Must-Visit Destinations Of Hiroshima for Foreign Travelers

The largest city in central Japan, Hiroshima, is internationally famous thanks to its two World Heritage sites, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island.

There are many other historical sites to visit in the city. Hiroshima is also a hub for the arts, with the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art and the Hiroshima Art Gallery being must-visit spots for art enthusiasts.

Stay here, and you will learn about the must-visit destinations in Hiroshima. Keep reading!

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built right in the area where some of the historic atomic bombs exploded.

This park is home to the A-Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with only one standing structure near the hypocenter.

Before the bombing took place at this location, this structure used to be the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall.

It was established as an institution that showcased products from Hiroshima Prefecture and all around Japan. It was also used as an art exhibition hall and government offices.

If you get inside, the dome is off-limits to the public. However, you can view the outside at any time. The dome is illuminated at night, giving it a strikingly different appearance compared to the daytime.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is also within the park, as well as the cenotaph, honoring those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing.

In front of the museum, you’ll find The Children’s Peace Monument, which was built to celebrate Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of children who left this world due to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

If you are having issues with the commute, then you can take a rental mini camper van through Samurai Campers. You will get an ample amount of space in the van.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum displays objects related to the war and bombing. Looking straight out the central window, you can see both the A-Bomb Dome and the Cenotaph.

On the observing day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, every year on August 6, at the time of the attack, 8:15 AM, there’s a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives, and there are prayers for world peace.

Orizuru Tower

Looking at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum is a new addition to the sightseeing you need to do to see the Hiroshima skyline.

It was built as a monument to the reconstruction of Hiroshima after the city was rebuilt. This new, modern building serves as a reminder of how resilient the city is and is an example of forward-thinking architecture.

Visitors can participate in an interactive group art project called the Orizuru Wall on the 12th floor.

They can fold their own paper cranes and release them into the air to contribute to colorful mosaics inside a glass enclosure.

If you visit this place, you can also participate in an interactive art exhibit by digitally folding a giant paper crane.

While you’re up there, why not enjoy the views of this fantastic river delta city while sipping on your favorite beverage and enjoying many of the fine snacks the city is known for? Have some fun and munch on those amazing snacks!

Itsukushima Shrine

On Miyajima Island, you will find the Itsukushima Shrine, a World Cultural Heritage site considered one of Japan’s most scenic places.

With Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines dotting the landscape, this island is known as the “island of the gods.”

Many other historical structures are on Miyajima, such as Daiganji Temple and Daishoin Temple. When the water is flowing, visitors can walk out to the great torii that stands in front of Itsukushima Shrine.

Mt.Misen

It is over Miyajima, with an elevation of 533 meters. Mountain Misen has incredible mountain trails.

Take the Miyajima Ropeway to ascend to the summit in a single stretch. From this peak, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the land and the sea.

At the foot of Misen lies the famous Momijidani Park, where thousands of spectators come in the fall to enjoy the splendid fall foliage.