Places You'll See
Highlights
- Tour several important cities and destinations within Hiroshima Prefecture, participating in a wide variety of activities and experiences
- Travel to two different islands, Miyajima and Rabbit Island, located on the Seto Inland Sea
- Visit important historic locations, such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and port city of Kure, to better understand Japan's military history
- Discover hidden gems such as Mitaki-dera Temple and Hiroshima's "sake capital," Saijo
- Stop by various temples and shrines to gain a better understanding of Japanese religion
- Learn about the process of sake making and participate in various sake tasting experiences
- Experience two scenic ropeway rides with stunning sights from inside the cable cars
- Interact with the local wildlife, such as the deer of Miyajima and the bunnies of Rabbit Island
- Explore the city of Takehara's Townscape Conservation Area which still retains the appearance of a historic Japanese town
Description
Explore multiple hidden gems, iconic landscapes, and historic locations in Hiroshima Prefecture! Visit the top attractions but also travel beyond the city limits and discover places outside the typical tourist spots. Participate in a great variety of experiences such as ropeway and ferry rides, sake tasting, hiking, feeding rabbits, and much more!
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
Day 1 HIROSHIMA
How to Start Off Your Day
Your first task will of course be arriving in Hiroshima, and we recommend doing so the night before the first day of the itinerary. For information on how to get to the city from places such as Tokyo and Osaka, you can take a look through our "How to Get to Hiroshima" webpage.
The day after your arrival you will take part in a tour in which you will visit one of Hiroshima's hidden gems along with the city's most highlighted locations. This will be a full day of exploring so we recommend eating a hearty breakfast which will give you plenty of energy to explore Hiroshima on foot. By the time this tour is over, you will be familiar with the city's layout and history.
1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights / All Year Round
For those travelers looking to explore hidden gems while also getting to enjoy popular and iconic locations, this 1-Day Hiroshima tour is the one for you! Your guide will take you to the city's best known sites, such as the Shukkei-en garden, Hiroshima Castle, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum. However, you will also have the unique experience of visiting one of Hiroshima's hidden gems, Mitaki-dera. This Buddhist temple, located in the mountains and away from the city center, is surrounded by a beautiful natural scenery and multiple captivating structures.
Enjoy some time away from the crowded tourist areas by joining this hidden gems & highlights tour. Ensure that your visit to Hiroshima will be unique and unforgettable by booking this tour now!
How to End Your Day
Once the tour is over, you will still have some time leftover to explore the city on your own. We recommend checking out Hondori Shopping Street, a bustling shopping area filled with cafes, restaurants, local and international stores, gaming arcades, and more. On the west side, this street faces Peace Memorial Park and on the east side it faces the "entertainment district" Nagarekawa. In Nagarekawa is where you can find Hiroshima's nightlife, with plenty of bars and nightclubs open past midnight. Of course, if you're feeling a bit too tired there is no need to push yourself to go out, as you will have be staying in Hiroshima for four more days.
Recommended Accommodation
There are plenty of great hotel options which can be found around Hiroshima, and where you end up choosing to stay largely depends on how you wish to spend your day when not taking part in tours. For guests who might not have the energy or time to explore the streets of Hiroshima, the best option would undoubtedly be to stay at one of the many hotels near Hiroshima Station. As this is the starting point for all the tours in this itinerary, choosing one of these will greatly minimize the amount of traveling you will have to do.
If you're more interested in walking around the city, eating at local restaurants, shopping, and visiting top tourist spots, we recommend staying in the Central / Hatchobori Station area. Here, you will be closest to the shops and restaurants, and hotel prices can be cheaper than those at the station. Whichever location you end up choosing, we do recommend staying at the same hotel for all five days of this itinerary.
Day 2 MIYAJIMA
How to Start Off Your Day
On your second day, you will head to the stunning island of Miyajima where you will enjoy a full day of exploring this incredibly popular destination. Not only will you be able to visit multiple temples and shrines, but also experience a ropeway ride to the top of Mount Misen, the highest point on the island. Miyajima's tranquil atmosphere, natural beauty, and remarkable scenic sights will make for the experience of a lifetime.
1-Day Miyajima Tour: One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots / All Year Round
Located only a short ferry ride away from the mainland, Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, is a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of the three most scenic spots of Japan. This is a must-see destination for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for those who decided to spend a day on the island. While Miyajima is best known for its "floating" O-torii gate and shrine, it is also home to many other breathtaking sites. This 1-day tour will allow guests to thoroughly explore the island and all that it has to offer. Apart from visiting Itsukushima Shrine, your guide will also take you to places such as the Daisho-in temple, a prestigious Buddhist temple located by the foot of the mountain, and Senjokaku Pavilion, a building which provides a stunning view of the island. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a Ropeway ride to the top of Mt. Misen, where they will find themselves captivated by the extraordinary view of the Seto Inland Sea.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking on "View Details" above. Alternatively, you can also click "Book Now" if you are ready to enjoy one of Japan's most mesmerizing sites!
How to End Your Day
A full-day of exploring Miyajima can be very rewarding but also exhausting. Thus, we recommend ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant followed by plenty of rest. If you're looking for a good place to eat, consider trying out the local specialty, Okonomiyaki. This "savory pancake" can be best enjoyed at Okonomimura, a building full of restaurants which exclusively serve this dish. For those who still have a bit of energy in them and would like to continue exploring the city, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around Peace Memorial Park and along the Motoyasu River to take in the sight of the Atomic Bomb Dome illuminated at night.
Day 3 SAIJO AND ONOMICHI
How to Start Off Your Day
The activities and locations of of the third day tour will give you the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the culture of Hiroshima and wider Japan. You will be learning about the history and production of sake and also visiting multiple temples. As this tour includes some sake tasting in the morning, we highly recommend having a filling breakfast and bringing some water along with you.
1-Day Tour: Onomichi Temples Exploration & Saijo Sake Tasting / All Year Round
For those wanting to explore some of the most famous temples in the city of Onomichi, we recommend this tour. You will have the opportunity to ride the ropeway to the top of Mt. Senkoji, enjoy a stunning view of the city, explore Senkoji Temple, learn about Buddhism in Japan, and much more! We've also included a convenient stop at the town of Saijo on the way to Onomichi. This place is known as one of Japan's "Sake Capitals" and is home to many historic breweries. It is a perfect place to learn about the sake brewing process and take part in some sake tasting! As part of this tour, you will be able to visit two of Saijo's breweries and sample their sake. Click "Book Now" to visit two of Hiroshima's lesser known yet incredible locations.
How to End Your Day
After three days of full-day tours it is perfectly fine to stay in once you return from Onomichi. The following day's itinerary starts quite early and so it might be a good idea to rest well beforehand. However, if you definitely want to go out, we recommend visiting the Ekinishi bar district located just 3 minutes away from Hiroshima Station. Here, guests can enjoy a wide range of local specialties in the many bars and stalls which line the street. The area is usually crowded with workers having a meal before heading home, creating a lively atmosphere. This is the ideal location for those looking to do a pub crawl and interact with the locals.
Day 4 RABBIT ISLAND
How to Start Off Your Day
Your fourth day of exploring Hiroshima will allow your to further immerse yourself in the nature and scenic beauty of the prefecture. You will have the chance to visit another island on the Seto Inland Sea and interact with its wildlife. Make sure to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately as most of the day will be spent walking outside.
1-Day Tour: Takehara Historical Townscape & Rabbit Island / All Year Round
Are you prepared for a fluffy and adorable adventure? If so, then look no further than this 1-Day Takehara & Rabbit Island Tour! Guests will visit Takehara, a charming and beautiful city within Hiroshima Prefecture, which is home to both a historical townscape area and the famous "Rabbit Island." Within the old townscape, you will be able to learn about city's history as a major site of sake and salt production. You will also have the chance to view and explore former family residences, old temples and other historic structures. On Rabbit Island, which is located just a short ferry ride away from the port, you will then feed and interact with the large wild rabbit population of the island. While you do so, you will also discover the many military ruins which litter the island and unveil the dark past of this otherwise charming location.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about the history of Hiroshima while exploring an old-fashioned townscape and hanging out with cute bunnies all day!
How to End Your Day
As this might be your last night in Hiroshima it is a perfect time to buy any souvenirs you wish to take with you and pack your bags. If there are any places you feel like you missed out on visiting in the previous days, then this is the time to go to them as well. Some guests also enjoy spending their last night in the city walking around Peace Memorial Park and getting one last look at the Atomic Bomb Dome. Whatever you end up choosing to do, make sure to still get a good night's sleep so you can feel refreshed and be ready to go the next morning.
Day 5 KURE
How to Start Off Your Day
On your last day of the itinerary you will further explore the history of the prefecture and understand its role as an important military location by visiting the city of Kure, one of Japan's first naval ports. You will also learn about the duties and actions of the Japanese Navy before and after World Wars I and II. Not many foreign visitors make a stop by Kure, so it can be considered a bit of a niche and special location.
If you are planning to leave Hiroshima immediately after this tour, then it might be best to check-out of your hotel before getting to the meet-up spot. Many hotels will hold your luggage for the day even after you've checked out, or you can always make use of the coin lockers at the station.
1-Day Tour: Port City Kure - Cruise, Battleships, Submarines & More! / All Year Round
This tour is specifically designed for watercraft enthusiasts who wish to learn more about Japan's naval history while getting the opportunity to view submarines, warships, and other vessels from up close! You will visit Kure, one of the greatest shipbuilding cities in the world, where you will enjoy a mini-cruise ride on the Kure Bay area, walk inside a decommissioned submarine, view the inside of the former residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief, and much more! Your guide will provide you with all the necessary information to understand Kure's role as a military port during World War II, and its current importance as one of the major bases of the Japanese Navy. There is no better place to visit if you wish to get a first-hand experience of Japan’s naval technology. If you are ready to embark on this adventure, click on the "Book Now" button above to make your reservation!
How to End Your Day
Once you have returned to Hiroshima you will have two main options. You may either choose to spend one more night exploring the city before leaving the next day in the morning, or immediately head out to your next destination. For those wishing to leave the prefecture after the tour, we recommend booking your Shinkansen tickets late at night so there will be no chance of you potentially missing your train.
If you choose to stay, are up for a walk, and would like to get a great view of the city nightscape, there are two locations which you can visit near Hiroshima Station. One of them is Mount Futaba, which can be hiked in about 30 minutes and has the Peace Pagoda built at its highest point. From here you can get the most unobstructed view of the city. The other is Hijiyama Park, which is located on a small hill close to the station. Here, you can also get a good panoramic view of the city while enjoying the park's nature. Going to either of these places is great way to wrap up your visit to Hiroshima.
