Travel / Tourism Spots in Hiroshima Area

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
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    4.5
    7030 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Nakajimachou 1-2
    This museum is located in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, in Naka District, of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It was founded with the objective of imparting the reality of the harm from the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945, and the abolition of nuclear weapons, and the attainment of world peace. The museum is divided between the main building and the east building. Along with items that reveal the horrible spectacle and mementos of the bomb victims, the conditions of pre and post-bomb Hiroshima and an introduction to the nuclear era are introduced. The museum is remembered also by the 2016 visit of President Barak Obama, the first ever incumbent head of state of a nuclear power to visit the museum.

    Thi is a beautiful park constructed adjacent to the Atomic Dome and is dedicated to the victims of the Atomic Bomb. The park has a beautiful landscape with a Cenotaph, children monument and a museum...

  • Grand Torii
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    4.5
    3521 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi
    This huge torii gate serves as a symbol of Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine which is one of Japan’s most famous and which stands as an embodiment of ancient Heian period culture. The great ryobu-style wooden gate, situated out on the ocean, stands 16.6 meters above the surface of the water; its main pillars are 9.9 meters in circumference and its roof is 24.2 meters long. The current gate was rebuilt in 1875. The eighth gate built here counting from the Heian period, it is said that the search to find trees sufficiently large to construct it takes 20 years. About the same height as the great Daibutsu statue in Nara, the gate’s supports are not buried in the sea bottom; instead, the gate is affixed to the sea floor with pine stakes but otherwise simply stands via its own weight. Due to significant damage and deterioration, the gate has been undergoing major repairs to preserve it since June 2019.

    This is a red coloured shrine located in Miyajima island which has a beautiful gate. One has to walk for about a km from the boarding platform. The shrine is very nicely maintained and has an entry...

  • Hiroshima Castle
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    4.0
    2003 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Motomachi 21-1
    Hiroshima Castle, which was built by Mori Terumoto, one member of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Council of Five Elders, is also known by another name, Carp Castle, and is counted as one of Japan’s three greatest flatland castles. The main keep which was constructed in 1598 was designated a National Treasure in 1931, but was destroyed by the atomic bombing. The exterior was restored in 1958 with a ferro-concrete structure. In 1989, as the castle welcomed 400 years of history, the ni-no-maru was restored, the moat was cleaned, and the interior was remodeled, and now it is used as a history museum with the theme of samurai culture.

    This is an old castle with a typical Japanese architecture. There is a water body with fishes all around it. It has an entrance fees and is reverred by local people. THere is a beautiful garden...

  • Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims
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    4.5
    965 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Nakajimachou 1-6
    This is a facility located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The memorial was constructed in an effort to remember and mourn the atomic bomb victims at the time of the dropping of the bomb on August 6, 1945, as well as those who died afterwards, and to pray for eternal peace. The Hall of Remembrance presents a panoramic view of the A-bombed city, a place to quietly mourn A-bomb victims and reflect on peace, an information exhibition section for planned exhibitions, and a hands-on reading room. The nearest stops on the Hiroshima Electric Railway tram are “Genbaku Dome Mae” (Atomic Bomb Dome) stop and “Hondori” stop.

    We visited this memorial after going through the Peace Museum, and it further reinforced our resolve to support the end of nuclear weapons worldwide. The memorials huge, circular Hall of Remembrance...

  • Miyajima Ropeway
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    4.0
    791 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou In the autumnal park
    A ropeway connecting Shishiiwa Station at the top of the sacred mountain (Mt. Misen) with Momijidani Station at the foot of the mountain, in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Mt. Misen is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Itsukushima Shrine. There are still so many things to see here, such as the untouched natural primeval forest, amazing rock formations, shrines and temples, as well as an observation deck. Passengers can enjoy magnificent views of the natural scenery and deep blue sea down below from inside the gondolas. The journey time takes approximately 14 minutes. The mid-way Kayatani Station is used only for transfers so passengers cannot get off here.

    The ropeway is a good choice to buy time (almost 2 hours) if you do not want to stress up hiking all the way to the top (observatory). If you start early, you could complete the mountain top and the...

  • Senkoji Temple
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    4.0
    688 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Higashitsuchidouchou 15-1
    This is a temple located in Senkoji Park in Onomichi City. According to temple legend it was established in 806, by Kobo Daishi. The red painted main hall is an unusual structure called a stage building, and the building, together with the bell tower, symbolizes Onomichi. It is believed that once a jewel of shining light was placed on the big rock beside the main hall called “Tama no Iwa” and this illuminated the sea. From inside the precincts you can enjoy a magnificent view overlooking the city of Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea.

    Located half way along Senkoji mountain and not far from the cable car station. The temple was established around 806. The temple offers a panoramic view of Onomichi port and the Seto Inland sea. A...

  • MIYAJIMA MISEN DAISYOIN
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    4.5
    606 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou 210
    It is the most important temple of the Shingon Omuro sect in Miyajima Town, Hatsukaichi City, and the temple with the longest history in Miyajima. It is believed to have been established when Kobo Daishi crossed to Miyajima in 806. It was once a different temple administering the ceremonial festivals of the Itsukushima Shrine and was deeply related to the Imperial Family. The temple has many statues in the Kannon-do Hall such as the Kannon Bosatsu or Deity of Mercy with eleven heads, and is the only temple in Japan enshrining Sanki Daigongen (the three fierce guardian gods). You can see the streets of the opposite shore from this serene environment, and it is also famous for its autumn colors.

    Daisho-in Temple is a truly remarkable and spiritual destination. The peaceful atmosphere and beautifully maintained grounds provide a tranquil retreat for visitors. The temples rich history and...

  • Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou 1-1
    A Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima (Miyajima) in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture famed as one of the three most scenic locations in Japan. The shrine is also registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This grand and majestic shrine is built along the sea shore where the tide ebbs and flows, and the shrine’s giant torii gate standing out in the sea is particularly famous. The shrine is said to have been built in 593, and the current seaside shrine building is said to have been constructed with the aid of Taira no Kiyomori in 1168. 17 of the shrine’s large and small structures are designated Important Cultural Properties or National Treasures, and the shrine’s Hirabutai stage, used for ceremonial dances and other performances, is considered one of the three most beautiful stages in the country. The shrine’s collection of treasures also includes numerous crafts and works of art designated Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures.
  • Toyokuni Shrine Five-storied Pagoda
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    4.0
    514 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 1-1
    This five-tier red pagoda stands on a hill near the Honden front shrine of Itsukushima Shrine. The 27.6-meter-tall tower is located next to Toyokuni Shrine (location of the Senjokaku Pavilion). Skillfully blending Japanese and Chinese design aspects, the tower was built in 1407. Inside, the ceiling is painted with a dragon, while outside the ceilings have been painted with grapevine scrollwork and vivid patterns. The pagoda’s central pillar notably only extends up to the second tier in a design which helps prevent the tower from being toppled by strong winds. The pagoda used to enshrine the temple’s principal object of worship, a statue of Gautama Buddha; as well as statues of the bodhisattvas Samantabhadra and Manjushri, but these were moved to the Daiganji Temple on the opposite shore during the anti-Buddhism movement of the Meiji period. Today, the pagoda has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.

    After visiting the Itsukushima Shrine, I decided to walk for about 2 minutes to the west of the structure and climb a small hill to see this pagoda up close. Well-maintained, its five...

  • Toyokuni Jinja (Sen Tatami Kaku)
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    4.0
    487 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 1-1

    The Senjokaku Pavilion is right at the side of the Toyokuni Shrine Five-Story Pagoda. If you need 5min to see the pagoda from the outside, you can spend 10-15min visiting the pavillion. The structure...

  • Hiroshima Museum of Art
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    4.5
    297 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Motomachi 3-2 In the central park
    An art museum focusing on modern art located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture which was opened in 1978 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Hiroshima Bank. The museum has a large collection of modern art with a focus on Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne and other Impressionist artists. Including its modern Japanese art, the museum’s collection consists of some 300 works. In addition to a standing exhibition of some 90 modern French artworks, the museum also holds special exhibitions several times a year. There’s also a museum shop and fashionable café with a view of the museum’s inner garden.

    At 600 yen ($4.50) it maybe worth the experience but 1/2 the collection was closed and 1/2 the art shown on the flyer was out on loan. The grounds and the rodin sculptures are very nice...

  • Hiroshima Gokoku-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    238 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Motomachi 21-2
    A Shinto shrine honoring those who have died in while fighting wars located inside Hiroshima Castle Park in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The shrine was built in 1868 as Suisho Reisha Shrine to enshrine the souls of the samurai of Hiroshima Domain who died in the Boshin War. Today, the shrine enshrines the spirits of 92 thousand who fell in battle thereafter. The main shrine building was lost during the atomic bombing of 1945 and was rebuilt in 1956. In addition to being one of the most prominent shrines in the prefecture, it is also a popular destination for local citizens to visit and pray for the victory of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp professional baseball team. A “Naki-zumo” event is held here each year on May 5 in which sumo wrestlers battle each other by holding babies and attempting to see who can get theirs to cry the loudest, a traditional ritual which seeks to ensure the healthy growth of the children involved.

    If you walk to the back of the Castle you will be treated to a small shrine. You can buy a fortune or a blessed item. Not as ornate as some of the other shrines, but very peaceful. Worth the visit...

  • Kousanji Museum (Kousanji Temple)
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    4.0
    156 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Setodachousetoda 553-2
    The temple of Jodo Shinshu in Setoda Town, Onomichi City. It was established in 1936 by Kouzo Kousanji, an industrialist, to ensure his mother’s bodai or enlightment. The temple itself is the museum and inside the exhibition hall there are displays of cultural properties such as artifacts of Buddhism, tea ceremony and drawings. Many temples were built mimicking Japanese architecture and 15 buildings, including the main hall, are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of the country. It is also called “the Sunlight in the West”.

    I had the Kosanji Temple marked on my maps as a must when I rode my bike on the Shimanami Kaido. I was really looking forward to visiting the temple but the entrance price really threw me off...

  • Mitaki Temple
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    4.5
    142 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinishiku Mitakiyama 411
    A Buddhist temple in Nishi Ward, Hiroshima City located halfway up Mt. Mitaki is part of the Koyasan Shingon-shu grouping of temples. Said to have been founded in 809 by Kukai, there are three waterfalls with different streams located on the grounds. The two-story pagoda erected as a memorial to victims of the atomic bombs was transferred from Wakayama’s Hirohachiman-Jinja shrine and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside the pagoda is another Important Cultural Property of Japan, a wooden statue depicted the seated form of the Amitabha (Amidanyorai) Buddha. The temple is well known as a place to see cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors in the fall, and there is always a great turn out of visitors.

    A friend of mine mentioned the Mitaki Temple near Hiroshima. I decided to walk here from downtown, only about 4 km or 2 miles. The temple area is pretty easy to find, there is a parking area here as...

  • Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
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    4.0
    134 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Kaminoborichou 2-22
    Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is a museum in Hiroshima City, Naka Ward, Hiroshima Prefecture. Boasting a collection of more than 4,800 pieces including Important Cultural Properties, focusing on modern Western paintings and Japanese paintings, as well as “Craft Art of Japan and Asia”. The collection includes many artworks of artists from the Hiroshima region, such as Katsuzo Entsuba and Ikuo Hirayama. The museum holds special exhibitions and themed lecture events to compliment them as well as changing the exhibition about four times a year. From the museum lobby and the resting lounge, you can enjoy the scenery of a Place of Scenic Beauty, the Shukkeien garden next to the museum.

    The previous year when we visited Shukkeien garden we didn’t allow time for the museum and that was a mistake. The entrance ticket to the garden also includes entrance to the general exhibits at the...

  • A-Bomb Dome
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Otemachi 1-10
    An atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Just about 160 meters northwest of the bomb’s hypocenter was the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was built in 1915. The building was destroyed by the explosion’s blast and heat rays, and while the ceiling was burned, miraculously the center portion of the main building escaped destruction, and the round steel frame of the dome on the top that remained came to be called the “A-Bomb Dome.” It is a building to tell future generations about the tragedy of war and destruction, and is registered as a world heritage site as a symbol to appeal to the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the importance of enduring peace.
  • Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
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    4.5
    133 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Setodachousawa 200-2
    The museum is located in the town of Setoda in Onomichi City. The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art opened in 1997. The museum has a permanent exhibition of works by the Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, who is from Setoda Town. Through his childhood sketches and adolescent work it introduces the characteristics of Ikuo Hirayama. At the tea lounge original juices made with Setouchi citrus can be enjoyed.

    I usually whine when I have to go to art museums. However, this art museum was so well done, that I wished we could have spent more time. Some of the art was combined with the garden outside in a...

  • Itsukushima-jinja Shrine Treasure Museum
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    4.0
    168 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 1-1

    When I visit some temple or shrine, I usually skip this kind of treasure hall. But this treasure hall of Itsukushima Shrine is worth visiting for its remarkable collections. At the entrance of...

  • Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
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    4.0
    86 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashiminamiku Hijiyamakouen 1-1
    This museum is located in Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is inside Hijiyama Park, which is a well-known cherry blossom spot. It opened in 1989 as Japan’s first public modern art museum. Its collection focuses on postwar modern art and features over 1,600 works, including Henry Moore’s “The Arch” and Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn.” In addition to collection exhibits and planned exhibits, the museum also hosts workshops and other events. The building design by architect Kisho Kurokawa is also not to be missed.

    I started walking down river and bumped it a sign and followed it, this is what I found. I was lucky to find a very interesting exhibit on between the wars architecture.

  • Daiganji Temple
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    3.5
    166 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou 3
    This is a temple of the Koyasan sect of Shingon, located in Miyajima Town, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is said that it was founded during the Heian period, but details are unknown. It is believed that in the Kamakura period the temple was restored by a priest named Ryokai; and the temple was responsible for the repair and construction of Itsukushima Shrine. The temple is also known to hold many Buddha statues such as a wooden statue of the Buddha of Healing, an Important Cultural Property. “Itsukushima Benzaiten”, one of the three major Benzaitens (Sarasvati) in Japan, transposed from Itsukushima Shrine due to the decree to separate Buddhism and Shintoism, is secured in the main hall, and is worshipped as the Goddess of Worldly Benefits. It is a spot where many worshipers wish for business prosperity, safety in the home, and fulfillment of major wishes.

    Beautiful temple just next to the Itsukushima Shrine and well worth a visit. It has a beautiful authenticity and old world charm. Lovely wooden statue of a old man who looks a like a philosopher to...

Hiroshima Areas

around-area-map

There is more than meets the eye awaiting any Hiroshima-bound traveler. Kicking off in Hiroshima city, the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden offer a couple of days of exploring; however, the real beauty lies along the southern coast of the prefecture. There, a series of islands spreads across the Seto Inland Sea: from the mysterious sea-submerged Great Torii Gate at Miyajima Island to the first half of the islands that connect Honshu to Shikoku via six spectacular suspension bridges.

Hiroshima Photo Album

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