Think Hiroshima is just Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima? Think again.
While those two icons deserve their fame, Hiroshima Prefecture holds far more in its embrace — ancient temples tucked into misty hills, fishing towns frozen in time, islands where rabbits roam freely, and gorges where emerald rivers wind between rugged cliffs. This guide uncovers unique sights in Hiroshima that most visitors miss. It’s where you slow down, breathe deeper, and discover places the tour buses often skip.
And with the HIS Hiroshima Fly & Stay NATAS offer for just $498, there’s never been a better reason to start planning.
🏯 Central Hiroshima: Layers of History & Tranquility
Hiroshima Castle – Samurai Heritage Inside the City
From the outside, Hiroshima Castle is a striking reconstruction surrounded by a moat and cherry trees. Step inside, and you’ll find a fascinating museum chronicling Hiroshima’s samurai past. Exhibits include armor, swords, and historical maps, offering context often overshadowed by the city’s modern history.
Tip: Visit in spring for blossoms or late autumn when golden leaves frame the castle keep.
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower – Views with a Message
Just steps from the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower offers sweeping open-air views over the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Its warm wooden terrace feels peaceful, and from here you can see one of the unique sights of Hiroshima, where both modern skyline and surviving historic sites merge in one frame.
Inside, interactive exhibits trace the city’s post-war recovery, and you can fold your own orizuru (paper crane) to drop into a glass wall that’s slowly filling with thousands — a moving symbol of hope and peace.
Mitaki-dera Temple – A Temple Among Waterfalls
A short train ride from Hiroshima Station followed by a forested walk brings you to Mitaki-dera, a peaceful Buddhist temple built into the mountainside. Three waterfalls cascade down mossy rocks, and small stone statues peek from under ferns.
In autumn, the maple leaves turn the temple grounds into a blaze of red and gold — a favorite for locals but often missed by tourists.
🌊 Coastal & Island Escapes
Okunoshima – The Rabbit Island
If you’re an animal lover, Okunoshima is pure joy. This small island in the Seto Inland Sea is home to hundreds of friendly rabbits that hop right up to visitors for treats. Once a secret WWII poison gas production site, the island now offers walking trails, quiet beaches, and a small museum about its history.
Ferries depart from Tadanoumi Port, which you can reach by train or car.
Tomonoura – Edo-Period Charm by the Sea
On the coast of the Seto Inland Sea lies Tomonoura, a perfectly preserved port town that looks like a living painting. Wooden merchant houses, narrow stone lanes, and a tranquil harbor create an atmosphere straight out of a samurai-era film (and indeed, it has been used as a filming location).
Local specialties like homeishu (a traditional herbal liquor) can be sampled at small shops.
Kure & The Yamato Museum – Maritime Legacy
Once a major naval base, Kure City is now home to the Yamato Museum, dedicated to Japan’s maritime history and the legendary battleship Yamato. Across the street, the JMSDF Kure Museum features a real submarine you can step inside.
The city also boasts great seafood — oysters in winter are a highlight.
🌿 Inland Adventures
Sandankyo Gorge – Nature’s Drama
An hour north of Hiroshima City, Sandankyo Gorge is a nature lover’s paradise. The trail follows a crystal-clear river through narrow cliffs, with waterfalls, suspension bridges, and rowboat rides adding to the adventure.
It’s best in autumn for fiery foliage or spring when fresh green leaves burst into life.
Onomichi – Temples, Cats & Cycling
Although technically straddling the Hiroshima and Ehime border, Onomichi is worth the inclusion. Known for its hillside temples, quirky cat alley, and charming retro cafés, it’s also the starting point for the Shimanami Kaido — a spectacular cycling route across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Even if you’re not cycling, the cable car ride up Mount Senkoji rewards you with sweeping views.
🍜 Flavors Worth Chasing
Yes, Hiroshima is famous for okonomiyaki, but beyond that, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds:
- Hiroshima-style tsukemen – cold noodles with spicy dipping sauce
- Momiji manju – maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with bean paste or custard
- Local oysters – grilled, fried, or raw, especially in winter months
Exploring beyond the landmarks often means stumbling upon small, family-run eateries where recipes haven’t changed in decades.
📅 Seasonal Tips
- Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms at Hiroshima Castle, Mitaki-dera, and along riversides
- Summer: Ferry-hopping in the Seto Inland Sea, seafood feasts in Kure
- Autumn (October–November): Sandankyo Gorge foliage, temple gardens in full color
- Winter: Oyster season, quiet coastal walks, crisp mountain views
✈️ Ready to See This Side of Hiroshima for Less?
Exploring unique sights in Hiroshima doesn’t have to mean spending more. Right now, you can enjoy this beautiful prefecture — including Orizuru Tower, Mitaki-dera, and Tomonoura — with the HIS Hiroshima Fly & Stay NATAS offer for just $498.
It’s the perfect excuse to turn your “someday” trip into this year’s adventure.
