Hiroshima Attractions Guide: Peace Park, Miyajima, Onomichi & More

Hiroshima Prefecture: Three Destinations, One Trip

Hiroshima Prefecture rewards travelers who look beyond the Peace Memorial. The prefecture's three major destination clusters — Hiroshima City, Miyajima Island, and Onomichi — are dispersed across different landscapes but connected by efficient transport. Each offers something the others do not.

Hiroshima City is the starting point for most visitors — Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the city's famous okonomiyaki. Miyajima Island, 40 minutes away by train and ferry, has the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and Mt. Misen hiking. And Onomichi, an hour east by train, is a hillside temple town that serves as the starting point for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route across the Seto Inland Sea.

Most travelers can cover the highlights in 2-3 days using Hiroshima City as a base. For detailed guides to each area, see our individual articles linked throughout.

Hiroshima City: Peace Memorial, Castle, and Okonomiyaki

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) occupies a riverside area near the hypocenter of the 1945 atomic bombing. The Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — stands at the park's northern edge, preserved in its post-blast state. The Peace Memorial Museum inside the park documents the bombing and its aftermath.

According to the Hiroshima City tourism site, the park and dome are accessible by tram from Hiroshima Station in 10-15 minutes. The museum is open daily.

For the full list of city highlights, see our Hiroshima must-see highlights and sightseeing spots guide. For ranked recommendations, see Hiroshima attractions ranked.

Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden

Hiroshima Castle (広島城) is a reconstructed castle with a history museum inside. Shukkeien Garden (縮景園) — a traditional Japanese garden near the castle — offers a quieter complement to the Peace Park area. Both are walkable from central Hiroshima.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is the city's signature dish — layered pancakes with noodles, cabbage, and toppings. Okonomimura, a multi-floor building with dozens of small okonomiyaki stalls, is the most popular spot for first-time visitors.

Miyajima Island: Floating Torii and Mt. Misen

Miyajima (宮島) is a UNESCO World Heritage island in Hiroshima Bay, famous for Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) and its iconic floating torii gate. According to the shrine's official site, admission is ¥300 (~$2) for adults with hours from 6:30-18:00 (seasonal variations).

The torii gate is most photogenic at high tide when it appears to float on the water. At low tide, you can walk out to it — a different but equally interesting experience. Check tide tables before visiting.

Beyond the shrine, Mt. Misen (弥山, 535m) offers a 2-3 hour hike or ropeway ride to views across the Seto Inland Sea. The island's commercial street sells momiji manju (もみじ饅頭) — maple leaf-shaped cakes — and grilled oysters.

Access: JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (25 minutes), then ferry to the island (10 minutes, ¥200-400 round trip). Ferries run every 15-30 minutes. For a full island guide, see Miyajima Island things to do.

Onomichi: Hillside Temples and Shimanami Kaido

Onomnichi (尾道) is a compact port town on the Seto Inland Sea coast, about an hour east of Hiroshima by JR local train. According to the Onomichi city tourism site, the town is known for its hillside temple walk — a path connecting 25 temples on the slopes above the town — and Cat Alley, a narrow lane populated by free-roaming cats.

Oonomichi is also the starting point for the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) — a 60-70 km cycling route that crosses six islands via seven bridges to reach Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. According to the Shimanami Kaido official site, bike rentals range from ¥1,000-5,000 per day depending on the type, with a one-way drop-off system available.

Onomnichi ramen — featuring a fish-based broth made from dried small fish — is the local food specialty. For the full guide, see Onomichi things to do.

Planning Your Trip: How Many Days and Where to Base

Suggested 2-Day and 3-Day Plans

2 days: Day 1 — Peace Memorial Park, museum, castle, and okonomiyaki dinner. Day 2 — Miyajima Island (shrine, Mt. Misen or street food, ferry back by evening).

3 days: Add Day 3 for Onomichi's temple walk and the start of the Shimanami Kaido (cycling a partial segment and returning by train). For a structured plan, see our Hiroshima day trip itinerary.

Where to Stay

Hiroshima City is the recommended base for most visitors. The city has the widest accommodation selection, best dining variety, and central transport connections. Miyajima has overnight options for travelers who want to see the torii illuminated at night (after day-trippers leave), but the island's accommodation is limited and more expensive.

Getting to Hiroshima from Tokyo and Osaka

From	Train	Time	JR Pass
Tokyo	Sanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari)	~4 hours	Hikari only
Osaka	Sanyo Shinkansen	~1.5 hours	All services
Kyoto	Sanyo Shinkansen	~1 hour 45 min	All services
Fukuoka/Hakata	Sanyo Shinkansen	~1 hour	All services

Hiroshima Station is the main hub. From there, trams cover the city center, and JR trains reach Miyajimaguchi (for Miyajima ferry) and Onomichi.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Hiroshima Prefecture?

2 days minimum: one for Peace Park and central Hiroshima, one for Miyajima Island. 3 days adds Onomichi and Shimanami Kaido cycling. A single day is possible for Peace Park and Miyajima combined but very rushed.

Is Miyajima a good day trip from Hiroshima City?

Yes — JR train to Miyajimaguchi (25 minutes) plus ferry (10 minutes) gets you there in under 40 minutes. Allow 3-4 hours on the island for the shrine, street food, and deer. A full day allows Mt. Misen hiking.

Should I base myself in Hiroshima City?

Yes for most visitors. Hiroshima City has the best accommodation, dining, and transport connections. Miyajima and Onomichi are both easy day trips from the city.

How do I get to Hiroshima from Tokyo?

Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, approximately 4 hours. From Osaka, approximately 1.5 hours. The JR Pass covers Hikari services (not Nozomi) from Tokyo, and all services from Osaka.

What food is Hiroshima famous for?

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (layered with noodles), Miyajima's momiji manju (maple leaf cakes) and grilled oysters, and Onomichi ramen (fish-based broth). Okonomimura in Hiroshima City concentrates dozens of stalls in one building.