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After exploring Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Osaka, and Himeji, my journey continued to Hiroshima, and I can honestly say this city left one of the deepest impressions on me. Hiroshima isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you feel. Spending two days here gave me time to explore, reflect, learn, and appreciate how powerful travel can be.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Hiroshima Grand Intelligent Hotel, located conveniently close to the station. The hotel has an elegant, slightly old-school luxury feel, and I loved that the room was spacious and included a wet-room style bathroom with a bathtub, perfect after long walking days.
Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima is known worldwide for the tragic events of August 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb was dropped. Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was emotional but incredibly important. The park is peaceful, reflective, and beautifully designed to honour victims and survivors.
Seeing the preserved Genbaku Dome in person was something I’ll never forget. Inside the museum, you’ll find personal stories, artefacts, and testimonies that show the devastating human impact. It’s heartbreaking, but also educational, powerful, and necessary to witness, so history is never forgotten.
Hiroshima Historical Walking Tour: A Deeper Understanding
I explored Hiroshima’s memorial sites independently, but a guided historical walking tour would be a valuable option for travellers who want more context beyond the museum displays. A knowledgeable local guide can help explain the city’s history and give visitors the opportunity to ask questions along the way.
I would have loved to join one during my visit, as hearing these stories in their actual locations can add depth and perspective to an already meaningful experience.
Food Experience: Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki
After an emotional afternoon, we headed into the city centre to try Hiroshima’s famous dish, okonomiyaki. Unlike Osaka’s version, Hiroshima-style is layered with noodles, cabbage, egg, and toppings.
We ate at Okonomimura Fumichan, located inside a lively building filled with small cooking stalls. Sitting at the counter watching the chef prepare the pancake right in front of us was such a fun and authentic experience. It was filling, flavourful, and honestly one of my favourite meals of the trip.
Look Down: Hiroshima’s Artistic Manhole Covers
One fun thing I discovered while walking around Hiroshima was the decorative manhole covers. Japan is famous for turning everyday street details into art, and Hiroshima has some beautiful designs reflecting local culture and history. Spotting them became a little treasure hunt while exploring the city, such a small detail, but such a memorable one.
Why Hiroshima Is a Must-Visit
Hiroshima is not just about history. It’s about resilience, peace, kindness, and reflection. Despite its past, the city today feels welcoming, lively, and full of life. Visiting here gave me a deeper appreciation for Japan’s culture, strength, and humanity.
If you’re planning your Japan route, I truly believe Hiroshima deserves a place on your itinerary.
Looking Ahead: A Day in Miyajima
After exploring Hiroshima on our first day, we spent the next day on Miyajima. This beautiful island is famous for the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, friendly deer and stunning coastal views. You can read my full Miyajima Island day trip guide to discover what we saw, ate and learned, along with practical tips for planning your own visit.
Tours and Experiences Mentioned in This Hiroshima Guide
If you're planning your own visit to Hiroshima, I've listed the tours, attractions and experiences mentioned throughout this guide below. Whether you're interested in history, local food or learning more about the city's remarkable story, these experiences can help you make the most of your visit.
These are the experiences featured in this guide:
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum was one of the most moving experiences of my entire Japan trip. Walking through the museum and seeing the Genbaku Dome in person is something I'll never forget.
Hiroshima Historical Walking Tour
If you want to understand Hiroshima beyond what you see in the museum, I highly recommend joining a historical walking tour. Hearing the city's story from a knowledgeable local guide adds valuable context and helps me understand Hiroshima's history on a much deeper level.
Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki Experience
Trying Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura was one of my favourite food experiences in Japan. Watching it being prepared right in front of me made the meal even more memorable. If you’d prefer to explore Hiroshima’s wider food scene with a guide, this evening tour visits three local restaurants and includes a full dinner.
Miyajima Day Trip
If you have an extra day in Hiroshima, I highly recommend visiting Miyajima Island. It became one of my favourite places in Japan, and I'll share everything about that experience in my next guide.
Stay Connected
Having mobile data made travelling around Hiroshima, using maps and planning my journey to Miyajima incredibly easy. I used Airalo throughout my Japan trip for navigation, translations and transport.
Planning Your Hiroshima Trip?
If I had to recommend three experiences for your visit, I’d choose:
- Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Joining a historical walking tour to better understand Hiroshima's past.
- Trying authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura.
Hiroshima is much more than a historical destination. It left me reflecting on resilience, peace and the importance of remembering the past, making it one of the most meaningful places I visited in Japan.
Continue Exploring Japan
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