17 of the Most Beautiful Places in Japan
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Hiroshima
Since the tragic destruction of Hiroshima in 1945, the city has worked hard to rebuild what was lost. Now thriving as a peaceful, cultural and forward-looking city, visitors can expect to find friendly residents, wide open streets and lush green open spaces. Discover the peaceful and resilient Hiroshima with the help of our travel guide.
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Places to stay
There are plenty of different accommodation options in Hiroshima. A compact city, you’ll never find yourself too far away from the city’s main attractions. Various accommodation can be found around the station, the Peace Park and Aioi-dōri and Heiwa-Ōdōri thoroughfares. For an authentic experience stay in a traditional Japanese Inn or Ryokan. The experience usually involves a traditional meal and sleeping on a futon spread on the floor.
If you’re after that hotel slippers and robe experience, opt for one of the many western styled hotels scattered throughout the city. For travellers on a budget, hostels and Minshuku B&Bs can be found all over the city.
Things to do
From outdoor activities to museums and shopping, there’s a range of things to do in Hiroshima. Hit the road and cycle the famous Shimanami Kaido expressway, a popular track for cyclists on the weekend.
Visit Hiroshima Castle and get a sense of the city before the bomb was dropped in 1945. Like many other historic sites around Hiroshima, the castle was wiped out by the atomic bomb, leaving just fragments of the original site. Now, Hiroshima has worked to restore the castle to its original grandeur. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Peace Memorial Park, that's located in what was once the city's busiest downtown commercial and residential district.
Enjoy a cruise to picturesque Miyajina Island, a short boat ride from the mainland port. Take in the scenic green forests and temples, it an ideal outdoor activity in Autumn.
Where to go
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle was constructed by Mouri Terumoto, one of the most significant servants ("Godairou") of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The Fukushima family and later Asano family lived there during the Edo era. This castle tower was designated as National Treasure in 1931 and later destroyed by atomic bomb. In 1958 the exterior of the castle was renovated and in 1989 the inside was restored. Today, it has turned into a history museum featuring Samurai culture.
Shopping
There are some great places to shop in Hiroshima. Walk through Hiroshima’s covered arcade, Hon-dōri for clothes and beauty products. Or peruse the popular Namiki-dōri street for some funky clothing brands. For a big-name department store visit Tokyo Hands, you’ll find fun trinkets for the home, new technology and homewares. Into brands? Head to designer mall Mitsukoshi. It’s got all your international designer labels as well as a gourmet food hall and supermarket.
Getting around
From the airport: the main way to get from Hiroshima Airport to the city is via bus, taxi or private transfer. There is no train service from the airport. The shuttle bus has several routes to Hiroshima station, Hiroshima Bus Center, Fukuyama station, Mihara station and Shiraichi station.
In and around the city: Hiroshima has an extensive tram (streetcar) network. The trams run approximately every 10 minutes per line at a flat rate. Bus and metro lines run throughout the city generally used by locals. Bike hire is a great way to get around too.
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Important information
Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
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