Hiroshima: 2-day itinerary, with a day trip to Miyajima

Hiroshima is one of those must-see destinations on any trip to Japan

When I was planning the trip, I had my doubts. I worried that Hiroshima might be a somber, heavy place to visit—maybe even unsuitable for a trip with kids. How wrong I was!

Hiroshima is a vibrant, modern city that embodies the best of Japan: warm and welcoming people, mouthwatering food, stunning temples, ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, breathtaking landscapes, and, on top of all that, the opportunity to learn from a chapter of human history that everyone should reflect on. Hiroshima teaches us about resilience, humility, and courage. It stands as proof that it’s possible to rise, rebuild, and create a new chapter in your story.

During our 4 week adventure in Japan, after spending over a week soaking up everything Tokyo had to offer, crossing the Japanese Alps , and hiking the Nakasendo Road, we arrived in Hiroshima. From there, we continued on to Kyoto and Osaka.

So come along with me as I share our two-day itinerary in Hiroshima and Miyajima. And if you have any questions afterward, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @danae_explore. I love talking about travel!

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How to get to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is located in southern Japan, and the best way to get there—like most places in Japan—is by train, specifically the Shinkansen, the legendary Japanese bullet train.

We were in Takayama and took the Hida Express, a regional train, to Nagoya. From there, we hopped on the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. The entire trip took about five hours.

Once we arrived at Hiroshima Station, we caught bus number 50, which dropped us off almost right in front of our hotel, the FAV Hiroshima Heiwa Odori. I highly recommend using Google Maps to navigate Japan, especially for getting around within cities. We relied on it every day of our trip and never had any issues. Just follow the directions, and you'll be all set.

The Sanyo Shinkansen line connects Hiroshima to several major Japanese citiesincluding Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. For example, the bullet train covers the more than 800 km between Hiroshima and Tokyo in about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Hiroshima also has an airport (code: HIJ), offering flights to various cities across Japan as well as international destinations like Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Hanoi.

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Where to stay in Hiroshima

In Hiroshima, we stayed at what ended up being the coolest hotel of our entire 4 week trip to Japan. The kids especially loved it!

The FAV Hiroshima Heiwa Odori had the largest rooms we experienced during the trip. It came with two queen-size beds and, perched above them like a bunk bed, a single bed. There was also a spacious living area, a compact kitchen, a bathroom, and even a washing machine. Yes, a washing machine in the room — a dream come true for a traveler like me who loves to travel with with only a carry-on.

The location of FAV Hiroshima Heiwa Odori was excellent. In the evenings, we would stroll to the Hondori area, which had a great vibe and plenty of dining options. You can also walk from the hotel to the Peace Memorial, but with the July heat that felt straight out of the Sahara, we opted for the comfort of an air-conditioned bus.

Other hotels I had considered in Hiroshima were The Knot Hiroshimaand the KIRO Hiroshima by the Share Hotels.

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2-day itinerary in Hiroshima and Miyajima

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First of all, I should mention that we stayed in Hiroshima for three nights. We arrived late in the afternoon, but still had time to walk around and get a feel for the city. We headed to the Hondori area for dinner, a bustling shopping street with various shops and plenty of bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets. After nearly twenty days traveling around Japan, we craved something more familiar and ended up at The Shack, an Irish-style pub. The burger was average, and the kids' pizza was disappointing — hey, you can’t win every meal!

With two full days ahead of us, we dedicated the first day to exploring Hiroshima and the second to visiting Miyajima.

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Day 1: Exploring Hiroshima

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1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial is an intense and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impact.

We started our day at the Peace Memorial Museum, a must-see in the city, though it can be emotionally heavy. The exhibits recount the events of August 6, 1945, and the days that followed, with original photos, clothing, and personal items of the victims, along with drawings, paintings, and stories from survivors. There's also a projection of images on a topographical model of Hiroshima, showing the extent of destruction caused by the atomic bomb, and a section dedicated to nuclear weapons. The museum delivers a powerful message about humanity's mistakes and stresses that the only way to ensure global safety is a complete worldwide ban on nuclear weapons.

Is this a child-friendly visit? There is no age restriction for visiting the museum. If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know I believe children belong everywhere in the world. They should be introduced to the realities of the world they live in, both the good and the bad, as part of their education and growth. Our daughters were 10 and 12 years old when they visited the museum. We explained what happened, talked with them, and reflected together using language appropriate for their age. Take time to talk with your kids beforehand, explain what they’ll see, why it happened, and how we can work to prevent such tragedies in the future. You’ll be amazed at how much they can take from the experience.

A few months later, we took our daughters to the Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo, another city scarred by conflict. It’s important to show children the world in all its beauty but also its harsh realities.

We reached the Peace Memorial Museum by bus and bought tickets on-site.

After the museum, we continued our walk through Peace Memorial Park toward the Peace Dome, the ruins of the only building that wasn’t completely destroyed by the explosion.

As you stroll through the park, you’ll come across several monuments, including the Fountain of Prayers, the Cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims, the Pond of Peace, and the Flame and the Bell of Peace. The Children's Monument is particularly touching — the story of Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes is especially moving.

Across the Motoyasu River stands the Atomic Bomb Dome, a sturdy structure and one of the most powerful reminders of how the city rose from its ashes.

Not far from there is Orizuru Tower, a building featuring exhibitions, a café and bar on the rooftop, and panoramic views of the city. Though it’s not very tall, they say the view is worth it. Unfortunately, we were too hungry and tired to check it out ourselves.

All in all, we spent about three hours visiting the museum and the park.

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2. Hiroshima Castle

After an intense morning, a change of scenery was just what we needed.

We stopped for lunch nearby at Sanukiya Kamiyachoten, though there are plenty of other options around the Peace Memorial Dome.

From there, we took a leisurely walk to Hiroshima Castle, passing by the Hiroshima Museum of Art along the way.

Hiroshima Castle, originally built in 1591 by feudal lord Terumoto Mori, strong>, was completely destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. What you see today is a reconstruction completed in 1958. The exterior remains faithful to the original, while the interior is modern. Inside, you'll find a museum showcasing the history of the samurai and Hiroshima before the tragic events of 1945. The collection is excellent and well-organized. The view from the top is also impressive, offering a striking contrast between Hiroshima's modern cityscape and the rich history that defines it.

Be sure to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle as well.

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3. Shukkei-en Garden

Now, I’ll be honest—we didn’t have the time or energy to visit Shukkei-en Garden. After spending the day at the Peace Memorial and Hiroshima Castle in the sweltering summer heat, we decided to head back to the hotel for a bit of rest before our evening plans.

But, if you love traditional Japanese gardens and are feeling up for it, or if you have a more relaxed itinerary, I highly recommend setting aside time to visit. Shukkei-en is said to be a lovely place to unwind, with its small lakes, picturesque bridges, and lush vegetation, all in the classic Japanese garden style.

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4. Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Street

After our visit to Hiroshima Castle, we returned to the hotel and later enjoyed dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant called Lucio. I have to say, the food was fantastic!

After dinner, we headed back to the Hondori area, a central district full of shops, restaurants, and bars. While we weren’t there for the food this time, we had one of the activities that both the kids and adults enjoyed the most during our time in Japan — karaoke! If you visit Japan, don’t miss out on this experience.

Karaoke bars in Japan offer private, soundproof rooms and a huge selection of songs. Whether you're into the latest hits (and yes, they have Taylor Swift’s full catalog if you’re traveling with pre-teens, I checked!) and all the 4's rock classics, there’s something for everyone. During our trip, we went to karaoke four times — twice in Hiroshima and twice in Kyoto, all at Big Echo locations. You pay by the hour (or half-hour), and you can also order food and drinks. We didn’t eat, but the draft beer was excellent.

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5. Try Okonomiyaki

Hiroshima’s must-see attractions aren’t just museums, parks, and castles — its food scene is also something to experience.

One dish you absolutely have to try when visiting Hiroshima is okonomiyaki. We had it in Miyajima, and I still dream about that meal! I’ve tried okonomiyaki at my hometown (which has a huge Japanese community), but nothing compares to the Hiroshima version.

Okonomiyaki is often described as a Japanese pancake, but it’s so much more than that. The Hiroshima style is made with eggs and layers of cabbage, noodles, and a mouthwatering combination of ingredients that create an explosion of flavors. There are many restaurants in the area specializing in okonomiyaki, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to indulge.

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Day 2: Exploring Miyajima

After a full day in Hiroshima, we dedicated our second day to one of Japan’s most iconic islands: Miyajima.

With the JR Pass, getting there is a breeze. From Hiroshima Central Station, take a local train to Miyajimaguchi Station, then follow the signs (or the crowd) to the JR ferry terminal – JR Miyajima Ferry Station. The ferry to the island is easy to spot and conveniently included in the JR Pass. Once you’re on the island, just follow the flow of people or use Google Maps to reach Itsukushima Shrine, the main attraction. It took us about an hour from our hotel to the shrine’s entrance.

Make sure to enjoy the view during the ferry ride. As the boat approaches Miyajima, you’ll get your first glimpse of the floating Torii gate. We got there during high tide, so the Torii was surrounded by water – an incredible welcome to the island and one of Japan’s most iconic sights.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by the island’s resident deer, who live peacefully alongside the thousands of tourists who visit every day.

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1. Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima’s main attraction is the Itsukushima Shrine, and it’s the first stop for most visitors to the island.

The massive floating Torii gate is the star of the show. Depending on the tide, it either appears to float on the water or is accessible by foot at low tide. We were lucky enough to see it during high tide, and the sight of the Torii surrounded by the sea was nothing short of magical – like something straight out of a postcard.

The shrine itself dates back to the 811th century, though its existence was only confirmed in 811 AD. It’s built on platforms over the water and is dedicated to the gods who protect people from wars and maritime disasters. Over the centuries, the original buildings were destroyed by fires, then rebuilt and destroyed again. The current structures date back to 1241. The Torii gate, exposed to the elements in the sea, has also undergone multiple restorations, the most recent being in 1875. It’s easy to see why this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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2. Climbing Mount Misen

After visiting the shrine, our plan was to climb Mount Misen, but the combination of heat, fatigue, and a delicious lunch made us rethink that idea.

The easiest way up is by cable car, but you can also hike if you’re up for it. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine to the cable car station, and if you decide to hike the entire way, it takes just over an hour.

Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea, along with small temples and spiritual areas.

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3. Daisho-in Temple

We made time to visit Daisho-in Temple, which is tucked away and less crowded than Itsukushima Shrine, but just as captivating. Daisho-in has a more intimate and serene atmosphere, filled with statues, lanterns, and charming details. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk from the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine.

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4. Omotesando Street

No trip to Miyajima would be complete without exploring Omotesando Street, the bustling commercial heart of the island. The best route from the ferry terminal to the shrine is right through this street. It’s lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Be warned, though – while some shops offer unique and beautiful items, others seem like typical tourist traps.

Although there are plenty of dining options along Omotesando, we opted for a restaurant off the main strip. We went to Matochan, a spot specializing in okonomiyaki, and I’m still dreaming about that meal. It was hands down one of the best dishes I had in Japan, and that’s saying a lot in a country known for its incredible food. If you visit Miyajima, you have to try the okonomiyaki at Matochan.

After wandering around a bit more, snacking on momiji manju (a sweet bean-filled pastry shaped like a Japanese maple leaf) and eating lots of ice cream to combat the heat, we headed back to Hiroshima via the same route – ferry and JR train.

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After our time in Hiroshima, we continued our journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. Check out my post on that part of the trip!

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Detailed itinerary of our trip to Japan

Here’s the detailed itinerary of our  four-week trip to Japan and just below is the Google MyMaps link with everything already marked. All you need to do is click on the map and save it to your Google account. When you’re ready to plan your next trip to Japan, you’ll know exactly where to start! 😉

On the map, you’ll find details of everything we did, where we stayed, and the best places we visited. There are different layers, each with a unique color for the various regions we explored.

In this post, I explain  how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s an amazing tool for saving locations, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your entire journey. I highly recommend giving it a try!

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