Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Add Hiroshima to Your Japan Itinerary
Planning a trip to Japan and wondering if Hiroshima deserves a spot on your itinerary? With so many iconic cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka—it’s easy to overlook Hiroshima. But this remarkable city blends history, culture, nature, and convenience in a way few destinations can.
In this post, I’ll share 5 reasons why Hiroshima is absolutely worth visiting, based on our travel experience and our full YouTube video guide.
Whether you’re already exploring western Japan or planning your first Japan adventure, Hiroshima might just become one of the most meaningful stops on your trip.
1. Hiroshima Is Easier to Reach Than You Think
At first glance, Hiroshima looks far from Japan’s major tourist cities — but don’t let the map fool you. Thanks to Japan’s high-speed rail network, Hiroshima is only about 1.5 hours from Osaka by Shinkansen.
If you already have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) or a regional area pass, there’s a good chance your pass includes travel to Hiroshima at no additional cost.
A quick overview of Rail Passes:
Available only to tourists with a passport stamp
Valid for 3–21 days
The standard JR Pass is the most well-known (and most expensive)
Many regional passes offer better value depending on your itinerary
The trains are clean, quiet, efficient, and extremely reliable — making Hiroshima one of the most accessible destinations in western Japan.
2. Getting Around Hiroshima Is Simple and Tourist-Friendly
Once you arrive, Hiroshima is incredibly easy to navigate.
Free Tourist Bus
If you have a participating Rail Pass, you can hop on the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus for free. It stops at many major attractions including Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle.
Historic Streetcars
Hiroshima is known for its streetcar system, established in 1910 — one of the oldest in Japan. The streetcars accept common IC cards (like Suica or ICOCA), so you can ride without needing special tickets.
Between buses, trains, and streetcars, exploring Hiroshima is stress-free and affordable.
3. Experience the Historical Significance of the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter
No visit to Hiroshima is complete without spending time at Peace Memorial Park, located at the hypocenter of the 1945 atomic bomb.
This area is powerful, emotional, and deeply moving — a reminder of the city’s past and its dedication to peace.
Highlights in Peace Memorial Park:
Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few buildings that survived the blast. It stands as a symbol of remembrance and resilience.
Peace Clock
Shaped like a bomb, the clock is set to the exact time the atomic bomb struck: 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945.
Bell of Peace
Visitors are invited to gently ring the bell — a symbolic gesture calling for global peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Memorial Cenotaph
A beautifully designed memorial with a clear line of sight to the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Walking through Peace Memorial Park is both educational and emotional. It’s a space dedicated not just to remembering the past but also to inspiring hope for the future.
4. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Located within Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers an in-depth and personal look at the events before, during, and after the bombing.
Inside the museum, you’ll find:
Exhibits showing what Hiroshima looked like before the blast
Artifacts and photos documenting the immediate aftermath
Personal stories of survivors
Audio guides available in many languages
We spent about 2 hours, but you could easily spend half a day absorbing the exhibits. It’s educational and impactful — one of the most important museums you’ll visit in Japan.
5. Visit the Iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
Just outside Hiroshima lies one of the most beautiful and photographed sites in Japan: Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate.
How to Get to Miyajima:
About 1 hour by streetcar or train
Transfer to a ferry to reach Miyajima Island
The ferry is included in many JR Passes
What to Expect on Miyajima:
Friendly (and Sneaky!) Deer
While you shouldn’t feed or touch the deer, they do roam freely — and they aren't shy. Keep an eye on your snacks... and even your drinks!
The Shrine at Low and High Tide
At high tide, the torii gate appears to float on water.
At low tide, you can walk out beneath it.
We planned our visit around sunset during low tide, and it was absolutely magical.
Final Thoughts: Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting?
In our opinion — yes, absolutely.
Hiroshima is meaningful, accessible, beautiful, and thought-provoking.
It offers:
Rich history
Easy transportation
Stunning cultural sites
A peaceful atmosphere that stays with you
If you're planning a Japan itinerary, consider carving out at least one day for Hiroshima and Miyajima. You won’t regret it.
