🇯🇵 Japan
Hiroshima travel guide
Hiroshima is forever associated with August 6, 1945, but today it stands as a powerful symbol of peace and resilience. The Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome are profound experiences, but Hiroshima is also a vibrant, forward-looking city famous for its own style of okonomiyaki, sake breweries, and as the gateway to the sacred island of Miyajima with its floating torii gate.
Language
Japanese (limited English)
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Timezone
JST (GMT+9)
Best time
March to May and October to November
Budget/day
¥8,000-15,000 ($60-100 USD)
When to visit
Jan
2°C - 10°C
Feb
3°C - 10°C
Mar
6°C - 14°C
Apr
11°C - 19°C
May
15°C - 24°C
Jun
20°C - 27°C
Jul
24°C - 31°C
Aug
25°C - 32°C
Sep
21°C - 28°C
Oct
14°C - 23°C
Nov
9°C - 17°C
Dec
4°C - 12°C
Safety
moderateHiroshima is one of Japan's safest cities — Japan has exceptionally low violent crime rates. The Peace Memorial Park area, Orizuru Tower, and downtown Hon-dori shopping arcade are all completely safe. Hiroshima at night is quieter than Tokyo or Osaka but neighbourhoods near the station are safe. Typhoon season (July–October) can bring heavy rain and wind — check JMA weather forecasts. The Ōkunoshima Island (Rabbit Island) ferry can be rough in bad weather.
Women travellers
Extremely safe. One of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Women-only train cars available during rush hours.
Culture & etiquette
- + Bow when greeting
- + Remove shoes indoors
- + Slurp noodles - it's polite
- + Keep voice low in public
- - Don't tip - it's considered rude
- - Don't eat while walking
- - Don't talk loudly on trains
- - Don't blow nose in public
Food to try
Hiroshima-yaki
Layered okonomiyaki with noodles
Momiji manju
Maple leaf-shaped cakes
Hiroshima oysters
Fresh local oysters
Anago
Conger eel (Miyajima specialty)
Local sake
Saijo sake district nearby
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.