Hiroshima Holidays
Hiroshima is most famous for one moment in history, when on the 6th August 1945 Hiroshima became the first target of an atomic bomb that destroyed the city. Today Hiroshima has rebuilt itself as one of Japan's most laid-back, vibrant cities that is teeming with friendly, welcoming people, great food, and a thriving art scene.
With its tall skyscrapers, luscious parks, museums, and winding alleys filled with shops, there is plenty of fascinating architecture, culture, history and nature during your Hiroshima holidays. Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Museum to learn of this city’s moving message of peace and take a moment to appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage site of Genbaku Dome, the only structure that was left standing back in 1945. For epic views of the city, head to Hiroshima Castle, followed by a walk-through Shukkeien Garden, and enjoy some carefully-prepared matcha tea in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Hiroshima: city of peace
Just 45 minutes by boat from the city of Hiroshima lies the stunning island of Miyajima, known as one of the top three most scenic spots in Japan.
Miyajima, which translates to shrine island, is a great little getaway with its hiking trails, beaches and best of all, over one thousand friendly rabbits that will confidently approach you, nibbling anything in sight. Home to Japan’s most famous floating Torji Gate, check out this traditional piece of architecture, then take the cable car up to the peak of Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Complete your day trip by watching the sunset through the Itsukushima Shrine.
Why not twin your visit to Hiroshima with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo? Or why not explore the ancient city of Kyoto? With the high-speed bullet train, it's easy to get around and combine several cities in one holiday. Speak to one of our Destination Specialists and plan your perfect Hisroshima holiday package today.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
We’ve created an inspiring selection of itineraries that can be included in your Hiroshima holiday package. Almost anything is possible so please give us a call to discuss all your options.
Tokyo and Kyoto Multi Centre Holiday
For the ultimate dream trip to Japan, combine the ultra-modern city sights of Tokyo with a visit to Kyoto, a quaint city teeming with history, culture and heritage. The contemporary skyline of Tokyo changes constantly, keeping up to date with...
Cultural holidays
Best of Japan Tour
Guide Price £5,599 pp
With an unusual combination of ancient traditions and a new, very modern way of life, this diverse Asian country has long been a popular destination with travellers from all over the globe. Uncover the best parts of Japan during our...
Iconic journeys
Highlights of Japan Tour
Guide Price £3,299 pp
Explore the unique culture of Japan on this nine day journey. Combine old and new, from bustling cities to authentic Ryokan stays and traditional tea ceremonies. With a combination of guided and self-guided days this is the perfect way to...
Escorted tours
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![Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park]( "Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park")
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Pay your respects to those who died at the hands of the world’s first atomic bomb. The memorials, monuments, and museums here include the Peace Flame, which will burn continuously until the world is free of nuclear arms, and the A-Bomb Dome, which symbolises the international desire for peace.
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![a large body of water with a mountain in the background]()
Itsukushima Shrine
Arguably one of Asia’s most iconic sites, the beauty and tranquillity of the Itsukushima Shrine has to be experienced to be believed. Its UNESCO World Heritage status tells you something about how important it is to Japanese culture and history, but few photographs can do this local and international attraction true justice. Located in the city of Hatsukaichi in Southern Japan on the island of Itsukushima (more commonly known as Miyajima), the shrine consists of several buildings that act as piers stretching out into the bay. This means that when the tide is high, the buildings appear to be floating, most notably the famous red ‘torii gate’. Other structures include the Noh theatre stage, main hall, prayer hall, all connected by wooden walk ways and suspended on stilts above the sea bed. When visiting, be mindful of the tides, the best time to view the shrine is at high tide. The shrine can also be visited at night, entry to the buildings is not permitted after dark, but they can be viewed fully illuminated from a boat cruise around the bay.
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Claire
Destination Specialist
"Hiroshima is fast becoming renowned as a foodie hotspot. Make sure you sample the local oysters, they are some of the freshest I have ever tasted."
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Karen
Destination Executive
"Head to Nagare-kawa and Hodori in downtown Hiroshima to sample some of the local sakes, visit some of the izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), or try your luck in one of the pachinko and karaoke parlours."
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Hiroshima holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions. The city of Hiroshima offers a huge selection of fun events held throughout the year that can be enjoyed by everyone.
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Kangen-sai Festival
Kangen-sai Festival is an annual ceremony held in June to honour the Shinto gods. Thousands of lanterns are hung on ships that reflect upon the water. Witness spectacular shows with colourful costumes and live music.
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Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival
Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival is a popular event with photography enthusiasts. Observe over 5,000 fireworks and marvel at the Otorii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine silhouetted by their illumination.
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Miyajima Oyster Festival
Miyajima Oyster Festival is a must-see for seafood connoisseurs. Enjoy a huge range of oysters, that are served raw, deep-fried, grilled and marinated, and served in many delicious styles. This event features live music, costume shows, traditional dance routines - and oysters, lots and lots of oysters.
Local Cuisine
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your Hiroshima holiday. Here are a few of our favourite dishes.
Traditional Japanese food follows the rules of five, which is where each dish contains five cooking techniques (boiling, grilling, steaming, frying and raw), five colours (black, white, green, yellow and red), and five flavours (salty, sour, sweet, spicy and bitter.) Japan is renowned for its focus on incredibly fresh and seasonal ingredients, and you’ll find that Japanese cuisine will be a major highlight during your holiday in Hiroshima.
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Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki literally means ‘what you like, cooked’, and is a savoury pancake dish that comes in a variety of styles. Generally, you can expect a delicious combination of noodles, eggs, meat and vegetables that are then layered in a crepe before being cooked on a teppanyaki (iron griddle) plate.
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Yajigaki (Oysters)
Over half of Japan’s oysters come from Hiroshima, so it’s not an uncommon sight to see grilled oysters sizzling away on street fronts wherever you go. With the mouthwatering scent of garlic butter and soy sauce rising from the grill, you’ll find Yakigaki irresistible.
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Ramen
Ramen is a very popular Chinese-style wheat noodles that areserved in a meat or fish-based broth. Expect your ramen to be served with toppings such as sliced pork, nori and scallion, and flavoured with soy sauce or miso.
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Sushi
The best place to taste sushi? In Japan of course. Sushi is cooked, vinegared white rice that is then either served alone or rolled in nori (a seaweed wrap) with a combination of fresh fish, meat or vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a direct high speed Nozomi bullet train to Hiroshima from Tokyo and the journey takes around four hours. Indirect Hikari and Sakura trains take around five hours with a change at Osaka station.
