The ideal number of days to spend in Hiroshima depends on your interests and the pace at which you prefer to travel. Here's a suggested breakdown for both a 3-day and 5-day itinerary:
3 Days in Hiroshima
A 3-day trip is enough to cover the major attractions in Hiroshima at a relaxed pace, including the historical sites, cultural landmarks, and nearby islands.
Day 1: Hiroshima's Historical Sites
- Morning: Start your day by visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome. Learn about the city’s history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
- Afternoon: Explore Hiroshima Castle and its surrounding gardens.
- Evening: Stroll through Shukkei-en Garden and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Day 2: Miyajima Island
- All Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and explore Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate. You can also hike Mount Misen or visit Daisho-in Temple. Spend the day exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island.
Day 3: Local Food and Shopping
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then visit the Mazda Museum (if you're interested in cars) or explore the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Spend time exploring local shops and dining on Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in the downtown area, especially around Hondōri shopping street.
5 Days in Hiroshima
If you have 5 days, you can explore the city more leisurely and take a few day trips to nearby areas.
Day 1 & Day 2: Explore Hiroshima City
- Follow the itinerary for the first 2 days of the 3-day plan, diving deeper into historical and cultural experiences.
Day 3: Miyajima Island (Day Trip)
- Similar to the 3-day plan, dedicate a full day to Miyajima Island, but take more time to relax and enjoy the island's quieter spots or hike more of Mount Misen.
Day 4: Day Trip to Iwakuni
- Iwakuni is located around 45 minutes from Hiroshima and is home to the famous Kintai-kyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle. You can also enjoy a scenic walk along the river or visit Ryuun-ji Temple.
Day 5: Hiroshima's Modern Attractions and Relaxation
- Spend your last day visiting the Mazda Museum (if you didn’t on Day 2), enjoy a relaxing time at Mitaki-dera Temple or explore Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) for a unique experience.
- Enjoy some free time shopping at Lazona Kawasaki Plaza or Hiroshima Station, where you can pick up local souvenirs and sample more regional dishes.
Summary:
- 3 Days: Ideal for covering the major historical sites, Miyajima Island, and local food experiences.
- 5 Days: Perfect if you want to explore Hiroshima at a more relaxed pace, enjoy additional day trips to nearby destinations, and spend more time experiencing the culture and natural beauty.
Generally, 3 days is enough to see the highlights, but 5 days will give you more flexibility to explore at a deeper level.
