Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hiroshima?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Hiroshima?

Since it's a good-sized city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Hiroshima. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun food, visitors can enjoy the nightlife, local culture, and scenery by staying for a weekend.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hiroshima?

Many visitors spend two to three days in Hiroshima during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, find the best deals at the shops, and dance the night away.

Hiroshima is often recognized for its role in World War II. It was the tragic setting of the world's first nuclear attack. Today it is a modern city that is home to a memorial, museum, and park that commemorates those who lost their lives during those tragic events. The city and memorial promote everlasting peace in the world. The city also has many gardens and parks.

Do you have one or two days to visit Hiroshima? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is popular with tourists and offers some fun sights and attractions. One day is probably not enough time here even though it's not the largest of cities. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Hiroshima such as the famous sights and museums, the food, shopping, and the nightlife scene. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule two to three days to fully experience the park-filled city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Hiroshima

When visiting Hiroshima, you can't miss Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

A few tour suggestions include:

Sake Tasting Guided Tour in Saijo with Visit to 7 Breweries ($51)
Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour ($84)
Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family ($90)

Hiroshima is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Hiroshima?

Since it's a good-sized city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Hiroshima. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun food, visitors can enjoy the nightlife, local culture, and scenery by staying for a weekend.

Hiroshima, Japan

How to spend 2 days in Hiroshima

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Hiroshima, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Hiroshima is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

A few tour suggestions include:

Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara- ($27)

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Public transit in Hiroshima is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Hiroshima, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.