Things to do in Hiroshima Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Hiroshima Prefecture

Types of activities

Where to stay

Hiroshima Prefecture Travel Guide

Top places to visit

1. Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is the crowning monument and namesake of Itsukushima Island (or, as it is popularly known, Miyajima, “shrine island”). A UNESCO world heritage listed site and a national treasure, the Itsukushima Shrine holds great cultural significance for the Shinto religion. Explore the shrine’s sacred buildings and stroll along connecting boardwalks. Enjoy views of the magnificent shrine complex and be awed by the way it appears to float above the waters of the Onoseto Strait.

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Itsukushima Shrine featuring heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a large public park in the heart of Hiroshima dedicated to the remembrance of the victims of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. The park is located in the hypocenter area of the bomb, which was almost completely leveled in the blast. Today, the elegantly designed park is a tranquil space dotted with memorial monuments, quiet gardens and symbols of peace.

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Spend a day reflecting on the atomic bombing that devastated Hiroshima in 1945 and discover the city’s mission for peace at this beautifully designed park in the city center.

3. Miyajima Ferry Terminal

Miyajima Ferry Terminal is the gateway to Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima Island, home to one of Japan’s most famous shrines. Located in the Seto Inland Sea, this sacred island is accessible only by boat. Watch for the breathtaking view of the shrine and its striking red torii gate as you approach on the water.

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4. Atomic Bomb Dome

One of the only buildings left standing in Hiroshima after the devastating impacts of the atomic bomb, the A-Bomb Dome quietly memorializes the tragedy and resilience experienced in the city. The ruins of the stately “Genbaku-Domu” represent the peace efforts of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in which it stands. Visit this genuine relic and UNESCO World Heritage listed site in the heart of Hiroshima to learn about what happened here in 1945 and how the city is moving forward.

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The only building still standing in the atomic bomb’s devastating hypocenter now crests the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, symbolizing the city’s plea for peace.

5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is dedicated to documenting and displaying the tragic events of the atomic bombing the city endured in 1945, as well as promoting a message of peace. Opened in 1955, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum aims to explain the atomic bomb’s political, historical and social impact, offering insight into the horror of the event through personal stories, victim’s artifacts and scientific recordings. The museum’s overwhelming message, however, is a plea for international peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons all over the world.

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Learn about the catastrophic impact the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima through personal stories, scientific documentation and real footage at this museum dedicated to world peace.

6. Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle, or Hiroshimajō, is a stunning reconstruction of the original castle keep that was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. Built true to its original form, which was completed in 1591, in the Azuchi-Momoyama style, Hiroshima Castle now holds an intriguing museum, as well as a stunning lookout over the castle grounds, moat and cityscape. Explore Hiroshima Castle to learn about traditional Japanese feudal architecture and Samurai heritage.

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Hiroshima Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage elements

What to do in Hiroshima Prefecture

Popular places to visit

Itsukushima Shrine

Walk along wooden piers and observe the captivating sights of this Shinto shrine that appears to float on the water offshore from Miyajima Island.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Spend a day reflecting on the atomic bombing that devastated Hiroshima in 1945 and discover the city’s mission for peace at this beautifully designed park in the city center.

Miyajima Ferry Terminal

Take a relaxing and scenic ferry trip to the sacred island of Miyajima and begin your journey to serene shrines and a tranquil mountain peak.

Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium

Catch an event at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium during your trip to Hiroshima. Visit the notable monuments and shops in this walkable area.

Atomic Bomb Dome

The only building still standing in the atomic bomb’s devastating hypocenter now crests the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, symbolizing the city’s plea for peace.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Learn about the catastrophic impact the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima through personal stories, scientific documentation and real footage at this museum dedicated to world peace.

Hiroshima Castle

Visit this magnificently reconstructed castle to explore its towering main keep and learn about Japanese feudal history and Samurai culture at the museum within.

Hiroshima Central Shopping District

During your visit to Hiroshima, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Hiroshima Central Shopping District. Visit the monuments in this walkable area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Miyajima Aquarium

See the majestic porpoises and sea lions of the Seto Inland Sea or touch penguins and shoreline creatures at this comprehensive aquarium on Miyajima Island.

Areas of Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroshima City Centre

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and prominent monuments, there's plenty to explore in Hiroshima City Centre. You can visit top attractions like Hiroshima Central Shopping District and Kamiyacho, and jump on the metro at Kamiya-cho-higashi Station or Tate-machi Station to see more of the city.

Five-Story Pagoda which includes heritage elements

Itsukushima

If you're spending some time in Itsukushima, Miyama Shrine and Daisho-in are top sights worth seeing.

Hiroshima Castle which includes chateau or palace

Naka Ward

Travelers love Naka Ward for its popular shops, and you can see more of Hiroshima by jumping on the metro at Funairi-hon-machi Station or Funairi-saiwai-cho Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hiroshima Central Shopping District and Kamiyacho.

Hiroshima featuring heritage elements and a lake or waterhole as well as a large group of people

Minami Ward

While you're in Minami Ward, take in top sights like Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Hijiyama-shita Station or Hijiyamabashi Station.

Hiroshima showing a park, flowers and heritage elements

Nishi Ward

While you're in Nishi Ward, take in top sights like Marina Hop or Mitaki-dera, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Fukushima-cho Station or Nishi-kan-on-machi Station.

Motomachi

If you're spending time in Motomachi, check out sights like Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine or Hiroshima Green Arena and hop on the metro to see more the city at Kencho-mae Station or Kamiya-cho-higashi Station.