer-distance day trips so much easier and you can get from Osaka to Hiroshima, depending on the specific Shinkansen train taken, in one and a half to two hours.

The journey by local train will take around six hours so is not practical for a Hiroshima day trip from Osaka. Buses from Osaka to Hiroshima take around five hours, so again, are not practical for a day trip.

It is an essential part of your Japan travel plans to get a Japan Rail Pass (get one with that link) if you plan to move around a lot for these kinds of trips as it will save you money.

Also, travelling by Shinkansen train in Japan is the best option for getting to places faster like this day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima.

Main Places To See In Hiroshima

Hiroshima peace memorial park.

The simple (and sad) truth is there isn’t a ‘lot’ of traditional stuff to do in Hiroshima and that’s because the whole city was wiped out in World War 2 when the first atom bomb ever used was dropped on the city at 8.15 am on 6th August 1945.

That is one of the main things to do in Hiroshima: visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

I started at the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome. The dome was very close to where the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima but its structure survived and is still standing today (with renovation works).

It is a symbol of destruction and yet endurance for world peace today.

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome.

After seeing the  Atomic Bomb Dome walk across through the Peace Park and to the Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims.

Walking in Hiroshima Peace Park.

The Hiroshima Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims lies in the park as you walk through the park towards the Peace Memorial Museum.

All the names of people killed in the atomic bomb explosion are inscribed in the stone vault. The whole area is a poignant reminder of the hours of war and the horrors of nuclear warfare.

Hiroshima Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims.

Through the cenotaph, you can see the Atomic Bomb Dome.

After the dome, park, and cenotaph head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and learn the horrifying history of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

I didn’t take any photos inside the museum. It was very emotional to visit.

The Peace Memorial Park is a sombre yet hopeful place, with monuments, statues, and memorials that convey messages of peace and anti-nuclear sentiments. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the importance of working towards a world without such weapons.

A must-visit.

Hiroshima Castle

To be honest, I didn’t make it to Hiroshima Castle myself (the pic is a stock photo for the post), mainly due to my time limit, but also because I had seen so many castles by then.

However, I have heard it is a beautifully reconstructed (like everything in Hiroshima it was destroyed by the atomic bomb) castle and has a wooden exterior.

If you are short on time, want to get to Miyajima Island, and plan to see or have seen other castles in Japan, then I would say to skip the castle as I did.

But if you get to Hiroshima early enough and love castles or won’t have the opportunity to see many other castles in Japan then try and get to it.

If you do want to visit you can find more information on Hiroshima Castle here .

Miyajima Island 

On your day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima I highly recommend you take the time to visit Miyajima Island (also known as Itsukushima Island) as it’s not that far away and a beautiful place to visit.

It also has one of the most famous torii gates in all of Japan. I’m sure you will recognise the image from tourist adverts etc about Japan.

Getting From Hiroshima To Miyajima

Every 15 minutes or so a train leaves Hiroshima for Miyajima mainland station which takes roughly 25 minutes. At the station, you then take a ten-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island.

The Japan Rail Pass covers part of the journey.

What to do on Miyajima Island

The Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate is a famous photo to get on Miyajima Island and is one of the most famous places for a photo in Japan.

When the tide is high it appears to be floating on the water (hence the name). When I arrived it was low tide but at least then one could walk out close to it. On the way out at the end of the day the sea had come up and submerged the base of it.

The gate is about a ten-minute walk from where the ferry will drop you off.

Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate.

Head to the nearby Itsukushima Shrine after taking a look at the Torii gate. It’s a small complex and the view across to the Torii Gate is superb, especially when it’s high tide and the water is under them.

Itsukushima Shrine.

Praying with monks inside the shrine.

Miyajima Ropeway

The best way to get to the top of Miyajima Island is to take the ropeway (cable car). It’s a several-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine to the ropeway station.

On the way up the cable cars go close to the forest canopy and offer stunning views.

Miyajima ropeway.

At the top of Miyajima, you can walk around some short trails which take only several minutes or so to do, and enjoy the scenery.

There are two observatories for great views of the surrounding area, the Shishiwa Observatory and the Mount Misen Observatory.

There are a few temples and shrines to see on the top as well. Spend a bit of time up there to take in the peace of the place.

View from the top of Miyajima.

If you are feeling up to it you can also hike back down the mountain on a trail that doesn’t take too long to go down. But if you’re short on time by this point then take the cable car to be safe.

But if you hike down you may be able to see a deer or two.

A deer is seen while hiking on Miyajima.

Back at the bottom check to see what the water is doing around the Floating Tori Gate as it may by now be different from when you came in, allowing for different styles of photos.

Myself at the Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate with the water up.

Depending on how late you plan to go back to Osaka, you could see some of Hiroshima at night and enjoy the city’s buzzing energy, like most Japanese cities have.

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome at night.

Take a walk around the streets a bit and soak up the modern vibe that can be found in all of Japan’s big cities.

There are plenty of shopping malls to visit as well as the usual food centres and gaming areas.

Naturally, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy food and a drink to relax after all your exploring.

Hiroshima is famous for its okonomiyaki so try and grab one for dinner before going from Hiroshima to Osaka.

Hell, I would do a day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima for one of the okonomiyaki there! Yes, they’re that good.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki.

One of the main streets in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Day Trip

That all makes for a great day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima. If you plan more day trips from Osaka then my article about the best day trips from Osaka will give you plenty of good ideas.

If you are in the stages of planning your trip to Osaka then you can find and book accommodation in Osaka here on Agoda . Agoda is my favourite hotel booking site for travel in Asia as I often find better deals there than other booking sites.

These are the best things to do in Osaka when you are there.

If you end up choosing to stay in the Hiroshima area instead of doing a day trip from Osaka then be sure to take the ferry and visit Matsuyama to see the historic Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Getting from Osaka to Hiroshima

Getting from Osaka to Hiroshima

August 1, 2023

Osaka and Hiroshima are separated by a distance of fewer than 400 kilometers, or 250 miles . If traveling by train, Hiroshima can be a worthy day trip from Osaka . If you have time, however, consider spending more than just one day in this historic city. Hiroshima can also serve as a base for day trips into the surrounding area, including Miyajima .

Are you wondering how to get there? Check out this handy guide for traveling by train or by bus.

Hiroshima is an international landmark recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is a poignant reminder of the first nuclear weapon ever unleashed on our planet. The bombing’s aftermath can still be viewed at Genbaku Atomic Dome, a structure that survived a direct hit. Other popular sites for reflection are the Hiroshima Peace Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

After pondering the necessity of world peace, you may wish to connect with Hiroshima’s rich history and culture . Additional points of interest include Hiroshima Castle, the Hiroshima Art Museum, and the Shukkeien Garden. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the city’s savory okonomiyaki pancakes, a healthy snack that is unique to the area.

Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen bullet train

Traveling in Shinkansen is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Hiroshima from Osaka , especially if you take a Japan Rail Pass.

From Shin-Osaka Station , take the Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hiroshima Station . Nozomi and Mizuho trains make the trip in under an hour and a half. From October 2023, you can use these services with your Japan Rail Pass if you pay a supplemental charge.

If you would like to use your JR Pass , select the Hikari or Sakura Shinkansen instead. Sakura trains cover the distance in just over an hour and a half , while Hikari trains require about two hours and fifteen minutes.

Also, traveling in Shinkansen between Osaka and Hiroshima, you have the possibility to get on the cutest Shinkansen of all, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen !

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Osaka to Hiroshima by local trains

The trip from Osaka to Hiroshima takes about six hours by local train and involves a number of transfers. The advantage of using the local trains is the reduced cost compared to the Shinkansen if you are not using a JR Pass.

From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Sanyo Main Line to Himeji Station. From there, take the Sanyo Main Line bound for Niimi, but depart at Okayama. From Okayama Station, take the Sanyo Main Line to Mihara. There, board the Sanyo Main Line for Iwakuni, and you will reach Hiroshima Station.

Traveling by Bus

Both regular and overnight buses run between Osaka and Hiroshima . Prices of the bus fare range from just over 4,500 yen to just under 6,000 yen , depending on the service chosen.

During the day, you can catch a bus at Osaka Station’s JR Express Bus Terminal. The trip will take approximately five hours . Although operated by Japan Rail, JR Express buses are not typically covered by the JR Pass.

Overnight services depart Osaka Station at 11 and 11:30 pm . The buses will arrive at Hiroshima Station between 5:30 and 6:30 am. Overnight buses allow you to rest while you travel, saving you time and the cost of overnight accommodations.

After reaching Hiroshima, you can do your sightseeing via the JR Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Buses, also called Maple Loop Buses or Meipuru-pu. The buses follow three routes around the city, and one to three buses an hour are available on each route. The Loop Buses are covered by the JR Pass.

Using your JR Pass

If traveling by Shinkansen, you can r ide the Sakura and Hikari trains with your JR Pass (from October 2023 you can also take the Nozomi and Mizuho trains if you pay a supplement). You can make the trip by local train using your JR Pass as well – simply take care to use only JR lines.

You can also use the JR Pass while traveling around Hiroshima on the Loop Bus . Visit the Hiroshima City official website to know more about the Hiroshima Loop Bus routes and timetables

What about the highway buses? Though not generally covered by the JR Pass, travelers with foreign passports can purchase Japan Bus Passes even after arrival in the country. Passes are good for three to seven days, either for Monday through Thursday use or for use any day of the week.

Are you ready for your next adventure? Grab your JR Pass and start planning your trip today.

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Day Trip To Hiroshima From Osaka or Kyoto: A 1-Day Itinerary

Are you planning on doing a Hiroshima day trip from Osaka or Kyoto? Great, we are here to help.

As the Ground Zero for the first atomic bomb during World War II, Hiroshima is a city filled with memories of the terrible things humans can do. A visit to Hiroshima is humbling and eye-widening, yet one of the most unique experiences in Japan.

In our guide, we will teach you how to get to Hiroshima, what to do on your day trip, and what type of food to try in Hiroshima!

Want to have a tour guide and not worry about planning your Hiroshima trip? Check out our recommended bus tour from Osaka or Kyoto! (Bullet train ticket included!)

Is A Day Trip To Hiroshima Enough?

After lunch, you will head to Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima. If you are not sure how to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima, don’t worry.

To head there you will need to take the JR San-yo line from Hiroshima Station (free with  JR Pass ) to Miyajimaguchi Station. Then from Miyajimaguci Station, you will take a ferry across to Miyajima (free with 1 day Hiroshima pass).

Night: Back To Kyoto or Osaka From Hiroshima

After you watch the beautiful sunset behind the iconic torii gate, it is time to head back. Though Hiroshima is a great city, there aren’t a lot of things to do at night.

If you still have energy when you get back to Osaka or Kyoto, check out  Osaka’s nightlife  or some of the cool  things to do in Kyoto at night .

This concludes the Hiroshima day trip itinerary from Kyoto or Osaka! I hope this guide helped you determine the things to do in Hiroshima in one day. Any question? Leave them in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

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Hiroshima Day Trip and Hiroshima Walking Tour

Hiroshima was tragically the site of the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945. When visiting Japan, it’s easy to take a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto. Hiroshima is relatively small, which makes it the perfect place to explore on foot. I’ve designed a Hiroshima walking tour to cover the main Hiroshima attractions in just one day. However, if walking’s not your jam, you can also get between the sites by bus, subway or taxi. 

Why Take a Hiroshima Day Trip?

Sometimes, I like to walk around wearing rose-tinted glasses that block out the horrors of our world. I wasn’t exactly sure how I’d feel about being confronted by Hiroshima’s nuclear history. While visiting Hiroshima was upsetting (to put it mildly), I am glad that I took a day trip to Hiroshima.

Yup, a visit to Hiroshima is emotional . It’s harrowing. It’s moving. Yet it can also be strangely uplifting, and can leave you with a cautious sense of hope. The atomic bomb has left an indelible scar on the city of Hiroshima, and the city acts as a living memorial to the horrific impact of atomic warfare. But this is also a city rebuilt. A city united. A city dedicated to eliminating nuclear war.

I can be a delicate petal, so was pleased to discover that there’s things to do in Hiroshima in addition to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. My Hiroshima itinerary balances the raw devastation of the atomic bomb with other Hiroshima city sights.

How to Get to Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s central location means that it works really well in a Japan itinerary . The best bases for a day trip to Hiroshima are Osaka and Kyoto, as the bullet train (Shinkansen) only takes around 1.5 hours each way. See the West Japan Rail site  for timetable details.

There’s also a regular train from Osaka or Kyoto to Hiroshima, but this takes 6-7 hours and involves multiple transfers. Probably only recommended for long term and penny-pinching travelers!

Hiroshima from Osaka  

You can get from Osaka to Hiroshima on the bullet train in around 1 hour 30 minutes. Take the Sanyo Shinkansen line from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass  (which is the best value if you’re doing a couple of bullet train trips), use the Sakura service which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes or the Hikari service which takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can also take the slightly faster Mizuho or Nozomi train to Hiroshima from Osaka at around 1 hour 25 minutes.

Hiroshima from Kyoto

If your Kyoto itinerary is a few days or more, then it’s absolutely worth taking a day trip to Hiroshima, and surprisingly doesn’t actually take much longer than travelling from Osaka to Hiroshima.

You can get from Kyoto to Hiroshima on the bullet train in around 1 hour 40 minutes. Take either the Sanyo Shinkansen or the Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station.

If you have a JR Pass, you can use the Hikari or Sakura services which may require a transfer in Osaka, making a total one way trip time of around 2 hours. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can also take the Nozomi service direct to Hiroshima from Kyoto.

Hiroshima from Tokyo

If you’re visiting Hiroshima from Tokyo, it is best to stay overnight in Hiroshima as the train from Tokyo to Hiroshima takes around 5 hours. Even better, add Osaka to your Japan itinerary, as you need to transfer via Osaka (or another station in the region) to reach Hiroshima from Tokyo.

Overview of Hiroshima Itinerary 

Children’s Peace Monument at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Attractions Visited

For the first part of your Hiroshima day trip, you can almost forget (at least temporarily) that you’re walking across a city which was virtually flattened by the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945.

This Hiroshima 1 day itinerary eases you into things with a visit to Japanese gardens and a castle, followed by the (devastating) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, ending with time to decompress and look around the city.

Hiroshima Walking Distance

The Hiroshima walking tour below has around 10-12km walking. This includes 7 km between stops and another few km walking around the Hiroshima attractions. You can cut out a fair amount of the walking time with buses, the subway and taxis if you prefer.

Disclaimer: My walking tally was closer to 12km, but I spent a good 1.5km of that lost.

Lesson: Plan your Hiroshima walking route in advance with Google Maps!

Time Required for Hiroshima 1 Day Itinerary

All up, a day trip to Hiroshima will take around 10-12 hours .

This does make for a rather exhausting but fulfilling day. If you have more time to spend in Japan, you can also stay overnight in Hiroshima. If you have time, add in nearby Miyajima Island, which is famous for Itsukushima Shrine, a massive orange torri gate.

Transfers to Hiroshima

The bullet train to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto takes roughly 1.5 hours each way / 3 hours return , or longer if you’re taking a slower Shinkansen.

If you are not staying near the Shinkansen station, you’ll need to factor in additional time to get to and from the station. I was staying in Shinsaibashi Osaka, and it took around 30 minutes to get from Shinsaibashi to Shin Osaka where the bullet trains departs from (15 minute train, plus walking / ticket buying time / getting lost in the station time).

Time in Hiroshima

Allow 6 – 8 hours  door to door from Hiroshima Station for your Hiroshima one day itinerary, including walking, exploring and lunch time.

My Hiroshima self-guided walking tour took me 6 hours. My breakdown was roughly 2 hours for the garden, castle and shrine, 2 hours for the Memorial Peace Park, and 2 hours for lunch and the city. You may need longer than 6 hours if you walk slowly, love museums, like to take regular rests, or are traveling in a group (I was traveling to Hiroshima solo).

You can of course drop some Hiroshima activities if you prefer a shorter day, or take taxis, buses or the local subway between stops.

Hiroshima Walking Tour – Map and Directions

This Hiroshima walking route follows a round circuit of the city. The map and directions are available on Google Maps . Each stop is detailed below.

You don’t need to strictly follow the Hiroshima map route. In fact, I’d recommend having an aimless wander around the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park (Stop 5) and Hiroshima City (Stop 6). Hiroshima is small, so if you wander off down an interesting street or get lost (as I did!), you can get back on course quickly by consulting Google Maps.

What to do in Hiroshima

The most popular things to do in Hiroshima are to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome (Stops 4 and 5 below), which are the main memorial sites. You could easily spend an entire day in this area, particularly if you’re a history nut. However, I was keen to get a broader taste of the city, so added in additional stops when I was planning what to do in Hiroshima.

Stop 1: Shukkeien Gardens Hiroshima (Map B)

Overview of Shukkeien Gardens

Start your day in Hiroshima by taking an easy walk from Hiroshima Station to the tranquil Shukkeien Gardens (literally, ‘shrunken’ gardens). The original gardens date back to the 1600s, but were rebuilt after being destroyed by the 1945 atomic bomb.

There’s a path around the entire pond at Shukkeien Gardens, with many islets and bridges. The pond is full of (ridiculously large) colorful koi fish. Buy some koi food and create a feeding frenzy! Allow 30-45 minutes to walk around the gardens and feed the koi.

Walking Distance, Opening Hours and Cost

Distance:  Shukkeien Gardens is around 1.1km walk from Hiroshima Station.

Opening Hours: Shukkeien Gardens is open daily from 9am until 5pm or 6pm, with closing time depending on the season.

Cost:  The entry fee for Shukkeien Gardens is adults Y260 for the gardens and Y100 for koi (fish) food. If you’re into art, check out the Prefectural Art Museum at the gardens, adults Y510.

Stop 2: Hiroshima Castle (Map C)

Overview of Hiroshima Castle

Next stop on your Hiroshima day trip is a classic Japanese castle. From Shukkeien Gardens, head slightly north west and you’ll reach Hiroshima Castle in around 10 minutes.

This historic castle was originally a 16th century castle for the feudal lords, and later served as a military facility. As with most local buildings, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast and was reconstructed in the 1950s.

Walk around the Hiroshima Castle grounds, view the picturesque wooden castle and pay to enter the castle if you want to learn about the castle’s history. The castle includes four floors of historic exhibits and a fifth floor observation deck. I took a quick squiz through the castle but, to be honest, I coulda given it a miss.

Distance:  Hiroshima Castle is around 850 metres walk from Shukkeien Gardens.

Opening Hours: Hiroshima Castle is open daily from 9am to 5pm or 6pm, with closing time depending on the season.

Cost:  Admission to Hiroshima Castle grounds is free. The fee to enter Hiroshima Castle is Y370 for adults.

Stop 3: Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (Map D)

Overview of HiroshimaGokoku Shrine

The Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is in the Hiroshima Castle grounds, on the way to the Atomic Bomb Dome. This Shinto shrine is a place of worship for war casualties, and includes traditional Shinto gates and a temple.

I walked past the Gokoku Shrine and admired the pretty gates, but didn’t go in. (I was getting my temple on the next day in Nara. See my Nara Walking Tour  for deets!)

Distance:  Gokoku Shrine is around 200m walk from Hiroshima Castle.

Hours:  9:00am to 4:30pm. You can walk past the shrine at any time.

Cost:  Free to walk around the shrine grounds. There may be a small entry fee to go inside the shrine.

Stop 4: Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome (Map E)

Overview of the Atomic Bomb Dome

This is where sh*t starts to get real my friends. Brace yourself, because Hiroshima’s horrific history suddenly gets a whole lot more visual. The A-Bomb Dome is located near the epicenter of the 1945 atomic bomb blast, which exploded 600 meters above this area.

The atomic bomb flattened much of Hiroshima and killed around 60,000 people instantly, 140,000 people by the end of 1945, and tens of thousands more in the following decades. The A-Bomb Dome is the only structure still standing from 1945, which makes it all the more eerie and atmospheric.

You can only walk around the outside of the A-Bomb Dome, so you won’t need a lot of time here.

Distance: The Atomic Bomb Dome is 1.3km walk from Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine.

Hours:  The A-Bomb Dome is always ‘open’, as you can’t actually go inside the gates or the Dome.

Cost: Free.

Stop 5: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Map F)

Overview of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The next stop on your walking tour of Hiroshima is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This is the main Hiroshima memorial site, and includes several different memorials and a museum, set out below. Hiroshima Peace Park is the most popular Hiroshima attraction, and is usually the focus of a day trip to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Outdoor Memorials

Start at the north end of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Your first stop is the outdoor memorials. Walk past the Peace Bell (and give it a satisfying ring), the Children’s Peace Memorial, and the cenotaph where the eternal peace flame burns.

Hiroshima Memorial Hall of Remembrance

After the outdoor memorials, move onto two main indoor activities – the Memorial Hall and the Museum. Veer east from the cenotaph and you’ll find the Hiroshima Memorial Hall of Remembrance.

The Memorial Hall (above) is a moving 360 degree memorial depicting bombed cityscape. The city images are made up of 140,000 tiles, in memory of the number of atomic bomb victims at the end of 1945. (Bonus – entry is free!) This is one of the most visually interesting and moving memorials I’ve visited.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

After the Memorial Hall, walk south to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The Museum depicts Hiroshima before, during and after the bombings. Watch the survivor video testimonies and check out artifacts like a watch that is permanently stopped at 8:15 am when the bomb hit.

The Hiroshima Museum also traverses the nuclear age post Hiroshima through the Cold War and to current times. This is a city scarred, but also a city on a relentless peace mission to eliminate atomic warfare.

The museum is not light viewing. The history and exhibits are intense and emotional, and many people (me included!) get a little teary and generally in a down mood at the state of our civilisation. Make sure you leave some time in your day to decompress and reflect.

Note: The Main Building at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is closed for renovations and earthquake proofing until later in 2019. During this time, the East Museum is open and houses the main exhibits.

Distance:  Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a few hundred meters walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome. You’ll probably add around 1km walking around the park, memorials and museum.

Hours: The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is open 8:30am to 5pm or 6pm daily, depending on the season.

Cost:  It is free to walk around Hiroshima Peace Park and the memorials, including the Hall of Remembrance. The entry fee to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is Y200 for adults.

Stop 6: Hiroshima City and (Late!) Okonomiyaki Lunch (Map G)

Overview of Hiroshima City

By now, you’ll be starving if you haven’t eaten already, and likely in need of some lighter activities after visiting the Hiroshima Memorial Park.

Spend the rest of the day walking through the city streets back to Hiroshima Station. If you’re into shopping, there’s shops galore to stock up on clothing or buy some crazy local Japanese souvenirs. I got distracted by gorgeous kitty-cats in a pet shop, and had some quality snuggle time. A day trip to Hiroshima also wouldn’t be complete without some tasty local treats.

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

For lunch, try the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, a pancake thingy*, washed down with some beer. (*Pancake thingy made of a flour base, layered with cabbage, sprouts, onions, tempura scraps, pork, noodles, egg and other optional extras. Yup, it’s massive!).

You’ll find okonomiyaki eateries dotted all over Hiroshima city. I had a couple in mind, but was thwarted by a long line at Okonomiyaki-Nagata-ya   and shorter opening hours at Hassei.

I ended up at Okonomimura . Awesome accidental choice me, if I do say so myself. Okonomimura is on the third floor of a pretty nondescript building and has a few small Hiroshima okonomiyaki stalls. Plonk down at one of the stalls, order away, sit around a hot grill, and watch the magic happen.

I spent a good hour or so at Okonomimura resting my tired legs, having a beer, and watching the chefs at work. (And attempting to eat the world’s biggest Okonomiura – evidence above!)

Walking Distance

It’s around 1.2km to walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to Okonomimura for lunch. You should factor in at least 2km walking total, as you’ll want to meander around the city.

Stop 7: Hiroshima Station (Map H)

Finish your Hiroshima day trip itinerary by walking back to Hiroshima Station (around 1.7km from Okonomimura) or your local accommodation. Local transport is also readily available.

If your legs have had it at any time during the day, jump in a taxi or on the local tram or subway to save a couple of kms walking. My legs were almost gone-burgers towards the end, but I trucked on, determined to finish my walking route of Hiroshima!

End of Hiroshima Day Trip: Back to Osaka or Kyoto! 

If you have a spare day in Osaka, read my Osaka one day itinerary to hit the highlights in just one day!

If you’re travelling from Kyoto, check out my favorite things to do in Kyoto .

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

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This is a great guide to Hiroshima! It was an interesting city to visit. It was haunting to see the A-Bomb done and the memorial museum.

Great guide & it’s on my list to visit when I finally return to Japan. I can totally relate to how you felt – I was the same when visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia. So tough & emotional to hear about the history but also something that you need to do to even get close to understanding the horrors that wee endured. Thank you for sharing.

Its a great City with resilient and hopeful people for the end of Nuclear arms.

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Hiroshima: Getting there and around

Getting to hiroshima.

• ¥ 7,900 - 11,000

Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) and Hiroshima (Hiroshima Station) are connected with each other by the JR Sanyo Shinkansen . Nozomi and Mizuho trains require about 80 minutes for the journey, while Sakura trains require a few minutes more.

The regular one way fare from Osaka to Hiroshima is 9,890 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, around 10,500 yen for a reserved seat on Sakura trains and around 11,000 yen for a reserved seat on a Nozomi or Mizuho train, but note that international tourists can buy discounted one-way tickets for only 7,900 yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura, but a supplement fee has to be paid on Nozomi or Mizuho trains. Meanwhile, the JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and the JR Sanyo Sanin Pass are valid on all trains.

• ¥ 3,000 - 9,000

Multiple companies, including Willer Express , operate daytime and overnight buses between Osaka and Hiroshima. The one way trip takes about six hours. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 3,000 and 9,000 yen. Online reservations for some of the buses can be made through Willer .

• 2-3 transfers
• ¥ 5,720

By local trains , the one way trip from Osaka to Hiroshima takes about six hours and typically involves about two or three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 5,720 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2,410 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Hiroshima has Japan's largest tram network with eight tram lines connecting Hiroshima Station with most of the city's attractions. Tram line number 2 goes as far as Miyajima-guchi, from where ferries depart to Miyajima . The fare for a single tram ride within central Hiroshima is a flat 220 yen. Outside the city center, the fare increases with distance traveled. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the trams.

Major IC cards , including Suica and Icoca, can be used to pay the fare on trams and buses in Hiroshima and on the ferries to Miyajima (both companies).

Alternatively, a one-day pass for unlimited use of all trams on one calendar day is available for 700 yen. For an additional 300 yen, you get a one-day pass that also includes the ferry ride to Miyajima by Matsudai ferry (but not by JR ferry) and back. Holders of these one-day passes, furthermore, qualify for a discount on the Miyajima Ropeway (1500 yen instead of 2000 yen). Note that the various passes are available as digital tickets .

The JR-operated Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Buses , called Meipuru-pu (combination of Maple and Loop), serve all of central Hiroshima's major sightseeing attractions (see map above). There are three routes: the orange, green and lemon routes. The lemon route is the most frequent with 3-4 departures per hour, while the other two routes operate once per hour. The buses are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and several regional JR passes . Without a rail pass, they cost 220 yen per ride or 600 yen for a 1-day pass.

Good walkers will also be able to cover the roughly three kilometers from Hiroshima Station via Shukkeien and Hiroshima Castle to the Peace Memorial Park on foot.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hiroshima electric railway, mobiri digital tickets, setonaikai kisen, hiroshima kotsu, maple-oop bus, hotels around hiroshima.

Experiences around Hiroshima

The Perfect Hiroshima Day Trip (One Day Itinerary)

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Planning a Hiroshima day trip from Kyoto or Osaka? Our one day itinerary shows you how to make the most of your time in this famous city.

From the floating vermillion gate of Itsukushima Shrine to the blue waves lapping on the banks of the Motoyasu River, Hiroshima is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting in Japan.

We understand that many people’s first introduction to Hiroshima is through black-and-white images of the complete devastation the city sustained after the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945.

Over seventy years have passed since that fateful day. However, it’s with great pleasure that we get to demonstrate how Hiroshima has since become a bustling city full of high-rise condominiums dappled with green spaces and flower beds through this one-day itinerary.

Hiroshima attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, thanks in part to its easy access from Kyoto and Osaka. This city has become a mecca for advocates of world peace and a beacon of hope for future generations.

If you’re planning a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto, read on to learn more about this amazing city and how to see the best it has got to offer.

Hiroshima Day Trip Overview

Here’s a quick map of this Hiroshima day trip itinerary:

Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary

Here is our detailed itinerary for spending one day in Hiroshima:

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum rests in the heart of the city, inviting guests from all around the world to remember the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima .

The first of the two nuclear bombs the United States dropped on Japan, nicknamed “ Little Boy “, was dropped on August 6, 1945. Thousands lost their lives in an instant and many of Hiroshima’s most historic neighbourhoods, such as Tenjin Town (where the Peace Memorial Museum is now located), were reduced to ashes in a matter of seconds.

Today, the museum stands in the centre of the Peace Memorial Park. It has become the city’s largest public green space and is a beautiful central park that is a must-visit for our Hiroshima itinerary.

Similar to Nagasaki’s Peace Park , the Peace Memorial Park has lots of shaded areas and park benches for visitors to rest on. If you would like to opt out of visiting the museum, I highly recommend checking out the park’s many beautiful monuments.

You might recognize the Hiroshima Victims’ Memorial Cenotaph and The Flame of Peace . This was televised when former U.S. President Barack Obama made history and embraced Shigeaki Mori, an A-bomb survivor from Hiroshima.

2. Atomic Bomb Dome

Formerly known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the “Genbaku Dome” or the Atomic Bomb Dome has become a symbol of hope and a reminder of the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons.

Constructed in 1915 by Czech architect Jan Letzel, the Atomic Bomb Dome was a sight to behold decades before it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The building was rare simply for the fact that, unlike its surrounding buildings, it was one not made entirely of wood and stood taller than two stories.

Its shell survived the bombing and has been restored as part of the Peace Memorial Park project. To protect this important cultural building, it’s forbidden for anyone to enter .

However, just behind the Atomic Bomb Dome, you can find the newest attraction on our list – a tower that offers a bird’s-eye view of the dome and breathtaking views of the Peace Memorial Park from high up in the sky.

3. Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower , which is directly behind the Atomic Bomb Dome, stands near the bomb’s hypocenter. “ Orizuru “, which stands for “ folded crane “, is a famous symbol of peace.

From several vantage points on the rooftop and twelfth floor , you can enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima City’s skyline.

There is also a slide which guests can take all the way back down to the first floor, a rooftop cafe, and a place to fold your own peace crane. The gift shop on the first floor is an excellent place to grab some “ omiyage ” or souvenirs.

Within view of Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is the under-construction soccer stadium (or the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima), Hiroshima Gate Park , and the next stop on our itinerary, Hiroshima Castle.

From the observation floor, you can see the Peace Memorial Park, the Memorial Museum, and the outline of Miyajima .

4. Hiroshima Castle

A day trip to Hiroshima would not be complete without visiting Hiroshima Castle. This beautiful building plays another big part in Hiroshima’s long history.

Also known as the Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle was once home to a feudal lord. It was designated a National Treasure in 1931 and the main tower was rebuilt in 1958 after the original castle was toppled by the a-bomb and subsequently destroyed.

To make the most out of visiting Hiroshima Castle, we recommend walking around the island it stands upon. Here, you can also stop by another historic attraction – Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (more info about this place can be found below!).

Nearby, you can observe works by legendary painters such as Van Gogh and Picasso at the Hiroshima Museum of Art before heading back to do some shopping in downtown Hiroshima.

5. Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is a Shinto shrine founded in the Meiji era. It was rebuilt after it was destroyed by the atomic bomb and relocated to its present location. From Hiroshima Castle, it takes less than five minutes to walk to Gokoku Shrine.

Gokoku Shrine is a popular place to attend seasonal events such as celebrating Shichi-go-san, Coming-of-Age-Day, and New Year’s celebrations among many others.

When visiting, I was impressed by the shrine’s huge stone torii gate and the beauty of the elegant, sloping roofs.

It’s said that the number of casualties of Japan’s greatest wars stretches well into the thousands, many of whose souls are enshrined at Gokoku Shrine. Victims of the a-bombing are also enshrined here, therefore making Gokoku Shrine yet another place where visitors may honour the victims of August 6, 1945.

6. Hiroshima Hondōri Shopping Street

The liveliest street of Hiroshima is none other than the Hondōri Shopping Street. Easily recognizable by its covered archway, this busy shopping district is made up of a menagerie of Western-style eateries, vintage clothing shops, and luxury boutiques.

The further down Hondōri Street you go, the more recognizable the name brands become. It culminates on a small traffic circle where you will find a multi-story PARCO Department Store very similar to the ones found in Shibuya and Fukuoka .

Near the main entrance of the Hiroshima Hondōri Shopping Street, not far from the Hondōri Tram Station, lies the famous Andersen Takaki Bakery . This bakery was once visited by a Queen and Crown Prince from Denmark and has been in operation since 1967.

7. Fumi-Chan’s Okonomiyaki Restaurant

When it comes to culinary delicacies, Hiroshima is famous for two things: oysters and okonomiyaki .

Okonomiyaki is a savoury dish that is reminiscent of a “ veggie pancake “, consisting of batter, a variety of toppings, and different kinds of protein (there are also vegetarian options available).

Oysters are in season between October and May, but since okonomiyaki can be enjoyed year-round, it can be difficult for non-locals to tell which local restaurant has the best and most authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki. 

After doing some research, I decided to try Fumichan Nagarekawa-ten , one of Hiroshima’s most famous okonomiyaki restaurants . The staff were professional and served our food in a timely manner. Standing in line took less than thirty minutes.

We tried the standard okonomiyaki and were not disappointed. Sitting down at Fumi-chan’s okonomiyaki restaurant was the best way to conclude our one day in Hiroshima.

How to Take a Day Trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto

If you want to visit Hiroshima from Kyoto, the best way to do so is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). Using the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line, you can get from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station in a little over 1.4 hours.

Certain trains are currently not included in the JR Pass , so be sure to carefully look at the information below to find out which pass is right for you!

Find the best areas and hotels to stay in Kyoto , and check out our 2-day Kyoto itinerary (including a free walking route through the Geisha districts).

How to Take a Day Trip to Hiroshima from Osaka

If you’re staying in Osaka and want to visit Hiroshima, the quickest way is to board the Sanyo Shinkansen Line at Shin-Osaka Station and get off at Hiroshima Station

The ride takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on which bullet train you choose.

While the fastest trains are the Mizuho and Nozomi, it is important to note that they are not currently covered by the JR Pass. There are also buses available from the JR Express Bus Terminal at Osaka Station. For more information about bus timetables, please check out their website here .

Visiting Osaka? Check out our one-day Osaka itinerary and our guide to the best hotels in Osaka .

Best Passes for a Hiroshima Day Trip

In addition to the Japan Rail Pass , Hiroshima has a few other day passes that make getting around the city very convenient for tourists:

• Kansai–Hiroshima Pass : This pass gets you unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, including the adorable Hello Kitty Shinkansen. It also includes rides on the JR West Miyajima Ferry.
• One Day Street Car & Ferry Pass : Includes a discount on street car rides for 24 hours. You can purchase this pass at the Street Car Information Desk at Hiroshima Station or check if your hotel has any availability. This pass does not cover the Matsudai Kisen Tourist Ship, which is owned by a separate company (see below), but you can use it on the other ferry that runs from Miyajima-guchi to Miyajima. 
• Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Tourist Ship : If you plan on exploring Miyajima during your trip, this pass includes discounts on round-trip tickets for Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Ferry and Miyajima Ropeway. Our Miyajima itinerary can help you plan your trip in more detail.

Can You Do Hiroshima as a Day Trip?

Yes, you can absolutely do Hiroshima as a day trip. Hiroshima is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka. Whether you’re interested in staying for a day (or two), there are tons of things in addition to visiting all of the places we covered in this itinerary.

If you would like to spend an extra day or two in Hiroshima, consider taking a ferry to a nearby island! The most popular destination is Miyajima , where the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine is located.

Conclusion – Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary

From the breezy overlook of Orizuru Tower to the lively promenade of Hondōri Shopping Street, the city of Hiroshima continues to be a symbol of world peace and prosperity in the wake of nuclear devastation. Hiroshima is a must-visit destination to add to your next-day trip from Kyoto and Osaka.

ShaSha is a freelance writer based in Miyazaki, Japan. She loves coffee, anime, cats, documentaries, and going for five hour walks. You can visit her portfolio at https://www.thoughts-on-travel.com/

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• Updated: 25 February, 2024
• First Published: 15 September, 2019

Day Trip to Hiroshima

A day trip to Hiroshima is something many visitors to Japan want to do.  It can easily be done from Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe.

This is our itinerary from our day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto. Please be aware that this itinerary involves a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and take water with you.

6 August 1945

On 6 August 1945, United States airmen dropped a nuclear bomb which they called “Little Boy” on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.  Three days later, on 9 August 1945, a second nuclear bomb which they called “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki.

The Little Boy bomb, dropped from the Enola Gay was a uranium fuelled bomb.  It exploded about 2,000 feet above Hiroshima.  At that time, it released nearly 16 kilotons of explosive force.  To give perspective to this, 16 kilotons is equivalent to 16,000 tons of TNT.

The damage from the Little Boy bomb was immense as Hiroshima is located on a plain.  As a result, the force to spread further than in Nagasaki, which is located in a valley.  However, as the bomb was detonated high up in the atmosphere, the radioactive fireball (or mushroom cloud) did not touch the ground.  Rather it travelled up high into the stratosphere.  But the damage to Hiroshima was still devastating.  The blast flattened buildings within a 2.5 km radius of the bomb’s detonation point.  Only 28,000 thousand of the original 90,000 buildings remained after the blast.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Graphic of the Bombing

But, what many people may not realise is that just over a month after the bombing of Hiroshima, the city was hit by Typhoon Ida which further devastated the city with even more damage and deaths.

Today Hiroshima is a thriving modern city with over 1.475 million people living there.

Tsutomu Yamaguchi survived both the bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and lived to the ripe old age of 93.  You can read more about him here .

IS HIROSHIMA SAFE TO VISIT?

So is it safe to visit Hiroshima?  In a simple answer, yes.  But let me explain in a bit more detail.

At the moment of the detonation of the bomb, the initial radiation caused extensive damage to the human body with most of those within a 1 km radius receiving direct radiation and dying immediately.  However, about 80% of all residual radiation was emitted within 24 hours.  Within a few weeks the radiation had declined rapidly.  24 hours after the bombing a person would receive 1/1000 th of the amount of radiation a person at the epicentre would have received at the time of detonation.  Within a week that had reduced to 1/1,000,000 th . After that, radiation continued to decline.

To clarify, today the radiation in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki is equivalent to the low levels of background or natural radiation present anywhere on Earth.  It has no effect on humans, animals or the environment.

HOW TO GET TO HIROSHIMA

Firstly, yes you can use your JR Pass to get from Kyoto to Hiroshima.  You can get to Hiroshima on either the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen lines from Kyoto Station and arrive at Hiroshima Station.  The train takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.  However, the faster Nozomi Shinkansen train which reaches Hiroshima in 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kyoto is not covered by the JR Pass.

If you are heading to Hiroshima from Osaka using a JR Pass, you can catch a Sakura train which will take 1 hour and 32 minutes.  However, the faster Mizuho and Nozomi trains are not covered by the JR Pass (they take 1 hour and 25 minutes).

GETTING AROUND HIROSHIMA

When you leave the Hiroshima Station, you will see the tram station.  If you are only heading to the Memorial Peace Park, it is cheaper to buy single tickets at Y180 one way.  However, if you are interested in exploring more of the city, you can buy a one-day ticket which was more cost effective at Y600 for adults.  We took the one-day ticket option for the below itinerary.  

When using the one-day ticket, scratch off the date that you are using the pass on the sealed silver section of the calendar.  Make sure you don’t scratch off more than one date as this will make your ticket invalid.

The platforms are clearly marked.  When the tram arrives, the doors will be marked with either Entrance or Exit.  Make sure you get on through a door marked Entrance.  When you hear your destination station announced (you can follow where you are with maps on the tram), press the buzzer by the window to let the driver know you want to leave at that station.

As you leave, show the scratched side of your one-day pass to the driver or the conductor.

ITINERARY – PART 1 – REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION

Part one of my day trip to Hiroshima itinerary is about remembrance and reflection – remembrance of the horrific effects war has on people and the environment in which we live and reflection of how the city has become a beacon of peace.

All 12 locations are within easy walking distance of each other. 

1. Take the Tram from Hiroshima Station to the Tenbaku Dome-mae Stop

Take either the Red Line (Line 2) or the Yellow Line (Line 6) from Hiroshima Station to Tenbaku Dome-mae stop (the Atomic Bomb Dome). 

The tram trip takes about 17 minutes and gives you time to sit back and take in your first real views of this metropolitan city.  As I stared out the window of the tram, I did not see any signs of the impact of the atomic bomb on the city.  But, it was not until we disembarked from the tram that the true impact of the atomic bomb could be seen as the Atomic Bomb Dome came into view for the first time.

Take the pedestrian crossing from the tram stop across to the Atomic Bomb Dome park.

2. Red Bird Monument

The Red Bird Monument is a literary monument dedicated to Miekichi Suzuki and is actually made up of two statues.

Miekicki Suzuki (1882 – 1936) was born in Hiroshima and was a distinguished novelist.  He created a children’s literature magazine from which this statue takes it’s name – Akai Tori or The Red Bird.  The magazine was published between 1918 and 1936.  As a result of his contributions to children’s literature in Japan he became known as the “Father of Children’s Literature”.

The monument shows Mr Suzuki holding two birds with another on his shoulder and includes the logo of the magazine along with the title Akai Tori.  The inscription on the second monument with two small children sitting on top of the stone reads “I will forever dream, simply as I did in my boyhood, and therefore suffer only little. Miekichi”.

3. Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Dome was originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. It was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and was completed in April 1915.

The building escaped complete destruction because the bomb detonated almost overhead, but the people inside died and the interior of the building was destroyed.  In December 1996, the Atomic Bomb Dome was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List so it must be maintained in the exact state of destruction that the bomb caused.  It was included on the World Heritage List as it survived a destructive force (being the first nuclear bomb used on a human population) and as it is now seen as a symbol of peace.

Take your time to walk around the building and reflect on the destruction caused by the bomb.

4. Memorial Tower to the Mobilised Students

In August 1944, about 12 months before the Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, the government recognised a labour shortage and enacted the Student Labour Service Act.  It required students in middle school and higher grades to work in munitions factories.  By November of 1944 students were also required to tear down buildings to create fire breaks so fires from air attacks would not spread.  On the day of the bombing, around 8,400 students were in the city.  About 6,300 died on the day of the bombing.

Bereaved families began a movement to create a list of the students killed in the bombing and funds donated enable the Memorial Tower to be built.

5. Atomic Bomb Hypocentre

The Atomic Bomb Dome was not, as popularly thought, the hypocentre of where the bomb exploded.  It actually detonated 160 metres to the southeast.  The recognition of it being the site of the Hypocentre is marked only by a plaque which shows a photo of the devastation and facts of the event. 

6. Children’s Peace Monument

The Children’s Peace Monument or the “Tower of a Thousand Cranes” was built in honour of Sadako Sasaki.  Sadako was just two years old when the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and she was exposed to radiation.  However, at the age of 12, on 25 October, 1955 she died from leukaemia, having been diagnosed at the age of 11.

Sadako decided to fold 1,000 paper cranes as she believed if she did, she would recover.  The crane is a symbol of longevity and happiness. But she died before she could complete her goal.  After her death, her classmates folded the rest.

Her death triggered a campaign to raise funds for a monument to pray for the thousands of children who were killed by the bombing and to pray for world peace.

Sadako’s story spread around the world and now over 10 million cranes are sent to the Children’s Peace Monument every year.  These are stored in glass cases around the monument.  As more paper cranes arrive, the older cranes are removed.  These old cranes are recycled into postcards and you will receive one when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum.

When visiting the monument, you are able to place a paper crane at the monument.  

On top of the monument, you will see a statue of a girl holding a crane. On each side are two other figures, one of a girl and one of a boy. They symbolise a bright future and hope. Under the dome is a bell with a gold crane. You can enter the dome and ring the bell. A stone plague underneath reads “This is our cry. This is our prayer. For building peace in this world.”

7. Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

The cenotaph was designed by Kenzo Tange in 1952. At the time he was a professor at the University of Tokyo who wanted to rebuild Hiroshima.

The shape of the roof was designed to reflect the shape of an ancient Japanese clay house which would allow the souls of the bombing victims to be sheltered from the rain.

The stone chamber underneath the roof holds the registry of the names of all of the victims of the bombing, regardless of nationality.  As at 6 August, 2016 the registry held 111 volumes. 110 volumes contain the names of 303,195 victims. The 111th volume contains the words “Many victims with their names unknown”.  However, names can be added to the registry when an application is made by a relative of a deceased victim.

The stone at the centre of the cenotaph is inscribes with very poignant words:

“ Let all the souls here rest in peace,

for we shall not repeat the evil. “

8. Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

The Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims was established in 2002 by the Japanese government.  The government wanted to provide a place to mourn the victims of the bombing.  But it also wanted to convey the tragic impact to the world ensuring future generations learn from the experience. 

The Hall of Remembrance provides a place to quietly reflect on those who died as a result of the bombing as well as the hope of peace.  The Hall is a circular room which shows the Hiroshima sky line from the hypocentre.  In addition, the image is made up of 140,000 tiles, the number of victims.

There is also a Victims’ Identification Area which allows you to search for the names of people who died.  12 large screens display the photos and names of the victims.  However, visiting the room is definitely confronting and very sobering.  While many of the other monuments show the effects of the bomb, to see the names and faces of victims is distressing.

9. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The museum is a place to see the reality of the atomic bomb.  

The museum also contains items that survived the bombing such a watch that stopped at the exact time the bomb detonated.  It also has a collections of letters from the bomb-making engineers pleading with the President of the United States not to use it.

The image of the tricycle is probably one of the most famous from the museum.  A four year old boy was riding the tricycle when the bomb detonated. The blast burned him to death but left his burned and fused tricycle as a reminder of the devastation of the bomb.

10. Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound

The Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound is the final resting place of the ashes of around 70,000 people who lost there lives on 6 August 1945.  Of the 70,000 whose ashes are held in an underground vault, only 817 have been identified.  However, the ashes remain unclaimed as entire families perished leaving no one alive to claim the remains.  

After the bomb exploded, the area around the hypocentre of the explosion was stewn with the bodies of the victims.  The bodies were brought to this location where they were cremated.  A temporary vault was build to store the ashes.  But in 1955 the vault was rebuilt and the ashed of unclaimed victims that had been stored in other locations, were brought here.

11. Peace Bell

The Peace Bell was built in 1964 as a symbol of a world without nuclear weapons and wars. The bell is inscribed with a world map which symbolises one world as it has no national boundaries.

You are able to sound the bell by swinging the wooden log. Where the log hits is the atomic energy symbol to show hope for the abolition of atomic and hydrogen bombs.  On the opposite side of the bell is an embossed mark to indicate a mirror reflecting the heart of the person sounding the bell.

The pond around the bell contains Oga Lotus. Lotus leaves were used by victims to reduce the pain of burns. These lotus were grown from seeds dug up from 2000 year old ruins in Chiba City by Professor Ichiro Oga.

12. Peace Clock Tower

The tower is made of three iron pillars each twisted by 60 degrees.  At the top is a spherical clock which faces in three directions.  It stands 20 metres tall.

The clock chimes at exactly 8.15 am every day (the time the bomb detonated over the city). 

ITINERARY – PART 2 – HISTORY AND TRANQUILITY

Part 2 of my day trip to Hiroshima itinerary is about history and tranquillity – history of Hiroshima before the bombing and the tranquillity of beautiful Japanese gardens.  After spending the morning visiting sites dedicated to the devastation of the atomic bomb and the hope for peace you can see a different side of Hiroshima.

1. Clock Tower of Peace to Marunaka Supermarket

There are two ways to get from Part 1 of this itinerary to Part 2.  The first is to walk (this is the option we took).  It is about 1.7km from the Peace Clock Tower to Marunaka Supermarket where you can grab some lunch.  If you decide on the tram option, walk to the Hondori Station and catch the Astramline to Johoku Station. 

2. Marunaka Supermarket

By now you should be getting hungry and it should be around time for lunch.  One of the things we love doing when travelling is to see how people live their everyday lives.  What better way to do that then to shop at a local supermarket.  We spent some time wandering around the supermarket recognising some things and having no idea what other items were.

We then bought some food and drinks and headed to the park.

3. Enjoy the view of Hiroshima Castle while having lunch

Now is the time to sit down on a park bench and give your feet a much earned rest.  In addition, it gives you a chance to enjoy this view.  We spent about 30 minutes here enjoying our lunch.  While we weren’t sure what everything was we had bought, it all tasted great and we enjoyed our lunch.

It also gives you an opportunity to watch locals going about their daily lives.  People were taking their dogs for a walk, going for a run, or simply enjoying the sunny day.

4. Hiroshima Castle

To gain access to Hiroshma Castle you will need to use the bridge to cross the moat.  You will see on the map that the bridge is on the opposite side of the castle to the river.

The original castle that stood on this site dates back to 1589.  However, the castle itself was only a small part of the overall area surrounded by three moats.  However, over time the outer two moats were filled in leaving the moat you see today.  The original castle was designated a National Treasure in 1931.

But on 6 August, 1945, like most of Hiroshima, the castle was destroyed.  The grounds where the castle stood were designated a National Historic Site in 1953.  After that, in 1958, the castle was reconstructed.

Take time to explore the grounds as you head to the castle.  The castle is now a museum which displays items dating back to ancient Hiroshima over the bottom four floors.  In addition, the fifth floor contains an observation platform for views over Hiroshima. 

5. Shukkeien Garden

The easiest way to get from Hiroshima Castle to Shukkeien is to walk.  It is about 1 km from the castle itself to the entrance of the gardens.

We wanted to visit the garden last on the day as after seeing the destruction of the atomic bomb, we felt the tranquillity of the gardens could help put what we had seen during the day into perspective.

The gardens date back to 1620, not long after Hiroshima Castle was built and were not open to the public until 1940.  However, the public only had five years to enjoy the gardens because like almost everything in Hiroshima, it to was destroyed in 1945.  It has since been restored to its original beauty.

Take your time to wander the gardens through inter-connecting pathways.  Sit in one of the many tea houses around the gardens and enjoy the surrounds.  Then if you wish you can enjoy a tea and Japanese sweets at the tea shop.

Getting Home

By this time we were pretty tired and our feet were definitely feeling how far we had walked.  So it was a quick decision to catch the tram back to Hiroshima Station.

Walk to Shukkeien-Mae Station and catch the Grey Line two stations to Hatchobori.  From Hatchobori you can then catch the Orange, Red or Yellow Lines (a tram runs every three mintues) back to  Hiroshima Station for your trip back.

This itinerary involves a lot of walking, so you might like to read my 5 Foot Care Tips for Travelling .

About the Author – Lisa Bundesen

I’m a 50 something semi-retired accountant, who along with my husband, Darren, has worked hard to have a great career and be financially stable.  Now it’s time to enjoy life more.

To enjoy life more, I’ve had to work hard to improve my fitness (I hiked the Inca Trail in my 40’s) and to keep fit to be able to do all of those things we want to do. That isn’t always easy because we also love to explore different cuisine and wine around the world and at home.

We travel as much as possible, both overseas and at home.  We call Australia home and find that there are so many places to explore here as well.

But the main reason we return home from our adventures are our two beautiful girls, Jazz and Indy. Oh and yeah we both have work as well!

40 Responses

My first trip to Japan, I spent the entire week in Tokyo exploring every nook and cranny. Next time, Hiroshima is the first destination on my list. But it just seems like it would be so haunting

We loved exploring Tokyo too Kay. For me, visiting Hiroshima was more an opportunity to reflect and while there were definitely terrible parts to the visit, it also give you an opportunity to see how Hiroshima has taken what has happened and turned the city into a beacon of peace. I also think by finishing the day at the beautiful garden helps with that. The city is definitely worth visiting.

What an interesting place to visit! So very sad about all the people – and especially students who lost there lives. The stories behind all these attractions are so emotional to hear. Love this guide you’ve put together for all these places to see

Thanks Hayley. It is definitely an emotional experience visiting.

This sounds like such an intense and emotional experience. But I like how you ended your trip there with relfection in gardens. It looks so peaceful.

Thanks Meghan. It is definitely an emotional experience visiting and leaving the gardens to last gives you time to reflect on the day.

This is brutal. The kind of thing you don’t want to see but absolutely need to, I think. I remember the story of Sadako from when I was a kid. Hope I will get to place a paper crane by her memorial one day.

Sadako’s story is definitely inspiring Jenia. And I love how they take the older paper cranes and turn them into postcards for visitors to the museum.

The tricycle is such a sober reminder of this horrific event.

It really is Chris. I think it’s one of those photos that if you see it with no other reference you know exactly what it is.

What a moving experience. I did not have time to visit there when we went to Japan, but next time hopefully. It looks like it’s well worth the trip.

Very moving experience Kristina. Definitely worth visiting when you get back to Japan.

How amazing to visit Hiroshima. The gardens are so peaceful and lovely — makes it hard to imagine the horror of 1945.

Hiroshima is amazing to visit Sharon. We wanted to visit the garden last specifically to see the beauty after seeing the horror of the bombing.

Hiroshima is a special place to visit to keep memories alive. Thanks for your detailed information and great pictures.

It is definitely a special place Anita. It’s very surreal visiting.

Amazing that the radiation levels have reduced so much over relatively little time (I think some scifi shows might need some input from real scientists!).

I can only imagine the emotions felt visiting Hiroshima – that tricycle was enough for the tears to well …

When considering other nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl, Hiroshima is definitely a unique situation for radiation. And it is a really surreal experience. The tricycle is definitely one of those really heart wrenching items.

What a tragic but fascinating place to explore. It’s on my list for my next visit to Japan & this looks like a busy but very good itinerary. Thanks for sharing

Hi Sue. It’s definitely a busy itinerary but well worth the sore feet at the end.

These type of sites are important to see and experience. I recently went to Cambodia to delve into their war torn past. It was disturbing, but essential to see. Thanks for sharing, love how you’ve structured your post. thanks, Jay

Thanks so much Jay. We want to visit Cambodia also. As you said it really is essential to see and learn from these horrific events.

Hiroshima is such a great place to visit. Loved your blog post on it.

Thanks Bliss. It is definitely a beautiful city even with such a horrific past.

Hiroshima looks beautiful and so full of history! Thank you for sharing this. Really interesting post. I would love to visit the gardens so much!

Thanks Pauline. The gardens are a great way to finish a rather confronting day.

Something that we should all remember, great detailed guide to have to visit

Thanks Catherine. It is a full day but definitely worth the sore feet at the end.

Lisa, what a terrific blog. I really enjoyed reading it and it really appeals to my WW2 curiosity. Thanks for sharing.

So glad you enjoyed it Karen.

Very interesting post. We’re going to Japan next year and we are thinking about visiting Hiroshima, but we haven’t really made up our minds yet.

Thanks Amanda. It is definitely sombre to see parts of the city, but it is worth a day trip if you have the time.

The tricycle photo in the museum broke my heart. 😢I have yet to visit Japan and your guide will serve to be extremely useful.

Totally agree Christy about the tricycle. It was definitely emotional to see it.

This is such a meaningful post. Greatly appreciate this remembrance and reflection walking tour itinerary in Hiroshima.

Wow this post is so detailed – very helpful! Also I love the title of your blog, definitely struck a chord with me!

Thanks Val and so glad you like the theme of the blog 🙂

I really loved Hiroshima. There was a festival on at the same time (during Golden Week) , so the happy dancing stood in such stark contrast to the austerity of the Peace Park and Peace Museum 100m away. All in all, I found it an extremely pleasant city to visit, and if you want to learn more about the A Bomb and politics surrounding it, I recommend you visit Hiroshima rather than Nagasaki (or both, Nagasaki is a wonderful city and I overall prefer it but only because I spent so much time there) as the A Bomb Museum is extremely detailed and very well done.

That would have been amazing to be there for the festival. We didn’t get to Nagasaki but found Hiroshima beautiful, inspiring and sad.

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Shinkansen! Osaka to Hiroshima train with JR pass AND cost without 🗾 Backpacking Japan travel blog

Spending a couple of nights in Hiroshima can be a good idea so you can start to get to know this vibrant urban city.

Of course, that includes the place that memorializes the tragedy that Hiroshima is known for .

It can also be a good idea to one day in Miyajima from Hiroshima!

So now…

Is it easy to get from Osaka to Hiroshima by train?

Yes, it can be!

You just need to get yourself to the Shin-Osaka station, and get on the next shinkansen!

Although, with the JR pass you will have to wait for a specific train. But still, there are frequent enough timings that it can be pretty easy and convenient.

From Osaka, you can take a direct train straight to Hiroshima!

If you’re looking to get to Hiroshima using your JR pass, you basically have 2 options.

If you don’t have a JR pass, you have a few more options to get from Osaka to Hiroshima by train:

• Sakura (JR pass option)
• Hikari (JR pass option)
• Any train station in Osaka to Hiroshima station by local trains

More below about traveling to Hiroshima from Osaka!

How to get from osaka to hiroshima with a japan rail pass, cost with jr pass: free.

• Time: 1.5 hours
• Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

You won’t have to pay anything extra for any portion of the journey if you have a JR pass.

So why would want to take the Hikari when you can take the Sakura that will get you to Hiroshima 30 minutes faster?

In short, it comes down to the train timings! I’ve found that there seem to be more Hikari train timings to Hiroshima than there are for the Sakura.

The one small downside of traveling with a JR pass is that it won’t give you access to the fastest trains, the Nozomi or Mizuho.

But that’s okay.

For your trip from Osaka to Hiroshima, the fastest Nozomi train would only get you to Hiroshima 10 minutes faster than the Sakura!

If you end up on the Hikari, the Nozomi train would get you to Hiroshima 35 minutes faster.

So either way, you don’t have to feel too bad.

How much does it cost to get to Hiroshima from Osaka WITHOUT a Japan rail pass?

Now, let’s say you’re trying to figure out if you should have your JR pass activated when you go to Hiroshima, or you won’t be traveling around Japan at all with a JR pass.

Listed prices are approximate just so you can start to get at least a little bit of an idea.

Option 1: Shinkansen bullet train (Nozomi or Mizuho)

Cost: 10,440 yen (us$90).

• Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Since you are traveling without a JR pass, you can choose to take any of the 4 shinkansen trains mentioned, but the Nozomi or the Mizuho would get you to Hiroshima the quickest.

No matter whether you take the fastest train or the slowest train, the price of the train ticket will be the same.

Option 2: Local trains from any station in Osaka

• Cost: 5,620 yen (US$50)

As you can imagine, taking the local train from Osaka to Hiroshima will be a LOT slower compared to taking the bullet train. Remember that the bullet train takes less than 2 hours to get to Hiroshima, even on the slowest shinkansen.

But if you’re not short on time and you’re trying to save a little bit of extra money, this is an option you can consider.

Osaka to Hiroshima by local train:

• Train #1: 1 hour 30 minutes (Osaka to Aioi Hyogo)
• Train #2: 1 hour 10 minutes (Aioi Hyogo to Okayama)
• Train #3: 1 hour 40 minutes (Okayama to Mihara)
• Train #4: 1 hour 20 minutes (Mihara to Hiroshima)
• Total time from start to finish including transfer time: Around 6.5 hours

There may be alternate train routes too, but this is just to give you an idea of what it may take to go for the cheaper train option.

See more about figuring out whether a JR pass will be worth it for your trip to Osaka and Hiroshima.

Public transportation apps to download before your trip to japan:.

• Google Maps
• Navitime for Japan Travel

Have these apps on your phone and you’ll become a pro in no time at navigating public transportation in Japan!

When you’re ready to head to Hiroshima, use your current location to figure out exactly how to get to Hiroshima!

Top tips for using Navitime to get from Osaka to Hiroshima

• For the Shin-osaka station, type in “Shinosaka” (no hyphen)
• For the Hiroshima station, it’s “Hiroshima”
• To search shinkansen timings for a JR pass, see the option “tourist pass”
• To search local trains only, unclick the following under search options: shinkansen, added-fare trains, city bus

Things not to miss at Hiroshima Peace Park

Okay, so now that you have a better idea of how to get to Hiroshima, next up!

Here are some of the top things to see at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park:

1. atomic bomb dome ruins.

2. Peace memorial museum

3. Children’s peace monument

Plan your trip to the Hiroshima peace park

For more details on Hiroshima itinerary planning, be sure to see these details for what not to miss with a visit to the Hiroshima peace park .

Another place not to miss when you’re in Hiroshima: Miyajima

Miyajima is about an hour away from Hiroshima, and it’s considered to offer the top 3 most scenic views in Japan.

Here are some of the top things to do on Miyajima island:

1. mount misen hike.

• Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage trail (temples and shrines through the mountains)
• Must-see sumo show
• Traditional yukatabune dinner cruise
• Fun ninja lesson
• Koyasan pilgrimage temple town

2. Visit to Daisho-in Temple

3. See the floating torii at high tide

Plan your trip to Miyajima

You can make it a day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima by following this one day Miyajima itinerary .

There is also a direct ferry to Miyajima from the Hiroshima peace park if you’re looking to combine Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day.

HAPPY OSAKA TO HIROSHIMA PLANNING!

Here are ideas for your kyoto itinerary .

• Day 1: Top tourist spots with one day bus pass
• Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine hike through 1,000 torii gates
• Day 3: Philosopher's Path walk
• Day 4: Arashiyama and Sagano
• Day 5: Kurama Kibune Ohara with one day pass

PLUS Kyoto cherry blossom itinerary and Kyoto fall colors itinerary !

Is a jr pass worth it.

• Google maps can make it easy to figure out whether or not you should get a JR pass!
• In google maps, type in your departure and arrival city, and choose the transit icon. The route will come up, and so will the estimated cost at the bottom!
• Here is an example of a train route with cost on google maps.
• So do that for all of your long distance routes to figure out how much it might cost.
• Next, go here to see how much a JR pass costs from an official JR pass vendor (and partner of this website).
• And compare!
• Not all forms of public transportation are JR, but long distance shinkansen bullet trains are, and that's where the most cost savings will come.

Best of Kyoto (and Japan!)

• Best temples to visit in Kyoto
• Japanese gardens in Kyoto

Discover Japan & Save

How To Travel From Osaka To Hiroshima

With your Japan Rail Pass

• Travel time: Between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Cost: Covered by your JR Pass

The Sanyo Shinkansen Line provides fast and convenient access between Osaka and Hiroshima. Its Sakura and Hikari trains can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Hiroshima Station in Hiroshima Station in about an hour and a half, and its Kodama trains take about 2 hours and a half. With your JR Pass, you can board any of the three trains without having to pay extra fees.

Shinkansen or bullet train

• Travel time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Cost: From 9,710 yen

Local train

• Travel time: 6 to 7 hours
• Cost: Around 6,000 yen to 10,000 yen

If taking the local trains, the journey from Osaka to Hiroshima takes at least 6 hours. The trip ideally starts from either Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, and involves the use of a combination of ordinary trains, rapid trains, and limited express trains before reaching Hiroshima Station. It requires 3 to 6 transfers, usually in Himeji, Okayama, Mihara, or Itozaki. A one-way trip costs 6,000 yen to 10,000 yen. You can use Hyperdia to search for available route options.

Highway bus

• Travel time: Around 6 hours
• Cost: 5,000 yen to 6,000 yen

Multiple daytime and overnight highway buses serve Osaka and Hiroshima on a daily basis. They are typically equipped with restrooms, reclining seats, and luggage storage space.  A one-way trip takes approximately 6 hours, and costs 5,000 yen to 6,000 yen, depending on the season and your chosen seat class.  You can look up bus schedules and ticket prices, and book tickets through the Willer Express and Japan Bus Online .

To save money, consider purchasing a Japan Bus Pass. Exclusively available for tourists with non-Japanese passports, it can significantly cut your transportation expenses if you have multiple bus travels planned during your trip. It comes in different types, and costs as low as 10,000 yen. The Willer Express Japan Bus Pass page provides more information.

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Is Hiroshima worth visiting? My surprise favorite in Japan.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book something through these links I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about my disclosure and affiliate policy   here .

When people travel to Japan for the first time there seems to be an almost set route. This usually includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This makes sense, considering that you can easily get from one city to the next and there are plenty of international flights to/ from Tokyo and Osaka. 

However, I knew that I wanted to add some other stops to my itinerary and was pretty set on Shibu Onsen early on. Eventually, I also started to think about Hiroshima and began to wonder – is Hiroshima worth visiting? Considering that tragic history was made in the city it seemed like an important place to see to get a better understanding about Japan and the events that have shaped the country’s past and presence. 

While you could do a Hiroshima day trip from Osaka , I decided to spend 2 nights so I could also do a trip to Miyajima Island. 

Book a 1 day Hiroshima trip from Osaka

I was so glad that I decided to stay longer because not only is Hiroshima absolutely worth a visit but it became my favorite stop in Japan. The city reminded me of Berlin in the best way possible, it was incredibly green, and there was just a really good energy to it. You immediately feel that its title – Hiroshima, City of International Peace and Culture, is well deserved. Hiroshima is not as overwhelming and big as many other Japanese cities and instead, it feels young, modern, and friendly.

So how to plan your trip to Hiroshima and what to do? Read on because whether you plan a 1 day Hiroshima itinerary or want to stay longer, a visit should be on your Japan bucket list!

Hiroshima itinerary 

Table of Contents:

What to do in Hiroshima

Miyajima island.

• How to get to Hiroshima & how to get around

Where to eat in Hiroshima

Where to stay in hiroshima.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Hiroshima. Here are some of my favorites:

Peace Memorial Museum & Park

On August 6th, 1945 the U.S. dropped the world’s first atomic bomb over Hiroshima. It was an event that shaped the face of the city and of the world. The destruction was unbeknownst and the aftermath unthinkable. 

In the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, you can learn more about the tragic day and the weeks and years that followed. The exhibit is haunting and very well done. I strongly recommend you take your time. Tickets are less than $1.50 and you can get them there or beforehand online . This might be better as you will be able to skip the line. I also recommend you get an audio guide. 

Afterward, you will want to head to the Peace Memorial Park. It was once the commercial heart of the city. Today you can see the stark remainder of the day, the A-Bomb Dome, there. Known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial it is the only building that was left standing in the vicinity. It is as eery as it gets. Please don’t take smiling selfies in front of it (yes, of course, some tourists did). In addition, there are other peace memorial facilities in the park, many a beautiful expression of hope for world peace. 

This includes the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims and the Children’s Peace Monument. You will see colored paper cranes everywhere around the monument. They are inspired by Japanese origami but today also an international sign for peace. The ones around the monument were inspired by Sadako Sasaki , one of the victims. The Children’s Peace Monument was built in her honor to remember all the children who lost their lives. 

You can also do a half-day tour in Hiroshima with a guide . Great if you want to know a bit more about the history of the city. 

Downtown Hiroshima

Close to the Peace Park, you will find Downtown Hiroshima, a great area for a stroll and to go shopping. Hondori Street is a covered shopping street with plenty of favorites like Muji and Uniqlo, souvenir shops, and boutiques as well as a pet store with the cutest and most expensive miniature dogs (I don’t care for purebreds but a cute puppy is a cute puppy). 

On Aioi Street there are some bigger department stores and of course, you won’t have to do without a Don Quijote in Hiroshima either. Move away from the big streets and you will find small boutiques and eateries – Hiroshima is really fun for a stroll. 

I also liked Alice Garden , an event space in front of the Okonomimura. It is a little Alice in Wonderland-themed square and often holds events, sometimes food trucks are there. 

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 and is pretty much in the city center just north of Downtown. Once a true powerhouse in western Japan it was destroyed in 1945 and subsequently rebuilt 13 years later. Today it is home to a museum telling its history as well as the history of Japanese castles in general. 

Admission is 370 yen (about $2.60) for the main keep while the rest of the castle grounds are free.

Hiroshima food tour

What to eat in Hiroshima? I am sharing some of my favorites below but if you are unsure where to start I recommend a food tour with Arigato Travel. They offer a sake-themed tour as well as an evening food tour in Hiroshima. 

Read more about my Hiroshima food tour

I generally love food tours and this one was a lovely introduction not only to the cuisine but the town and its history overall. My evening tour included typical snacks, of course, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, craft beer and sake, and dessert. Overall it was a wonderful mix between traditional dishes and modern venues and very yummy. Definitely come hungry! 

Book a Hiroshima food tour with Arigato Travel

If you plan a 2 day Hiroshima itinerary you should spend your second day doing a trip to Miyajima Island. Make sure to do it on a day with a good weather forecast because I imagine the island a bit miserable in the rain. 

While you can book an organized tour to get there I don’t think it is necessary and they are quite pricey.

So how to get to Miyajima Island? First, you will take a JR train or the tram to the JR Miyajima Ferry Port. Put the name into Google Maps and it will show you the best connection to either Miyajimagucci station or Hiroden-Miyajimagucci station. Both are right by the ferry port. 

Get a JR Pass for Japan

There are JR ferries and Matsudai ferries. Both cost 200 yen one way and it takes about ten minutes to get there. If you use the latter you can just get a ticket or use your IC card. If you have a Japan Railpass you can use the JR ferry and this will be included in your pass. Visitors have to pay 100 yen visitor’s tax. If you are using a railpass you will need to pay for this separately. This is incredibly easy as there are many machines at the pier and there is always some helpful staff to support lost tourists. 

The ferries run from morning till night in about 15-minute intervals. 

Alternatively, you could take a fancy boat from Hiroshima Peace Park but this will cost you 4000 yen round trip plus visitor’s tax. 

I recommend you make your way to Miyajima Island quite early to hang out with the deers because from 11 am it gets packed. That said, there are also a few places where you can stay the night and have most of the island to yourself after the daytrippers leave late in the afternoon. 

Miyajima Island is a very sacred place also known as the Island of Gods and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most people come to Miyajima island to see the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate. The gate seems to be floating in the ocean during high tide and is considered one of the best sights in Japan. You don’t need to go to the shrine in order to see it but can access it from the beach all around. However, there is a great picture spot (and a queue to match) inside the shrine. The entrance fee is 300 yen (about $2). 

But now, let’s talk about the deer! After all, the deer are what I really came for. Similar to Nara holy deer are roaming freely on the island. There are over 500 deer that have been living here for centuries. Unlike the ones in Nara, you are not supposed to feed them (no matcha ice cream for little deers!) and are therefore a whole less assholy. They may even pose with you for a picture or two. 

If you want a proper hike you can take one of three walking trails up to Mount Misen for a stunning view of the Seto Inland Sea. There is also a ropeway that will take you towards but not all the way to the peak. Depending on which route you take the hike can be quite steep so make sure to have proper footwear. 

Alternatively, do what I did and sit in the sun with a matcha latte and a Momijimanju. , the typical maple leaf-shaped Hiroshima cookies. While there even is a Starbucks I much preferred the local Miyajima Coffee. Behind the shrine, you can follow the river (or riverbed in my case) and see more deer. On the way, you have to pick up a matcha or vanilla ice cream with deer and Torii gate cookies – so cute! Just make sure the deers don’t get any. 

Another culinary highlight on the island is yummy oysters that you can get fresh or grilled as well as anago. Anago is a Miyajima specialty – salt-water eel and the salty counterpart to unagi. There are plenty of restaurants all over town where you can get either. Personally, I went to a random eatery that had no line for an anago and rice bento and it was delicious. 

How to get to Hiroshima and how to get around

Hiroshima does have an international airport, however, there are no direct flights from the US or Europe. You could get a domestic flight or possibly a connection from China, Korea, or Vietnam. The next airport with more connections is Osaka International . 

I took the train from Osaka to Hiroshima and back. It only takes 1.5 hours with the Sanyo Shinkansen – just enough time to eat a train bento and watch the world go by. From Kyoto, you can take the Tokaiden Shinkansen which only takes a little longer, and from Tokyo, you can take the Nozomi 99 Hakata, a 3.5-hour trip. 

If you have a JR Rail Pass this will be your best option. Alternatively, you can check for inexpensive domestic flights if you are coming from further away. 

Buy your JR Rail Pass here 

Getting around Hiroshima couldn’t be easier. First, it is a very walkable city. Especially the Peace Memorial Park and surrounding area were beautiful for a stroll. That said, I got lucky with a bit of sunshine. Sidewalks are wide and streets are quiet in many parts of town. The Hondori Shopping Street is a pedestrian-only street and covered – perfect if you want to go shopping in Hiroshima and the weather doesn’t play along. 

For longer distances, you could also rent a bike. Bike rentals are known as Peacecle. You pay via an app or can get a daily pass at many convenience stores. 

The probably most convenient way to get around Hiroshima is the tram known as Hiroden. There are 8 different lines which makes it Japan’s biggest tram network. Of course, you can take the tram from the train station to many parts of town. You can either get a daily pass or use an IC card like Suica or PASMO. I really liked the Hiroden as some trams were really cute and old-fashioned. Make sure to tap your card when you enter the tram and when you leave. 

Alternatively, there are a few bus lines, perfect for sightseeing, that are operated by the Japan Rail. This is convenient as it means you can use them for free with your Rail Pass. 

Since I only had 2 nights in Hiroshima, I didn’t try a whole lot of places especially since I spent one evening doing a food tour. However, there are a few places I can recommend and specialties you have to try when eating in Hiroshima. 

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is the local favorite. Unlike in Osaka, this pancake/pizza merge is done with only a little bit of batter but lots of cabbage. Where to find the best Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima? Head to the Okonomimura. This is a food court that spreads over multiple floors with a variety of stalls that all sell one thing: Okonomiyaki. 

Eating oysters is another thing you cannot miss on your Hiroshima itinerary. After all, this is where almost 70 % of Japan’s oysters come from. You can get them in various styles from raw to grilled or as part of your Okonomiyaki. 

One of my favorite meals however happened at めん処 栄家 , a very local and unassuming udon restaurant in Hiroshima. I have linked to the Google Maps location as I have no idea what it is called in English. Not only was my udon delicious but you can also get a combo of udon bowls and dons (rice-based bowl). Either you choose a big udon and a small don or vice versa. Perfect, if you want the best of both worlds. 

They also have a little wall of fame over the counter and while the majority were unknown Japanese names to me, there was also a flag signed by Earth Wind and Fire. I was majorly fangirling when I saw it!

And then I found Nekochigura. Unfortunately, I discovered this little natural wine bar right by my hotel too late to try the food. The menu looked fantastic alas I was full from my food tour. Instead, I went for a couple of glasses and was instantly entrailed. While it calls itself a curry and wine bar there are other dishes on the menu. The staff is lovely and passionate about interesting natural wines. The owner works for a vet during the day in case you wonder about the cat logo and cat memorabilia throughout. Quite a few bottles even have a cat on the label. Seems like a charmed life!

If you want to learn more or just drink some cracking Japanese wines and have good food in a cool venue, this is your place. Even if you are a dog lover. 

Do not forget to buy snacks when you are in Hiroshima! As someone who is usually not a snack person, it came as quite a surprise to me how much I enjoyed the local sweets. The probably most well-known snack in Hiroshima is a Momijimanju, a little cake in maple leaf shape. Originally it was filled with sweet red bean paste but today you can get many different variations. You can find them in shops or from vending machines. The cakes are maple leaf shaped because ‘momiji’, maple leaves, have long been a symbol of Hiroshima. 

Just walk down the Hondori Shopping Street – there a plenty of souvenirs and sweet shops where you will find something yummy and/ or unusual. Like the local lemon cookies and lemon cookies that are oyster-shaped. Whatever you buy, do get some matcha-covered macadamias and dried strawberries with white chocolate, you will thank me later!

I stayed at KIRO Hiroshima , a beautiful design hotel not far from the Peace Memorial Park and downtown where Hondori Street is. The hotel has 11 different styles of rooms and lofts depending on what you need and how many people are sharing. 

I stayed in the Japanese-style room with two twin tatami mats to sleep on. Luckily they were a lot more comfortable than my tatami bed at the Shibu Onsen ryokan and the room was fairly large considering Japanese room sizes. That said, the room is also advertised for up to 4 people. I am not quite sure if they add tatami beds or if you are supposed to share but regardless – this room will get way too crowded with 4 people. 

The hotel also has a shared kitchen if you want to make your own meals as well as “The Poolside” where breakfast is served. It also functions as a guest lounge for cocktails until late. But do not get too excited – there is no pool anymore! Obviously, the hotel also has vending machines and laundry facilities. Downstairs is a coffee bar which unfortunately only opens at 9 am. However, you can take single coffee filters as well as all the other amenities you may need from a cart downstairs for free. 

Book a room at KIRO Hiroshima

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Osaka to Hiroshima Train

Explore the most current information on trains from Osaka to Hiroshima

Osaka to Hiroshima Trains Information

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Osaka to Hiroshima Trains Schedule

Traveling from lively Osaka to beautiful Hiroshima by train is undoubtedly one of the smartest ways to travel. As both destinations are connected to a very advanced railway network, trains running on the Osaka - Hiroshima route are punctual and operate at a fast pace. Further, they offer outstanding onboard amenities, ensuring a stress-free journey.

Osaka to Hiroshima Train Map

As Osaka to Hiroshima train route is rather popular, we recommend booking your tickets beforehand to avoid the unnecessary stress before the departure. The Rail Ninja booking platform is a great tool to help you with that, offering a detailed timetable as well as to purchase a Hiroshima - Osaka ticket in a matter of a few minutes. More information about the tickets in Japan you can find here .

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Q&a: travel from osaka to hiroshima.

HOW FAR IS HIROSHIMA FROM OSAKA BY TRAIN?

WHAT IS THE FASTEST TRAIN FROM OSAKA TO HIROSHIMA?

Osaka and Hiroshima can be reached by train on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line by taking the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.​

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Sample itinerary of day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka/Kyoto

Hiroshima and Miyajima are very popular and obviously these are “Big Name”s in Japan. Some of you want to visit these place but you may be hesitating to visit there because of tight schedule.

If you stay in Osaka or Kyoto , Hiroshima and Miyajima can be visited as day trip. If you can stay there for even one night, that is much better. But you may prefer to have “Baggage Free” day trip.

In this post, I show you sample itinerary to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima as day trip.

From Osaka / Kyoto to Hiroshima

Trip to miyajima, sightseeing in hiroshima, from hiroshima to kyoto / shin-osaka, from shin-osaka.

If you stay in Osaka, get Shin- Osaka station to catch the Shinkansen. If you stay in Kyoto, you can catch the Shinkansen at Kyoto station .

If you use JR Pass , as probably you know, you cannot take Nozomi and Mizuho. Only Hikari , Sakura and Kodama are covered by JR Pass. But there are a few Hikari that take you to Hiroshima from Kyoto directly. Please check the Shinkansen timetable in JR Central official site:

JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable

As of September 2019, only these following Shinkansen trains which are covered by JR Pass go directly to Hiroshima from Kyoto. Hikari 481 Kyoto 07:20 – Shin-Osaka 07:35 – Hiroshima 09:06 Hikari 493 Kyoto 08:00 – Shin-Osaka 08:14 – Hiroshima 09:56 Hikari 495 Kyoto 08:23 – Shin-Osaka 08:39 – Hiroshima 10:35

If you miss these trains, you have to transfer trains at Shin-Osaka in most cases.

If you do not use JR Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is recommended.

This pass is sold at 13,000 yen. This is cheaper than round trip fare to Hiroshima from Shin-Osaka. But this pass does not cover the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to the east. You cannot take the Shinkansen from Kyoto. If you stay in Kyoto and intend to use this pass, you have to take other trains on the conventional lines to get Shin-Osaka from Kyoto. Special Rapid train runs every 15 minutes and connects Kyoto and Shin-Osaka in less than 30 minutes.

If you go to Miyajima first, you need to transfer to a local train at Hiroshima station . If you have 10 minutes, you can transfer. Local trains run every 10 to 15 minutes to Miyajimaguchi that is the nearest station to the ferry to Miyajima. And it takes about 30 minutes to get Miyajimaguchi. I have visited Miyajima and wrote about access there from Hiroshima before. Please find more information at the link below:

Most of you spend half day in Miyajima and half day in city of Hiroshima. You can visit either Miyajima or Hiroshima at first. But if you want to walk down floating Torii gate at Itsukushima shrine in Miyajima, you visit there at low tide. You can find updated tide table of Miyajima at this fishing site .

You will spend 45 minutes for each way from Hiroshima to Miyajima. I suggest you to have 4 hours, 2 hours transfer and 2 hours sightseeing, for Miyajima.

Most of sites are very accessible from Hiroshima station by street car. And also JR tourist bus “Meipuru-pu” takes you to most places in Hiroshima.

Hisoshima Sightseeing Loop Bus, “Meipuru-pu”

This bus is covered by JR Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass , Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass .

If you want to see more places that is not covered by this loop bus, you can take Hiroshima Railway’s street car, a.k.a. “Hiro-den”. One day pass is 600 yen.

Hiroshima Electric Railway economical ticket

If you spend 4 hours for Miyajima, you still have 7 hours for Hiroshima until the last Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka. You may add some more time for Miyajima. It depends on how many places you want to see in Hiroshima.

There is no direct Shinkansen trains from Hiroshima to Kyoto. If you take the last Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, there is no Shinkansen trains to Kyoto. Even if you have JR Pass, you have to take local train to Kyoto. Please see Shinkansen timetable below:

As of September 2019, these Shinkansen trains will be your last departure to Shin-Osaka.

Hikari 444 Hiroshima 21:58 – Shin-Osaka 23:32

Mizuho 612 (Sanyo San’in Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass user only) Hiroshima 22:12 – Shin-Osaka 23:37

If you have to take the subway to get Namba or other subway stations, it is no problem. The last subway departs from Shin-Osaka is 0:02. Usually you can transfer from Shinkansen to subway in 10 minutes.

If you have to go back to Kyoto, the last train is Special Rapid 00:30 departure to Kyoto. But if you take this train, you can get Kyoto but you cannot get any other places in Kyoto by the public transportation. If you do not stay around Kyoto station, take earlier Shinkansen train.

Sample itinerary

My suggested itinerary is as follows:

08:04 Shin-Osaka Sakura 547 09:34 Hiroshima

10:00 Hiroshima Local train 10:27 Miyajimaguchi

10:40 Miyajimaguchi Ferry 10:50 Miyajima

08:00 Kyoto Hikari 493 09:56 Hiroshima

10:15 Hiroshima Local train 10:41 Miyajimaguchi

10:50 Miyajimaguchi Ferry 11:00 Miyajima

Sightseeing and easy lunch at Miyajima. Same itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto departure after visiting Miyajima.

13:30 Miyajima Ferry 13:40 Miyajimaguchi 13:58 Miyajimaguchi Local train 14:25 Hiroshima

Sightseeing and dinner at Hiroshima. Enjoy Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (savory pancake Hiroshima style) for your dinner!

20:52 Hiroshima Sakura 570 22:21 Shin-Osaka

If you take Sakura 570, you can get back to any places in Osaka and Kyoto by public transportation.

At last, I recommend you to take Sakura (or Mizuho) than Hikari (or Nozomi) if you take a seat in the reserved car. Because the reserved seat accommodation is much better. Sakura and Mizuho has 2+2 layout. Hikari and Nozomi have 2+3 layout. Sakura and Mizuho’s reserved seat is much wider. You find many photo of seat and interior at the link below:

If you have extra day in Osaka or Kyoto, you may consider to add Hiroshima and Miyajima day trip.

Konnichiwa Takeshi-san Please advise me if the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass will be good for this trip in May/June: day 1 – arrive KIX [ from LHR. ] – stay in Osaka day 2 to day 6 – stay in Osaka. Day trips to Kyoto, Kawasaki-life Kobe, Nara. day 7 – Osaka to Himeji. then to Onomachi. Then bus to Imabari. day 8 – bicycle ride Shimanami Keido [half way] from Imabari to Sunset Beach Seto day 9 – bicycle ride balance of Shimanami Keido to Onomachi. Onomachi to Hiroshima in late afternoon. day 10 – Hiroshima to Miyajima return in morning. Afternoon late Hiroshima to Osaka day 11 – Osaka to KIX [ to SYD. ] * Also if I buy the tickets before travel, is it permitted to buy two 5 day tickets to cover days 2 to 11 – get 10day pass Option is to use SUICA card and buy 7 day JR Pass for days 5 to 11. Appreciate your advice! Arigato. Ted

Hi Ted san,

You may use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for day 7 to 11. You don’t need 2 x 5-day pass. You can use other pass when you are in Osaka, such as Kansai thru pass, Osaka amazing pass. Please find the link below to get more info: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html

Takeshi / JPRail.com

I’m currently considering to visit Hiroshima next year. How many days does want need to stay here for tour?

After Hiroshima, what route would you recommend before we go to Tokyo for our last stop before going home. This is going to be a 14-day trip.

Hi Chelsea,

It’s totally up to you. As I show the day trip sample itinerary above, you can see most of places in one day. But if you can stay for 2 days, the trip is easier. It depends on your trip style. If you want a slow travel, you may stay there 2 to 3 days. If you want to see the places as many as you want, you can stay there one day and use your time to visit other places.

There are lots of choices to visit between Hiroshima and Tokyo. Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Kyoto, Okayama, Kurashiki, Nagoya and Hakone are located on the way to Tokyo from Hiroshima. Kanazawa, Toyama and Takayama can be squeezed too.

I have many sample itineraries in the link below. I hope it gives you some idea: https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries

Hi Takeshi,

I’m thinking of getting the 5-day Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for Days 5-9 of the following itinerary next month:

Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto from Kansai Airport Day 2: Sagano Railway/Arashiyama Day 3: Tofukuji Temple Day 4: Takao Day 5: Kyoto to Hiroshima Day 6: Hiroshima/Miyajima Day 7: Hiroshima to Okayama Day 8: Okayama to Teshima and then to Osaka Day 9: Possible day trip to Tottori Day 10-12: Osaka

Would appreciate it if you could take a look and offer suggestions, if any. Thank you!

You may use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for day 5 to 9. That is a good choice.

For day 1 and staying in Kyoto, you can use Kansai one pass + Haruka. https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html

For day 10 to 12, please see the links below: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html

Dear Takeshi,

Hope you are doing well! May we kindly seek your help on what pass to use for our trip. It’s a 9D/8N trip this coming October 2019. We would like to cover Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Kobe and Osaka (if possible).

Day 1: Arrive @KIX at 6:55pm & go directly to Kyoto. (Use Kansai Area One Day Pass + ICOCA). [Stay in Kyoto]

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto Full Day Sightseeing (Use ICOCA). [Stay in Kyoto] (To visit Ginkakuji,Philosopher’s Path, Nanzenji, Eikando, Keage Incline, Heian Shrine, Chionin and Shorenin, Yasaka Shrine,Kodaiji Temple, Higashiyama Streets).

Day 3: Arashiyama Full Day Sightseeing (Use ICOCA). [Stay in Kyoto] (To visit Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji, Togetsukyo Bridge,Teryuji,Bamboo Groves,Jojakkoji, Gioji, Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Streets, to Otagi Nenbutsuji, Daikakuji)

Day 4: Full Day Nara [Stay in Nara] Day 5: Full Day Osaka (Use Osaka Amazing Day Pass) [Stay in Osaka] Day 6: Halfday Kobe + Halfday Himeji. [Stay in Kobe?] Day 7: Halfday Hiroshima + Halfday Miyajima. [Stay in Hiroshima] Day 8: Miyajima to Hiroshima back to Osaka. [Stay in Osaka] Day 9: Half day Osaka before our flight departure @KIX at 8:05pm.

We are looking forward to your advise/suggestions.

Thank you very much!

Regards, Julie

You may use Kansai One Pass + Haruka deal for day 1 to 3. This is cheaper than Kansai area pass and Kansai one pass is same type the card as ICOCA but Kansai one pass offers the discount at many attractions: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html

You also can use Kansai one pass for Kyoto to Nara and Nara to Osaka. If you want to minimize to travel with the luggage, you can stay in Osaka instead of staying in Nara and Kobe. It is very easy to make a day trip to these areas. If you want to stay in many places, you can stay in Nara and Kobe as well.

Osaka amazing pass is a good choice for Osaka.

You can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for day 6 to 9.

If you don’t stay in Nara and make a day trip to Nara from Osaka, you can switch day 4 (Nara) and day 5 (Osaka). So you can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass to get Nara on day 5. You can save your fund in Kansai one pass. You can use the fund in Kansai one pass for not only riding the train but also purchasing something to eat and/or drink in the convenience store. Most convenience stores accept ICOCA and Kansai one pass.

Many Thanks Takeshi. This is really helpful! Appreciate your help.

Cheers, Julie C.

No worries, Julie.

I’m planning a trip in Dec as follows: 24 Dec- arrive at Kansai Airport – travel to Hiroshima 25/26 Dec – either day to day trip to Miyajima ( which day would u recommend?) 27 Dec – travel to Kyoto 29 Dec- travel to Osaka 30 Dec – day trip to Nara 3 Jan – back to Kansai Airport

Appreciate if you could recommend the passes needed and places to visit while at Kyoto and Osaka as well.

You may use Kansai Hiroshima area pass 5-day for the first 5 days of your trip: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html

After that, you may use the regular fare ticket for Kyoto to Osaka, and day trip to Nara. You may use Kansai one pass instead: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html

For the staying in Osaka and the trip to Kansai, you may use the deal in the links below: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html

Thank you Takeshi-san for your advice. I had purchased the passes as recommended and the links you had given me are extremely useful. Appreciate your time in replying us!

No worries, Erina san.

So we are planning a 3 week trip to Japan and it will be our first time to Japan. Going to split the trip into 3 parts (Kyoto/Hakuba-Ski/Tokyo), while in the Kansai area we plan to base ourselves in Kyoto and do trips to different cities and places. I think Kyoto will be a nice contrast because we plan to be in Tokyo for approx. 6 nights.

Day 1 – Arrival into KIX Airport, check into hotel and explore Kyoto Day 2 – Explore more of Kyoto Day 3 – Day trip to Osaka (Universal Studios) then into Osaka for shopping/dinner Day 4 – Spend the day in Kyoto Day 5 – Day trip to Himeji/Hiroshima Day 6 – Day trip to Nara Day 7 – Train to Kanzawa (Half day exploring) then onwards to Nagano and express bus to Hakuba Day 7-13- Hakuba – Skiing Day 14 – 21 – Tokyo

My Question is should I purchase a 5 day Kansai-Hiroshima pass and separate train tickets for Kyoto – Kanzawa – Nagano OR 7 Day JR rai pass?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kansai Hiroshima area pass + regular fare ticket is better choice than JR Pass. If you use JR pass, you must use it for day trip to Hiroshima, Osaka-Kanazawa-Nagano, and you also have to take train from Nagano to Tokyo. You have to do these trips in 7 days period. Otherwise you cannot get the worth of it.

You may take a limousine bus to get Kyoto from Kansai and use the pass for day 2 to 6. http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY

You can use Tokyo subway ticket for sightseeing in Tokyo. https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html

Thanks Takeshi!

That information is really helpful .

Just out of interest on the Kansai Hiroshima area pass I know you can’t book reserved seats, but can you pay extra to get the seats so you don’t have to sit in the unreserved car?

If you want to reserve a seat, you have to pay full fare of reserved seat fee. The extra charge is not the difference of reserved and non reserved. e.g. Shinkansen reserved seat fee for Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima is 4,820 yen. Non reserved seat fee is 4,090 yen. The extra charge is 4,820 yen. It’s not 730 yen (4,820 – 4,090).

Please keep it in your mind. And also you can find some tips to find the seat in non reserved car in the link below: https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html

Dear Takeshi-san,

Thank you so much for all the valuable information that you have shared! It’s really helpful. Could you advise me if I should buy the 5 day Kansai-Hiroshima Pass or the Sanyo Sanin Pass? Appreciate if you have any other advice on my itinerary and if there are other day passes I should purchase. I will be travelling with a 3 year toddler. Is this itinerary too hectic?

I’ve tried really hard to put the travelling together:). Grateful to you for your help.

Day 1: Arrive at 11.30am Itami Airport /Osaka to Kyoto (Hotel beside Kyoto Station)-Downtown Kyoto ,Owl Cafe Kyoto, Shiba Inu Cafe, Gion Day 2: Kyoto- Southern Higashiyama, and Fushimi-Inari Day 3: Kyoto- Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji and Daitoku-ji Day 4: Kyoto-Hedgehog Cafe, Kurama/Kibune and Northern Higashiyama Day 5: Check out Kyoto – Day trip to Nara- Back to Kyoto to take luggage – Take Train to Osaka (check into Hotel beside Shin-Osaka Station) Dotonbori Area > Umeda Sky Building (Osaka) Day 6: Osaka – Universal Studios Day 7: Osaka -Kurashiki Day 8: Osaka -Himeiji/Kobe Day 9: Hiroshima /Miyajima (Stay 1 N) Day 10: Miyajima /Hiroshima back to Osaka Day 11: Osaka -Cat Cafe Mocha, Rabbit Cafe,Osaka Castle > Shinsekai Area > Kuromon Market – KIX Airport, Flight at 9.15pm

Best, Wendy

Hi Wendy san,

I think Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass 5 days is okay for the last 5 days. And I recommend you to drop by Kurashiki on the way or way back to/from Hiroshima. Kurashiki is located between Osaka and Hiroshima. If you go to Kurashiki from Osaka, you have to spend 1.5 hours for one way. It is okay but if you drop by Kurashiki on the way to Hiroshima (or way back), you can save one full day and use this day for trip to Nara. 2 to 3 hours is okay for visiting Kurashiki. I think it is not difficult squeeze Kurashiki into the trip to Hiroshima.

So my suggested itinerary for day 5 is check out and go to Osaka. You can visit Dotonbori and Sky building. You can add other spots in Osaka. Day 6 is same and you can go to Nara on day 7. You can start using Kansai Hiroshima area pass on this day.

You may take a bus from Itami to Kyoto and start to use Kansai one pass from day 1 to 6. https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1

On day 5, if you want to visit several attractions, you may add Osaka amazing pass after arrival in Osaka. https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/

Hiroshima: Tour to Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island

Hiroshima’s resilience and message of peace are powerfully conveyed through a tour of its iconic landmarks. Visitors begin at Shin-Osaka Station, then journey to the Atomic Bomb Dome , a haunting UNESCO site that stands as a reminder of the 1945 tragedy. The Peace Memorial Museum offers a profound exploration of the human experiences, while the serene Miyajima Island , with its floating torii gate and friendly deer, provides a poignant contrast. This tour promises a profound and thought-provoking experience for those seeking to understand Hiroshima’s complex history and the enduring pursuit of peace.

• Visitors experience the sobering history of the Hiroshima atomic bombing at the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome.
• Miyajima Island’s iconic floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine provide a scenic contrast to the somber history.
• Interacting with the friendly deer population on Miyajima Island offers a delightful respite from the tour’s emotional content.
• The tour allows participants to reflect on the impact of nuclear warfare and the city’s resilience in promoting peace.
• The tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Hiroshima’s past and its efforts to prevent future atrocities through the museum and memorial sites.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Hiroshima Airport To/From Hiroshima City Private Transfer
• Hiroshima: Full-Day City Highlights Private Guided Tour
• Hiroshima Private Day Tour
• Hiroshima:Helicopter Cruising

Tour Overview

Exploring the historic city of Hiroshima , this comprehensive tour takes visitors through the city’s poignant past and vibrant present. Departing from Shin-Osaka Station, the tour begins with a train journey to Hiroshima, a scenic 110-minute ride.

Highlights include the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome , a sobering reminder of the city’s tragic history, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum , which provides in-depth insights into the events of August 1945. After a local restaurant lunch, the tour continues to the picturesque Miyajima Island , where visitors can explore the serene Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating Torii Gate, as well as interact with the island’s friendly deer population.

Shin-Osaka Station Departure

Departing from Shin-Osaka Station, the tour group gathers at the designated meeting point, ready to embark on their journey to historic Hiroshima. The meeting location depends on the mode of transportation, which is clearly communicated to the participants prior to the tour.

Once everyone is accounted for, the group sets off, traveling by Shinkansen or other pre-arranged transportation to reach Hiroshima, where they will begin their exploration of the city’s poignant history and the resilience of its people.

Atomic Bomb Dome Visit

Arriving at the Atomic Bomb Dome , the group takes a moment to solemnly reflect on the site’s somber history. The iconic structure, partially destroyed by the atomic blast, stands as a stark reminder of the devastation that occurred on August 6, 1945 .

The guide provides a brief overview, explaining how the dome, once the city’s Industrial Promotion Hall, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of peace. The group spends 15 minutes contemplating the history and significance of the site before moving on to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum , where they’ll delve deeper into the events and aftermath of the atomic bombing.

Peace Memorial Museum Tour

The group next visits the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum , where they’ll delve deeper into the events and aftermath of the atomic bombing . The museum’s exhibits provide a sobering and educational experience, chronicling the devastation wrought by the bomb and honoring the memory of the victims.

Visitors can explore personal accounts, artifacts, and multimedia displays that convey the human impact of the tragedy . The museum’s mission is to promote peace and raise awareness, inspiring visitors to reflect on the horrors of nuclear warfare and work towards a more peaceful world. Through this immersive experience, the group gains a profound understanding of Hiroshima’s history and the ongoing efforts to prevent such catastrophic events from occurring again.

Miyajima Island Exploration

Next, the group heads to the picturesque Miyajima Island , a sacred site known for its iconic floating torii gate . They stroll through the charming Omotesando Street, browsing local shops and food stalls.

At the Itsukushima Shrine , they admire the stunning architecture and take in the serene atmosphere. The highlight is the famous Floating Torii Gate, which appears to be suspended on the water during high tide.

Afterwards, they explore Omoto Park , interacting with the friendly deer that roam freely. The tour concludes with the return journey to Shin-Osaka Station, leaving the participants with cherished memories of Hiroshima’s cultural and historical treasures.

Itsukushima Shrine and Torii

Visiting the iconic Itsukushima Shrine , the group marvels at its stunning architecture , which seamlessly blends into the serene natural surroundings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its "floating" torii gate, which appears to rise from the waters of the Seto Inland Sea at high tide.

The shrine’s harmonious design, marked by vermilion pillars and sweeping roofs , creates a captivating atmosphere. Key features include:

• The iconic torii gate, which stands in the water during high tide.
• The shrine’s main hall, with its intricate carvings and impressive scale.
• The shrine’s five-story pagoda , a classic example of Japanese architectural style.
• The natural scenery of the island, including the surrounding forests and coastline.

Deer Interaction Experience

As part of the tour, visitors delight in the deer interaction experience on Miyajima Island. The island is home to a thriving population of friendly, semi-tame deer that roam freely throughout the grounds. Visitors can purchase special deer crackers and feed the animals, often having them eat right out of their hands.

It’s a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat . The deer are accustomed to human interaction and often approach visitors curiously. This memorable experience adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the island and provides a delightful contrast to the somber history explored earlier in the tour.

Return to Shin-Osaka Station

Returning to Shin-Osaka Station marks the end of the Hiroshima tour’s captivating journey . The 2.5-hour return train ride allows visitors to reflect on the profound experiences of the day.

After exploring the powerful Atomic Bomb Dome , immersive Peace Memorial Museum , and the serene Itsukushima Shrine , the tour participants can:

• Discuss the lessons learned about the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.
• Appreciate the resilience and peace-building efforts of the Hiroshima community.
• Share their personal connections and takeaways from the poignant sites visited.
• Prepare to return home with a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s history and its enduring message of peace.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Hiroshima Port Shore Excursion Private Transfer
• Hiroshima: Peace Memorial, Itsukushima and Miyajima Tour
• Hiroshima Miyajima and Bomb Dome Private Tour
• Iwakuni Airport To/From Hiroshima City Private Transfer
• From Hiroshima: Private Tour to Kure
• Osaka/Kyoto: Hiroshima and Miyajima Trip With Indian Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour appears moderately accessible for individuals with disabilities. It includes guided transportation, museum and shrine admissions, and opportunities to interact with deer, though the full itinerary may pose challenges for those with mobility or accessibility needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Light layers are recommended, as the weather can be variable throughout the day.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to meet specific interests. Customers can request changes to the itinerary or focus areas to suit their preferences while maintaining the core highlights of the tour.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

The tour itinerary can be adjusted based on weather conditions. In case of inclement weather, the guide will work with travelers to modify the tour, prioritizing indoor activities like the Peace Memorial Museum to ensure a memorable and comfortable experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour does not specify any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Participants should notify the tour guide in advance of any special dietary needs, which the guide will aim to accommodate where possible.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

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• Hiroshima/Miyajima Private Custom Tour With Local Guide
• Private Tea Ceremony Experience in Hiroshima
• Hiroshima: Explore Miyajima Private Gem Tour W/Local 5hours
• Hiroshima: Sanfrecce Hiroshima Football Match
• From Osaka: Hiroshima and Miyajima With Professional Guide
• Hiroshima: Yoga Lesson in English
• Hiroshima/A-bombed Train 653 & VR Tour in Peace Memorial Park
• Tea Ceremony Experience Near the Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima’s Historic Walk: Castle, Dome & Peace Park
• Itsukushima Shrine Special Nighttime View & Bugaku Performance
• Hiroshima Miyajima Park
• Hiroshima: Acupuncture and Japanese Unique Massage Treatment
• Hiroshima & Miyajima Satisfying Private Gem Tour W/ Local 7h

The Hiroshima tour offers a powerful and thoughtful experience, guiding visitors through the city’s history and message of peace . From the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome to the serene Miyajima Island, the tour provides a profound understanding of Hiroshima’s resilience, reminding participants of the devastating impacts of nuclear warfare and the importance of promoting global harmony.

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