How to Spend TWO DAYS in Hiroshima: The Best 2-Day Itinerary
Planning a quick trip to Hiroshima and unsure where to start? You’re in the right place!
In a city filled with history and historic sights, such as Hiroshima, it can be difficult to plan an itinerary to see it all. Especially if you only have two days and want to maximize your time!
After spending time here for ourselves, we put together this guide that includes the must-see sights, such as the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Miyajima Island. As a bonus, we found epic tours with expert guides so you can learn authentic history while you explore! We’ve also included our favorite food stops and a few hidden gems to make your trip unique and memorable.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our top thing to do is this private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. It helps you see important parts of the city, like Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and you get a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island.
Hiroshima Japan
Itinerary Overview
Hiroshima isn’t a large city, but there are some noteworthy sights that make it worth a visit. Two days is a great amount of time to learn about the history, see some stunning outdoors, and soak in another aspect of Japanese culture. Just like the rest of Japan, Hiroshima is well connected by train, so getting around the city is quite easy. Here is what you can expect from two days in Hiroshima:
Day 1: Make the most of your time with this private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. You’ll see the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and more, then head to Miyajima Island. Finish off the day with a classic Okonomiyaki dinner.
Day 2: Start the day with a guided hike up Mt. Futaba, passing historic temples and shrines along the way. After lunch downtown, choose how you want to spend the afternoon—shopping along Hondori Street, visiting the art museum, or even trying an archery experience—before ending the evening on a fun izakaya hopping tour through Hiroshima’s lively nightlife scene.
Day 1
Morning – Take a private guided tour around Hiroshima and Miyajima
With just two full days in Hiroshima, we highly recommend booking this private guided tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima to get the most out of your time! It delivers the full experience in just one day, and it’s suitable for all types of travelers.
This is a full 8-hour day, but they really pack a lot into it! There are multiple departure times available, but we selected the 9 am tour, which wrapped up around 5 pm. This way, we had time to relax and have a leisurely morning before our guide picked us up at our hotel for our day of adventure.
We began the day by visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was once the beating heart of the city. It was especially haunting to see the Genbaku dome, which was the only structure in the vicinity to have survived the blast. Then, visiting the museum and seeing the victims’ personal artifacts was very moving.
We also got to visit Hiroshima Castle, a beautiful 16th-century castle which was destroyed by the bomb, and rebuilt 13 years later. Our guide, Kenji, also took us to the Shukkei-en Garden to see the memorial there.
After that, our day got more lighthearted. We enjoyed a scenic ferry ride out to Miyajima Island, where we got to see lots of deer and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, which is the most beautiful one in the entire country. The torii gate looks like it’s floating above water, and it’s a real must-see while you’re in Hiroshima.
Whether you’re traveling with a larger group or just as a couple, we think this is a personal experience that you can customize to fit your trip. It’s no wonder it’s so highly-rated – just check out the 1,000+ positive reviews here!
So if you’re keen to fully immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Hiroshima without feeling rushed, then you’ll want to book this tour ASAP — before it sells out!
Dinner – Okonomiyaki Mitsu
Our tour dropped us off at our hotel, which gave us a minute to reset and get cleaned up before heading out to dinner.
Each city in Japan is famous for some type of food, and Hiroshima is known for its Okonomiyaki. This is a savory pancake, topped with veggies, pork, and delicious sauces. We headed to Okonomiyaki Mitsu, which is one of the highest-rated Okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima, and it did not disappoint!
The atmosphere was cozy, and the staff was friendly, and we quickly realized why Hiroshima was famous for this dish. We also loved the location of this restaurant, just west of the Peace Park, as it gave us a chance to explore a new part of the city!
Related Read: For more iconic Hiroshima activities, check out our list of the 8 best things to do in Hiroshima here!
Japan Rail Pass!
The Easiest Way to Travel Japan By Train
If you’re planning to explore Japan, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is hands down the easiest and most affordable way to get around. It’s a special 7, 14, or 21 day pass for foreign visitors that gives you unlimited rides on Japan’s famous JR trains, including the high-speed shinkansen (bullet trains)!
Why We Love the JR Pass
Pro Tip: If you’re only exploring one region of Japan, consider a Regional Pass instead (like the Kansai, Hokkaido, or Kyushu Pass). They’re cheaper and perfect for smaller trips!
Where to Get Your Pass
We personally recommend buying your pass online in advance through JRPass.com — they’re an official reseller with fast worldwide delivery and English support, making the whole process super simple. They even offer handy add-ons like pocket WIFI and meet & greet services! Still not sure if the JR Pass is right for you? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Japan Rail Pass for a full breakdown of costs, inclusions, and when it’s worth it!
Day 2
Morning – Explore Mt. Futaba’s historic temples and shrines
Since today will be fairly active, I recommend taking things slow in the morning and booking the 10 am start time for this 3-hour Mt. Futaba hiking tour. That way, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, sip your coffee, and ease into the day before heading out to explore Hiroshima from a completely different perspective.
This small-group tour starts near Hiroshima Station and quickly leaves the busy city behind as you hike into the peaceful forests of Mt. Futaba. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Hiroshima’s history while stopping at several sacred sites, including Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine and Kinko Inari Shrine, which is lined with more than 100 bright red torii gates.
The hike itself is fairly manageable and takes you along forest trails and up 500 steps before reaching the summit of Mt. Futaba, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Hiroshima City, the Seto Inland Sea, and even Miyajima on a clear day.
We love how this tour weaves cultural elements into the hike. After reaching the top, you’ll enjoy a traditional Nodate tea ceremony, which feels incredibly peaceful after the climb.
It’s a really special way to start the day — combining nature, history, and local culture — while also giving you a quiet escape from the city before continuing with the rest of your Hiroshima itinerary.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Lunch – Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya
The morning hiking tour wraps up around 1 pm, and after climbing Mt. Futaba, you’ll likely have worked up a solid appetite. From the station, make your way back downtown and grab lunch at Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya, one of Hiroshima’s most popular spots for the city’s famous dish.
Since you already tried okonomiyaki on your first night in Hiroshima, consider this your chance to get your fill while you’re in the city that does it best. Nagata-ya is widely loved by both locals and visitors, and its location, just a short walk from Peace Memorial Park, makes it a very convenient stop before the afternoon activities.
If you can, grab a seat at the counter so you can watch the chefs cook everything right in front of you on the large teppan grill. Seeing the layers come together on the hot plate is part of the experience, and the portions are generous—perfect after a morning of hiking and before an afternoon of exploring.
Afternoon – Your choice!
Once you’ve finished lunch, you’ll already be right in the heart of Hiroshima’s downtown area, which makes it the perfect place to spend the afternoon exploring. There are plenty of things to do nearby, so you can tailor the rest of the afternoon to suit your interests. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
Wander Hondori Shopping Street
Just a 4-minute walk from Nagata-ya, Hondori Shopping Street is a lively covered arcade filled with shops, cafés, and plenty of places to grab a snack. It’s a great spot to wander without any real plan—pop into a few stores, try some street food, and soak up the everyday buzz of the city. If you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to experience a busy Japanese shopping street, this is a fun place to spend an hour or two.
Visit the Hiroshima Museum of Art
About a 7-minute walk from lunch, the Hiroshima Museum of Art is a nice option if you feel like slowing things down for a bit. The museum has a surprisingly strong collection of European Impressionist paintings alongside Japanese works, with pieces from artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. It’s not huge either, which actually makes it perfect for an itinerary like this—you can see all the highlights in only a couple of hours.
Try Japanese Archery at Hiroshima Castle
For something a little more unique, you can try a traditional Japanese archery (kyudo) experience inside Hiroshima Castle! During this activity, an instructor will teach you the basics of this centuries-old martial art before you get the chance to shoot arrows yourself. It’s surprisingly fun and makes for such a memorable cultural experience—just make sure you book this activity in advance because it sells out!
Evening/dinner – Hiroshima bar hopping food tour
After your afternoon exploring, head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before this izakaya tour at 7 pm. Since izakayas are tiny bars/restaurants, this tour is the perfect blend between a food tour and a pub crawl, and a fun day to say “sayonara” to Hiroshima.
One of the main reasons we had such a blast on this tour was that our guide, Hiro, was so great! He knew all of the best hidden spots where locals love to hang out, and guided us through the streets like a pro. He also shared some fun tidbits with us about the area and its nightlife. We loved hearing a more personal side of Hiroshima’s history!
Each izakaya that we visited had its own unique vibe, and we got a complimentary drink of our choice at each! So if you’re keen to try sake, local craft beer, or Japanese cocktails, now’s your chance.
Whenever we were indecisive, Hiro gave us suggestions on what to order. We also got to eat plenty of bar snacks, including the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which, needless to say, is a must-try! We loved every minute of this tour and aren’t the only ones; check out the HUNDREDS of positive reviews here!
The tour includes all food and drinks (enough for a full dinner), so make sure you come hungry! It was an absolute blast, and by the end of the night, we had a much better handle on the city’s nightlife and food scene.
Where to Stay in Hiroshima
Now that you have your itinerary all planned out, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! Hiroshima is full of great places to stay, near the top historic sights, and trendy neighborhoods. To help narrow down your options, I’ve picked out three excellent hotels for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay. If these hotels are still available, they will be your best bet!
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel – $$$
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a modern and upscale hotel, perfect for those looking for a luxurious getaway. The rooms are large and bright, offering gorgeous views of the city and mountains. You can enjoy the three onsite restaurants and indoor pool, or quickly walk to some of Hiroshima’s top attractions. The hotel is located right next to Hiroshima Station, so it’s super convenient!
Rooms average around ¥37,500 ($250 USD) per night and can be booked online here.
Fav Hiroshima Stadium – $$
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay at a moderate price point, the Fav Hiroshima Stadium is my top choice! This hotel has a fantastic location in the city center, so you’re close to many temples and things to do. They offer a range of rooms, such as studio apartments, traditional Japanese, or quadruples, but all have everything you need for a comfortable stay!
Prices range from about ¥18,000 to ¥45,000 ($120–$300 USD) and can be booked on Booking.com.
Chisun Hotel Hiroshima – $
Chisun Hotel Hiroshima is a budget-friendly hotel located near the Hatchobori shopping area. The rooms are simple but clean, comfortable, and will provide a lovely place to rest while exploring Hiroshima. They offer double, twin, and king rooms and also have an on-site restaurant.
Prices start around ¥7,500 per night ($50 USD). Check availability and book this stay easily here.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Hiroshima here!
Related Read: If you need help picking out the right area and hotels for your travel style, check out our where to stay in Hiroshima guide here!
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
Ready to hit the road? Discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
This two-day guide is sure to show you what makes Hiroshima such a unique city. From its moving history to its stunning outdoors and lively vibe, it’s truly unlike any other place in Japan. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Hiroshima, just as we did!
If you need help planning more of your Japan adventures, check out our other travel blogs. We have all the tips and tricks to share that will help you prepare for your trip – whether it’s your first time in Japan or you’ve been before.
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