Located in Western Japan, Hiroshima is the prefecture with the largest land area and population in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. It is bordered by the Chugoku Mountains on the north and the Seto Inland Sea on the South. In recent years, tourism in Hiroshima has increased drastically, reaching record numbers of visitors both local and foreign alike. "Peace Tourism," meaning tourism centered around the concept of peace and reflecting upon the consequences of nuclear warfare, has especially flourished, with nearly 2 million tourists visiting the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome each year.
Hiroshima is easily accessible and not a complicated place to navigate for foreigners. Due to its location and geography, the prefecture is also home to many stunning and unique sites, particularly by the coast. We have designed our tours in the area so that you may not only learn about the impact of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, but also explore the many treasures that this prefecture and its surrounding area have to offer.
WHERE IS HIROSHIMA?
Hiroshima is the largest city in Hiroshima Prefecture and for many international visitors, the furthest point west they will travel during their time in Japan. It is located approximately 325km to the west of Osaka, a journey that takes as little as 80 minutes thanks to the San’yo Shinkansen / "Bullet Train" running from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station. A pleasant and highly-livable city, Hiroshima’s history is of course tragic but should not define it. The city and surrounding region are worth visiting for many reasons, especially for travelers heading further west onto Kyushu or back toward Osaka and central Japan.
BEST TOURS AROUND HIROSHIMA
Finding the best locations to visit when traveling throughout Japan can be quite overwhelming. With so many stunning landscapes and historic locations, creating an itinerary which both maximizes time and enjoyment is quite challenging. Hiroshima in particular can be difficult to plan for, since many of its most remarkable locations are still relatively unknown to foreigners. For your convenience, we have organized our tours below according to their starting point, that way you can easily choose places to visit inside the city, around the prefecture, or in the surrounding region!
Don't want to feel like you missed out on memorable experiences and extraordinary locations during your trip to Hiroshima? Take a look through our tours below so that you can make the most out of your visit!
TOURS IN HIROSHIMA CITY
Without a doubt, the main focus of tourism within the city of Hiroshima is that pertaining to the atomic bombing. Most of the museums and monuments related to the tragic event are conveniently located near the city center and within a short walk of each other. The city can be explored on foot, or taking advantage of its many local bus lines and tram system. We have created the tours below so that you wont miss out on any of the most relevant locations to visit!
Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights Tour / All Year Round
If you are short of time but still want to make sure you visit all the most important places within the city of Hiroshima, then look no further than our Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights tour. Offered at two different time slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, this tour will take guests on foot through Hiroshima's must-see sites. You will be able to visit Shukkei-en garden, Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, several monuments in Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum, all in around 4 hours. With this tour, guests can visit Hiroshima for just half a day while still getting a detailed and comprehensive experience. It also allows for more flexible travel times and leaves the rest of the day open for other fun activities!
1 Day Walking Tour in Hiroshima & Miyajima / All Year Round
Operating all year round, this Hiroshima & Miyajima tour is designed so that those visiting Hiroshima for just one day are able to explore the prefecture's most famous and iconic locations. Starting within the city, guests will be able to tour important cultural spots such as the Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. You will of course also be making a stop at Peace Memorial Park, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the impact that the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and how the city was able to recover thereafter. The park is full of monuments dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the bombing, and it is also the place where one can find the emblematic Atomic Bomb Dome. Additionally, guests will be able to tour the Peace Memorial Museum, which displays the artifacts and stories of the bombing victims.
A visit to Hiroshima is of course not complete without a stop by Miyajima, a scenic island located not too far from the city. Miyajima is most well-known for its iconic "floating" O-torii gate and shrine; however, the island still has a lot more to offer. With plenty of delicious delicacies to sample, deer roaming around freely, a fantastic scenery, and many other shrines and temples to visit, Miyajima is without a doubt one of the most scenic locations in all of Japan, and a must-see for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking the "View Details" button above. Or, if you've already made up your mind and are interested in joining us, click the "Book Now" button and get ready to enjoy the best that Hiroshima has to offer!
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!
DAY TRIPS FROM HIROSHIMA
When visiting Hiroshima we highly recommend exploring beyond the main city area. As mentioned previously, the prefecture's geography has made it so there is an abundance of scenic locations and impressive landscapes to be found within the area. This is particularly true near the coast line, where many different island, all easily accessible by ferry, are home to some of the most stunning and unique sights that can be found in Western Japan. All of our tours below depart from and arrive back to Hiroshima Station.
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!
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!
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!
Half-Day Saijo Tour: Sake Tasting & Inside Brewery Tour in Hiroshima's "Sake Capital" / All Year Round
Within Hiroshima Prefecture lies the unique town of Saijo, a place known as one of the main "Sake Capitals" of Japan. The area has been blessed with the perfect climate and natural resources necessary for sake brewing, allowing Saijo's many sake breweries to develop and flourish throughout the past 200 years. Today, tourists enjoy going to Saijo to explore the explore the town, stop by the different breweries, and sample the local sake brands.
Wish to visit several of Saijo's historic breweries, learn about the town's history, understand the sake brewing process, and take part in various sake tasting experiences? Then this half-day tour is the one for you! Additionally, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to receive an in-depth tour inside one of the breweries and get an up-close look at the equipment used for making sake. A trip to Japan is not complete without learning about sake and tasting it, so make sure you don't miss out on these experiences by joining the Saijo tour!
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.
1-Day Iwakuni Tour: Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle Town & Seal Engraving Experience / All Year Round
Located in the westernmost point of Japan's largest Island, lies Yamaguchi prefecture. This prefecture is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, abundant hot springs, and rich history. Within it one can also find Iwakuni, a city overflowing with significant cultural and historical heritage. This city is best known for the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's three most famous bridges and a marvel of engineering. With its remarkable wooden arches and stunning natural backdrop, Kintaikyo captivates anyone who lays their eyes upon it.
In this tour, guests can not only cross this iconic bridge, but also enjoy all the other wonderful things that Iwakuni has to offer. You will be able to ride a ropeway cart to the top of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle lies, as well as take part in a unique seal engraving experience which reflects the cultural significance of the area. You can learn more about this tour by clicking "View Details" above or make your reservation now by clicking the "Book Now" button. The spectacular sites of Iwakuni await you!
1-Day Miyajima & Iwakuni Tour: Exploring the Most Iconic Japanese Landscapes / All Year Round
Japan is overflowing with iconic locations and landscapes to visit, and without a doubt Kintaikyo Bridge and Miyajima's "floating" shrine are among them. While located in different prefectures, these two famous structures are just a short ferry and train ride away from each other and can be easily visited within one day.
Starting from Hiroshima, guests will first visit Iwakuni, a city to the west of Hiroshima and located within Yamaguchi prefecture. Here, you will be able to marvel at the famous Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Guests will also be able to enjoy Iwakuni's other charms, such as Kikko Park and Iwakuni Castle.
From here, you will head back into Hiroshima prefecture and arrive at Miyajima, a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of Japan's three most scenic spots. Within this island lies Itsukushima Shrine, known by most as the "floating" shrine. Its vermillion colored O-torii gate is without a doubt one of Japan's most emblematic landmarks. In Miyajima, you will explore different temples and enjoy the beautiful scenery along with the wild deer roaming the island.
This tour will give you the opportunity to visit two of Japan's most scenic locations in a single day. Click the "Book Now" button and get ready for a stunning and unforgettable experience!
TOURS IN THE SURROUNDING REGION
Hiroshima is often times the only city and prefecture that travelers will go to when visiting the Chugoku region; thus, missing out on fantastic tourist spots and hidden gems which cannot be found anywhere else in Japan. This is understandable though, given that the area is lesser-known than regions such as Kansai and Kanto. It can also be quite difficult organizing an itinerary and using public transportation when trying to tour the area.
To address this issue, we have designed several tours that take advantage of Japan's excellent public transportation as well as the stops on the San’yo Shinkansen line. You can do these tours when staying at, going to, or leaving Hiroshima. This way, you won't have to derail your entire trip to visit the amazing sites listed below, and will be able to explore more than most are able to when traveling to the Chugoku region!
1-Day Okayama Tour: Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Historic Townscape of Kurashiki / All Year Round
Okayama, also known by its nickname "the Land of Sunshine," is a prefecture located in Western Japan which is famous for its delicious fruit and great weather. It is also a place full of scenic landscapes and historic locations. This tour will take you to the Okayama Castle grounds, where you will find the unique black main tower which today serves as museum for visitors wishing to learn more about the history of the prefecture. Next to the museum lies Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. This large garden used to belong to the lords who ruled the area but can now be admired by anyone making a stop by Okayama. Korakuen is quite vast and full of multiple different shrines, tea houses, groves, and ponds, making it not only an impressive sight, but also a fantastic place to explore.
On this tour guests will also travel to another city within Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki. This city is most known for its historical townscape, the "Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter." A former merchant town, this area still retains the look of "historic Japan." The townscape is split down the middle by a canal with beautiful willow trees lining both sides, and its streets are covered by shops and cafes providing plenty of entertainment for visitors. The scenery of Kurashiki is so mesmerizing that it has become a popular spot for Kimono and Yukata (traditional Japanese garments) rental.
All travelers making their way around Western Japan by Shinkansen will inevitably end up passing by Okayama Station. Why not take advantage of Okayama's convenient location and make a 1-day stop within the prefecture? If the castles, gardens, and historic districts of Kyoto felt too crowded and stifling, then this is your opportunity to enjoy sites that are just as impressive but with much less people around!
1-Day Fukuyama Tour: Castle, Tomonoura Port Town, and Sensui-jima Island Visit / All Year Round
Fukuyama is the second largest city within Hiroshima prefecture, as well as the fourth largest in all of Western Honshu. Unfortunately, this wonderful city is often overshadowed by the much more popular city of Hiroshima. To bring more attention to the hidden beauty of Fukuyama, we have designed this 1-day tour which will take guests to iconic locations within the city such as the impressive Fukuyama Castle and picturesque port town of Tomonoura.
The sizeable Fukuyama Castle is the only castle keep in Japan which is protected by iron plates on one of its outside walls. Inside, an interactive and highly educative museum has been opened so that visitors may learn about the history of this former castle town. Your guide will take you on a tour around the castle grounds as well as inside the main tower, providing you with the necessary background information to fully appreciate this magnificent structure.
Afterwards, you will visit the scenic port town of Tomonoura, which to this day retains the charm and look of a historic Japanese town. Bordering the Seto Inland Sea, Tomonoura also possesses a stunning coastline and view of the sea. As you stroll around the area, you will be able to immerse yourself into Fukuyama's past in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to travel to the small island of Sensui-jima which lies just a 5-minute ferry ride away from the town. This tranquil, uninhabited island is the perfect place to appreciate nature and get the best views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Join this 1-day tour to visit one of Hiroshima's major cities and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea!
1-Day Onomichi & Ikuchijima Island Tour / All Year Round
The city of Onomichi is well-known for its temples and as the access point to many of the small islands lying within the Seto Inland Sea. Connected by multiple bridges, these islands have become a popular cycling and tourist destination. As such, there are some unique and majestic sites to be explored within them. One of Onomichi's most famous islands is Ikuchijima, located around a 40-minute ferry ride from the coast. It is home to Kosan-ji Temple, a peculiar Buddhist temple which differs from all others in Japan. The various buildings and structures within the temple complex were all built in just the past century and are replicas of multiple famous halls, temples, and shrines which can be found in other areas of the country. Additionally, within Kosan-ji, one can find the iconic marble garden "The Hill of Hope." This garden harmonizes perfectly with the natural scenery of the island, creating a magical landscape.
Of course, one cannot visit the city of Onomichi without stopping at two of its most famous and historic temples: Senko-ji and Saikoku-ji. Senko-ji temple lies at the top of a mountain and this tour will take you to its summit on a short and relaxing ropeway ride. Saikoku-ji temple can be found after ascending 108 stone steps and is home to a unique gate adorned with giant straw sandals. By exploring these two Buddhist temples, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about religion in Japan with the help of one of our guides.
This tour also has two convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. The first is Shin-Onomichi Station, which is one of the stops on the San’yo Shinkansen line and is best for those coming into or leaving Hiroshima. The second location is Onomichi Station, which can be accessed by local train from the city of Hiroshima. This train ride is much longer but considerable cheaper, thus making it a good option for those staying near the city center and wishing to save some money. Click "Book Now" to make sure you visit some of Onomichi's most popular and unique sites!
