One Day in Hiroshima and Miyajima: A Day Trip Itinerary
When traveling to Japan, you should take in one of the most historic cities in the country by planning one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima. It’s an easy side trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and well worth the effort to get there. And, since the cities are pretty compact, you only need one day to explore the highlights!
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How to Get from Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima
There are multiple ways to get from Kyoto and Osaka to Hiroshima. We’ll explore your best options, whether you’re shorter on time or travel funds.
Kyoto to Hiroshima By Shinkansen
If you’re short on time, this is the best way to make the journey from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Taking the JR Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen train can take as little as 95 minutes if you catch the direct Nozomi train. Otherwise, you can transfer from a Hikari or Kodama train to a Sakura train at Shin-Osaka Station. This would take 2 hours.
Unfortunately, this convenience comes at a cost. The cheapest ticket is 10,770 yen which gets you a non-reserved seat. Or, if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it on the Sakura, Hikari, and Kodama trains. It’s an easy way to fit one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima into your itinerary.
Kyoto to Hiroshima by Bus
If you’re limiting factor is money, this is the best option for you. While the bus trip will take 7 – 9 hours from Kyoto to Hiroshima, it will only cost you between 2,000 and 8,000 yen, and the buses are pretty comfortable. You can make reservations online with Willer Express.
Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen
Similarly to Kyoto, the fastest way to get from Osaka to Hiroshima would be to take the Sanyo Shinkansen Line. The fastest trains, the Mizuho and Nozomi, will take just 1 hour and 25 minutes and cost 9,710 yen. The slower trains, Sakura and Hikari are both covered by the Japan Rail Pass and will take just a little bit longer at 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Osaka to Hiroshima by Bus
A much longer journey, you can take the daytime or overnight buses from Osaka to Hiroshima. It will take about 5 hours and costs between 2,000 and 13,500 yen. Another great budget friendly option for a one day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
About Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima is best known as the first city to have been hit by a nuclear weapon, the atomic bomb “Little Boy”, on August 6, 1945 by the US Army Air Forces. It completely devastated the city resulting in the loss of over 140,000 lives. This legacy lives on in Hiroshima, a now redeveloped city.
Today when you visit Hiroshima, you’ll find a thriving city of about 2 million people. While Hiroshima offers a rich history, you only need about half a day to one day to explore the highlights of the city. Then you can head across to the island of Miyajima to explore further.
About Miyajima, Japan
Only 2 km off the Japanese mainland in the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima is a small island less than one hour away from Hiroshima. This makes it a natural fit to pair them together on a side trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Don’t worry if you’re short on time, you can spend just one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima and see all of the highlights.
Also known as Itsuksushima Island, Miyajima means “Shrine Island” and is most famous for its Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shrine is home to the famous “Floating Torii Gate” and is one of the top sights in Japan. It is not to be missed!
How to Spend One Day in Hiroshima and Miyajima
With just 24 hours in Hiroshima and Miyajima, you will have to plan your day strategically. I recommend starting in Hiroshima and then heading over to Miyajima. This will allow you to catch sunset at the floating Torii Gate, a truly magical experience.
Let’s take a look at the best one day itinerary for Hiroshima and Miyajima to maximize what you see when you’re limited on time. Alternatively, you can also book a private guided tour to explore the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Miyajima. You can check out this popular tour here.
Start Your Morning at the Hiroshima Peace Park
The first destination of the day is one of the most important places in the city, the Hiroshima Peace Park. If you only have one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima, it’s what should go at the top of your list!
The park area holds all sorts of monuments in memory of the atomic bomb and its victims from August 6, 1945. You can easily spend about half an hour exploring the park and the surrounding areas reading all of the signs along the way to learn more about it and the various memorials:
- The A-Dome: The bomb exploded 160 m from the dome, somehow leaving the dome standing. To this day, you can see the twisted and melted metal on it.
- The Centropath: This cement chest holds a list of names of everyone who is known to have passed away as a result of the bombing.
- The Peace Flame: This flame will burn until nuclear weapons are eradicated from the world.
- The Children’s Peace Memorial: This memorial commemorates the children who were killed by the bomb.
Explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
After the Peace Park head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It covers the events at a high level, but it also features hundreds of personal accounts. You’ll find personal belongings of those that went to work with lunch and all that was left was a lunchbox with char inside or the clothing that was torn, bloody, and burnt as people who survived tried to make it back home where usually they then died.
While the museum is very heavy, it does help frame the gravity of the situation. In many ways, I was glad the photographs were in black and white and not good quality as they depicted horrific things, like people with burns over 90% of their body or their skin melting off. They also touch on how peace cannot coexist with nuclear weapons.
Entrance Fee: 200 yen for adults; 100 yen for high school students; free for younger students
Hours of Operation: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm March to July and September to November; 8:30 am – 7:00 pm August; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm December to February
Visit the Hiroshima Castle
Having taken in all of the heavy-hearted moments at the Peace Park and Museum, it’s time to take in the rest of the culture and sights of Hiroshima. Start at the Hiroshima Castle. It’s just a 20 minute walk from the Hiroshima Peace Park.
Originally built back in the Edo period, it was then destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. It was restored in 1958, and then in 1989 they refurbished the inside. Today, you’ll find the inside now acts as a museum detailing the history and culture of Japanese samurai families.
If you have not been in any Japanese castles, you should do so to learn more about their style. However, if you have and are not interested in the samurai, you can skip the museum to spend your one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima wisely. Simply admire the beautiful architecture of the castle from the outside.
Entrance Fee: 370 yen for adults; 100 yen for children who are younger than high school age
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm March – November; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm December – February weekdays
Enjoy the Serenity of Shukkeien Park
Next up, head to Shukkeien Park, just a 10 minute walk from Hiroshima Castle. Shukkeien Park was first built back in 1620 and has been refined by numerous lords over time. It also was destroyed by the atomic bomb but has recovered to be a beautiful Japanese park.
It is well worth spending some time wandering through its serene surroundings, particularly after the heavy morning.
Entrance Fee: 260 yen for adults; 150 yen for high school and university students; 100 yen for younger students
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm April to November + December 29 – January 3; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm October to March
Make the Trek from Hiroshima to Miyajima
At this point, the morning will have passed, and with only one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima, it’s time to take on the next chapter of the day: Miyajima. Miyajima is a small island about an hour away from Hiroshima, but transit is easy. You just jump on the train and then take a ferry, and you’re there!
From the Hiroshima Station, there are trains that run every 15 minutes to Miyajimaguchi where the ferry terminal is located. It’s just a 25 minute train ride. From there, it is a 2 minute walk to the Miyajima ferry, and a 10 minute ferry ride.
First Stop in Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine and the Floating Torii Gate
Arriving on Miyajima, you are able to see the famous floating torii gate so it’s easy to know which direction to go. In fact, the whole island is pretty well-marked with signs to find your way.
If it is low tide, your first stop should be out to the torii gate. While it is definitely not floating at low tide, being able to walk closer and admire it up close is quite the experience. Proceed into Itsukushima Shrine to learn more about .
Entrance Fee: 300 yen
Hours of Operation: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm March to October 14; 6:30 am – 5:30 pm January/February and October 15 to November; 6:30 am – 5:00 pm December
Daisho-in Temple
Even with just one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima, Daisho-in Temple is a must see! It is incredible from the bottom of the hill where you will enter, all the way up to the top. As you ascend, the giant central staircase splits multiple times leading you to the Buddha Garden, the big bell, the main hall, the Henjokutsu Cave with Buddhist icons, and more.
Additionally, the central staircase features Dai-hannyakyo which are gold prayer wheels said to bring great fortune to those who touch them. Good news – you can hope to have good fortune after visiting! It was one of the best laid out temples I have visited and the peace and quiet is astounding. This slightly off the beaten path temple is a great escape from the more touristy parts of the island.
Entrance Fee: Free
Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Stop at the Five-story Pagoda and Senjokaku, the 1000 Mat Pavillion
From there head back into the center of town to visit the five-story pagoda and the 1000 Mat Pavillion – Senjokaku. Senjokaku dates back to 1587 and is indeed the size of one thousand tatami mats. You’ll also find the five-story pagoda to be truly stunning as it sits on a beautiful hillside. It dates back even further than the shrine, having been originally built in 1407.
Entrance Fee: 100 yen
Hours of Operation: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm everyday
Get Your Sweat on by Climbing Mount Misen
Now its time to get physical! It’s time to hike up Mount Misen. A guy I had met in Kyoto had told me it was his favorite hike in Japan, way better than Mount Fuji. He might have simply said this to console me as I had missed Mount Fuji’s climbing season… Whatever the case was, he was right. It is a gorgeous hike with truly unforgettable views at the top.
If you have the time, I highly recommend hiking rather than taking the Miyajima Ropeway. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get down before sunset.
Entrance Fee: Free to hike; 1010 yen one way on the Miyajima Ropeway or 1840 yen round trip
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm for the Miyajima Ropeway
Learn all about climbing Mount Misen.
Catch Sunset at the Floating Torii Gate
Sunset was quite possibly one of the most impressive things I saw in Japan in my 1.5 months there. The tide had risen to make the torii gate float and the sun appears directly behind it. If you need just one reason to go to Miyajima, this is it! Do not miss sunset at the torii gate! You’ll also be joined by some of the deer that freely roam the island.
Continue on to Dinner
Once the sun has set, it’s time to find dinner. If you’re staying in Hiroshima, that means it’s back to the ferry and train to return to Hiroshima. Or, if you’re staying in Miyajima, it’s time to find a restaurant. Lastly, if you are headed back to Kyoto or Osaka, make sure to grab something to eat along the way!
How Many Days to Spend in Hiroshima and Miyajima
As you review the busy one day itinerary for Hiroshima and Miyajima above, you may be wondering if one day is really the optimal amount of time to spend in Hiroshima and Miyajima. The answer is yes and no.
If you have two or even three days you can spend in this area, you will find plenty to keep you busy. However, if you can only eek by with a 24 hour trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima – still go. It’s an amazing place.
Is one day in Miyajima and Hiroshima worth it?
I had been unsure if I would make it to Hiroshima and Miyajima during my trip to Japan, but I can say, it was well worth the time and money to spend 24 hours in Miyajima and Hiroshima. If you can spare another day or two, spend one day in Hiroshima and one day in Miyajima. You will not be disappointed.
Between the rich history of Hiroshima and the stunning scenery of Miyajima, it’s a great way to embrace everything Japan has to offer. And with a day in each place, you’ll be able to do a bit more in depth discovery.
How much time should you spend in Hiroshima and Miyajima?
Since one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima doesn’t seem like enough based on the super full itinerary above, how much time to you really need?
Well, if you are trying to build the ultimate Japanese itinerary, plan to spend one day in Hiroshima and one day in Miyajima. If you can spend two days in Hiroshima – even better! It will give you the chance to really connect with the city and its history without rushing!
Where to Stay in Hiroshima and Miyajima
While you can certainly do a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto on the Shinkansen, I recommend you spend the night in Hiroshima. This allows you to enjoy the day with a little less of a rush since you can .
Recommended Hiroshima Hotels
I personally would stay in Hiroshima so that you can drop off your luggage as soon as you arrive, and pick it back up before you head back to Osaka or Kyoto. This also provides you access to the most restaurant and nightlife options. Here are some recommended accommodations for Hiroshima.
- Best Hostel in Hiroshima: Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima
- Best Budget Hotel in Hiroshima: Smile Hotel Hiroshima
- Best Mid-range Hotel in Hiroshima: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
- Best Luxury Hotel in Hiroshima: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Recommended Miyajima Hotels
The benefit of staying in Miyajima is the serenity on the island after all of the day trippers leave. You will get to experience a side of the island very few do. Consider staying on this magical island at one of these accommodation options.
- Best Budget Hotels in Miyajima: Full House Miyajima (2) | Sakuraya
- Best Luxury Hotel in Miyajima: Iwaso
Planning a Trip to Japan?
Now that have planned out how to spend one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima, you can continue researching the rest of your trip to Japan.
Lonely Planet Japan
Lonely Planet’s Japan is your essential guide to discovering the best of Japan.
Here are some additional resources to help with this area, and beyond.
- 5 Top Things to Do in Hiroshima, Japan
- Top 5 Things to Do in Miyajima, Japan
- Climbing Mount Misen: A Quick Hike on Miyajima
- 5 Can’t Miss Things to Do in Nara, Japan
- 10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo for a First Time Visitor
- Other Japanese Resources
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