Last updated on June 27th, 2023 at 03:17 pm

Hiroshima

While some want to experience the advanced technologies in Japan, others prefer to immerse in its ancient culture. Gaurav’s itinerary had to include World WarII history. Plus it was one of the non-negotiable places on our 7-day Japan trip, so we decided to visit Hiroshima as a day trip from Kyoto.

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Hiroshima is a popular day trip from Kyoto, and so is the beautiful island of Miyajima. Don’t be surprised if this is the first time you’ve heard of Miyajima. We hadn’t heard of it until we started planning our Japan trip. 

After spending 2 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto, we took the 4th day to visit these two places. You could also consider visiting Japan’s Art Islands as a day trip from Kyoto too.

As you plan your trip don’t forget to read these Japan travel planning tips.

We suggest leaving as early as 7 am from Kyoto to give yourself ample time to cover both these destinations.

Getting from Kyoto to Hiroshima

The direct train from Kyoto to Hiroshima is the fast Nazomi (N-line) which takes about 1:40 minutes. TIP: Nazomi line is not covered in JR Pass, and you could be fined for taking this train without a ticket.

For those with JR pass like us, take the Hikari (H-line) or Kodama (K-line) from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka station. At Osaka, change trains to Sakura (S-line) going to Hiroshima. It will take about 2 hours overall to get to Hiroshima from Kyoto.

Transportation within Hiroshima

There is a  sightseeing loop bus that circles around Hiroshima which is covered under JR Pass. You will find the bus stop right in front of Hiroshima station’s entrance/exit gate. Or just ask one of the super friendly and helpful tourist guides/volunteers at Hiroshima station.

Hiroshima also has a large tram network that can be used for transportation, but it is not covered in JR Pass.

Related: Interesting facts about Japan you may not know

Sightseeing stops in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, at first glance, is a thriving young modern city that took us by surprise. The tourist bus stops at all the important sites in Hiroshima; here’s what we suggest you definitely stop at –

The Atomic Bomb Site

This is the most important site that you must know of. Not only is this building the only surviving structure from the explosions but this dome was the “Epicenter of the atomic blast”. FACT: One of the biggest reasons this structure survived was because the missile containing the atomic bomb was dropped 600 meters above the dome at 8:15 am on 6^th August 1945. The effects of the bomb spread in a mushroom cloud pattern impacting the building underneath it the least.

Nagasaki was bombed 3 days later on August 9^th, 1945 by a bomb called “fat-man” which was much stronger in intensity than the one in Hiroshima. You’ll learn more about this at the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima which is a must visit AFTER seeing the dome.

The Japanese government could have demolished this site to rebuild a new one just like they did rest of Hiroshima. But they decided to keep it intact as a tragic reminder to continue their efforts in abolishing nuclear weapons and aim for world peace. Today Hiroshima Atomic Dome is a World Heritage Site.

Enola Gay, the war aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb called “little boy” over Hiroshima is kept at Udvar-Hazy Museum in Washington DC.

The Peace Memorial Museum

Without giving much away about the Peace Memorial all we’ll say is that it was an educational visit. It ‘s full of historic and scientific facts about nuclear weapons across the world. The museum also has a 3D video of the bombing incident which is enough to give you goosebumps.

On the grounds surrounding the Peace Memorial lies Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima which is worth a stop to pay homage to all the kids who lost their lives in the tragedy. These two sites were pretty hard hitting with the tragic history as well as the summer heat.

There are a few other related sites in Hiroshima that the city bus stops at like, Hiroshima Castle, the Peace Bell & the Cenotaph. We only stopped at the dome and peace memorial.

Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island

The Peace Memorial is bound to extract emotions out of you and Miyajima’s beautiful landscape will come in handy for recovery. Hence we would recommend going to Miyajima after you’ve visited Hiroshima. 

Getting from Hiroshima to Miyajima

The JR train from Hiroshima station will take you to Miyajimaguchi station. From Miyajimaguchi, you will see signs marked to walk towards the JR ferry entrance. This ferry is covered by JR Pass. TIP: Make sure to find out the last ferry timing so you don’t get stranded on the island.

Deers were anxiously waiting to welcome the next batch of visitors at the ferry station. Nara is not the only ones with them, Miyajima has its own share of deer too.

Exploring Miyajima

Officially called Itsukushima and fondly referred to as Miyajima, this small island holds a spiritual place amongst the locals. The popular Itsukushima Shrine is built over water. And so is the Great Torii gate which welcomes you to the island half floating over high tide water.

TIP: Don’t miss tasting the local sweet delicacy called Momiji. Momiji means maple leaf in Japanese which is why the shape. Other activities in Miyajima are visiting Daisho-in Temple or hiking the island’s highest mountain, Mt. Misen.

If we had more time we would have loved to stay overnight in one of Miyajima’s Ryokans. 

As always we hope you guys found this post helpful and you enjoy your trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Don’t forget to pin and share it with friends & family 🙂

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Happy Traveling!