Hiroshima Prefecture Travel Guide: Peace Park, Miyajima and Okonomiyaki

Plan a trip to Hiroshima, Japan: Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters, Onomichi, the Shimanami Kaido cycling route and Shinkansen access.

Published October 18, 2026 at 12:43 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Hiroshima Prefecture is on the Seto Inland Sea in the Chugoku region, with Hiroshima City as its capital. It is known for Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters and the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Hiroshima is about one hour and twenty minutes from Osaka and about four hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen.

Hiroshima at a Glance

Hiroshima is the largest prefecture in the Chugoku region, with a lively capital on a river delta, a wide island-filled sea and a green mountain interior. The city is known around the world as a place of remembrance and hope for peace, and it is also a modern, friendly and delicious city with a relaxed atmosphere.

Visitors come for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the red torii gate that seems to float at Miyajima, and Hiroshima's famous food. Beyond the city, there are harbor towns such as Onomichi and Tomonoura, citrus islands, hot springs and the Shimanami Kaido, a cycling route that crosses the sea by bridges.

History and Culture of Hiroshima

Hiroshima was a castle town of the Mori clan, then a prosperous port and military city. After the atomic bombing in 1945, it rebuilt into a vibrant city dedicated to peace. The Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Museum and the Cenotaph are central to the visitor experience, and they are places for quiet reflection. The museum tells the story clearly and respectfully, and many visitors find it a deeply moving visit.

Elsewhere in the prefecture, the cultural landscape is rich. Miyajima has been seen as a sacred island for centuries, and Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site with buildings that seem to float on the tide. Onomichi is a hillside port town of temples and slopes that has long attracted writers and film directors, and Kure has a maritime heritage and a museum about shipbuilding.

Getting to Hiroshima and Moving Around

Hiroshima Station is on the Sanyo Shinkansen, about one hour and twenty minutes from Shin-Osaka and around four hours from Tokyo by Nozomi. Hiroshima Airport is some distance from the city, with a bus to the station in about 50 minutes. The city has a good streetcar network, and tram line 2 runs to the Miyajimaguchi ferry area.

To reach Miyajima, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi in about 25 minutes and then a ferry in about ten minutes, or use the streetcar. For Onomichi, take the Shinkansen to Shin-Onomichi or a JR local train, and the Shimanami Kaido begins nearby, with bicycles available for rent. A rental car is helpful for rural areas but not needed for the main sights.

Top Sights in Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park is the heart of the visit, with the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Children's Peace Monument and the museum. Hiroshima Castle, rebuilt after the war, and the Shukkeien garden are pleasant places for a calmer afternoon. The streetcar ride through the city is itself a bit of local color.

Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine and its great torii in the sea are the top image of the prefecture, and the island also has friendly deer, a ropeway up Mount Misen and shopping streets. Onomichi's temple walk and the Shimanami Kaido cycling route are popular for active travelers, and Tomonoura, a quiet port town, is known for its old harbor lanterns and its charm.

What to Eat and Drink in Hiroshima

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered rather than mixed, with a thin batter, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, noodles and an egg, all cooked on a griddle and finished with a sweet sauce. Okonomimura, a building of small okonomiyaki stalls, is a fun place to eat, and the chefs cook on a hot plate in front of you.

Hiroshima is Japan's largest producer of oysters, which are served grilled, fried or in a hot pot from autumn to early spring, as described in the Hiroshima oysters guide. Momiji manju, maple leaf shaped cakes with sweet fillings, are a Miyajima classic, and Setouchi lemons, anago conger eel rice and Onomichi ramen with a clear soy broth are other local favorites.

Festivals and Traditions in Hiroshima

The Hiroshima Flower Festival in early May turns Peace Boulevard into a long festival street with parades, music and stalls. On August 6, the Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in the park, and in the evening, thousands of lanterns are floated down the river in a quiet tribute. The Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival in August is a stunning show over the sea.

The Kangensai at Itsukushima Shrine is a graceful boat procession with classical music, held each year according to the old calendar. In autumn, the Hiroshima Toshogu Festival and local matsuri bring floats and dances, and the Hiroshima Carp baseball team's games at the stadium are a fun local celebration that visitors enjoy.

Best Time to Visit Hiroshima

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking and sightseeing, with cherry blossoms in late March to early April and the leaves at Miyajima's Momijidani Park in November. The weather is mild and the island is at its most beautiful in these seasons.

Summer is hot and humid, but the August remembrance events and fireworks are powerful and moving. Winter is the oyster season and usually mild by Japanese standards. Check the tide times at Miyajima, since the torii can be viewed at high tide as if floating or at low tide when you can walk to it.

A Sample Itinerary for Hiroshima

With two days, spend the first day at Peace Memorial Park and the museum, then have okonomiyaki for lunch and a stroll through the Shukkeien garden. On day two, take the ferry to Miyajima, see the shrine, ride the ropeway and enjoy grilled oysters before returning for the evening light.

With four days, add a day for Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido, or a trip to Tomonoura and Kure. Hiroshima pairs easily with Okayama to the east and Yamaguchi to the west, and a night on Miyajima in a traditional inn gives a quiet evening after the day visitors leave.

For a relaxed trip, base yourself in Hiroshima City for three nights and use the streetcar for everything. Rest at a riverside cafe, spend a long morning at the museum and finish with a slow dinner of oysters or okonomiyaki. On the last day, take a short walk through the castle park.

Souvenirs and Local Crafts from Hiroshima

Momiji manju, Hiroshima lemon sweets, oyster products and Hiroshima sauce for okonomiyaki are popular edible gifts. Miyajima's wooden rice paddles called shamoji, Kumano brushes, Fukuyama koto and Hiroshima's Carp goods are nice items, and local sake from Saijo is excellent.

Practical Tips for Visiting Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Museum is an important visit, so allow two to three hours and consider arriving early to avoid crowds. Be respectful in the park, speak softly and follow the posted rules. An English audio guide is available and can add helpful context to the exhibits.

At Miyajima, check the ferry schedule and tide table, and avoid feeding the deer. A small visitor tax is collected for entry to the island, and shops often close earlier than you would expect. On the Shimanami Kaido, bring water and rain gear, and consider leaving your bike at a drop-off point to avoid backtracking.

Nearby Prefectures to Combine with Hiroshima

Hiroshima borders Okayama to the east, Tottori and Shimane to the north, Yamaguchi to the west and Ehime across the sea via the Shimanami Kaido. It is a natural stop between Osaka and Fukuoka.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hiroshima known for?

Hiroshima is known for Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii on Miyajima, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters, Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido.

What is the best time to visit Hiroshima?

Spring and autumn for comfortable weather and scenery, November for the leaves on Miyajima, and winter for oysters. August is the time of the peace ceremony and lantern events.

How do I get to Miyajima from Hiroshima Station?

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi in about 25 minutes, then a ferry for about ten minutes to the island. The streetcar also reaches the ferry area.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Japan's 47 Prefectures: A Region-by-Region Travel Guide, Okayama Prefecture Travel Guide: Korakuen, Kurashiki and Bizen Pottery and Hiroshima Oysters: A Winter Favorite.