7 Best Things to Do in Hiroshima: An Unforgettable 2-Day Family Itinerary
Trip To The City of Miracles
Traveling to Japan with a toddler might seem daunting, but our two week trip in May 2023 proved it is absolutely magical. After a whirlwind stay in Osaka, we realized we needed more time there, but Hiroshima was calling. We took the Sakura bullet train from a JR Station near Dotonbori and arrived in Hiroshima ready to explore. If you are want to learn useful tips and tricks before visiting Japan, visit our blog on this topic here.
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Arriving in Hiroshima
- Via Train & Bus: Hiroshima serves as the primary gateway to Western Japan, offering effortless connections to Osaka, Fukuoka, and the scenic Shimanami Kaido. Whether you want to experience the lightning speed of the Sanyo Shinkansen or prefer the budget-friendly convenience of a night bus, you can compare real-time schedules and secure your tickets through 12Go Asia here.
- Via Flight: Most visitors arrive via Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), which hosts frequent domestic hops from Tokyo and Sapporo, along with key international routes from major Asian hubs. Alternatively, travelers often use Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport (IWK) for a quick, direct link to the city’s western outskirts. To compare the best fares and find the most convenient flight path into the region, search and book here.
Planning Your Hiroshima Trip
- Where to Stay: Finding the right base is key for families. Book a hotel here.
- Connectivity: Stay connected as soon as you land with a local eSIM. We recommend:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Hiroshima Station
Our journey began at Hiroshima Station, where we arrived via the Sakura bullet train. The station is a hub of activity and the perfect place to grab your first taste of the city. We had dinner right at the station and bought a few packs of the delicious Momiji Manju, a local specialty cake shaped like a maple leaf. These buckwheat and rice cakes are typically filled with red bean paste and are an absolute must-try when you arrive.
Day 1
Hiroshima Castle
The first checkpoint of the day was the exploration of Hiroshima Castle. The ticket was worth every bit of the ¥370 fee, and we spent about 90 minutes at the castle. It is important to know that the castle has stairs and is not stroller friendly, so we had to leave our stroller at the entrance. The architecture of the castle was extremely sophisticated and we loved exploring the interior. We read a lot of interesting information about the history of Feudal Japan and Samurai. There was even a part of the castle where you could wear Samurai garments and headpieces, which was a highlight for us as we had some fun dressing up before stepping out.
Itsukushima Shrine
Pro-tip: If you are looking for a guided tour from Kyoto or Osaka, secure your ticket below.
After a quick lunch, we bought ferry tickets for Itsukushima Shrine. This shrine has always been one of the icons of Japan for us and we did not want to miss the opportunity to visit it. We used the JR Line Ferry and the journey lasted approximately 90 minutes. The ferry experience was filled with scenic views and we thoroughly enjoyed the landscape. Once at the shrine, we stopped to have some ice cream as it was extremely hot. We spent almost 2 hours exploring the shrine and nearby areas. We also bought souvenirs and had a really enjoyable experience.
KARSIYAKA
- 🥘Cuisine: Authentic Turkish & Mediterranean
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal (Certified)
- 🌐 Website: https://karsiyaka.jp/home-english/
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: ¥1,300–¥3,500 per person
We arrived at KARISAYAKA for dinner. It is a Halal Turkish restaurant in Hiroshima. We ordered Falafel Salad and Ankara Course and found the food to be above average. It was not as delicious as the other food experiences we had, especially in comparison to the Halal Japanese Ramen and Yakiniku we found in other cities, but it is a good option for those seeking Halal food.
Day 2
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
On the second day at Hiroshima, we dedicated 2 hours to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The entrance cost was ¥200. This park is a place of deep reflection and is beautifully maintained as a symbol of peace.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
We started at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and were absolutely horrified by the items present there. The museum collection consists widely of artifacts and stories of the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb victims during World War II. The amount of lives lost and the horrifying side effects suffered by the survivors were absolutely heartbreaking. We left the museum with a heavy heart.
Atomic Bomb Dome
After exploring multiple other memorials at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, we stopped at the Atomic Bomb Dome. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the only structure left standing after the first atomic bomb explosion in 1945. This was another humbling reminder of the amount of harm weapons can do.
Travel to Kyoto
After lunch, we travelled from Hiroshima to Kyoto using the Sakura and Hikari bullet trains.
Final Remarks
Our trip to Hiroshima was great. We loved the overall vibe of the city and were humbled by the Hiroshima Memorial Museum. Visit to the Itsukushima Shrine brought a peaceful tone to our overall heavy schedule. While Hiroshima does not have too many Halal Japanese food options, we still had a really good time.
Enjoyed reading about our exploration of Hiroshima? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry to Itsukushima Shrine?
The JR Line Ferry journey takes approximately 90 minutes and offers beautiful scenic views of the landscape.
Where can I find Halal food in Hiroshima?
KARSIYAKA is a Halal Turkish restaurant in the city. While Halal Japanese food is less common in Hiroshima, this is a solid choice.
What is Momiji Manju?
It is a local specialty cake from Hiroshima, usually shaped like a maple leaf and filled with sweet fillings like red bean or custard.
