4 Days in Hiroshima: First-Timer Plan
Four days adds a full day trip on top of Hiroshima’s own core plus Miyajima, enough time to see the city properly without rushing anywhere. This version adds Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaidō on day four; swap it for Iwakuni if bridges interest you more than cycling, since both fit the same slot. With less time, use the 3-day plan ; with more, the 5-day version adds Iwakuni and Saijō on top of this same spine.
Book these before you go
- The Peace Memorial Museum’s first or last entry slot online
- A place to stay near the station or downtown
- An IC card (ICOCA) at Hiroshima Station on arrival
Day 1: Peace Park and the city core
Morning
The Peace Memorial Park: the A-Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph and Flame of Peace, and the Children’s Peace Monument. The Peace Memorial Museum (admission last quoted around ¥200) needs at least two hours; book the first slot online if you can. Keep the register quiet and reflective.
Afternoon
The Orizuru Tower for a rooftop view and the Crane Wall, then downtown along the Hondori arcade.
Evening
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura (roughly ¥1,200-1,500 per person); the Hiroden tram back runs a flat fare of about ¥240.
One concrete tip: book your Museum slot as soon as your dates are fixed.
Day 2: Miyajima
Morning
Tram or JR train to Miyajimaguchi, then the roughly 10-minute ferry (around ¥200 plus a ¥100 visitor tax) to Miyajima. Check tide tables: high tide floats the torii, low tide lets you walk out to it.
Afternoon
The Mount Misen ropeway (roughly ¥2,000 round trip) and a 30-minute hike to the 535m summit. Sacred deer wander near the base.
Evening
Grilled anago or momiji manju before the ferry back, or stay overnight for the torii lit up after dark.
One concrete tip: don’t rush the last ferry. The quietest hour on Miyajima is right before sunset.
Day 3: Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden
Morning
Hiroshima Castle (a 1958 reconstruction, admission around ¥400); check current opening status before you go.
Afternoon
Shukkeien Garden (admission around ¥300), paired with the adjacent Hiroshima Museum of Art if you have another hour.
Evening
Dinner in the Nagarekawa district, oysters and drinks for roughly ¥2,000-3,000 per person.
One concrete tip: do the castle first on a hot day and save the shadier garden for the afternoon.
Day 4: Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaidō
Morning
A roughly hour-long train to Onomichi, a hillside temple town on the Seto Inland Sea; walk the old town’s temple trail and waterfront.
Afternoon
Rent a bike and ride a stretch of the Shimanami Kaidō toward the first island, or skip the cycling and just enjoy the harbor views if that’s not your thing.
Evening
Return to Hiroshima for a final dinner, or grab a casual meal in Onomichi before heading back.
One concrete tip: do a half-day on the bike rather than committing to the full route; you can always turn back at the first bridge.
See the main Hiroshima travel guide and the full day trips guide for alternatives to day four.