- Hiroshima is known as the 'City of Water' due to its six branches of the Ota River flowing through the urban delta.
- The city's regional specialty, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, distinguishes itself from the Osaka version by layering ingredients rather than mixing them and incorporating yakisoba noodles.
- During the reconstruction of the city, the municipal government mandated the preservation of the skeletal Atomic Bomb Dome as a tangible reminder of the necessity for nuclear abolition.
- Hiroshima maintains an extensive streetcar system, with some vintage cars from the 1950s still in daily operation alongside modern low-floor vehicles.
About Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, uniquely recognized globally for its profound transition from a site of wartime destruction to a center of international peace advocacy. The city serves as a living memorial, anchored by the poignant Atomic Bomb Dome and the expansive Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. Beyond its somber history, the city offers cultural retreats such as the serene Shukkeien Garden and the historical reconstruction of Hiroshima Castle. Visitors also experience modern urban energy through institutions like the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima and a thriving local culinary scene centered on okonomiyaki.
Highlights of Hiroshima
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
See the stark skeleton of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall preserved exactly as it stood after the 1945 explosion.
Museums
Examine personal artifacts and survivor testimonies that provide a sobering, detailed historical record of the atomic bombing.
Historical places
Explore the reconstructed five-story donjon of this 16th-century fortress, which now houses an informative museum on feudal history.
Parks
Walk through this tea-ceremony garden that features a variety of landscapes designed to mimic famous Chinese and Japanese scenery.
Places of interest
Observe the thousands of colorful paper cranes offered by children from around the world to honor those who perished.
Temples
Find tranquility in this hillside temple complex, which is particularly visually striking during the autumn maple season.
Historical places
View the arched cenotaph designed to shelter the souls of victims, aligned perfectly to frame the Atomic Bomb Dome in the distance.
Venues
Experience the regional passion for baseball at this modern stadium, which serves as the home field for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Top things to do in Hiroshima
The 383 highest-rated places in Hiroshima, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
The Atomic Bomb Dome is the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, preserved as...
2
Historical places
Peace Memorial Park is a 12-hectare memorial site built on the open field created by the 1945 atomic bombing in the Naka...
3
Museums
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located within Peace Memorial Park, situated on the site of the former Nakajima d...
4
Venues
Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima serves as the home field for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, a professional Nippon Profession...
5
Historical places
Hiroshima Castle, originally constructed in 1589 by Mori Terumoto, is a reconstruction of a flatland castle destroyed by...
6
Parks
Shukkeien Garden, established in 1620 as a villa garden for the Asano clan, features a central pond containing numerous...
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Temples
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Historical places
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Zoos
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Museums
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Parks
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Hiroshima on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Hiroshima
Spring (late March to early April) for the cherry blossoms or autumn (November) for the vibrant fall foliage, particularly at Mitaki-dera.
2-3 days, allowing enough time for both the solemn memorial sites and regional day trips like Miyajima Island.
The city is highly accessible via the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) tram network and an extensive bus system, with a walkable central district.
Stay in the Naka-ku district for walking distance to the Peace Memorial Park, or near Hiroshima Station for convenient access to transit and regional travel.
Mid-range; while transportation and attractions are reasonably priced, costs for high-end dining and accommodation align with major Japanese urban centers.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 383 curated attractions in and around Hiroshima, ranked by traveller ratings.
Atomic Bomb Dome is the highest-rated place to visit in Hiroshima right now.
The largest category is temples, with 122 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
Explore more of Japan
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
