Hiroshima is often remembered for its history—but there’s so much more to this resilient city than what’s written in textbooks. From scenic ferry rides and streetcar journeys to sizzling local flavors and spiritual mountain hikes, Hiroshima is a place that pulses with life, culture, and natural beauty.
In this guide, we’re going beyond the past to explore what makes Hiroshima today so unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture buff, or a curious traveler, you’ll find plenty to love—from peaceful panoramic views atop Mt. Misen to the savory joy of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki sizzling right before your eyes.
If your travels take you to the Kansai region consider checking out our photography sessions and tours around Kyoto and Nara!
🕰️ A Journey Through Hiroshima’s Past
It’s important to understand some of Hiroshima’s history in order to fully appreciate its present.
Hiroshima’s roots reach back to the late 16th century, when Mori Terumoto, a powerful feudal lord, established Hiroshima Castle and began developing the area into a castle town. Strategically positioned on the delta of the Otagawa River and close to the Seto Inland Sea, the city gradually flourished as a center of commerce and governance.
During Japan’s Meiji Restoration in the late 1800s, Hiroshima became a significant military hub. Its infrastructure expanded rapidly, with military facilities, rail lines, and shipyards boosting its strategic importance. By the early 20th century, Hiroshima was not only a military center but also a thriving urban area.
Everything changed on August 6, 1945, when the U.S. dropped the world’s first atomic bomb used in warfare on Hiroshima. The destruction was near total—flattening about 70% of the city and killing an estimated 140,000 people by the end of the year. The Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), one of the few buildings left standing near the hypocenter, remains a haunting and powerful symbol of the tragedy.
If you want to read more about Hiroshima’s past regarding the atomic bomb, check out our other blog below written by a Japanese native (and also PiQtour’s founder’s husband).
Despite the unimaginable devastation, Hiroshima rebuilt with remarkable resilience. The city was officially designated a City of Peace in 1949 and has since become an international voice for nuclear disarmament. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the Peace Memorial Museum and several monuments, honors those lost and inspires reflection on the consequences of war.
Today, Hiroshima is a vibrant, modern city known not just for its past but also for its forward-looking spirit. With a strong focus on peace education, global exchange, and sustainable development, it stands as a living testament to recovery, remembrance, and hope.
🌸 Hiroshima’s Resilience and Cultural Flourish
Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima has emerged as a vibrant city, embracing peace and cultural richness. Here are some fascinating aspects of Hiroshima today:
- 🍋 Japan’s Lemon Capital: Blessed with a warm climate from the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima Prefecture is renowned for producing the largest amount of lemons in Japan, making it the origin of domestic lemons.
- 🐇 Rabbit Island – Okunoshima: Accessible via ferry from Tadano-umi Port, Ōkunoshima, affectionately known as Rabbit Island, is home to hundreds of friendly rabbits, making it a unique and popular destination for visitors.
- 🏺 Miyajima Osuna Ware: On Miyajima Island, artisans craft ceramics known as Miyajima osuna ware by mixing clay with sand from the sacred Itsukushima Shrine. This tradition dates back to the mid-Edo period (1615–1868) and continues to thrive today.
- 🚴 Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido offers a scenic route connecting Hiroshima to Ehime Prefecture across the Seto Inland Sea. It’s famed as Japan’s first bicycle path that allows cyclists to traverse a strait, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
- 🌆 A Thriving Metropolis: Hiroshima City, as the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, stands as the largest city in the Chugoku region, boasting a vibrant cultural scene and a resilient community that has rebuilt and flourished over the decades.
🚉 Start Your Adventure at Hiroshima Station
Hiroshima Station is the perfect launch point for exploring the city. It’s incredibly well connected, offering easy access to local JR lines, Hiroden streetcars, and buses. Whether you’re coming from Tokyo or Osaka, you’ll arrive at the Shinkansen (bullet train) exit ready to dive right into the day.
From Tokyo: about 4 hours via Nozomi.
From Osaka: about 1.5 hours via Nozomi.
And don’t skip breakfast! Hiroshima’s morning set culture is alive and well—find cozy cafes serving toast, eggs, salad, and coffee. Or go traditional with grilled fish, miso soup, and rice. It’s a simple but delicious way to start the day like a local.
🚋 Ride the Retro Hiroden Streetcar
Hiroden is Hiroshima’s streetcar network and a symbol of the city’s resilience. It resumed service just three days after the atomic bombing in 1945. Today, you can ride both vintage cars and modern trams across the city.
Popular routes:
- Line 2 or 6 to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park
- Line 1 for central shopping districts
- To Miyajima: Ride to Miyajima-guchi, then hop on a ferry
Fares are simple: 220 yen within the city. Use an IC card or drop exact change when exiting through the front door.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a ride on the “Atomic Bomb Tram,” a historic car that survived the bombing.
🏯 Visit Orizuru Tower
Just steps from the Atomic Bomb Dome, Orizuru Tower offers a serene space to reflect while enjoying sweeping views of Hiroshima. The 360-degree observation deck provides unobstructed sights of Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, the Seto Inland Sea, and beyond.
Inside, visitors can fold a paper crane (orizuru) and drop it into the Orizuru Wall, a glass installation filled with thousands of cranes from around the world—each representing a wish for peace. The tower also features interactive exhibits, a café with local treats, and a gift shop full of orizuru-themed souvenirs.
Time your visit for sunset or after dark to see the city bathed in soft orange light or illuminated beautifully at night.
🏰 Step Back in Time at Hiroshima Castle
Next, take a short walk to Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle. Originally built in 1589 by Mori Terumoto, the castle was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed in the atomic bombing.
The castle grounds are peaceful and scenic, especially in spring when cherry blossoms line the moat. Inside the reconstructed keep, a museum tells the story of Hiroshima’s samurai heritage, feudal politics, and castle architecture. Exhibits include samurai armor, historical maps, and ancient artifacts.
Climb to the top floor for a panoramic view of the city, where tradition and modern life coexist in the most beautiful way.
🍳 Savor Hiroshima’s Signature Dish at Okonomimura
Okonomimura is a multi-story haven dedicated to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki right in the heart of Hiroshima City.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is all about layers—each ingredient like batter, cabbage, pork, and noodles (usually yakisoba or udon) is stacked and grilled in order, then topped with a fried egg and sweet-savory sauce. In contrast, Osaka-style mixes all the ingredients together in the batter before grilling, creating a fluffier, pancake-like dish. Hiroshima’s version tends to be heartier and crispier, with the addition of noodles giving it a satisfying texture unique to the region.
Watch the chefs cook right in front of you and try specialties like oyster okonomiyaki or cheese-topped versions. Top spots include:
- Micchan Sohonten – The original Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki shop. Expect generous layers of cabbage and a bold, savory sauce that’s become a local classic.
- Hassho – A favorite for okonomiyaki purists, known for its perfectly grilled noodles and rich, smoky flavor that fills the air as you wait.
- Rei-chan – Known for balanced flavors and hearty portions, Rei-chan is a great pick for newcomers who want a solid introduction to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Bonus: Nagataya – Just steps from Peace Park, Nagataya is popular for its customizable toppings and a sweet-tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with Hiroshima’s fresh oysters.
Arrive hungry—there’s no better place to taste the heart of Hiroshima’s culinary creativity.
🍶 Discover Hiroshima’s Sake Scene
Hiroshima is one of Japan’s top sake regions, thanks to its naturally soft water and innovative brewing techniques pioneered in the late 19th century. The city of Saijo, just 45 minutes from Hiroshima Station, is especially famous—home to charming brewery streets and historic tasting spots.
Here are a few local sake picks worth sipping:
- Kamotsuru Tokusei Gold Daiginjo – Elegant and festive, with gold flakes and a smooth, fruity finish.
- Kamoizumi Junmai Ginjo – Rich, slightly fuller-bodied sake with gentle umami and fruit notes.
- Sempuku Junmai Ginjo – Light, crisp, and seafood-friendly; also try the Tokubetsu Honjozo version.
- Kirei Junmai Ginjo – Clean and bright with a soft sweetness, perfect for grilled dishes or sipping solo.
- Saijo Tsuru Tokubetsu Junmai – A local favorite for its smooth, easy-drinking flavor—ideal as a daily sake.
If you’re a sake lover, don’t miss a visit to Saijo Sake Brewery Street—a hidden gem of tasting rooms and local charm.
⛩️ Take a Day Trip to Miyajima
From downtown Hiroshima, ride Hiroden to Miyajima-guchi, then take a 10-minute ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to Miyajima Island—home to the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
🦌 Say hello to Miyajima’s deer—but don’t feed them! They’re friendly, curious, and known to nibble on anything in your hands.
🍢 Try local specialties like:
- Grilled oysters
- Anago meshi (grilled conger eel on rice)
- Momiji manju (maple-leaf shaped cakes)
- MomiKuro (chocolate-coated versions of manju)
- Fried momiji for a crispy treat
- Handcrafted gelato from Baccano
- Craft beer from Miyajima Brewery
🎐Don’t miss the chance to fold and leave your own paper crane for peace at the island’s cultural sites, and visit Reikado Hall on Mt. Misen to see the eternal flame.
🎎 Events at Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine hosts several traditional festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Kangensai Festival in summer. This elegant event features classical Japanese court music performed from boats that circle the floating torii gate—an unforgettable blend of sound, sea, and spiritual tradition. Other seasonal festivals celebrate the changing tides and honor the island’s deities with rituals, performances, and vibrant local participation.
🌄 Hike or Ride Up Mount Misen
Mt. Misen (Misen-yama) is the highest peak on Miyajima Island, standing at 535 meters, and it’s a must-visit for those craving panoramic views and spiritual serenity. Whether you take the ropeway or hike the ancient trails, this mountain offers breathtaking sights and a journey steeped in tradition.
The ropeway offers a smooth ride with sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. Once you arrive at Shishi-iwa Station, you’ll still need to hike about 30 minutes to reach the summit. For the adventurous, multiple hiking routes—including the Daisho-in and Momijidani trails—wind through forests filled with sacred sites and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for wild deer and monkeys!
Key spots along the way:
- Daisho-in Temple: One of Miyajima’s most important temples, featuring ornate halls, unique Buddhist statues, and a peaceful atmosphere at the base of Mt. Misen
- Henjokutsu: A serene cave temple near Daisho-in Temple, featuring illuminated Buddhist statues
- Reikado Hall: Home to the Eternal Flame, which has burned for over 1,200 years
- Misen Hondo: The main temple hall, where monks have prayed for centuries
- The Summit Observatory: Offers one of the best panoramic views in Japan, stretching out over Hiroshima Bay and beyond
Weather can shift quickly at higher altitudes, so bring layers and water. Whether you go for the ropeway or take the hike, visiting Mt. Misen is a beautiful blend of nature, spirituality, and rewarding views.
🌃 Nightlife in Nagarekawa & The Knot’s Bar
Back in Hiroshima city, wind down with a stroll through the vibrant Nagarekawa district. This nightlife hub is filled with izakayas, bars, and cozy alleyways like Ekinishi and Honobono Yokocho.
Cap off your night with a drink at Kei, The Knot Hotel’s stylish bar—perfect for reflecting on your day of exploration. Kei uses a unique payment system of KNOT Coins which can be purchased at the front desk (and if you stay at the hotel you will receive three coins complimentary).
Check them out here: Kei | THE KNOT HIROSHIMA
🎥 Final Thoughts
Hiroshima today is a city full of flavor, warmth, and beauty—not just resilience. From streetcars and sacred shrines to sizzling okonomiyaki and sweeping views, it’s a place that invites you to connect deeply with both the past and present.
If you’re looking to stay a few nights in order to truly explore all Hiroshima has to offer: check out our blog on the best places to stay in Hiroshima.
Want to see more of Japan beyond the blog? Subscribe to our PiQtour Japan YouTube channel for more visual adventures: youtube.com/@piqtourjapan
🔎 Relevant Keyphrases
Hiroshima guide, Hiroshima travel guide, things to do in Hiroshima, Miyajima ferry guide, Hiroshima okonomiyaki, where to eat in Hiroshima, Orizuru Tower, Mt. Misen hike, Hiroshima nightlife, Peace Park Hiroshima, Hiroshima atomic bomb, Hiroshima Castle
