For those who are planning to travel to Hiroshima, you should check the best things to do in Hiroshima! Also, here are some Hiroshima hidden gems, unique things to do in the center of Hiroshima, day trip to another cities in Hiroshima from Hiroshima city, etc!
Best Things To Do in Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Park
Developed as a site advocating for permanent world peace, the park includes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, The Atomic Bomb Dome, the Flame of Peace, and various other monuments.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The permanent exhibit shares pictures and stories of what happened on August 6th, 1945, and the ensuing days. Personal belongings of the victims and other everyday items are displayed to give insight into what really happened. Detailed visuals and information are given, most of which are hard to stomach and difficult to comprehend; although the importance of understanding, to some extent, what those people experienced, is paramount. The second half of the museum explores the dangers of nuclear weapons.
This museum is a must when visiting Hiroshima, no matter how much you may already know, as it gives you a better understanding to what occurred on that day.
Atomic Bomb Dome
Perhaps the most well-known thing about Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall was built in 1915 and, being almost directly under the explosion, withstood the full force of the atomic bomb blast. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Atomic Bomb Dome serves as a symbol to eliminate all nuclear weapons and advance towards world peace.
Flame of Peace
Built in 1964, the Flame of Peace was built with respect towards and condolences to the victims who were unable to quench their thirst for water. The flame, which was lit when it opened on August 1, 1964, will continue to burn until all the nuclear weapons are banished from the earth.
Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden is a historic garden built in 1620 which was passed down through various daimyo (feudal lords) in the Asano samurai clan, before being donated to Hiroshima Prefecture in 1940.
There are many bridges inside the park. It’s nice walking around, crossing the bridges, encountering some animals (Koi fish, turtles, Sawagani, etc), looking flowers and plants, etc.
There are many bridges throughout the garden, just like Hiroshima city. You can enjoy viewing many different kinds of flowers and trees while walking around.
Hiroshima Castle
Built in the 1590s, the original castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but rebuilt in its original style, and serves as a museum for pre-war Hiroshima. The surrounding castle grounds feature trees that survived.
Hiroshima Hidden Gems
Honkawa Elementary School, Hiroshima City
Honkawa Elementary School was the closest elementary school to the target (the bridge) and also the hypocenter. The school was the first elementary school that was 3 stories tall and made of concrete in Hiroshima city at the time. But still, most of the building was broken, and a small part of it is still there as museum.
The bomb was dropped before the school started, many student was playing or just arriving to school. Only 1 student and 1 teacher survived.
Entrance fee is free, and it’s a pretty rare experience to get in a building that survived.
* You can take pictures, however, they say “no Social media”
Former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan
An inconspicuous building adjacent to Fukuromachi Station, the former Bank of Japan branch in Hiroshima is said to be the most well-preserved building the survived the atomic bomb. The bank served as a shelter for surviving victims in the wake of the blast, and reopened as a bank just two days after the bomb. It continued to operate as a bank until 1992, and later became an Important Cultural Property, which is now open to the public for free.
Unique Things To Do in Hiroshima
Find and Ride on the Surviving Train
Did you know there are only 3 trains that survived the atomic bomb? One of them 653 is painted blue, and runs only during specific events and as an educational tool. However, trains 651 and 652 are still currently in operation each morning. If you are lucky, you can see or even ride these historically important trains.
If you go to the museum, you might know that street cars like these returned to operation just three days after the bomb, and were an integral part of rebuilding the city. Trains 651 and 652 are an iconic inspiration to moving forward in the face of unfathomable horror, and representative of the spirit of the people of Hiroshima.
Visit Lawson Featured Hiroshima Carp
Lawson is one of the “main three” convenience stores located throughout Japan. You may know Lawson from its iconic blue signage with adorning red stripe. This specific Lawson’s color theme is reversed in accordance and cooperation with local baseball team Hiroshima Toyo Carp. This is the only Lawson in Japan with this color theme! If you love baseball or Lawson, this unique convenience store is a fun stop! You can also buy some Hiroshima Carp goods that might be good for souvenirs!
Poplar Convenience Store from Hiroshima
This lesser-known convenience store has locations throughout Japan, but originated as a liquor shop in Hiroshima in 1976. Today, you can visit this Poplar store which includes a standing drink bar!
What Else to Do in Hiroshima?
Day Trip to Another City From Hiroshima City
Miyajima (Itsukushima) island
Day trip to Miyajima is also a good idea. Miyajima is known for the floating torii gate of Itsukushima shrine.
>> The Best Things To Do in Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island
Onomichi City
Onomichi city is an ocean front city, where you can have a beautiful view of Setouchi islands and Seto ocean. You can go to Onomichi from Hiroshima by train.
You can do very popular things, visit hidden gems, and try the unique things to do in Hiroshima to make your trip memorable!
