Things To Do
in Hiroshima

A layered savory pancake with cabbage, noodles (yakisoba or udon), egg and sauce; try at Okonomimura or local specialist stalls in Hondori and Nagarekawa.

Must-Try!

Fresh oysters served grilled, raw, fried (kaki furai) or in hot pots; available at oyster bars near the station, around Miyajima, and at specialty restaurants like Kakiya.

Grilled conger eel on rice—especially famous on Miyajima and available at established eateries near Itsukushima Shrine.

Sweet cakes shaped like maple leaves filled with red bean, custard or other flavors; sold throughout Miyajima and souvenir shops.

A working market where restaurants source seafood and produce; morning visits reveal fresh catches and small vendors selling quick bites.

Hondori arcade has stalls and casual eateries for street-food okonomiyaki and snacks; Miyajima’s Omotesando sells oysters, momiji manju and grilled treats along its tourist lane.

Bowing is a common greeting; be polite, use quiet voices in public and show appreciation with a simple 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you).

Remove shoes when entering traditional accommodations, some restaurants or temples—follow signage and provided slippers.

Keep phones on silent and avoid loud phone conversations on trains and trams. Queue patiently for boarding areas.

Public trash cans are limited—carry a small bag for waste and sort recyclables when bins are available. Avoid eating while walking in crowded areas.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and may be refused; excellent service is already included. For private guides or translators, offer a respectful gift or handle payment through the agency instead.

Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—smaller shops and markets may be cash-only. IC transit cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO) work for trams and buses; major credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores and many restaurants. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices reliably accept international cards.

Late March to early April brings cherry blossoms—Peace Park, Shukkeien and riverside areas bloom; expect crowds during peak sakura and mild, pleasant weather.

Hot and humid with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F); August is typhoon season and the date of the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony (Aug 6). Carry sun protection and monitor weather advisories.

September to November offers comfortable temperatures and vibrant fall foliage in November—ideal for hiking and island views with fewer tourists than spring.

Mild winters compared with northern Japan; temperatures can dip around freezing at night, occasional light snow possible—fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.

Well-marked trails and ropeway options lead to summits with panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea; forests, temples and lookout points make for a rewarding half- to full-day hike.

A scenic, narrow valley with waterfalls, walking trails and boat rides located northwest of Hiroshima; trails range from easy strolls to more demanding walks.

Shorter, peaceful woodland walks around Mitaki Temple—especially pretty during autumn foliage, with moss-covered stone lanterns and streams.

Nearby Kikko Park and Mount Shiroyama offer easy trails and viewpoints over the historic Kintai Bridge and surrounding city.

Long-term residents and families form the backbone of neighborhoods—shops and services cater to daily life rather than tourism in many areas.

Hiroshima hosts universities (e.g., Hiroshima University) and research institutions, contributing a youthful, academic presence and international students.

Large numbers of domestic visitors (especially on holidays) and international tourists drawn to Peace Park and Miyajima; crowds peak during cherry blossom season and Golden Week.

Like much of Japan, Hiroshima has an aging population—services and community events often reflect this demographic trend.