Top Hiroshima Attractions | Atomic Bomb Memorials, Gardens & Museums

Many Hiroshima attractions reflect the historical nuclear bombing for which the city is most famous, and while Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome are can’t-miss landmarks, the city offers a wealth of other enriching experiences. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum provides a poignant and educational journey through the events of August 6, 1945, and its aftermath. Beyond its historical significance, Hiroshima boasts beautiful natural and cultural sites such as Shukkeien Garden, a serene oasis perfect for leisurely strolls and seasonal festivals.

Hiroshima Castle, with its rich samurai history and stunning views, is another must-visit. For automotive enthusiasts, the MAZDA Museum offers a fascinating look into the evolution of one of Japan’s leading car manufacturers. Families will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Hiroshima Children’s Museum, while art lovers can explore contemporary works at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art. Plan an itinerary that can’t fail with these diverse and captivating activities in Hiroshima!

Peace Memorial Park – Hiroshima & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum are poignant reminders of the city’s tragic past and its commitment to peace. The park was built in the former government district of the city that was annihilated during the blast and is home to several memorials, where visitors can reflect on the impact August 6, 1945 while strolling through the beautifully landscaped grounds. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers powerful exhibits that detail the bombing and its aftermath, featuring personal artifacts, photographs, and survivor testimonies. Educational programs and interactive displays are available to help younger visitors understand the importance of peace. The park often hosts peace ceremonies and international events, fostering a global dialogue on nuclear disarmament. Easily accessible by public transportation, the park is a short walk from the nearest tram stop. Nearby dining options include cafes and restaurants that offer a range of cuisines, providing a place to rest and reflect after a meaningful visit. The only structure in the vicinity of the bombing that remained intact is known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is located across Motoyasu River and can be accessed by Motoyasu Bridge.

Can’t-miss landmarks in Peace Memorial Park – Hiroshima

• Gates of Peace: A series of ten monumental gates inscribed with the word “peace” in multiple languages, symbolizing global harmony and the universal desire for peace.
• Prayer Fountain: A serene water feature where visitors can offer prayers and reflections, symbolizing hope and the healing power of water in the aftermath of the atomic bombing.
• Flame of Peace: The Flame of Peace burns continuously in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, representing the city’s commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and the enduring hope for global peace.
• Pond of Peace: A tranquil body of water surrounding the Cenotaph for A-bomb Victims, reflecting the serene environment and serving as a place for contemplation and remembrance.
• Children’s Peace Monument: Dedicated to the memory of the children who perished in the atomic bombing, the monument features a statue of Sadako Sasaki holding a golden crane, symbolizing hope and peace.
• Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall: Offering a solemn space for reflection, the memorial features a circular hall with names and photographs of atomic bomb victims, and personal testimonies of survivors.
• Atomic Bomb Memorial Burial Mound: Containing the ashes of tens of thousands of unidentified victims of the atomic bombing, the burial mound serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a place for mourning.
• Bell of Peace: Visitors can ring the bell as a gesture of hope and a call for global harmony, with its resonant sound echoing the desire for a peaceful world.
• Block Tower of Peace: A symbolic structure made of concrete blocks, representing the resilience and reconstruction of Hiroshima, and the collective effort towards achieving lasting peace.

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Photo credit: victor miyakawa /CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

MAZDA Museum

A free tour of MAZDA Museum takes some planning, but the adventure is certainly one of the best things to do in Hiroshima. The city is home to Mazda Motor Corporation, which was founded in 1920. While the Mazda brand has earned a global reputation, the company has retained its headquarters in Hiroshima’s Fuchu district. Guests are invited twice a day to tour the facility and museum for free. English tours take place at 2:15 p.m., and tours in Japanese start at 9:15 a.m. Tours take about 120 minutes and include a variety of exhibitions that showcase Mazda’s evolution, from its early days producing three-wheeled trucks to its current lineup of cutting-edge vehicles. The museum features a collection of classic cars, concept models, and interactive displays that highlight Mazda’s engineering achievements and design philosophy. With fascinating insights into the car manufacturing process and the opportunity to see the assembly line in action, this activity is ideal for car enthusiasts and families alike. If you’re lucky, you might catch a special event during your visit, such as the unveiling of a new Mazda model!

Conveniently accessible by public transportation, the MAZDA Museum is just a short walk from the nearest train station. While there are no dining facilities directly within the museum, nearby areas offer a variety of restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy local and international cuisine. Note that reservations for tours must be made online or by phone and can be made up to a year in advance.

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine, tucked away in a scenic cove on Miyajima Island, is renowned for its iconic “floating” torii gate, which appears to float on the water of the Sento Inland Sea during high tide. The Shinto shrine consists of multiple buildings and is believed to have been built by the most powerful man in Japan, Taira no Kiyomori, in the year 1168, and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the shrine’s elegant wooden structures, which are built over the water and connected by boardwalks. When the sun goes down, guests can view the illuminated complex and torii gate during a 30-minute boat cruise, which can be arranged at the shrine’s tourist information desk. Itsukushima Shrine remains illuminated until 11 p.m. Family-friendly also include hiking to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views and interacting with the friendly deer that roam the island. The island is accessible by ferry from Hiroshima, with frequent services available. Dining options on Miyajima include local specialties such as grilled oysters and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes), offering a taste of the island’s culinary delights.

How to get to Itsukushima Shrine: ferries to Miyajima Island are available at JR Miyajima Ferry terminal just outside Miyajimaguchi Station. The ride to the island takes about 10 minutes, and the shrine is a 10-minute walk from Miyajima Pier.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower offers a unique blend of modern architecture and historical reflection, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views of the city and the nearby Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The tower features an observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for unobstructed views of Hiroshima’s skyline and iconic landmarks. Visitors can participate in the Orizuru (paper crane) folding activity, a symbol of peace and hope, and add their creations to the tower’s Orizuru Wall. Family-friendly activities include interactive exhibits that educate visitors about Hiroshima’s history and the significance of the paper crane. Conveniently located near the city center, Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is easily accessible by public transportation, with a short walk from the nearest tram stop. Dining options within the tower include a cafe that offers light meals and beverages, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the views.

Shukkeien Garden

Translated to English as “shrunken-scenery garden,” Shukkeien is considered a masterful rendition of Japan’s natural scenery … in miniature form. The garden, which dates to 1620, depicts the nation’s lushest valleys, mountains and forest regions through careful landscaping and cultivation practices, giving visitors a delightful journey in a serene atmosphere. Family-friendly activities include feeding the koi fish, participating in traditional tea ceremonies, and exploring the garden’s hidden nooks and crannies. Shukkeien Garden often hosts seasonal events, such as cherry blossom viewings in spring and autumn foliage festivals, providing a festive yet serene seasonal experience. Nearby, visitors can find charming tea houses and cafes that offer light refreshments and traditional Japanese sweets, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty.

Hiroshima Museum of Art

The Hiroshima Museum of Art, located in the heart of the city, is a cultural treasure that showcases a diverse collection of Western and Japanese art. The museum features works by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as masterpieces of Japanese modern art. Visitors can explore the museum’s various galleries, attend special exhibitions, and participate in art appreciation workshops. Family-friendly activities include interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to engage children and foster a love for art. The museum often hosts cultural events, such as art lectures and concerts, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. The surrounding area offers beautiful gardens and walking paths, providing a peaceful environment for leisurely strolls. Dining options within the museum include a charming cafe that serves light meals and beverages, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the artistic ambiance. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with a short walk from the nearest tram stop.

Hiroshima Castle

A trip to Hiroshima wouldn’t be complete without a tour of Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle. The historical structure is unique due to its location inside a moat on plain, rather than on a hilltop, where most Japanese castles were built. Visitors can tour the five-story main keep of the castle, which houses a museum detailing the history of Hiroshima and samurai culture, as well as incredible views of the surrounding area. The castle was restored 13 years after the bombing using original building methods and materials, like the main gate and two turrets, that survived the blast. The castle grounds feature beautiful moats, stone walls, and lush gardens, making it a picturesque spot for leisurely walks and photography. Family-friendly activities include interactive exhibits and samurai armor displays that engage both children and adults. A variety of dining options can be found nearby, including traditional Japanese restaurants and cafes, offering a chance to enjoy local cuisine in a historic setting. Conveniently accessible by public transportation, Hiroshima Castle is a short walk from the nearest tram stop.

Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Hijiyama Park, is a premier destination for art enthusiasts. The museum features a diverse collection of contemporary artworks from both Japanese and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Visitors can explore the museum’s various galleries, attend special exhibitions, and participate in art workshops. The museum often hosts art festivals and cultural events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. The surrounding Hijiyama Park offers beautiful walking trails, outdoor sculptures, and scenic viewpoints, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day out. Dining options within the museum include a charming cafe that serves light meals and beverages, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the artistic ambiance.

Hiroshima Children’s Museum

The Hiroshima Children’s Museum is a fun and educational destination designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in young minds. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including science displays, hands-on experiments, and a planetarium that offers captivating shows about the universe. Family-friendly activities include exploring the museum’s themed play areas, participating in educational workshops, and attending special events such as science demonstrations and storytelling sessions. The museum often hosts seasonal festivals and cultural performances, providing a lively and engaging experience for children and their families. Conveniently located near the city center, the museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Nearby dining options include family-friendly restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, making it easy to find a meal that everyone will enjoy. The Hiroshima Children’s Museum’s combination of interactive exhibits and educational activities makes it a must-visit attraction for families visiting Hiroshima.

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