Things to Do in Hiroshima: Peace Park, Miyajima & Local Food

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) covers 12 hectares along the Motoyasu River, directly below the point where the atomic bomb detonated on August 6, 1945. Today the park is one of the most visited sites in western Japan and the starting point for most things to do in Hiroshima. Whether you spend one day or three in the city, this is where to begin. For broader context on the city and its districts, see our Hiroshima city guides.

The park is free to enter at any time, and you can walk between major monuments in about 30-45 minutes — though most visitors stay considerably longer.

Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム, Genbaku Dome) stands at the northern edge of the park, the skeletal remains of what was once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. It is the only structure left standing near the bomb's hypocenter and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The dome is viewable 24 hours a day at no cost — you cannot enter the building itself, but the exterior is fully accessible from the surrounding walkways and riverbank.

The dome is most striking at dusk, when the ruins are illuminated against the darkening sky. Many visitors on Reddit recommend returning after sunset for a second look.

Peace Memorial Museum

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (広島平和記念資料館) is the emotional center of any Hiroshima visit. According to the official site, the museum is open 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (until 5:00 PM from January through March), with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It is closed December 31 through January 3.

Admission is ¥200 (~$1.30) for adults — one of the most affordable major museums in Japan. Children through middle school enter free. No reservation is required.

Allow at least 2 hours. The exhibits include personal artifacts, survivor testimonies, and detailed accounts of the bombing and its aftermath. An English audio guide is available and helps explain the context behind each display. Many visitors on TripAdvisor note that the experience is emotionally intense — take breaks in the park if needed.

Monuments and Memorials

Beyond the museum, the park contains over 70 monuments and memorials. The most visited include:

• Cenotaph for A-bomb Victims — an arched monument framing a view of the Peace Flame and Atomic Bomb Dome in a single line of sight
• Children's Peace Monument — inspired by Sadako Sasaki and the thousand paper cranes. Visitors can leave folded cranes at the base
• Peace Bell — you can ring it yourself, a simple act that most visitors find unexpectedly moving
• Flame of Peace — burning continuously since 1964, designed to remain lit until all nuclear weapons are eliminated

Budget 30-60 minutes to walk the memorials after the museum.

Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima (宮島) — formally Itsukushima — is a short ferry ride from the mainland and home to one of Japan's most photographed landmarks: the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社). The island is technically a places to visit in Hiroshima Prefecture rather than the city itself, but most travelers treat it as a half-day addition to their Hiroshima itinerary.

The ferry departs from Miyajimaguchi Port (reachable by JR train from Hiroshima Station in about 30 minutes) and the crossing takes 10 minutes. One-way fare is approximately ¥450 (~$3). JR Pass holders can ride the JR ferry for free.

Itsukushima Shrine's vermillion torii gate appears to float at high tide and stands exposed on the tidal flats at low tide — both views are worth seeing. The shrine grounds charge ¥300 for entry. Beyond the shrine, the island rewards exploration: Daisho-in Temple offers a quieter spiritual experience, the Mt. Misen ropeway provides panoramic views from 535 meters, and the town's Omotesando shopping street serves grilled oysters and fresh momiji manju.

For the historical architecture enthusiast, the Senjokaku pavilion on Miyajima — a massive wooden hall commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi — is worth a separate visit.

Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden

If you have time beyond Peace Park and Miyajima, two sites in central Hiroshima offer a different pace: a reconstructed samurai castle and an Edo-period garden. Both are within walking distance of Peace Park and can be combined in a half-day.

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle (広島城, Hiroshima-jō) was originally built in the 1590s and destroyed by the atomic bomb. The current five-story reconstruction dates from 1958 and houses a history museum covering the castle's feudal era and the samurai culture of the region.

According to the official site, admission is ¥370 (~$2.50) for adults and ¥180 (~$1.20) for elementary and middle school students. Hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM). The castle closes on some weekdays in late December — check before visiting in winter.

The top-floor observation deck provides views over the city and surrounding moat. Budget about 45-60 minutes for the museum and grounds.

Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien (縮景園) is a landscape garden built in 1620 by Asano Nagaakira, the feudal lord of Hiroshima. The name means "shrunken scenery" — the garden compresses valleys, mountains, forests, and tea houses into a compact walking course around a central pond.

According to the official site, admission is ¥260 (~$1.70) for adults and ¥80 (~$0.50) for children. The garden opens at 7:00 AM — unusually early for a Japanese garden — and closes at 6:00 PM, with seasonal variations. It is open every day of the year.

The cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) draws the largest crowds, but the garden is pleasant year-round. Allow 30-45 minutes for a full loop. Many visitors skip Shukkeien because it sounds like "just a park," but after the intensity of the Peace Museum, the garden provides a restorative contrast.

Eating Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is the city's signature dish and fundamentally different from the Osaka version. Where Osaka mixes all ingredients into a batter, Hiroshima layers them: a thin crepe, mountains of shredded cabbage, pork, yakisoba noodles, and a fried egg, all pressed together on a griddle. The result is thicker, more textured, and arguably more satisfying.

Okonomiyaki is central to what Hiroshima is known for beyond its peace legacy, and eating it at a counter where the chef cooks directly in front of you is one of the city's essential experiences.

Where to eat:

• Okonomimura — a multi-floor building near Hondori with 24+ individual okonomiyaki stalls. Pick any shop on floors 2-4 and watch the cook build your order on the griddle. Budget ¥1,000-1,500 (~$7-10) per meal
• Nagataya — a standalone shop near Peace Park, frequently recommended by locals
• Lopez — a shop run by a Hiroshima resident originally from Spain, popular for its creative toppings and friendly atmosphere

Lunchtime (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) at Okonomimura can get crowded. Going at 2:00 PM or for an early dinner avoids the longest waits.

Shopping and Exploring Hondori Arcade

Hondori Shopping Arcade (本通商店街) is a 577-meter covered pedestrian street stretching from the Peace Park area toward Hiroshima Station. The arcade mixes department stores, local boutiques, chain shops, and street food vendors under a glass roof — making it a practical option regardless of weather.

Hondori is not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, but it's where Hiroshima residents actually shop and eat. Walking the arcade between sights gives you a feel for the city's everyday rhythm. Side streets branching off Hondori lead to smaller restaurants, cafés, and izakaya (居酒屋, Japanese pubs) that are harder to find without wandering.

Notable stops include:

• Okonomimura — located just off the arcade's eastern end
• Andersen Bakery — a Hiroshima-born bakery chain, the flagship store here is worth a quick visit for pastries
• Souvenir shops selling momiji manju (もみじ饅頭, maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste), Hiroshima's most popular edible souvenir

How to Plan Your Hiroshima Days

Most travelers spend 1-2 full days in Hiroshima. Here's how to structure your time:

Days Available	Suggested Plan
1 day (rushed)	Morning: Peace Park & Museum (3 hrs). Lunch: okonomiyaki. Afternoon: Miyajima ferry + shrine (3-4 hrs)
1.5 days	Day 1: Peace Park, Museum, Castle, Shukkeien, okonomiyaki dinner. Day 2 morning: Miyajima
2 days	Day 1: Peace Park, Museum, Hondori, okonomiyaki. Day 2: Full day on Miyajima (shrine, Daisho-in, ropeway)
3 days	Add a day trip to Onomichi hillside town or explore lesser-known city neighborhoods

Budget summary for main attractions:

Attraction	Adult Price	Time Needed
Peace Memorial Museum	¥200 (~$1.30)	2+ hours
Atomic Bomb Dome	Free	15-30 min
Hiroshima Castle	¥370 (~$2.50)	45-60 min
Shukkeien Garden	¥260 (~$1.70)	30-45 min
Orizuru Tower	¥1,700 (~$11)	30-45 min
Miyajima ferry (one-way)	~¥450 (~$3)	10 min

The city's core attractions total under ¥1,000 in admission fees — Hiroshima is one of the most affordable major sightseeing cities in Japan.

Getting around is straightforward. Hiroshima's streetcar (路面電車) runs from the station to Peace Park in about 8 minutes for ¥190 (~$1.30). A one-day streetcar pass costs ¥700 (~$4.70) and pays for itself after 4 rides. For detailed transport logistics, see our practical guide to visiting Hiroshima, and for accommodation areas, see where to stay in Hiroshima.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Peace Park and Miyajima in one day?

Yes, but it requires an early start and efficient planning. Spend the morning at Peace Park and the museum (2-3 hours), then take the afternoon ferry to Miyajima — about 45 minutes from Hiroshima Port or via JR train to Miyajimaguchi plus a 10-minute ferry. You can see the shrine, walk the town, and return by evening. Skip the castle and garden if combining both in one day.

How much time should I spend at the Peace Memorial Museum?

At least 2 hours. The exhibits are detailed and emotionally powerful, covering personal artifacts, survivor accounts, and historical context. An English audio guide is available to help explain the displays. Allow additional time afterward to walk the surrounding park and visit the memorials — most visitors find they need a quiet moment after the museum.

What is the best okonomiyaki spot for first-timers?

Okonomimura is the most accessible option — a multi-floor building near Hondori with 24+ individual okonomiyaki stalls. Pick any shop on floors 2-4 and watch the chef build your Hiroshima-style layered pancake on the griddle. Budget ¥1,000-1,500 (~$7-10) per meal. Go after 2:00 PM or before 6:00 PM to avoid peak crowds.

How much does it cost to see the main Hiroshima attractions?

The Peace Memorial Museum is ¥200 (~$1.30), Hiroshima Castle is ¥370 (~$2.50), Shukkeien Garden is ¥260 (~$1.70), and the Atomic Bomb Dome is free to view. The Miyajima ferry costs approximately ¥450 (~$3) one-way. Total for all main city attractions: under ¥1,000 (~$7) — Hiroshima is one of the most affordable sightseeing cities in Japan.

Is the Orizuru Tower worth visiting?

At ¥1,700 (~$11), Orizuru Tower is Hiroshima's priciest single attraction — more than all other city sights combined. The open-air rooftop observation deck offers a unique perspective directly over the Atomic Bomb Dome and the river delta. It is worth the price for the view and the paper crane folding experience, but budget-conscious travelers can skip it without missing an essential Hiroshima experience.