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 On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our top thing to do is this guided 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.
It’s a full-day private tour with a professional English-speaking guide!
Check out the 800+ positive reviews and book your spot here.
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 Hiroshim:
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: See the city in a new way on this morning bicycle tour! In the afternoon, grab some ramen for lunch and walk the Futabanosato Historic Trail. Then wrap up your Hiroshima time with an izakaya hopping tour.
Day 1
Morning – Take a private guided tour around Hiroshima and Miyajima
With just two full days in Hiroshima, we highly recommend booking this 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 avaliable, 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 light-hearted. 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!
Book this popular tour of Hiroshima here to guarantee your spot!
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 were 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!
Day 2
Morning – Explore the city by bike
Yesterday’s tour was a great intro to the city, but we were excited to continue exploring Hiroshima’s top sights. This morning bike tour was the perfect fit, as it took us by familiar places that we were eager to see again, and a few new ones too! The great thing about bike tours is how much ground you can cover, and boy did we.
We met our group in central Hiroshima at 10 am and were soon pedaling. It’s the perfect way to take in the city’s key sights in just 3-4 hours, and explore the most famous landmarks as well as a few hidden local hot spots. I love it when a tour manages to balance the two!
Hiroshima is a mostly flat city and cycling is the preferred mode of transport for lots of locals, so really, I can’t think of a better way to explore! Our guide, Levi, took us to the Peace Memorial Park, the Shukkei-en Garden, and Hiroshima Castle, as well as through some local neighborhoods to get a feel for what the modern-day city is like.
Since we learned all of the history and details of these sights yesterday, it was great to take in our surroundings with some context as we rode past. We aren’t the only ones who loved this morning tour either, just see the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book this bike tour here to take advantage of FREE cancellation!
Lunch – Okkundou Mazemen
While the bicycle tour wasn’t incredibly taxing, we certainly worked up an appetite! Luckily, Okkundou Mazemen is a delicious ramen shop (recommended by our tour guide) and was just a 10 minute walk from the end of the tour.
We cozied up to the bar and watched the masters at work, boiling the noodles and seasoning the broth to perfection. And their work paid off, because this might just be the best ramen we had in Japan! That’s a big claim, but this place certainly deserves it. It was quick and tasty, the perfect break in the day before we continued exploring.
Afternoon – Walk the Futabanosato Historic Trail
This afternoon we are going to take a leisurley and historic stroll through a different part of the city. After lunch, head to Hondōri Station and take the 20 minute trian ride to Fudoin-Mae Station, which will put you right next to the first stop of the walking trail.
The Futabanosato Walking Trail in Hiroshima is a peaceful historical route that takes you through temples, shrines, and landmarks often overlooked by tourists. One of the must-see stops is Fudoin Temple, a stunning Zen temple with a large wooden gate and well-preserved shrines. Another interesting stop is Kokuzenji Temple, known for its tranquil garden and centuries-old wooden architecture.
The trail offers a quiet escape from the crowds and a chance to connect with Hiroshima’s rich cultural past at your own pace. You can do the whole 10 kilometers (6 miles) or only part of it. Here is a map of the trail you can use to find access points and plan your visit. There is a lot of history to Hiroshima beyond the atomic bomb, and this trail is a great way to see it.
After you get your fill of walking done, I recommend heading back to your hotel to get cleaned up before meeting the evening tour at 7 pm.
Evening/dinner – Hiroshima bar hopping food tour
If you want to experience Hiroshima’s lively nightlife like a local, then we highly recommend this izakaya tour! 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 costs $101 USD, which includes all food and drinks. It was an absolute blast, and by the end of the night we had a much better handle on the city’s nightlife.
If you’re looking for a fun night out in Japan, book your spot now!
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 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 avaliable, they will be your best bet!
Luxury – $$$
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a modern and upscale hotel, perfect for those looking for a luxurious getaway. The rooms are large and bright, offering gorgeous views of the city and mountains. You can enjoy the three onsite restaurants and indoor pool, or quickly walk to some of Hiroshima’s top attractions. The hotel is located right next to Hiroshima Station, so it super convenient!
Rooms average around $250 USD per night and can be booked online here.
Mid-range – $$
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 $120 to $300 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
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 onsite restaurant. Prices start around $50 USD per night.
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
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
This two day guide is sure to show you what makes Hiroshima such a unique city. From it’s moving history, to it’s 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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