A city full of history and natural beauty, Hiroshima is the place to be if you’re looking to escape the crowded streets of Japan. Here, you can spend hours taking in everything the city has to offer: from the quiet photo spots at Mitaki-dera Temple and Itsukushima to shopping and dining at Hondori Shopping Street and Okonomimura, there’s plenty to do here in Hiroshima.
To help you plan your next Japan adventure, we’ve listed down five must-visit Hiroshima landmarks. Read on below to know more:
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Learn more about Hiroshima’s message of peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
While you likely already have the Hiroshima Peace Park and the Atomic Dome in your itinerary, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is also a must to learn more about the city’s history. Here, you’ll get to know more about the events of 1945, Hiroshima’s message of peace, and visit the Children’s Peace Monument, made of 10 million colorful paper cranes.
2. Orizuru Tower
Enjoy uninterrupted views of Hiroshima from Orizuru Tower
With its open-air observation deck at the top, Orizuru Tower is definitely the best place to see the city from above. Here, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of various Hiroshima landmarks such as the nearby Atomic Dome, along with the surrounding mountains. You can even fold paper cranes here (orizuru) and drop it into the orizuru glass wall, which symbolizes peace.
Klook Tip: If you’re planning to join the origami cranes paper folding session, allot at least 90 minutes to ensure that you have enough time during your visit.
3. Saijo Sake Brewery Street
Try various types of sake as you stroll down Saijo Sake Brewery Street
Thanks to its high-quality water and favorable brewing conditions, the Saijo district in Hiroshima is known for its breweries, each offering its own spin on Japanese sake. The area’s white plaster walls, lattice designs, red brick chimneys, and sake vats highlight the town’s sake-brewing history and make for a great spot for a photo as well.
There are several breweries here, and you can enter some of them to experience traditional sake-making and even tasting sessions to try different varieties to find your favorite. And while Saijo can be visited year-round, the best time to visit is during the annual Sake Matsuri in October, a lively festival with sake tasting, food stalls, and cultural performances.
4. Hiroshima Castle
Admire the traditional castle architecture of the Hiroshima Castle Credits: Nicholas Doherty | Unsplash
Built in the late 1500s, Hiroshima Castle is one of the best examples of Japanese castle architecture during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, with turrets and gates surrounding the main castle tower. However, while it was once destroyed in 1945, it was reconstructed in 1958 according to pre-war records to match the exterior look of the original castle.
Spend some time exploring the castle grounds to admire the architecture and the surrounding greenery before you head inside and go to the top for views of Hiroshima’s skyline.
Klook Tip: If you’re visiting in spring during cherry blossom season or autumn when the leaves start turning orange, the Hiroshima Castle grounds are one of the best locations in the area for viewing them and taking souvenir photos.
5. Itsukushima
Take in the picturesque views of Mount Misen at Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima
Located about an hour outside Hiroshima, Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) is a must-visit if you’re interested in getting away from the city. Offering scenic views, lush greenery, and a laid-back ambience, it’s an ideal location if you’re in search of something a bit different from the usual Hiroshima landmarks. You can even see deer freely roaming around the island!
Klook Tip: While they may bow or approach, note that feeding and touching the deer on the island is prohibited. Do not feed or tease the deer to prevent aggression.
The most famous attraction on the island is the Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site, known for its iconic torii gate that looks like it's floating on the sea during high tide. Other popular things to do here include walking through Momijidani Park, hiking Mount Misen, and feasting on grilled oysters and momiji manju (castella cakes shaped like maple leaves).
Experience a hassle-free visit to Hiroshima with Klook!
Want to explore the city without having to plan for hours? Join this guided tour of Hiroshima landmarks, which takes you to Mitaki-dera Temple, Shukkei-en Garden, and more!
Now that your Hiroshima itinerary is all taken care of, all that’s left to do is to start packing your bags and count the days until your holiday begins. Make sure to book all your travel essentials in advance, such as your Japan eSIM and your accommodations before you go!
FAQs about visiting Hiroshima landmarks
1. What should I not miss when visiting Hiroshima?
Must-visit Hiroshima landmarks include:
- History: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and Hiroshima Castle.
- Food and Culture: Saijo Sake Brewery Street, Ekinishi Alley, and Okonomimura.
- Sightseeing: Itsukushima Shrine, Orizuru Tower, and Shukkeien Garden.
2. What is the significance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park?
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a warning against the effects of nuclear war. Built on land that was once completely destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945, this 120,000-square meter park in Hiroshima is dedicated to remembering the 140,000 victims of the bombing and promoting peace education.
3. What landmarks are related to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima?
Hiroshima landmarks related to the atomic bombing in 1945 include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Other Hiroshima historical sites outside the city center include the Yamato Museum and the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Kure Museum in Kure are also popular options for learning more about the topic.
4. Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hiroshima?
Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial: One of the most famous Hiroshima landmarks, this stands on land that was once completely destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945. You’ll also find the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Park Museum nearby.
- Itsukushima Shrine: Located on Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima), this shrine is famous for its torii gate built over the water, which makes it look like it's floating.
5. What landmarks are located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima?
Miyajima Island in Hiroshima is best known for Itsukushima Shrine and its torii gate that makes it appear to be floating on water. Other landmarks on Miyajima Island include Mount Misen, the Miyajima Aquarium, and the Daisho-in Temple.
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