Hiroshima Tourism Information
Unfortunately the city is mostly associated and recalled with one of the most terrible human kind bomb attacks, On August 6, 1945 the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima city. Three days later a second atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. These were the only times nuclear weapons have ever been used in war. However, afterwards, through the ceaseless efforts of Hiroshima citizens, the region made an impressive recovery and is now continuing to develop as a centre of government, economics, and culture in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region. Many temples and shires have been reconstructed to the originals and this together with beautiful scenery makes Hiroshima a very enjoyable city to visit.
Hiroshima, like the rest of Japan, has a humid subtropical climate. During summer (June to September) temperatures range between 18°C and 38°. In winter (December to January), temperatures range between 0°C and 15°C. Light snowfall can be expected from late December and lasts till early spring in February. Rains can be expected throughout the year with the rainiest months being June and July. The driest months are December and January. High humidity can be experienced during the summer and can be uncomfortable. Tropical storms are not uncommon in Hiroshima in August and September.
The best time to visit Hiroshima is in the spring months of March and April and alternatively during the Autumn, to see the changing colours. (October-November).
Hiroshima transport: Despite its size the city of Hiroshima has an interesting transportation network comprising busses and street cars. The street cars are the best way to explore the city, as they are even a popular tourist attraction, since it's of the few cities which still uses this mode of transport. A daily ticket for unlimited rides on the street cars cost ¥600. (Single ticket is ¥160). For more information on the transport in Hiroshima, please visit Hiroden.co.jp
There are also JR trains and rapid Shinkansen lines serving Hiroshima. Below you can download the electric railways map, serving the Hiroshima area:
Naturally, the city is more associated with being the first city in the history of mankind to be destroyed by an atomic bomb. It is quite a grim legacy. But Hiroshima is so much more than that and is well worth a visit on any trip to Japan.
Below are some of the highlights:
- The Hiroshima Peace Memorial/ Peace Park, commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, this is undoubtedly the symbol, for better or worse, most associated with Hiroshima. Left standing after the bombing on August 6, 1945. The twisted metal of the dome and the rubble-strewn surroundings is left the same as it was 70 years ago.
- Miyajima Island, is a very small island a short trip from Hiroshima. After taking a 10-minute ferry, the striking view of the island is unforgettable. Sparsely populated and intensely rural, Miyajima is renowned throughout the country as being the best spot to see the autumn leaves change colours. Also it's possible to see wild deer in the island. The main feature of the island is undoubtedly the absolutely massive torii gate, colloquially known as the Floating Shrine.
- Ride the Hiroden to take a streetcar in Hiroshima is to take ride back in time. Known as the Hiroden, since 1912, streetcars have moved the people of Hiroshima from place to place, there are even a couple streetcars still in service today from those early days. The Hiroden is also known as the Moving Streetcar Museum. A great way to see the city!
- Hiroshima Castle a fantastic example of traditional Japanese castle construction. The present castle was, of course, reconstructed after World War II, but is still a fantastic site to visit. Surrounded by a moat, the five-story tall castle was first built in 1589 by legendary feudal lord Mori Terumoto. It is also one of the best spots in the city to see cherry and plum blossoms among the sprawling castle gardens.
- Museums: Hiroshima is also a city full of museums which represent the history and culture of the area. The most visited, is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (related to the Atomic bomb), Maneki-neko Museum and Path of Cats, Hiroshima Prefectural History Museum, Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum, Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Yamato Museum amongst others. For more information about these museums visit: Visithiroshima.net
Also known as “Rabbit Island”, it dates back to WWII when the island was used to produce chemicals to be used in combat such as poison gas. The rabbits were brought to the island to test the effects of the poison, but once the war ended they were freed by the workers.Others report the bunnies are descendants of rabbits released by elementary school kids- maybe the truth is a combination of both stories. Regardless, the presence of the rabbits in combination to the historical ruins has made the island a popular attraction.
To get there, take the JR to Tadanoumi station. (it's about 2 hours away from Hiroshima). When you arrive, you will find the port by walking 5 min, to the right of the station as you exit. You can buy the tickets, buy food for the rabbits and use the washrooms, there is even free Wifi! It cost ¥620 return on the ferry which takes 15 min. Make sure to check the times for the return trip also, as they can run at odd hours, (Approx every 40 min from 9.30am to 19.30pm). On the island there is a hotel complex, beaches and walks around the island which take you to the historical sites. For more info on the island visit: gethiroshima.com
The city of Hiroshima is home to a vibrant nightlife and bar scene. Most of the city’s best bars are small, independently owned establishments operated by a single bar master. One of Hiroshima’s more spacious establishments in the Nagarekawa district, Step 1 draws an international crowd and is one of the few bars in the city with space for dancing.
Hiroshima locals love their food and drink and they have the biggest adult entertainment district in the region to prove it. Nagarekawa, is the area to go, packed with countless bars, clubs, eateries and joints offering “other services”, is known, is a dizzying maze of narrow streets and multistory buildings covered with tiny neon signs, indicating often tiny spaces that are each their own little world.
Note that it is almost impossible to get any idea of what may lie behind the door of many of these bars without taking the plunge and actually getting inside. If you have a local to go with or advice from the hotel or your hosts, this would be a best tip to get your night going!
A number of modern, multi-storey complexes and glitzy new malls have now been providing great shopping opportunities for those visiting the city of Hiroshima. You will find countless major Japanese department stores which offer a wide range of products and services.
Amongst the main shopping highlights in Hiroshima, Alpark stands on the western side of the city and is home to the Tenmaya department store and a huge car park, while the Asse centre features seven floors and stands within the Hiroshima Station Building.
The city is cheaper to stay than other major metropolis like Tokyo or Kyoto. You will find the traditional Japanese style futon beds at more reasonable prices. If you prefer a more "conventional" hotel, then you need be prepared to pay a bit more. However prices can be quite good if you share. Also Airbnb is available, hostels and guesthouses for those more price conscious. Average prices are €30 for Hotel and €15 for Hostels.
The main feature of the city is it's historical value and walking in the city for one day is enough to take in the importance of what once happened. However on a more positive note, it's worth checking out some of the areas around the city and travel further as there are many hidden jewels not too far from Hiroshima.
So, 3 nights would be just enough.
Hiroshima Photo Slide 📷
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