Hiroshima (広島) can be an extremely emotional, sad place, but it’s one that must be visited. During World War 2 a nuclear bomb destroyed Hiroshima and most places for tourists are related to this. It’s best as a one day trip from Kyoto.
Budget travel tips
- Get a free tourist map from the Shinkansen exit of JR Hiroshima station. English support provided.
- Everything is pretty central, so you can walk everywhere if you have the tourist map.
Places of interest
Atomic Dome (FREE)
One of the few building in central Hiroshima to survive the nuclear blast.
Peace Memorial Park (FREE)
A beautiful park filled with memorials to those lost and hope for the future.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A must visit in Hiroshima. Make sure you have plenty of time to explore this museum.
Open: 8:30 – 18:00
Price: 50 yen
Hon Dori Shopping Street (FREE)
A long shopping street with loads of cool shops and restaurants to see. Come here for dinner in the evening.
Hiroshima Castle
A large castle with interesting castle grounds. Highly recommended for cherry blossoms.
Open: 9:00 – 16:30
Price: Adults 260 yen, Children 180 yen
Stunning island, not far from Hiroshima. Click here for the full travel guide.
Iwakuni is a castle town in southern Chugoku near Hiroshima, famous for it’s iconic Kintaikyo Bridge. Click here for our budget travel guide.
Recommended Hostels and Cheap Hotels
Backpackers Hostel K’s House Hiroshima
Japanese hostel chain with good prices and many happy customers it seems! Check prices at Booking.com.
J-Hoppers Hiroshima Guesthouse
Friendly hostel with a variety of dorms and private rooms. Next to the Peach Park. Check prices at Booking.com.
More at Booking.com
How to get there
With the Japan Rail Pass
From Kyoto station, take the Shinkansen (JR bullet train) to Hiroshima station (102 mins).
From Tokyo station, take the Shinkansen (JR bullet train) to Hiroshima station (about 4 hours).
Without the Japan Rail Pass
Get an overnight bus with Willer Express (click link at the top for English) or use the Japan Bus Pass.
Map
Free Volunteer Guides
Hiroshima SGG club – taif@fureai-ch.ne.jp (10 days notice required)
Get more with my new budget travel book!
Perfect for backpackers, budget travelers, families on a tight budget, students and those who are new to Japan.
Links
Visit Hiroshima – Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima Navigator – Hiroshima City
Super Cheap Japan 
I have been there. Really unforgetable place.
LikeLike