Hiroshima Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Hiroshima is a city of history, remembrance, and peace. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum helps us understand the past and hope for a better future.
This guide will take you through a full day in Hiroshima, including historical sites, beautiful gardens, and delicious local food.
Let’s begin!
Take a Tram from Your Hotel to Genbaku Dome-mae Station
Start your day by taking the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) tram from the nearest station to Genbaku Dome-mae Station.
Recommended Tram Lines:
Line 2 (Miyajima Line) – Best for travelers staying near Hiroshima Station or in central Hiroshima.
Line 6 (Eba Line) – Another direct option to Genbaku Dome-mae Station.
Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome
Walking Distance: Right next to Genbaku Dome-mae Station
Entrance Fee: Free
The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the few buildings that remained standing after the bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved as a symbol of peace.
What to Do at the Atomic Bomb Dome:
✔ Take in the ruins and think about their history.
✔ Read the nearby signs to learn more.
✔ Take a quiet moment to reflect.
Walk Through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Walking Distance: Next to the Atomic Bomb Dome
Entrance Fee: Free
This large park was built to honor the victims of the bombing and to remind the world of the importance of peace.
Things to See in the Park:
✔ Visit the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki and her 1,000 paper cranes.
✔ Ring the Peace Bell, a symbol of world peace and hope.
✔ Walk to the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, a stone monument with an inscription: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”
✔ See the Flame of Peace, which will burn until nuclear weapons are no longer in the world.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Walking Distance: Inside Peace Memorial Park
Entrance Fee: About 200–500 yen
This museum tells the story of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bomb. It is a powerful and emotional experience.
What to See in the Museum:
✔ Stories from survivors.
✔ Clothes and items from the bombing.
✔ Exhibits about the effects of nuclear weapons.
✔ Videos and pictures of Hiroshima before and after the bombing.
Lunch in Hiroshima
After visiting the museum, take a break and enjoy some local food. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) is a must-try!
Recommended Restaurants:
Okonomimura – A sprawling food hall filled with okonomiyaki stalls so you can have your pick!
Nagata-ya (Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly)– Famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) with vegan and vegetarian options available
Hassei (Vegetarian/Gluten Free Friendly) - Enjoy big portions at low prices at this okonomiyaki joint with vegetarian and gluten free options available.
Tempura Tenkou - Delicious tempura in a relaxed traditional atmosphere, reservation is recommended.
Traveler’s Tip: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki has noodles in it!
Walk Along the Motoyasu River and Visit Hiroshima Castle
Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Peace Memorial Park
Entrance Fee: About 370 yen
After lunch, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Motoyasu River, then visit Hiroshima Castle. The castle was destroyed in 1945 but was later rebuilt.
What to Do at Hiroshima Castle:
✔ Walk through the beautiful castle park.
✔ Go inside the castle to see Samurai armor and artifacts.
✔ Climb to the top for great city views.
Afternoon Coffee Break
Take a short break and enjoy a coffee or tea at a local café.
Recommended Cafés:
Obscura Coffee Roasters – A modern café with specialty coffee.
Kissa Saeki (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly) – A retro-style Japanese café with vegan drinks, desserts, and light meals and an easy to understand menu.
Caffé Ponte – A riverside café/restaurant bringing a taste of Italy to Hiroshima.
Visit Shukkeien Garden
Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Hiroshima Castle
Entrance Fee: About 350 yen
What to Do in Shukkeien Garden:
✔ Walk around the scenic paths and take photos.
✔ Stop at a tea house for matcha and sweets.
✔ Relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Dinner in Hiroshima
Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy dinner at one of Hiroshima’s great restaurants.
Recommended Dinner Spots:
Guttsuri-an - It's a bit of a distance, taking 35 minutes by bus from the garden, but this is a must visit for seafood and oyster lovers!
Number 3 - For those looking to sample some Hiroshima beef, then this is the perfect spot recommended by locals.
Okamoto's Okanomiyaki (Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly) – One of the most highly rated okonomiyaki restaurants in the city with delicious food and entertaining staff.
Seitan-wo-Tsuke (Vegetarian Friendly) - Want wagyu, and oysters, and ramen? Then this place is for you as it all three, serving up delicious wagyu oyster ramen! It also appears to have a vegetarian ramen on offer as well.
Return to Your Hotel
After dinner, return to your hotel in Hiroshima. If you're staying near Hiroshima Station, you can take a tram or taxi.
- Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome1-chōme-1-10 Ōtemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan
- Walk Through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
- Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum1-2 Nakajimachō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
- Walk Along the Motoyasu River and Visit Hiroshima Castle21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan
- Visit Shukkeien Garden2-11 Kaminoborichō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014, Japan
