5 Days in Hiroshima: First-Timer Plan
Five days covers the city core, Miyajima, and two further day trips without ever feeling rushed. This version pairs Onomichi’s cycling with Iwakuni’s bridge and the Saijō sake district; the 4-day plan drops the fifth day if that’s all the time you have, and the 6-day version adds Kure 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.
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 before you go.
Afternoon
The Mount Misen ropeway (roughly ¥2,000 round trip) and a 30-minute hike to the 535m summit.
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 back. Sunset is the quietest hour on the island.
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.
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 garden’s shade for later.
Day 4: Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaidō
Morning
A roughly hour-long train to Onomichi; walk the hillside temple trail and waterfront.
Afternoon
Rent a bike and ride a stretch of the Shimanami Kaidō toward the first island.
Evening
Return to Hiroshima, or grab a casual dinner in Onomichi first.
One concrete tip: a half-day on the bike beats committing to the full route if you’re not an experienced cyclist.
Day 5: Iwakuni and Saijō
Morning
A short train to Iwakuni to see the Kintaikyō Bridge (a five-arched wooden bridge, crossing fee around ¥310) and the grounds around Iwakuni Castle.
Afternoon
A train to Saijō, walk Sakagura Dori past the historic sake breweries, and sample a tasting flight (roughly ¥500-1,000) if you drink.
Evening
Return to Hiroshima for your final night.
One concrete tip: do Saijō before Iwakuni if your timing is tight. The breweries close earlier than the bridge does.
See the main Hiroshima travel guide and the full day trips guide for alternatives to days four and five.