Hiroshima Japan 7 Day Itinerary

Hiroshima 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Hiroshima Airport or Hiroshima Station
  • Stay: Check-in at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar
  • Lunch: Try Okonomiyaki at Nagata-ya, a local favorite
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
  • Evening: Explore the lively streets of Kami-hachiman, known for its bars and restaurants

Day 2: Miyajima Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island (approx. 10 minutes)
  • Must-see: Watch the famous Itsukushima Shrine “float” on the sea during high tide
  • Lunch: Savor fresh seafood at Kakiya Honten
  • Afternoon: Visit the Miyajima Public Aquarium and enjoy the scenic views of the island
  • Evening: Return to Hiroshima and try some local street food at Nagarekawa Street

Day 3: Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden

  • Morning: Visit Hiroshima Castle, a beautiful castle with a museum inside
  • Lunch: Enjoy Japanese-Chinese fusion cuisine at Chouji
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Shukkei-en Garden, a peaceful oasis in the city
  • Evening: Explore the Hiroshima Station Building, which offers great dining and shopping options

Day 4: Onomichi City

Day 5: Kurashiki City

  • Morning: Take a train to Kurashiki City (approx. 45 minutes)
  • Must-see: Visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, with its beautiful traditional architecture
  • Lunch: Enjoy local specialties at Kurashiki Kibitsu
  • Afternoon: Explore the Ohara Museum of Art, featuring a collection of Japanese and European art
  • Evening: Return to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner at Toraji

Day 6: Fukuyama City

  • Morning: Take a train to Fukuyama City (approx. 1 hour)
  • Must-see: Visit the Fukuyama Castle, with its beautiful gardens and museum
  • Lunch: Try some local seafood at Kappo Ryokai
  • Afternoon: Explore the Fukuyama Port and take a stroll along the waterfront
  • Evening: Return to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner at Sakura-tei

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Departure: Head back to Hiroshima Airport or Hiroshima Station for your departure

Things to Know

  • Hiroshima is a city with a rich history, and visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum can be an emotional experience.
  • The city has a convenient tram system, making it easy to get around without speaking Japanese.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak travel seasons (e.g., cherry blossom season) for smaller crowds.

Transportation

  • Hiroshima Airport: connected to the city center by bus or taxi
  • Hiroshima Station: a major hub with connections to other cities in Japan
  • Tram: an efficient way to get around the city
  • Ferry: connects Miyajima Island to the mainland

Tips

  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello) and “arigatou” (thank you).
  • Try to avoid eating at restaurants with no English menus or signs.
  • Be respectful of Hiroshima’s history and culture by dressing modestly and removing your shoes when required.

Other Things of Interest

  • Hiroshima Carp Stadium: catch a baseball game during the season
  • Hiroshima Museum of Art: features a collection of modern Japanese art
  • Mitaki-dera Temple: a beautiful temple with a peaceful atmosphere

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, and is a great starting point for your trip to Hiroshima. Enjoy your travels!