A journey from Hiroshima’s poignant Peace Memorial Park to the sacred “floating” torii of Miyajima reveals both tragedy and timeless beauty. In one day, you can honor history, wander UNESCO sites, and savor oysters on a shrine-lined island. This guide offers everything you need for a deeply moving and efficient day trip.
Where to Stay (Hiroshima)
Even if you’re only in town one night, resting well in Hiroshima sets the tone for your visit:
- Luxury: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel – direct access to Hiroshima Station, spacious rooms, and top-floor city views.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima – attached to the station, with modern amenities and river vistas.
- Budget: Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Hiroshima – sleek capsules steps from Hondori Arcade.
- Insider Tip: Book a riverside room facing the Peace Park to watch lanterns float on the Motoyasu River in the evening.
Best Tours
Guides deepen your understanding of Hiroshima’s history and Miyajima’s mystique:
Hiroshima Peace & Miyajima Private Tour
- Itinerary: Morning at Peace Memorial Park and Museum; ferry to Miyajima; Itsukushima Shrine; Mt. Misen cable car or hike; return via sunset ferry.
- Duration & Cost: ~8–9 hours, ¥25,000–¥30,000 private; ¥12,000 small group.
- Pro Tip: Start by 8 AM to tour the museum before crowds, then head to Miyajima by 11.
Guided Hiroshima & Kintaikyo Bridge Excursion
- Itinerary: Peace Park, then train to Iwakuni for the iconic five-arch wooden bridge, returning via local sake brewery.
- Duration & Cost: ~10 hours, ¥20,000–¥23,000.
- Why It’s Special: Combines Hibakusha history with samurai-era architecture and local flavors.
Miyajima Hiking & Cultural Walk
- Itinerary: Morning Itsukushima Shrine tour, then a guided hike up Mt. Misen’s trails, visiting Daisho-in Temple; end with grilled oysters at Omotesando.
- Duration & Cost: ~5 hours, ¥9,000 per person.
- Insider Tip: Opt for the Momijidani route—it’s steeper but far quieter than the cable car path.
Where Is Hiroshima & Miyajima?
Hiroshima sits on the Inland Sea coast of western Honshu. Just 25 minutes by ferry from Hiroshima’s Miyajimaguchi port lies Miyajima (Itsukushima), an island revered since the 6th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to Get There
- From Tokyo/Kyoto: Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (4 h from Tokyo; 1.5 h from Kyoto).
- Hiroshima to Miyajima: JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi (25 m, ¥410), then JR ferry (10 m, ¥180 one-way).
- JR Pass: Covers all train legs and the JR ferry (non-JR “Miyajima Matsudai” ferry costs slightly less).
Transport
- Streetcar (Tram): Hiroshima’s trams radiate from central stations—Line 2 or 6 to “Genbaku Dome-mae” stop (¥190 flat fare).
- Walking: Peace Park and Hondori Arcade lie within a 1 km radius of each other—ideal for foot exploration.
- Bicycles: Rental shops near the station (¥1,000/day) let you cycle to Peace Park and along the riverfront.
- Ferries & Cable Cars: Miyajima’s small ferries run every 15 minutes; cable car to Mt. Misen summit station is ¥1,800 round-trip.
Best Things to Do
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Reflect at the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, and flame of peace. The museum’s survivor accounts and artifacts (shoes, watches) bring history to life. Plan 2–3 hours here.
Shukkeien Garden
A 17th-century strolling garden where miniature landscapes—bridges, tea houses, ponds—offer tranquility just a block from the station.
Hiroshima Castle
Reconstructed keep houses a samurai museum. Climb to the top floor for river and city views.
Itsukushima Shrine & Floating Torii
On Miyajima, pray beneath the vermilion tori gate standing in the bay at high tide. Walk the boardwalk through shrine pavilions built over the water.
Mount Misen Panoramas
Hike 75 minutes via Momijidani Valley or ride two cable-car sections. At the summit, the five-meter Goju-no-to pagoda and east crater observatory offer sweeping Inland Sea vistas.
Miyajima’s Omotesando Street
Sample local delights—fresh oysters grilled to order, sweet momiji manju (maple pastries), and anago (conger eel) rice bowls.
Daisho-in Temple
A short bus from Itsukushima Shrine, this Shingon Buddhist temple features hundreds of jizo statues and a hidden Tengu hall.
Nighttime Lantern Floating
If your visit coincides with August’s Toro Nagashi, join locals in releasing paper lanterns on the Motoyasu River—a moving tribute to the war’s victims.
Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots
- Sunrise at Peace Park: Arrive by 6 AM for the morning light on the A-Bomb Dome before visitors arrive.
- Sunset from Mt. Misen: The final cable car or trail hike rewards you with sun setting over the Inland Sea.
- Evening at Shukkeien: Lanterns light pathways after 5 PM during summer months, creating a magical vibe.
Map & Navigation Tip
Download the “Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi” app for station and tram information. On Miyajima, a paper map at the ferry terminal shows walking routes to major sites.
Other Tips
- Cash Only: Many Miyajima stalls and small Hiroshima cafés accept only yen.
- Deer Etiquette: Friendly but may nibble if you hold food—bag snacks securely.
- Temple Respect: Remove shoes at shrine entrances and speak softly on cable cars.
Is It Safe?
Both Hiroshima and Miyajima are extremely safe. Exercise usual travel caution in crowded areas and on busy tram platforms.
On a Budget
- Transport Pass: JR West Kansai Pass (multiple days) can cover your trains and ferries.
- Food: Bento shops at station and street stalls on Miyajima (¥300–¥600 each).
- Attractions: Peace Museum ¥200; Itsukushima Shrine ¥300; Shukkeien ¥260.
How Long to Stay
A packed day (7 AM–7 PM) covers key Hiroshima and Miyajima highlights. An overnight stay lets you experience evening lanterns and early shrine visits.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
7:30 AM: Shinkansen arrives Hiroshima → Tram to Peace Park → Peace Museum (8:00 opening)
10:30 AM: Walk to Shukkeien Garden → Lunch on okonomiyaki at a local café
12:30 PM: JR to Miyajimaguchi → Ferry to Miyajima (13:00)
1:15 PM: Itsukushima Shrine & Torii → Omotesando snacks
3:00 PM: Cable car or hike Mt. Misen summit → Descend via alternative route
5:00 PM: Daisho-in Temple visit → Return ferry at high tide (¥180)
6:00 PM: Train back to Hiroshima → Dine on Hiroshima-style oysters
7:30 PM: Evening stroll along Motoyasu River → Optional overnight or Shinkansen to next city
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Cherry blossoms at Peace Park and Miyajima’s Momiji Valley.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Toro Nagashi lantern festival; hot but festive.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Fire-colored maples on Miyajima and in Shukkeien.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Crisp air, clear Mount Misen views, fewer crowds.
Hotels
Luxury: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima, ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima
Mid-Range: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, RIHGA Royal Hotel
Budget: Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier, Guesthouse Roku
Explore More of Japan
This Hiroshima & Miyajima guide ensures you honor history, embrace nature, and taste local delights—making your day trip a deeply memorable chapter of your Japan travels.
