osaka hiroshima tour

Osaka Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour

• Hiroshima , Osaka , Tour Reviews

The Osaka Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour is a captivating journey that takes travelers from bustling Osaka to historic Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Participants will embark on a day filled with cultural and historical discoveries, starting with a transfer to Shin-Osaka station and a bullet train ride to Hiroshima.

Highlights include visiting Miyajimaguchi, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. With a well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to delve into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The tour starts at 07:50 AM from a central location in Osaka and ends at Osaka Station around 9:00 PM.
• The tour includes a visit to Miyajimaguchi, where participants can board a boat to Miyajima Island and explore the Itsukushima Shrine and Treasure Hall.
• Lunch is not included in the tour and you will have the option to enjoy a meal at a local eatery.
• The tour also includes a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to reflect on the history.

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Departure Details

The departure details for the 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour include starting at 07:50 AM and ending at Osaka Station.

Participants will depart from a central location in Osaka and transfer to Shin-Osaka station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima.

The tour will return to Osaka station around 9:00pm. The end point of the tour is Osaka Station, located at 3-chōme-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan.

It’s important to note that lunch isn’t included in the tour and infants must sit on laps.

Plus, the tour may be canceled if the minimum number of participants isn’t met. It’s recommended to confirm the tour within 48 hours of booking and to review the cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

One of the itinerary highlights includes exploring the Itsukushima Shrine and Treasure Hall. The Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima. It’s known for its iconic torii gate that appears to float in the water during high tide. Visitors can explore the shrine complex, which includes the main hall, treasure hall, and other buildings. The Treasure Hall houses a collection of precious artifacts and cultural treasures. While lunch isn’t included in the tour, there are plenty of options available on Miyajima Island, ranging from local eateries serving traditional Japanese cuisine to international restaurants. This allows visitors to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the historical sites and natural beauty of the island.

Additional Information

Occasionally, travelers may need to refer to the additional information provided for important details about the tour.

When it comes to the Osaka Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour, there are a few key points to note.

Firstly, lunch options aren’t included in the tour, so you will have the freedom to choose their own dining experience. Whether it’s sampling local cuisine or opting for familiar dishes, there are plenty of eateries to choose from.

Secondly, it’s important to be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. This means that individuals with mobility limitations may face challenges in certain areas.

However, the tour does provide a rich cultural and historical experience, allowing participants to delve into the intriguing past of Hiroshima and Miyajima.

Cancellation Policy

If a participant cancels less than 24 hours before the start time of the Osaka Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour, they’ll not receive a refund. This cancellation policy ensures that participants are committed to the tour and allows for proper planning and organization. It also protects the tour operator from financial loss due to last-minute cancellations.

When discussing the effectiveness of the tour guide, it’s important to consider the reviews from previous participants. Positive reviews mention well-organized tours, brilliant guides, and informative and funny commentary. These guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to provide historical and personal information. On the other hand, negative reviews mention limited explanations, repeated information, and a lack of historical perspective. Some participants felt that the tour guide didn’t add anything that couldn’t be done independently.

The tour guide’s effectiveness can vary based on individual experiences and expectations. It’s important for participants to consider their preferences and what they hope to gain from the tour before making a decision.

Reviews and Praise

The tour guide received both positive reviews and praise for their well-prepared logistics and on-time transportation. The tour participants commended the guide’s performance, highlighting their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to provide informative and engaging commentary throughout the tour. Many praised the guide for their cultural and historical insights, describing the experience as a priceless learning opportunity.

The tour group appreciated the guide’s efficiency in transportation, including the prompt departures and timely transfers to various destinations. The guide’s assistance with navigating the bullet train and ensuring smooth transportation to Miyajima and Hiroshima was also highly regarded.

However, there were a few negative reviews that criticized the tour guide for not adding much value beyond transportation and for limited explanations of the historical context.

Despite this, the majority of participants expressed their satisfaction with the tour guide’s performance and the efficiency of the transportation provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the ‘Osaka Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour’?

The average group size for the tour is not specified in the given information. However, it is recommended to check the tour restrictions and contact Viator Help Center for more details.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. This allows for flexibility, especially for those with dietary restrictions. It’s a convenient option to cater to individual preferences during the trip.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions mentioned in the tour regulations. However, it is important to note that infants must sit on laps during the tour. It is best to confirm with the tour provider for any specific age requirements.

Is There Any Free Time for Shopping or Exploring on the Tour?

Yes, there is free time for shopping or exploring on the tour. Participants will have the opportunity to visit local attractions and explore the area at their own pace, including shopping options.

Can I Bring a Stroller or Wheelchair on the Tour?

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended due to restrictions and limited accessibility on the tour. It is advisable to contact the tour operator or check the tour’s official website for more information.

To sum it up, the Osaka Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour offers a captivating and convenient way to explore the cultural and historical riches of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.

From the bullet train ride to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, participants are treated to a well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to delve into Japan’s rich heritage, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

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Epic Day Trip From Osaka to Hiroshima (& Miyajima!)

• by Jonny Duncan
• July 2, 2023 November 10, 2023

A day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island is one of the best options out of any of the day trips from Osaka that you can choose from and this is what to do and where to go when there.

Going from Osaka to Hiroshima on a day trip is also easy with the excellent rail network that connects the two and in this article, I will show you how to do it and where to go.

I spent several weeks living in Osaka and I day-tripped all over the place from there. The day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima is one of my favourite options and that I recommend to others.

Day Trip From Osaka To Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city in Japan that should be visited as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and how through hell a city can come back and flourish in the modern age.

Nearby Miyajima Island is an excellent side trip from Hiroshima for shrines/temples and mountain hiking with a view.

Getting To Hiroshima From Osaka

The Osaka to Hiroshima bullet train (Shinkansen train) makes longer-distance day trips so much easier and you can get from Osaka to Hiroshima, depending on the specific Shinkansen train taken, in one and a half to two hours.

The journey by local train will take around six hours so is not practical for a Hiroshima day trip from Osaka. Buses from Osaka to Hiroshima take around five hours, so again, are not practical for a day trip.

It is an essential part of your Japan travel plans to get a Japan Rail Pass (get one with that link) if you plan to move around a lot for these kinds of trips as it will save you money.

Also, travelling by Shinkansen train in Japan is the best option for getting to places faster like this day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima.

Main Places To See In Hiroshima

Hiroshima peace memorial park.

The simple (and sad) truth is there isn’t a ‘lot’ of traditional stuff to do in Hiroshima and that’s because the whole city was wiped out in World War 2 when the first atom bomb ever used was dropped on the city at 8.15 am on 6th August 1945.

That is one of the main things to do in Hiroshima: visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

I started at the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome. The dome was very close to where the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima but its structure survived and is still standing today (with renovation works).

It is a symbol of destruction and yet endurance for world peace today.

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome.

After seeing the  Atomic Bomb Dome walk across through the Peace Park and to the Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims.

Walking in Hiroshima Peace Park.

The Hiroshima Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims lies in the park as you walk through the park towards the Peace Memorial Museum.

All the names of people killed in the atomic bomb explosion are inscribed in the stone vault. The whole area is a poignant reminder of the hours of war and the horrors of nuclear warfare.

Hiroshima Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims.

Through the cenotaph, you can see the Atomic Bomb Dome.

After the dome, park, and cenotaph head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and learn the horrifying history of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

I didn’t take any photos inside the museum. It was very emotional to visit.

The Peace Memorial Park is a sombre yet hopeful place, with monuments, statues, and memorials that convey messages of peace and anti-nuclear sentiments. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the importance of working towards a world without such weapons.

A must-visit.

Hiroshima Castle

To be honest, I didn’t make it to Hiroshima Castle myself (the pic is a stock photo for the post), mainly due to my time limit, but also because I had seen so many castles by then.

However, I have heard it is a beautifully reconstructed (like everything in Hiroshima it was destroyed by the atomic bomb) castle and has a wooden exterior.

If you are short on time, want to get to Miyajima Island, and plan to see or have seen other castles in Japan, then I would say to skip the castle as I did.

But if you get to Hiroshima early enough and love castles or won’t have the opportunity to see many other castles in Japan then try and get to it.

If you do want to visit you can find more information on Hiroshima Castle here .

Miyajima Island 

On your day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima I highly recommend you take the time to visit Miyajima Island (also known as Itsukushima Island) as it’s not that far away and a beautiful place to visit.

It also has one of the most famous torii gates in all of Japan. I’m sure you will recognise the image from tourist adverts etc about Japan.

Getting From Hiroshima To Miyajima

Every 15 minutes or so a train leaves Hiroshima for Miyajima mainland station which takes roughly 25 minutes. At the station, you then take a ten-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island.

The Japan Rail Pass covers part of the journey.

What to do on Miyajima Island

The Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate is a famous photo to get on Miyajima Island and is one of the most famous places for a photo in Japan.

When the tide is high it appears to be floating on the water (hence the name). When I arrived it was low tide but at least then one could walk out close to it. On the way out at the end of the day the sea had come up and submerged the base of it.

The gate is about a ten-minute walk from where the ferry will drop you off.

Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate.

Head to the nearby Itsukushima Shrine after taking a look at the Torii gate. It’s a small complex and the view across to the Torii Gate is superb, especially when it’s high tide and the water is under them.

Itsukushima Shrine.

Praying with monks inside the shrine.

Miyajima Ropeway

The best way to get to the top of Miyajima Island is to take the ropeway (cable car). It’s a several-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine to the ropeway station.

On the way up the cable cars go close to the forest canopy and offer stunning views.

Miyajima ropeway.

At the top of Miyajima, you can walk around some short trails which take only several minutes or so to do, and enjoy the scenery.

There are two observatories for great views of the surrounding area, the Shishiwa Observatory and the Mount Misen Observatory.

There are a few temples and shrines to see on the top as well. Spend a bit of time up there to take in the peace of the place.

View from the top of Miyajima.

If you are feeling up to it you can also hike back down the mountain on a trail that doesn’t take too long to go down. But if you’re short on time by this point then take the cable car to be safe.

But if you hike down you may be able to see a deer or two.

A deer is seen while hiking on Miyajima.

Back at the bottom check to see what the water is doing around the Floating Tori Gate as it may by now be different from when you came in, allowing for different styles of photos.

Myself at the Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate with the water up.

Depending on how late you plan to go back to Osaka, you could see some of Hiroshima at night and enjoy the city’s buzzing energy, like most Japanese cities have.

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome at night.

Take a walk around the streets a bit and soak up the modern vibe that can be found in all of Japan’s big cities.

There are plenty of shopping malls to visit as well as the usual food centres and gaming areas.

Naturally, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy food and a drink to relax after all your exploring.

Hiroshima is famous for its okonomiyaki so try and grab one for dinner before going from Hiroshima to Osaka.

Hell, I would do a day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima for one of the okonomiyaki there! Yes, they’re that good.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki.

One of the main streets in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Day Trip

That all makes for a great day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima. If you plan more day trips from Osaka then my article about the best day trips from Osaka will give you plenty of good ideas.

If you are in the stages of planning your trip to Osaka then you can find and book accommodation in Osaka here on Agoda . Agoda is my favourite hotel booking site for travel in Asia as I often find better deals there than other booking sites.

These are the best things to do in Osaka when you are there.

If you end up choosing to stay in the Hiroshima area instead of doing a day trip from Osaka then be sure to take the ferry and visit Matsuyama to see the historic Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen.

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Hiroshima Day Trip and Hiroshima Walking Tour

Hiroshima was tragically the site of the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945. When visiting Japan, it’s easy to take a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto. Hiroshima is relatively small, which makes it the perfect place to explore on foot. I’ve designed a Hiroshima walking tour to cover the main Hiroshima attractions in just one day. However, if walking’s not your jam, you can also get between the sites by bus, subway or taxi. 

Why Take a Hiroshima Day Trip?

Sometimes, I like to walk around wearing rose-tinted glasses that block out the horrors of our world. I wasn’t exactly sure how I’d feel about being confronted by Hiroshima’s nuclear history. While visiting Hiroshima was upsetting (to put it mildly), I am glad that I took a day trip to Hiroshima.

Yup, a visit to Hiroshima is emotional . It’s harrowing. It’s moving. Yet it can also be strangely uplifting, and can leave you with a cautious sense of hope. The atomic bomb has left an indelible scar on the city of Hiroshima, and the city acts as a living memorial to the horrific impact of atomic warfare. But this is also a city rebuilt. A city united. A city dedicated to eliminating nuclear war.

I can be a delicate petal, so was pleased to discover that there’s things to do in Hiroshima in addition to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. My Hiroshima itinerary balances the raw devastation of the atomic bomb with other Hiroshima city sights.

How to Get to Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s central location means that it works really well in a Japan itinerary . The best bases for a day trip to Hiroshima are Osaka and Kyoto, as the bullet train (Shinkansen) only takes around 1.5 hours each way. See the West Japan Rail site  for timetable details.

There’s also a regular train from Osaka or Kyoto to Hiroshima, but this takes 6-7 hours and involves multiple transfers. Probably only recommended for long term and penny-pinching travelers!

Hiroshima from Osaka  

You can get from Osaka to Hiroshima on the bullet train in around 1 hour 30 minutes. Take the Sanyo Shinkansen line from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass  (which is the best value if you’re doing a couple of bullet train trips), use the Sakura service which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes or the Hikari service which takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can also take the slightly faster Mizuho or Nozomi train to Hiroshima from Osaka at around 1 hour 25 minutes.

Hiroshima from Kyoto

If your Kyoto itinerary is a few days or more, then it’s absolutely worth taking a day trip to Hiroshima, and surprisingly doesn’t actually take much longer than travelling from Osaka to Hiroshima.

You can get from Kyoto to Hiroshima on the bullet train in around 1 hour 40 minutes. Take either the Sanyo Shinkansen or the Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station.

If you have a JR Pass, you can use the Hikari or Sakura services which may require a transfer in Osaka, making a total one way trip time of around 2 hours. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can also take the Nozomi service direct to Hiroshima from Kyoto.

Hiroshima from Tokyo

If you’re visiting Hiroshima from Tokyo, it is best to stay overnight in Hiroshima as the train from Tokyo to Hiroshima takes around 5 hours. Even better, add Osaka to your Japan itinerary, as you need to transfer via Osaka (or another station in the region) to reach Hiroshima from Tokyo.

Overview of Hiroshima Itinerary 

Children’s Peace Monument at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Attractions Visited

For the first part of your Hiroshima day trip, you can almost forget (at least temporarily) that you’re walking across a city which was virtually flattened by the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945.

This Hiroshima 1 day itinerary eases you into things with a visit to Japanese gardens and a castle, followed by the (devastating) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, ending with time to decompress and look around the city.

Hiroshima Walking Distance

The Hiroshima walking tour below has around 10-12km walking. This includes 7 km between stops and another few km walking around the Hiroshima attractions. You can cut out a fair amount of the walking time with buses, the subway and taxis if you prefer.

Disclaimer: My walking tally was closer to 12km, but I spent a good 1.5km of that lost.

Lesson: Plan your Hiroshima walking route in advance with Google Maps!

Time Required for Hiroshima 1 Day Itinerary

All up, a day trip to Hiroshima will take around 10-12 hours .

This does make for a rather exhausting but fulfilling day. If you have more time to spend in Japan, you can also stay overnight in Hiroshima. If you have time, add in nearby Miyajima Island, which is famous for Itsukushima Shrine, a massive orange torri gate.

Transfers to Hiroshima

The bullet train to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto takes roughly 1.5 hours each way / 3 hours return , or longer if you’re taking a slower Shinkansen.

If you are not staying near the Shinkansen station, you’ll need to factor in additional time to get to and from the station. I was staying in Shinsaibashi Osaka, and it took around 30 minutes to get from Shinsaibashi to Shin Osaka where the bullet trains departs from (15 minute train, plus walking / ticket buying time / getting lost in the station time).

Time in Hiroshima

Allow 6 – 8 hours  door to door from Hiroshima Station for your Hiroshima one day itinerary, including walking, exploring and lunch time.

My Hiroshima self-guided walking tour took me 6 hours. My breakdown was roughly 2 hours for the garden, castle and shrine, 2 hours for the Memorial Peace Park, and 2 hours for lunch and the city. You may need longer than 6 hours if you walk slowly, love museums, like to take regular rests, or are traveling in a group (I was traveling to Hiroshima solo).

You can of course drop some Hiroshima activities if you prefer a shorter day, or take taxis, buses or the local subway between stops.

Hiroshima Walking Tour – Map and Directions

This Hiroshima walking route follows a round circuit of the city. The map and directions are available on Google Maps . Each stop is detailed below.

You don’t need to strictly follow the Hiroshima map route. In fact, I’d recommend having an aimless wander around the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park (Stop 5) and Hiroshima City (Stop 6). Hiroshima is small, so if you wander off down an interesting street or get lost (as I did!), you can get back on course quickly by consulting Google Maps.

What to do in Hiroshima

The most popular things to do in Hiroshima are to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome (Stops 4 and 5 below), which are the main memorial sites. You could easily spend an entire day in this area, particularly if you’re a history nut. However, I was keen to get a broader taste of the city, so added in additional stops when I was planning what to do in Hiroshima.

Stop 1: Shukkeien Gardens Hiroshima (Map B)

Overview of Shukkeien Gardens

Start your day in Hiroshima by taking an easy walk from Hiroshima Station to the tranquil Shukkeien Gardens (literally, ‘shrunken’ gardens). The original gardens date back to the 1600s, but were rebuilt after being destroyed by the 1945 atomic bomb.

There’s a path around the entire pond at Shukkeien Gardens, with many islets and bridges. The pond is full of (ridiculously large) colorful koi fish. Buy some koi food and create a feeding frenzy! Allow 30-45 minutes to walk around the gardens and feed the koi.

Walking Distance, Opening Hours and Cost

Distance:  Shukkeien Gardens is around 1.1km walk from Hiroshima Station.

Opening Hours: Shukkeien Gardens is open daily from 9am until 5pm or 6pm, with closing time depending on the season.

Cost:  The entry fee for Shukkeien Gardens is adults Y260 for the gardens and Y100 for koi (fish) food. If you’re into art, check out the Prefectural Art Museum at the gardens, adults Y510.

Stop 2: Hiroshima Castle (Map C)

Overview of Hiroshima Castle

Next stop on your Hiroshima day trip is a classic Japanese castle. From Shukkeien Gardens, head slightly north west and you’ll reach Hiroshima Castle in around 10 minutes.

This historic castle was originally a 16th century castle for the feudal lords, and later served as a military facility. As with most local buildings, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast and was reconstructed in the 1950s.

Walk around the Hiroshima Castle grounds, view the picturesque wooden castle and pay to enter the castle if you want to learn about the castle’s history. The castle includes four floors of historic exhibits and a fifth floor observation deck. I took a quick squiz through the castle but, to be honest, I coulda given it a miss.

Distance:  Hiroshima Castle is around 850 metres walk from Shukkeien Gardens.

Opening Hours: Hiroshima Castle is open daily from 9am to 5pm or 6pm, with closing time depending on the season.

Cost:  Admission to Hiroshima Castle grounds is free. The fee to enter Hiroshima Castle is Y370 for adults.

Stop 3: Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (Map D)

Overview of HiroshimaGokoku Shrine

The Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is in the Hiroshima Castle grounds, on the way to the Atomic Bomb Dome. This Shinto shrine is a place of worship for war casualties, and includes traditional Shinto gates and a temple.

I walked past the Gokoku Shrine and admired the pretty gates, but didn’t go in. (I was getting my temple on the next day in Nara. See my Nara Walking Tour  for deets!)

Distance:  Gokoku Shrine is around 200m walk from Hiroshima Castle.

Hours:  9:00am to 4:30pm. You can walk past the shrine at any time.

Cost:  Free to walk around the shrine grounds. There may be a small entry fee to go inside the shrine.

Stop 4: Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome (Map E)

Overview of the Atomic Bomb Dome

This is where sh*t starts to get real my friends. Brace yourself, because Hiroshima’s horrific history suddenly gets a whole lot more visual. The A-Bomb Dome is located near the epicenter of the 1945 atomic bomb blast, which exploded 600 meters above this area.

The atomic bomb flattened much of Hiroshima and killed around 60,000 people instantly, 140,000 people by the end of 1945, and tens of thousands more in the following decades. The A-Bomb Dome is the only structure still standing from 1945, which makes it all the more eerie and atmospheric.

You can only walk around the outside of the A-Bomb Dome, so you won’t need a lot of time here.

Distance: The Atomic Bomb Dome is 1.3km walk from Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine.

Hours:  The A-Bomb Dome is always ‘open’, as you can’t actually go inside the gates or the Dome.

Cost: Free.

Stop 5: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Map F)

Overview of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The next stop on your walking tour of Hiroshima is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This is the main Hiroshima memorial site, and includes several different memorials and a museum, set out below. Hiroshima Peace Park is the most popular Hiroshima attraction, and is usually the focus of a day trip to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Outdoor Memorials

Start at the north end of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Your first stop is the outdoor memorials. Walk past the Peace Bell (and give it a satisfying ring), the Children’s Peace Memorial, and the cenotaph where the eternal peace flame burns.

Hiroshima Memorial Hall of Remembrance

After the outdoor memorials, move onto two main indoor activities – the Memorial Hall and the Museum. Veer east from the cenotaph and you’ll find the Hiroshima Memorial Hall of Remembrance.

The Memorial Hall (above) is a moving 360 degree memorial depicting bombed cityscape. The city images are made up of 140,000 tiles, in memory of the number of atomic bomb victims at the end of 1945. (Bonus – entry is free!) This is one of the most visually interesting and moving memorials I’ve visited.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

After the Memorial Hall, walk south to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The Museum depicts Hiroshima before, during and after the bombings. Watch the survivor video testimonies and check out artifacts like a watch that is permanently stopped at 8:15 am when the bomb hit.

The Hiroshima Museum also traverses the nuclear age post Hiroshima through the Cold War and to current times. This is a city scarred, but also a city on a relentless peace mission to eliminate atomic warfare.

The museum is not light viewing. The history and exhibits are intense and emotional, and many people (me included!) get a little teary and generally in a down mood at the state of our civilisation. Make sure you leave some time in your day to decompress and reflect.

Note: The Main Building at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is closed for renovations and earthquake proofing until later in 2019. During this time, the East Museum is open and houses the main exhibits.

Distance:  Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a few hundred meters walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome. You’ll probably add around 1km walking around the park, memorials and museum.

Hours: The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is open 8:30am to 5pm or 6pm daily, depending on the season.

Cost:  It is free to walk around Hiroshima Peace Park and the memorials, including the Hall of Remembrance. The entry fee to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is Y200 for adults.

Stop 6: Hiroshima City and (Late!) Okonomiyaki Lunch (Map G)

Overview of Hiroshima City

By now, you’ll be starving if you haven’t eaten already, and likely in need of some lighter activities after visiting the Hiroshima Memorial Park.

Spend the rest of the day walking through the city streets back to Hiroshima Station. If you’re into shopping, there’s shops galore to stock up on clothing or buy some crazy local Japanese souvenirs. I got distracted by gorgeous kitty-cats in a pet shop, and had some quality snuggle time. A day trip to Hiroshima also wouldn’t be complete without some tasty local treats.

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

For lunch, try the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, a pancake thingy*, washed down with some beer. (*Pancake thingy made of a flour base, layered with cabbage, sprouts, onions, tempura scraps, pork, noodles, egg and other optional extras. Yup, it’s massive!).

You’ll find okonomiyaki eateries dotted all over Hiroshima city. I had a couple in mind, but was thwarted by a long line at Okonomiyaki-Nagata-ya   and shorter opening hours at Hassei.

I ended up at Okonomimura . Awesome accidental choice me, if I do say so myself. Okonomimura is on the third floor of a pretty nondescript building and has a few small Hiroshima okonomiyaki stalls. Plonk down at one of the stalls, order away, sit around a hot grill, and watch the magic happen.

I spent a good hour or so at Okonomimura resting my tired legs, having a beer, and watching the chefs at work. (And attempting to eat the world’s biggest Okonomiura – evidence above!)

Walking Distance

It’s around 1.2km to walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to Okonomimura for lunch. You should factor in at least 2km walking total, as you’ll want to meander around the city.

Stop 7: Hiroshima Station (Map H)

Finish your Hiroshima day trip itinerary by walking back to Hiroshima Station (around 1.7km from Okonomimura) or your local accommodation. Local transport is also readily available.

If your legs have had it at any time during the day, jump in a taxi or on the local tram or subway to save a couple of kms walking. My legs were almost gone-burgers towards the end, but I trucked on, determined to finish my walking route of Hiroshima!

End of Hiroshima Day Trip: Back to Osaka or Kyoto! 

If you have a spare day in Osaka, read my Osaka one day itinerary to hit the highlights in just one day!

If you’re travelling from Kyoto, check out my favorite things to do in Kyoto .

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

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This is a great guide to Hiroshima! It was an interesting city to visit. It was haunting to see the A-Bomb done and the memorial museum.

Great guide & it’s on my list to visit when I finally return to Japan. I can totally relate to how you felt – I was the same when visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia. So tough & emotional to hear about the history but also something that you need to do to even get close to understanding the horrors that wee endured. Thank you for sharing.

Its a great City with resilient and hopeful people for the end of Nuclear arms.

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Hiroshima Tour

Hiroshima tours led by locals, experience the many faces of hiroshima, hiroshima exclusive walking tours.

We believe a Hiroshima tour should be added to your Japan itinerary if you’re visiting for a week or more. The immensity of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is something moving and to be reckoned with. Beyond that, there is of course Miyajima and other sights less visited.

Allow us, with the utmost care, to ensure you encounter all of the unique and varied experiences Hiroshima has to offer.

From ¥13,700

Hiroshima Nighttime Local Foodie Tour

From ¥13,308.

The Peace Memorial to Miyajima: Icons of Peace and Beauty

Transparency and honesty: how our hiroshima tours operate.

We’re firm believers in transparency. Our Hiroshima guided tours contain clear information about all costs, inclusions, and exclusions, ensuring you know exactly what to anticipate. 

Our tours are void of hidden fees or obligatory shopping stops. We refrain from accepting kickbacks and avoid cluttering our food tours with endless add-ons. Rest assured, when we say that food is included, we truly mean it. 

Dive into our Hiroshima tours with complete peace of mind, knowing that your enjoyment and satisfaction are our primary concerns.

Public Transit or Pickup

For our walking tours and night tours, meeting spots are always conveniently located close to train or subway stops. For car tours, pick up is included, but for walking and night tours, pick up can be arranged at additional cost.

Expert Guides

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.

Fully Narrated

During our Japan tours, we never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time, unless, for example, you want a bit of time to roam a garden or have lunch on your own.

Our night tours include dinner, our half-day walking tours have no meal stops, and our full-day tours have a lunch stop at your expense (we will consult with you and find a place to your liking).

Hiroshima: Getting there and around

Getting to hiroshima.

• ¥ 7,900 - 11,000

Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) and Hiroshima (Hiroshima Station) are connected with each other by the JR Sanyo Shinkansen . Nozomi and Mizuho trains require about 80 minutes for the journey, while Sakura trains require a few minutes more.

The regular one way fare from Osaka to Hiroshima is 9,890 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, around 10,500 yen for a reserved seat on Sakura trains and around 11,000 yen for a reserved seat on a Nozomi or Mizuho train, but note that international tourists can buy discounted one-way tickets for only 7,900 yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura, but a supplement fee has to be paid on Nozomi or Mizuho trains. Meanwhile, the JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and the JR Sanyo Sanin Pass are valid on all trains.

• ¥ 3,000 - 9,000

Multiple companies, including Willer Express , operate daytime and overnight buses between Osaka and Hiroshima. The one way trip takes about six hours. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 3,000 and 9,000 yen. Online reservations for some of the buses can be made through Willer .

• 2-3 transfers
• ¥ 5,720

By local trains , the one way trip from Osaka to Hiroshima takes about six hours and typically involves about two or three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 5,720 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2,410 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Hiroshima has Japan's largest tram network with eight tram lines connecting Hiroshima Station with most of the city's attractions. Tram line number 2 goes as far as Miyajima-guchi, from where ferries depart to Miyajima . The fare for a single tram ride within central Hiroshima is a flat 220 yen. Outside the city center, the fare increases with distance traveled. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the trams.

The local Paspy IC card and other major IC cards, including Suica and Icoca, can be used to pay the fare on trams and buses in Hiroshima and on the ferries to Miyajima (both companies). On JR trains, the local Paspy card is not accepted, but the other major IC cards are. Note that Paspy will get replaced by the "Mobiry Days" card and app from September 7, 2024 (Paspy will be discontinued on March 29, 2025).

Alternatively, a one-day pass for unlimited use of all trams on one calendar day is available for 700 yen. For an additional 300 yen, you get a one-day pass that also includes the ferry ride to Miyajima by Matsudai ferry (but not by JR ferry) and back. Holders of these one-day passes, furthermore, qualify for a discount on the Miyajima Ropeway (1500 yen instead of 2000 yen).

The JR-operated Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Buses , called Meipuru-pu (combination of Maple and Loop), serve all of central Hiroshima's major sightseeing attractions (see map above). There are three routes: the orange, green and lemon routes. The lemon route is the most frequent with 3-4 departures per hour, while the other two routes operate once per hour. The buses are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and several regional JR passes . Without a rail pass, they cost 220 yen per ride or 600 yen for a 1-day pass.

Good walkers will also be able to cover the roughly three kilometers from Hiroshima Station via Shukkeien and Hiroshima Castle to the Peace Memorial Park on foot.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hiroshima electric railway, setonaikai kisen, hiroshima kotsu, maple-oop bus, hotels around hiroshima.

Experiences around Hiroshima

Day Trip To Hiroshima From Osaka or Kyoto: A 1-Day Itinerary

Are you planning on doing a Hiroshima day trip from Osaka or Kyoto? Great, we are here to help.

As the Ground Zero for the first atomic bomb during World War II, Hiroshima is a city filled with memories of the terrible things humans can do. A visit to Hiroshima is humbling and eye-widening, yet one of the most unique experiences in Japan.

In our guide, we will teach you how to get to Hiroshima, what to do on your day trip, and what type of food to try in Hiroshima!

Want to have a tour guide and not worry about planning your Hiroshima trip? Check out our recommended bus tour from Osaka or Kyoto! (Bullet train ticket included!)

Is A Day Trip To Hiroshima Enough?

After lunch, you will head to Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima. If you are not sure how to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima, don’t worry.

To head there you will need to take the JR San-yo line from Hiroshima Station (free with  JR Pass ) to Miyajimaguchi Station. Then from Miyajimaguci Station, you will take a ferry across to Miyajima (free with 1 day Hiroshima pass).

Night: Back To Kyoto or Osaka From Hiroshima

After you watch the beautiful sunset behind the iconic torii gate, it is time to head back. Though Hiroshima is a great city, there aren’t a lot of things to do at night.

If you still have energy when you get back to Osaka or Kyoto, check out  Osaka’s nightlife  or some of the cool  things to do in Kyoto at night .

This concludes the Hiroshima day trip itinerary from Kyoto or Osaka! I hope this guide helped you determine the things to do in Hiroshima in one day. Any question? Leave them in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

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LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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Hiroshima again calls for peace 79 years after atomic bombing

By HAYASHI YANAGAWA/ Staff Writer

August 6, 2024 at 17:30 JST

HIROSHIMA—The mayor of Hiroshima called for world peace on the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing, expressing concerns about Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine and Israel’s ongoing attack on the Gaza Strip.

“I wonder if the state of the world is deepening doubt and suspicion among nations and the public’s belief that one must resort to force to resolve international problems,” Kazumi Matsui said in his peace declaration on Aug. 6.

Speaking at the annual Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, Matsui emphasized that a breakthrough is possible in the present critical situation if world leaders sit down for talks with unflinching determination.

He said, “We need peace,” quoting from the words of Mikhail Gorbachev, a former Soviet Union president, who helped end the Cold War along with Ronald Reagan, his U.S. counterpart.

Matsui called for public action to encourage political leaders who depend on nuclear deterrence to change their policies.

Matsui urged the government to participate, as an observer, in the third meeting of state parties under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in March and join the treaty at an early date.

As in the past two years, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida did not touch on the treaty in his speech at the ceremony.

“The situation surrounding nuclear disarmament is becoming increasingly difficult,” said Kishida, who represents a constituency in Hiroshima Prefecture.

“The world stands on the brink of a critical point where the downward trend in the number of nuclear weapons could reverse. We will do our utmost to achieve a world without nuclear weapons and a lasting peace,” he said.

After the ceremony, Kishida met with representatives of the organizations of hibakusha, atomic bomb survivors, at a hotel in Hiroshima.

When asked to send an observer to the meeting of state parties to the nuclear ban treaty, Kishida only said, “The reality will not change unless the world moves nuclear powers into action.”

The representatives criticized the government stance after the meeting.

“The prime minister is turning his back on (ratifying the treaty),” said hibakusha Toshiyuki Mimaki, 82, chairman of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organizations. “Japan experienced atomic bombings but is complying with the wishes of the United States.”

Participants at the ceremony, held at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, commemorated victims of the atomic bombing by a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the exact time when the bomb detonated.

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