How to spend 2 days in Hiroshima, Japan — Bronwyn Townsend (2024)

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Two days in Hiroshima will give you enough time to visit the best of what this Japanese city has to offer. Often a poignant stop during any Japan itinerary, visiting Hiroshima combines the deeply moving history of the city with natural beauty and cultural charisma.

Globally, Hiroshima is usually known due to the devastating destruction caused by the explosion of the atomic bomb on August 6th 1945. A city rebuilt, it is a popular addition to many longer vacations to Japan for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers.

Located by the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima is also a great launchpad for exploring nearby islands - most popularly Itsukushima/Miyajima - which are often visited as a day trip. Combining the vibrancy of a city renewed with deeply ingrained cultural traditions, Hiroshima deserves more than just a day trip.

Don’t be stuck wondering what to do in Hiroshima in two days. This itinerary helps you see the most popular and culturally significant sites across the city coupled wth a day trip to nearby Miyajima.

This two-day Hiroshima itinerary is based on either three nights and two full days, or two nights with an early morning arrival to make the most of your first day in Hiroshima.

Day 1 | History, heritage, and humility in Hiroshima

The first day in this two-day Hiroshima itinerary will be spent honouring the history of this thriving city. From Hiroshima Castle to the Peace Memorial Museum, you can see the major tourist sites in Hiroshima in one day. The main attractions on today’s itinerary are easy to walk between as they are fairly close together and this area of Hiroshima is mostly flat.

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle, sometimes known as Carp Castle, is built on a plain surrounded by a moat and its grounds also house a shrine, some ruins, and a few reconstructed buildings of the Ninomaru.

A reconstruction of the original castle that was destroyed during WWII, the castle previously held an important seat in the West of Japan. Set by the banks of the Otagawa River, in spring the castle is framed by delicate pink cherry blossoms, and in autumn a stretch of vibrant red autumn leaves.

While impressively intricate to admire from outside, head inside to the museum which covers the history of Hiroshima before the Second World War. Filled with artefacts, artworks and other historic items, it’s a great way to get a glimpse into Hiroshima’s ancient past.

Don’t miss the view when you climb the stairs that overlook the Hiroshima skyline and castle grounds. From here, it’s around a 20-minute walk to the Peace Memorial Park.

Peace Memorial Park

The once bustling commercial centre of Hiroshima is now a peaceful memorial to the legacy of Hiroshima being the first city in the world to experience a nuclear attack. Visited by more than one million people annually, the park encompasses the Peace Memorial Museum, A-bomb Dome, and Children’s monument.

You can spend a good part of your day exploring most of these sites, collectively we spent around four hours here visiting each of the sites throughout the park, including the museum.

Peace Memorial Museum

Two elevated concrete buildings house the must-visit Peace Memorial Museum. Recollecting the stories of citizens of Hiroshima, it shines a light on the harrowing moments during and in the following days, weeks, and months after the atomic bomb explosion.

This was the top reason for our visit to Hiroshima and most visitors can expect to spend around two hours here. Moving through the exhibits paints a vivid picture of not only the past, but also the ongoing efforts toward world peace.

The Peace Memorial Museum covers WWII, with extensive coverage of the bombing that occurred on 6 August 1945. I consider this to be one of the most important attractions to visit in Hiroshima for truly understanding the history of the city.

Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims

Built seven years after the Hiroshima bombing, the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims was unveiled in 1952. Shaped like a concrete roof, the monument is designed to shelter the souls of those lost to the bombing, the engraving inside reads "Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil”.

If you stand directly in front of the monument, you’ll see the A-bomb dome directly framed by the arch, a poignant reminder of the city’s past.

Children’s Peace Monument

Commonly known as the Tower of a Thousand Cranes, the Children’s Peace Monument commemorates Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of children who were victims of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima.

Japan’s tradition of folding origami cranes says that those who fold 1,000 paper cranes will have a wish granted. Sadako Sasaki was on a quest to fold those cranes to wish for her recovery following a diagnosis of Leukaemia as a result of radiation.

Her plight became internationally recognised and the paper cranes have since become a symbol of peace. Every year, millions of folded cranes are left by visitors at the site. The Children’s Peace Monument is heartbreaking, but an important part of Hiroshima’s history.

A-bomb Dome

A lasting reminder of the atrocity that took place on 6 August 1945, the A-bomb dome is the only structure still standing after the first atomic bomb explosion. Part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, it is an incredibly powerful symbol of the most destructive force created by people.

The remains of the structure that was formerly a promotional hall to sell products in is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands for hope for world peace and the elimination of all nuclear weapons.

Take your time to honour the historical significance of the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, ensuring you pay respect during your visit. It is free to view and there are several plaques with information located around the site.

Orizuru Tower

Sunset is best enjoyed with a view, which is why heading to the rooftop of Orizuru Tower is the best place to be. The sloping wooden design of the open-air observation deck offers striking views across Hiroshima, the a-bomb dome, and on a clear day all the way to Miyajima and Mount Misen.

There is a bar on the floor below to purchase drinks while you watch day slip into night, and the space offers almost 360 degree views. Orizuru Tower also hosts a multimedia zone with interactive elements and the Orizuru Wall which is filled with hopes and wishes gathered from all around the world.

Guests can use a lift to access the observation deck, though if you have kids, or are adults looking to have a little youthful fun, you might enjoy using the slide to reach the ground floor on your way out. We did and it was definitely more interesting than riding the lift back down. There is also a lovely gift shop on the ground floor of the building where you can pick up gifts from Hiroshima including food, drinks, and handcrafted goods.

Okonomimura

Okonomiyaki is a staple of cuisine in Hiroshima. Despite sharing the same name as the Osakan dish, the Hiroshima version of this savoury pancake consists of a thin crepe-like outer layer filled with grilled soba noodles and other ingredients of your choice - I’m a die-hard fan for a cheese, corn, and pork combination. Then topped off with a rich, sticky sauce, mayo and bonito flakes.

And the best way to enjoy this dish is at Okonomimura (Okonomi Village). This multi-storey complex of open grill eateries all offer one thing - expertly cooked okonomiyaki. The area evolved from a series of stalls that would serve the dish in the post-war period and is now a mecca of customisable grilled dishes.

Pick a seat at any of the 24 stalls that fill Okonomimura and dine for the evening, accompanying your meal with a cold Asahi or an umeshu highball, which is plum liquor and soda.

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Day 2 | Miyajima day trip

Miyajima is a must-visit when in Hiroshima. From one of Japan’s most iconic views to the incredible natural landscapes and culturally significant sites, the island has more than 1,500 years of history carved into its DNA. The best way to make the most of the island is by spending a full day here.

I’d recommend catching the first ferry across to the island to maximise your time and to arrive before most of the other day trippers - that way you’ll have the ability to enjoy the first stop on this day trip itinerary without heaving crowds that can occur during peak periods.

Itsukushima Shrine

The most iconic site on Miyajima is Itsukushima Shrine, including the most photographed point of the island - the vermillion floating torii gate. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Shinto shrine is made on stilts over the island's sandy shores, a complex of deep orange wooden structures, including two main halls and 17 other buildings.

Visitors can walk out across the sand flat during low tide to the torii gate, while it appears to be floating when the tide rises. Itsukushima Shrine holds religious significance as it’s dedicated to the three female deities known as sanjoshin, the three daughters of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Shinto God of storms and seas.

Daisho-in Temple

One of my personal favourite temples I’ve visited in Japan, Daisho-In Temple is quieter and more peaceful than Itsukushima Shrine. A series of delightful gardens and more than 500 Buddha statues fill the temple grounds, covering moss-strewn stairs and shaded corners that bloom with cherry blossom in the spring.

Daisho-In is one of the most famous Japanese temples, and the 14th temple in the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Take your time to explore the various buildings that climb the hillside including the Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats to the Five-Storey Pagoda and various pavilions.

Visitors can also take part in the traditional meditation practice known as "nokotsudo" at the temple, a process of sitting in a dark room with a skull in front of you. If this isn’t your thing, you can still make the most of the rest of the leafy pockets that occupy the temple grounds.

Momijidani Park

If you’re visiting Miyajima in autumn, a visit to Momijidani Park is a must-do when visiting. Momiji in Japanese refers to the red maple leaves and the term Momijigari is the past time of searching for them. The name of this park will give a clue as to why autumn is the absolute best time to visit, although it is beautiful year-round.

Located at the foot of Mt Misen, Momijidani Park is the starting point for the most popular hiking trail on the island and is also the location of the entrance to the ropeway - which is your next activity.

A 20-minute walk from the Miyajima Pier, the park runs along the Momijidani River and is often full of local deer that wander the island grazing under the maples, most of which are unbothered by human visitors.

Mount Misen Ropeway

For incredible views across Miyajima, the Seto Inland Sea, and across to Hiroshima, take the ropeway up to Mount Misen. The Mount Misen Ropeway takes you on a journey across the hilly terrain of Miyajima, and consists of a two-part route. The first section to Kayadani Station is the longer section and it’s where you change to catch the second cable car to Shishi-iaw Station.

The name of the ropeway might be a little misleading, as to get to the Mount Misen observatory, you’ll need to walk 30 minutes through the primaeval forest to the highest point on the island.

The Miyajima Ropeway is open 9am-4pm daily. Adult tickets cost ¥1,100 one way or ¥2,000 return. You can access the ropeway entrance at the top of Momijidani Park.

Omotesando Street

Before you leave Miyajima, be sure to stop by Omotesando Street. This is where you’ll find a collection of shops perfect for picking up souvenirs - from deer trinkets to ceramics, snacks such as momiji manju, and wooden goods. I picked up a lovely handmade ceramic plate with deer motifs to add to my growing collection.

This is also a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. The street is lined with numerous cafes, oyster bars, and even the Miyajima Island Brewery, making it a great place for a little pick-me-up after a day of exploring the island.

You’ll also find O-shakushi, the world’s biggest wooden rice spoon which is 8 metres long and weighs a whopping 2.5 tonnes. The reason is that Miyajima Island is the birthplace of the rice scoop and the art of traditional woodcarving has been passed down through the generations here.

Stay in a ryokan (optional)

One of the best ways to complete your visit to Miyajima Island is with a stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Many of the ryokans in Miyajima have public onsens, so you can soak in the relaxing waters after your day of sightseeing.

My top recommendations for ryokans in Miyajima are:

Kikunoya | A great budget-friendly option, this hotel is just 7-minutes from Itsukushima Shrine. There are both Japanese and Western-style rooms and you can enjoy use of the on-site onsen. Check availability and pricing.

Hotel Miyajima Villa | With everything you could want including a garden, on-site restaurant and bar, and free parking, this hotel is close to Omotesando shopping street and Miyajima Pier. There is also a shared onsen facility. Check availability and pricing.

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto | If you’re after a luxury stay, this hotel offers large rooms with traditional futon beds on tatami, a public onsen for guests, and a free shuttle service to Miyajima Pier. Check availability and pricing.

Not sure whether you should stay in Hiroshima or Miyajima? This helpful guide compares both destinations to find the best match for you.

If you would prefer to return to Hiroshima instead of staying the night, then be sure not to miss the last ferry. Complete your final night in Hiroshima with dinner at an Izakaya in the downtown area.

LOOKING FOR WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA? CHECK OUT THIS GUIDE TO THE BEST HOTELS IN HIROSHIMA

Is two days in Hiroshima enough?

Two days is enough time to see the best of what Hiroshima has to offer. It will give you a day to spend seeing the main sights and attractions in the city - from Hiroshima castle to the Peace Memorial Museum and Park - as well as taking a day trip to Miyajima island. I would recommend three nights to ensure you have two full days in Hiroshima so you aren’t too rushed during your trip.

Is Hiroshima tourist-friendly?

Hiroshima is one of the most visited cities in Japan after destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It’s more laid-back than some of the larger cities and typically feels less crowded than the most frequently visited places.

You may find that English is less widely spoken in Hiroshima than places like Tokyo, however some basic Japanese phrases and Google Translate will get you by in most cases. There are plenty of great hotels in Hiroshima and the city has well-organised attractions making it very tourist friendly.

Is Hiroshima safe to visit?

Japan has low crime rates which makes it one of the safest countries in the world for tourists to visit. If you’re wondering about radiation levels following the nuclear bomb detonation in 1945, those are also safe now. The radiation in Hiroshima is similar to the extremely low levels of background radiation (natural radioactivity) that are found anywhere on earth, so there are no warnings in place.