Hiroshima & Miyajima Travel Guide

There is something very calming and tranquil about Hiroshima compared to other cities in Japan, a feature which is hard to explain. A location full of history and a conflicting past, fast forward to the present and the city is beaming with joy.

In this Hiroshima & Miyajima Travel Guide I will be sharing information and insights on how you can get the very best out of visiting this wonderful area of Japan.

Hiroshima

As you make your way through Japan, I highly suggest taking the trip south and along to the beautiful city of Hiroshima. The visit can be done as part of a longer journey, or for example a day trip from Fukuoka or Osaka as I have made several times, however if you have the time available an overnight stay would allow yourself to explore the city and surrounding areas at a more relaxing pace.

A city perhaps unfortunately most well known as one of the two locations of the devastating dropping of the atomic bomb towards the end of World War II, it is a city literally rebuilt from the ashes.

Getting around Hiroshima is incredibly easy, aside from it being a fairly walkable city, it also has a flexible transport system to help you get around. From the Trains, to the Trams, and the local buses alongside, you can get from A-to-B quickly and efficiently.

On a side note, if you are using a JR Rail Pass during your visit, you can take advantage of the local bus network for free.

One of the main locations I suggest to visit in Hiroshima is the Peace Memorial Park, an area dedicated to the victims of the events that have unfolded before them. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a key reminder, and also a memorial of the history that the city has had to endure.

There are various monuments throughout the park where you can visit and pay your respects, which is set in a beautiful location conjoined by the river on either side.

If time allows and you would like to learn more about the history and events that unfolded towards the end of World War II, the Peace Memorial Museum is a very interesting and respectful place to visit. It is very hard to explain, on one hand the events and details listed and shown inside will shock you to the core, however as mentioned in the museum, it is important to learn about history so we all as part of mankind can strive to avoid the same fatal mistakes.

Only a few clicks north and within walking distance is Hiroshima Castle, an architectural show of brilliance which signifies the Imperial period of Japan. Constructed in the 1590’s, the castle is built in the classic Japanese style we all come to know and expect from such a historical location. Naturally, after the dropping of the Atomic Bomb over the city on August 6th 1945 the castle was all but destroyed, however after years of planning and reconstruction, it once again reopened in 1958.

Once again the grounds surrounding the castle are well worth taking the time to stroll, especially on a peaceful sunny day. Surrounded by a moat and volumes of water, on a side note I feel the best views of the castle itself are actually from outside the grounds, however visiting the actual castle is still recommended.

Miyajima

Itsukushima, or more simply known as Miyajima Island, is in my opinion one of the best places to visit in the whole of Japan. Luckily, the island is only a stones throw away from Hiroshima, and it is easy to reach. Taking the train from either Hiroshima Station or another station along the line near the castle, the journey takes just under 30 minutes to reach Miyajima-guchi Station, then from there it's a simple 10 minute ferry across to the island.

The standout feature is one you've probably seen before when researching Japan, as a little offshore a giant orange Tori Gate stands alone partially submerged in water looking both bold and brave. It is a beautiful sight to witness, both from on the water and on land, a true iconic Japanese location.

However, as over my numerous visits to the island I’ve noticed many don’t seem to realise there is much more to the island than just the standout feature, perhaps as some suggested to me, the location plays victim to social media, and therefore some just visit Miyajima for that iconic shot.

The island is also known for its ancient temples and forest landscapes, and with all being said it certainly contains much more than meets the eye. I highly suggest wandering the backstreets and vibrant town located here, the island is full of stunning locations and hidden treasures at every turn, you never know what you will find.

Furthermore, similar to Nara the island is full of Deer… lots of Deer. You can easily spend a full day on the island, exploring and wandering the area at your pleasure, it has something for everyone. Miyajima offers an incredible experience like no other, somewhere that should be included as part of any trip through Japan.

Once your time on the island has concluded, make your way back across to the mainland and to Hiroshima. From here, if you’re not staying the night in Hiroshima continue the journey back to Osaka or further south towards Fukuoka, where you can spend the rest of your time in Japan relaxing or seeing further highlights of this incredible country.

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