14 Best Hiroshima Photo Spots 2026: Local's Guide to Perfect Angles & Hidden Gem and Timing
Hiroshima is a city packed with diverse attractions, including abundant sightseeing spots represented by two World Heritage Sites, local Hiroshima cuisine such as okonomiyaki and oysters, and rich natural beauty.
Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima is characterized by the ability to enjoy the natural beauty of both the Chugoku mountain range and the sea. This beautiful nature can be viewed together with the historical structures scattered throughout Hiroshima from observation decks and elevated locations.
In this guide to Hiroshima Photo Spots 2026, we will introduce the appeal of the best spots for photography in Hiroshima, along with access information.
Recommended Photo Spots in Central Hiroshima, with Photography Tips from Local Residents
Hiroshima is dotted with sightseeing spots that you will want to capture with your camera as travel memories. Here, we will explain the recommended photo spots in central Hiroshima, along with photography tips from local residents.
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 and is known as one of Japan's three great flatland castles (three representative castles built on flat ground).
Although it collapsed once due to the atomic bombing in 1945, the castle tower was restored in 1958 as a symbol of Hiroshima's reconstruction. It has now been reborn as a five-story history museum where you can learn about Hiroshima's history and culture. (Closing in 2026)
My recommended photo spot at Hiroshima Castle is a composition that combines the castle tower, moat, and sky all together, especially when photographing during the illumination.
The castle tower floating in the darkness exudes a solemn atmosphere not seen during the day, and I found myself silently pressing the shutter button continuously.
The illumination takes place every day from sunset until around 10:00 PM, so why not casually stop by on your way back from sightseeing and take some photos?
- Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays, other irregular closures
- Phone: 082-221-7512
- Official Website: https://hiroshimacastle.jp/
Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome is a building that miraculously survived the collapse of its central structure when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima City, preserving its appearance from that time.
It is now registered as a World Heritage Site as a "peace memorial common to all humanity."
If you want to photograph the Atomic Bomb Dome, I recommend a composition with the Ota River in the center and the Atomic Bomb Dome positioned on the right side. By including the river, the photo naturally gains depth, and even an amateur like me was able to take a professional-looking shot.
However, since the Atomic Bomb Dome is a place of memorial, please be mindful to photograph with respect.
- Address: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 082-504-2898
- Official Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/atomicbomb-peace/index.html
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is a multi-purpose facility built adjacent to the Atomic Bomb Dome with the theme of "prayers for peace and the future."
On the rooftop of Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, there is an outdoor observation deck made of wooden decking, where you can overlook the Hiroshima cityscape and the Seto Inland Sea from an open space with a pleasant breeze passing through.
The time I recommend for viewing the scenery from the observation deck is magic hour from dusk to nighttime (the time after sunset when the sky is dyed in fantastical colors like orange and pink).
You can see the sky changing colors moment by moment along with the spectacular view, and you are sure to experience something extraordinary.
- Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 082-569-6803
- Official Website: https://www.orizurutower.jp/
Hiroshima Naka Incineration Plant
Source:Wikipedia
Hiroshima Naka Incineration Plant is a waste incineration facility designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, a world-renowned architect who has worked on projects such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
It features a modern architectural design that overturns the typical image of a waste incineration plant and has attracted attention as a "showcase waste treatment facility."
The recommended photo spot at this facility is the glass-walled corridor. Since you can see the interior through the glass, you can take artistic photos that emphasize the contrast between natural light from outside and shadows inside.
When I showed the photos I took to a friend, they were surprised and said, "It's so beautiful you wouldn't believe it's a waste incineration plant!"
Parts of the facility are open for free viewing, but advance reservations are required for detailed interior tours. If you are interested in architectural beauty, please make a reservation and visit.
- Address: 1-5-1 Minami-Yoshijima, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM 4:30 PM
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 082-249-8517
- Official Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/gomi-kankyo/1021297/1026143/1026144/1024137.html
Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden is a garden created in the early Edo period that was once devastated by the atomic bomb but was restored over 30 years.
The strolling garden (a Japanese garden style where you enjoy changing scenery as you walk through the garden) offering views of seasonal nature and historical landscapes has been selected as one of the "100 Best Historical Parks in Japan."
Since the pond is one of the highlights of Shukkeien Garden, try taking photos from on the bridge or across the water capturing the garden scenery. If you include reflections of fresh greenery, autumn leaves, or seasonal flowers on the pond's surface, you will create a tasteful shot that can only be seen during that season.
Since the garden is well-maintained, try photographing from various spots and capture all the charm of the garden in your photos.
- Address: 2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 082-221-3620
- Official Website: https://shukkeien.jp/
With a Local Guide, You Can Enjoy Hiroshima's History and Culture-Related Photo Spots More Deeply
Hiroshima's sightseeing spots are easily accessible by public transportation such as trains and buses, so many people travel individually. However, with a local guide, you can enjoy Hiroshima Photo Spots 2026 related to history and culture more deeply.
On the Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites, which tours Hiroshima City, and the Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour, which explores Miyajima, you will be accompanied by guides who are well-versed in the tourist spots, so they can not only explain the sightseeing locations but also tell you the best places to take photos.
Both tours visit multiple popular sightseeing spots over about half a day, so please take plenty of memorable photos.
- Meeting Point: In front of Montbell near Nishi-Kamiyacho Station
- Area: Hiroshima
- Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
- Meeting Point: In front of coin lockers inside JR Miyajimaguchi Station
- Area: Miyajima
- Meeting Time: 9:30 AM
Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour
4 Author-Recommended Hiroshima Photo Spots 2026 for Capturing Beautiful Nature and Architecture
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is a shrine with a beautiful contrast of vermilion and white, built in 1168 and designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
The shrine is built in the sea, and when the tide rises, the main hall and torii gate appear to float on the water. When the tide recedes, you can walk to the torii gate. The changing scenery with the ebb and flow of the tides is one of its distinctive features.
While Itsukushima Shrine is picturesque from any angle, my recommended photo spot is the composition with Mt. Misen in the background. You can enjoy a one-of-a-kind spectacular view that combines the architectural beauty of the shrine with the natural landscape.
It is also known as one of the "Three Views of Japan (the three most scenic spots representing Japan)," so try photographing the shrine from various angles.
〈information〉
- Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 6:30–18:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0829-44-2020
- Official Website: https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/
Mt. Takatani Sea of Fog Observatory
Mt. Takatani Sea of Fog Observatory is an observation deck at an elevation of approximately 490 meters on Mt. Takatani, famous for its "Sea of Fog."
The "Sea of Fog" is a natural phenomenon where mountains appear like islands floating in the sea, occurring only under limited weather conditions such as early mornings on clear days from October to March.
The "Sea of Fog" turns golden with the sunrise and changes its expression with the wind, creating a mystical atmosphere that captivates all who see it. When I first saw it, I was overwhelmed by its fantastical beauty.
The view from the observatory is not only beautiful during the "Sea of Fog" but also offers stunning night views, so I recommend enjoying the twinkling cityscape, which offers a different experience from the early morning scenery.
〈information〉
- Address: Awaya-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0824-63-9268
- Official Website: None
Momijidani
Momijidani is a nature park at the foot of Mt. Misen on Miyajima, named after the approximately 700 maple trees planted there.
It is famous as a premier autumn foliage destination representing Miyajima, and the popular Hiroshima confection "Momiji manju" is said to have been inspired by this park.
The recommended photo spot in the park is the vermilion bridge called "Momiji Bridge" at the park entrance. Surrounded by trees, from spring to summer you can enjoy the lush green foliage, while in autumn you can savor a photogenic landscape featuring the bridge framed by red and yellow autumn leaves.
The park offers scenery in all four seasons, so why not stroll through and capture the natural landscape in your photos?
〈information〉
- Address: Momijidani Park, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0829-44-2011
- Official Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/sightseeing/ss_momiji.html
Hiroshima Botanical Garden
Hiroshima Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located on elevated ground where you can admire approximately 10,000 varieties and about 200,000 plants from around the world. The garden features popular varieties as well as large and rare specimens, earning a reputation for year-round plant enjoyment.
Particularly popular in the garden is the "Grand Flower Bed" located just inside the main gate. This expansive flower bed is replanted several times a year, allowing visitors to enjoy different scenery depending on the season.
I have also visited the botanical garden, and I was so captivated by the gorgeous display of flowers that I spent considerable time taking photos right after entering.
Information on blooming flowers in the garden is posted on the official website, so I recommend checking it in advance.
〈information〉
- Address: Kurashige, Saeki Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00–16:30
- Closed: Fridays, Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 082-922-3600
- Official Website: http://www.hiroshima-bot.jp/
Sera Kogen Farm
Sera Kogen Farm is a complex facility encompassing "Sera Prefectural Park" and "Sera Winery." On the vast grounds, you can enjoy various activities such as playing on playground equipment, viewing seasonal flower fields, and dining at the winery.
When you visit Sera Kogen Farm, be sure to take photos in the flower bed area cultivated by four farms. In the flower beds, you can witness spectacular scenery where flowers such as tulips, sunflowers, roses, nemophila, and moss phlox bloom in carpet-like spreads according to the season.
I went to see the moss phlox and nemophila in season, and I was able to capture dynamic photos showcasing the wonderful contrast between the pink of the moss phlox and the blue of the nemophila.
Why not spend an entire day taking photos while enjoying play, nature, and food all at once at Sera Kogen Farm?
〈information〉
- Address: 518-1 Kurobuchi, Sera Town, Sera District, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays, plus irregular closures
- Phone: 084-25-4300
- Official Website: https://sera.ne.jp/
3 Recommended Photo Spots in Hiroshima Photo Spots 2026 with Beautiful Mountain Top Views
Hijiyama Park
Hijiyama Park is a historic park located on a small hill at an elevation of 70m, and was the first park to open in Hiroshima City. The park is known for offering various ways to enjoy your visit, with attractions including the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, a manga library, sculptures, and playground equipment.
The Peace Message Plaza observation area offers a panoramic view of Hiroshima's cityscape toward the Peace Memorial Park, which is why it is also called "Peace Hill."
The plaza is easily accessible via the moving walkway called "Hijiyama Skywalk," as well as by streetcar or bus, making it a conveniently located attraction. In spring, you can enjoy the views alongside cherry blossoms, and I was able to capture quintessentially Japanese photos featuring the collaboration of cherry blossoms and Hiroshima's cityscape.
Be sure to enjoy the scenery along with the museum and library!
〈information〉
- Address: 3 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 082-250-8957
- Official Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/park-green/1005983/1005973/index.html
Mt. Misen
Mt. Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima Island at an elevation of 535m, and is a place associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi).
The mountain features the "Eternal Flame," which has been burning for over 1,200 years, along with several precious historical structures, making it a spot where you can experience both nature and history together.
From the observation deck at the summit, accessible by ropeway and on foot, you can see the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days, even the mountains of Shikoku.
The scenery has earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide and is praised as having a "heavenly view." The magnificent view from the observation deck is breathtaking, and I got so absorbed in taking photos that I forgot to talk to my friends.
Be sure to aim for a sunny day to fully enjoy this world-recognized spectacular view.
〈information〉
- Address: Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: None
- Official Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/sightseeing/ss_misen.html
Ogonzan
Ogonzan is a mountain with an elevation of approximately 221m, named after the way the wheat fields appeared golden at sunset. (In Japanese, "golden" is read as "OUGON.")
From the two observation areas at the summit, you can see Hiroshima's cityscape, Hiroshima Bay, and at night, the illuminated Hiroshima Bridge and Kaita Ohashi, making it a popular spot for night views.
I once visited at night and spent a romantic time gazing at the cityscape sparkling like jewels in the darkness.
While you can access the summit by car, it only takes about an hour to climb on foot, so enjoying a hike on the way up is also recommended.
〈information〉
- Address: Kogane-yama-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: None
- Official Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/minamiku/shoukai/1027626/1007349.html
When You Visit Hiroshima, Enjoy Authentic Hiroshima Food at Restaurants Loved by Locals!
In Hiroshima, you can savor a wide variety of local dishes, from menus that originated during the post-war food shortage—such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and soup-less tantanmen—to seafood caught in nearby waters.
When you come to Hiroshima, be sure to enjoy authentic Hiroshima food at restaurants loved by locals!
The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour allows you to dine at restaurants known only to locals in the Nagarekawa area, famous as Hiroshima's entertainment district. At the three establishments guided by your tour guide, enjoy locally popular dishes such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and hormone tempura.
The menu features dishes that pair perfectly with alcoholic beverages, so use your guide's recommended pairings to discover your favorite drink!
〈information〉
- Meeting Point: In front of GUCCI at Hiroshima Fukuya Department Store
- Area: Nagarekawa
- Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
