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Hiroshima travel guide: top sights, food, festivals, hot springs & where to stay (2026)

Hiroshima is in the Chugoku region, with Hiroshima as its capital. It is known for: 60% of Japan's oysters.

Photo: redlegsfan21 / CC BY-SA 2.0

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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original

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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
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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
⭐

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)
⭐

Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village)

Over 20 Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki stalls in one building — the layered, noodle-filled original.

Shimanami Kaido Cycling
⭐

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

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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.

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