Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hiroshima?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Hiroshima?
Three days in Hiroshima is often considered best, as many tourists spend two to three days for their trip here. This would usually give you enough time to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, find the best deals at the shops, and dance the night away. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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.
Shopping in Hiroshima is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hiroshima.
Is 4 days enough time in Hiroshima?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Hiroshima has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Hiroshima as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the food, and shopping at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for . We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Hiroshima, Japan
How to spend 4 days in Hiroshima
If you have more than 4 days in Hiroshima, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Hiroshima, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour ($87)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hiroshima.
Is 5 days enough time in Hiroshima?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Hiroshima, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The famous sights and museums, the food, shopping, and the nightlife scene on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Hiroshima as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 5 days in Hiroshima
Having 5 days in Hiroshima will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Because Hiroshima offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hiroshima.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Hiroshima, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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