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Quick facts
- Region: Chugoku
- Capital: Hiroshima
- Population: 2.7 million
- Climate: Seto Inland Sea
- Cherry blossom (average): 25 March
- No. 1 in Japan: 60% of Japan's oysters — Also No. 1 for lemons. The Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine
⭐ Top sights
Itsukushima Shrine
A great torii standing in the sea. At high tide the whole shrine seems to float; at low tide you can walk out to the gate.
Atomic Bomb Dome
The building left standing after the atomic bomb of 6 August 1945, preserved as a World Heritage symbol of peace. Two million people visit the park each year.
Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village)
Over 20 Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki stalls in one building — the layered, noodle-filled original.
Shimanami Kaido Cycling
A 70 km cycling route over seven bridges linking six islands — riding above the sea on one of the world's great bike routes.
🍲 Local food
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oyster dishes, anago-meshi
Hiroshima okonomiyaki is layered rather than mixed. The prefecture is Japan's top oyster producer
🏨 Where to stay in Hiroshima
The area around Hiroshima, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Tottori · Shimane · Okayama · Yamaguchi · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Hiroshima famous for food-wise?
Hiroshima's best-known local dishes are Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oyster dishes, anago-meshi. Hiroshima okonomiyaki is layered rather than mixed. The prefecture is Japan's top oyster producer
What are the top sights in Hiroshima?
Top picks in Hiroshima include Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village), Shimanami Kaido Cycling.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Hiroshima?
In Hiroshima (Hiroshima), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 25 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.