7 Best Summer Activities in Hiroshima 2025: Ultimate Guide to Beaches, Festivals & Outdoor Adventures
Hiroshima is a city located in western Japan. It is home to many world-famous spots such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Itsukushima Shrine, attracting numerous tourists from both domestic and international destinations.
Hiroshima is also famous for being blessed with abundant nature, surrounded by sea and mountains. In such a setting, Hiroshima offers plenty of activities to enjoy summer in nature. This time, we will introduce spots and specialty activities you'll want to visit when you come to Hiroshima in summer.
By reading this article, you'll be able to enjoy Hiroshima summer tourism to the fullest. If you're planning to visit Hiroshima in summer, please read this and use it as a reference for your travel plans!
Summer Climate and Recommended Clothing for Hiroshima Summer
Hiroshima summer is characterized by high humidity, with many extremely hot days exceeding 30℃ (86℉). Here we introduce the summer climate and recommended clothing for your Hiroshima summer experience.
June:
Climate characteristics → The average temperature throughout the month is 23.5℃ (74.3℉), providing comfortable temperature days. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 30℃ (86℉), but June is a season called "Tsuyu" with frequent rain and high humidity that can cause discomfort. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15℃ (59℉), so light outerwear comes in handy.
Recommended clothing → Short-sleeve T-shirts, polo shirts, lightweight pants, skirts, dresses + lightweight jacket (waterproof with a hood is convenient for sudden rain), folding umbrella (lightweight ones are available at affordable prices in Japan, so buying one in Japan is recommended)
July:
Climate characteristics → The average temperature is 28.9℃ (84℉), with hot days approaching 30℃ (86℉). Maximum temperatures can exceed 35℃ (95℉). The minimum temperature is also warm at 26.1℃ (79℉), but indoor spaces are often air-conditioned, so long-sleeve outerwear is convenient. July often experiences evening thunderstorms, so a folding umbrella with sun-blocking function is recommended.
Recommended clothing → Lightweight T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, shorts, skirts + lightweight jacket, sunglasses, umbrella that doubles as a parasol (high-quality portable ones are sold in Japan, so purchasing is recommended)
August:
Climate characteristics → The average temperature is 30.7℃ (87.26℉) with continuous extremely hot days. Maximum temperatures reach 38.7℃ (101℉) and rarely drop below 30℃ (86℉) during the day. The sunlight is also intense, so sunglasses and parasols are recommended. Stay hydrated and be careful of heat stroke.
Recommended clothing → Lightweight T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, shorts, skirts + lightweight jacket, sunglasses, umbrella that doubles as a parasol
14 Specialty Activities & Recommended Spots for Hiroshima Summer
Kayaking Experience
When it comes to recommended Hiroshima summer activities, kayaking tops the list. Kayaking allows you to immerse yourself in magnificent nature while traveling by boat on cool waters. Hiroshima has plenty of attractive spots where you can enjoy kayaking. Here we introduce three recommended spots.
Sandankyo Gorge
"Sandankyo Gorge" is a ravine boasting approximately 16km in length. Designated as a special scenic beauty of Japan, you can view the unique beauty of the ravine with emerald green water surfaces, waterfalls, and cliffs.
At Sandankyo Gorge, you can not only enjoy the scenery but also kayak in the river flowing between the ravines. The river water flowing through Sandankyo has high transparency, allowing you to see down to 5m depth. Since it's kayaking on a calm river adventure, even first-timers or those without confidence in physical strength can enjoy kayaking safely. The charm of kayaking is being able to taste the spectacular ravine views that can only be experienced from within the river. If you want to immerse yourself in magnificent nature and refresh yourself, please try kayaking at Sandankyo.
〈Basic Information〉
- Address: Hiroshima Prefecture Yamagata-gun Akiota-cho Shiwagi
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take "Hiroshima Electric Railway" to "Kamiyagawa Higashi", walk 2 minutes to "Hiroshima Bus Center", from - Hiroshima Bus Center take "Sandankyo-bound" bus, get off at "Sandankyo"
- Phone: 0826-28-2111 (Akiota Town Hall)
- Official website: https://www.sandankyo.jp/en/
Lake Ryuki
Source:Official website
"Nukui Dam" is the largest dam in Hiroshima Prefecture, boasting an area of 1.6㎢. While it's an important dam protecting people's lives, it's also affectionately known by the name "Lake Ryuki" and is popular as a leisure spot where you can enjoy water activities like kayaking and SUP.
At Lake Ryuki, surrounded 360 degrees by mountains, you can enjoy dynamic natural scenery. Kayaking tours navigate under "Takiyamakyo Bridge," which is also a symbol of Lake Ryuki, and explore upstream rivers. The exciting experiences you can enjoy are also part of Lake Ryuki kayaking's appeal. Please enjoy an adventurous kayaking journey that you can't experience in daily life!
〈Basic Information〉
- Address: Hiroshima Prefecture Yamagata-gun Akiota-cho Kake
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take "Hiroshima Electric Railway" to "Kamiyagawa Higashi", walk 2 minutes to "Hiroshima Bus Center", from Hiroshima Bus Center take "Sandankyo-bound" bus, get off at "Kake-chuo", take taxi from Kake-chuo for about 10 minutes
- Phone: 050-3703-1554
- Official website: https://lakeryuki-wc.com/
Miyajima Sea Kayak
Source:paddle park
"Miyajima" is also famous as the island home to "Itsukushima Shrine," which is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It has long been called "Itsukushima" and was an object of worship as an island where gods dwell.
The kayaking tours held on the spiritual island "Miyajima" allow you to kayak through the "Torii" floating on the sea, which is the symbol of "Itsukushima Shrine," worship from the sea, and visit secret shrines that cannot be reached on foot.
Additionally, "Miyajima" has many areas where untouched nature remains. If you participate in a tour that kayaks around Miyajima, you can fully enjoy the power spots and magnificent nature of the remote island Miyajima.
〈Basic Information〉
- Address: Hiroshima Prefecture Hatsukaichi City Miyajima-cho
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take "JR Sanyo Main Line" to "Miyajimaguchi Station", take ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station
- Phone: 0829-44-2011 (Miyajima Tourist Association)
- Official website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp
Trekking
Mountains occupy 70% of Hiroshima prefecture's area. There are various mountains ranging from low mountains of around 300m class to serious mountain climbing over 1000m, and mountain climbing is a popular activity for locals as well since mountains are close to daily life in Hiroshima. Here we introduce 2 recommended mountains for the Hiroshima summer.
River Trekking at Oku-Yuki Area
Source:Tripadvisor
"Yuki" is a mountainous town located in the northwestern part of Hiroshima city. Yuki, which is also famous as a hot spring resort, is accessible within about an hour from Hiroshima city, so it is beloved as a place of relaxation for people from Hiroshima city.
Located in the mountainous area with abundant nature, Yuki offers plenty of activities to enjoy in the mountains, including trekking and cycling. Among them, my recommendation is "shower climbing," where you enter the river and climb up the stream. The appeal of stream climbing is that you can enjoy river activities while taking in the dynamic natural scenery. Please experience the thrills and adventures that can only be tasted in the great outdoors during your Hiroshima summer adventure!
<Basic Information>
- Address: Hiroshima prefecture Hiroshima city Saeki-ku Yuki-cho Tada
- Access: From JR Hiroshima station, take "JR Sanyo main line" and get off at "Itsukaichi Station." From Itsukaichi station, take the bus bound for "Yuki Onsen" and get off at "Yuki Lodge"
- Phone number: 0829-40-6016 (Hiroshima City Yuki Experience Center)
- Official website: https://yuki-kouryu.jp/
Mt. Dogo
Source:Google Maps
"Mt. Dogo" is a mountain located on the border between Hiroshima prefecture and Tottori prefecture. Since there are no tall trees growing near the 1268m summit, you can enjoy an open and panoramic view from the mountain top.
Although Mt. Dogo is located deep in the mountains where people rarely visit, it was used as a pasture in 1893. Near the summit, stone pavement was installed to prevent animals from crossing borders, and you can still feel remnants of that time. Also, during the Hiroshima summer, wild flowers such as Mountain azalea and Weigela grow naturally, allowing you to enjoy mountain climbing surrounded by beautiful flowers.
Since it is a relatively gentle mountain, it is recommended for small children and elderly people. If you are considering mountain climbing with your family, why not try challenging Mt. Dogo during your Hiroshima summer trip?
<Basic Information>
- Address: Hiroshima prefecture Shobara city Saijo-cho
- Access: From JR Hiroshima station, take "JR Geibi line" and get off at "Dogoyama" station
- Phone number: 0824-75-0173
- Official website: https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/1102
Open Air Cafe by the Water
Source:Google Maps
Hiroshima city is also affectionately known as the "City of Water" because six rivers flow through the city center. In Hiroshima city, cafes and restaurants line the riverside, where you can enjoy dining while feeling the gentle flow of the river. During the Hiroshima summer, it is also recommended to leisurely enjoy meals at riverside terrace seats where you can feel the coolness.
Kyobashi River Area
Source:Tabelog
"Kyobashi river" is located in the center of Hiroshima city. The Kyobashi river area is close to JR Hiroshima station and many people come and go, so there are plenty of riverside cafes where you can enjoy dining on open riverside terraces.
Currently, there are 7 open air cafes in the Kyobashi river area. Various types of shops line up, including cafes where you can enjoy specialty cakes and chocolates with alcohol, shops serving "Soba noodles" perfect for Hiroshima summer lunch, and restaurants where you can taste Hiroshima's specialty oyster dishes. Many shops are open until night, so it is also a recommended way to enjoy dining while feeling the cool night breeze on beautifully lit-up terrace seats during your Hiroshima summer evening.
【MUSIMPANEN】
- Address: Hiroshima city Naka-ku Ginzan-cho 1-16
- Business hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 10:00-17:00
- Closed: Tuesdays (check Instagram for confirmation)
- Phone number: 082-246-0399
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musimpanen1999/
【Itasoba Kaoriya】
- Address: Hiroshima city Minami-ku Kyobashi-cho 11
- Business hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-22:00
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone number: 082-262-1000
- Official website: https://www.foodgate.net/shop/kaoriya
【lemon and oyster garden SANGO】
- Address: Hiroshima city Naka-ku Hashimoto-cho 11
- Business hours: 11:30-14:00 / 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 082-222-5520
- Official website: https://sango.owst.jp/en/
Motoyasu River Area
Source:Official website
The Motoyasu River Area, which is also known for the "Hiroshima Peace Memorial," has well-maintained green walking paths and is beloved as a place of relaxation for citizens.
Along Motoyasu river, "Cafe ponte," which serves popular Italian cuisine, is gathering popularity. The oranges lined up in front of the store are Cafe ponte's trademark, creating an atmosphere like an Italian market. The freshly squeezed orange juice made from those oranges has a refreshing taste that refreshes your mood during the hot Hiroshima summer.
The Italian cuisine served in the restaurant is also of high quality, and especially the pizza and gelato are exquisite and popular among locals. Since they are open from morning on weekends and holidays, it is also recommended to enjoy food and sweets while feeling the pleasant morning breeze during your Hiroshima summer visit.
【Cafe Ponte】
- Address: Hiroshima city Naka-ku Ote-machi 1-9-21
- Business hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 8:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 082-247-7471
- Official website: https://www.caffeponte.com/index-en.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caffeponteitaliano/
For those who want to tour the center of Hiroshima city where riverside cafes line up, it is recommended to participate in the "Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites" provided by "Magical trip."
This tour visits spots related to world peace from Hiroshima, including the essential Hiroshima peace memorial museum, where you can deeply learn about the tragedy of war, reconstruction, and world peace.
Since you tour with a local guide from Hiroshima, you can hear stories about how the guide's family was affected at that time while eating lunch, and learn more specifically about war and reconstruction. This is a tour where you can experience not only the dark aspects of war but also the strong feelings of Hiroshima people toward peace and reconstruction, making it perfect for understanding the spirit of Hiroshima summer resilience.
・Meeting point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station
・Tour area: Hiroshima city
・Start time: 10:00
Miyoshi no Ukai
Source:Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organisation official website
Every year from June to September, the Miyoshi region hosts "Ukai," known as cormorant fishing. Ukai has historical records dating back 1,300 years, and even today, you can observe traditional cormorant fishing in Miyoshi. Since Ukai can only be seen in 11 locations throughout Japan, those interested in traditional culture should definitely check it out during their Hiroshima summer experience.
Basic Information
- Period: June 1, 2025 September 10, 2025
- Address: Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyoshi City, Tokaichi Water Park
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take the "JR Geibi Line" to "Miyoshi Station," then walk approximately 15 minutes to the Water Park
- Phone: 0824-63-9268
- Fee: From 4,000 yen
- Official Website: https://www.miyoshi-dmo.jp/event/miyoshi-ukai-lp/
Highlight 1: Traditional Fishing Method with Over 450 Years of History
Source:Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organisation official website
Ukai has been practiced in the Miyoshi district for over 450 years. This fishing method utilizes the natural diving ability of cormorants to catch fish, and in Miyoshi City, known as a river town, it was an important industry supporting people's livelihoods. Cormorants are said to be able to stay underwater for up to 2 minutes at a time, and there were days when they caught as many as 400 fish in a single day.
Even today, you can witness Ukai in Miyoshi in the same style as in ancient times. The 9-meter-long wooden boats and the fishermen called "Usho" wearing distinctive hats called "Eboshi" maintain the same traditional style, making your Hiroshima summer truly authentic.
Highlight 2: Beautiful Performance Registered as Hiroshima Prefecture's Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Source:Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organisation official website
The captivating aspect of Miyoshi no Ukai, which is registered as Hiroshima Prefecture's Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is that you can board a sightseeing boat that runs alongside and observe the Ukai boats up close. The Usho illuminates the darkness with lights, and cormorants swiftly catch fish that are startled and try to escape. The fantastical sight of illuminated Ukai boats and the dynamic spectacle of fishing allows you to experience the beauty and passion of Japanese tradition firsthand during your Hiroshima summer adventure.
Ukai cannot succeed without perfect coordination between the Usho and the cormorants. They are good partners transcending species boundaries. Please experience this beautiful performance created by animals and humans working together.
Beautiful Beach Sea Bathing
The seas of Hiroshima Prefecture, facing the "Seto Inland Sea" surrounded by islands, have calm waves and are perfect spots for enjoying sea bathing. The beaches with resort-like white sand and highly transparent waters are full of charm. Since they don't face the open ocean, you can enjoy sea bathing in a relaxed mood, making it an ideal way to spend your Hiroshima summer.
Tsutsumigaura Nature Park
Source:Google Maps
Tsutsumigaura Beach is a coastline on the east shore of nature-rich Miyajima. A sandy beach stretches for about 1 kilometer, and in summer it's beloved by locals as a sea bathing spot. Since it's a bit away from the center, it's also recommended for those who want to relax on the beach in a quiet atmosphere during their Hiroshima summer getaway.
Miyajima not only offers sea bathing enjoyment but also has plenty of shops providing marine activities such as kayaking and SUP. For those who want to enjoy the sea during their Hiroshima summer, why not visit Miyajima and indulge in ocean activities?
Basic Information
- Address: Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City, Miyajima-cho Tsutsumigaura 1195
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take the "JR Sanyo Main Line" to "Miyajimaguchi Station," then take a ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station. After disembarking from the ferry, take a taxi for 5 minutes or walk approximately 30 minutes.
- Phone: 0829-20-0001 (Hatsukaichi City Hall)
- Official Website: No official website available
Katazoegahama Seaside Park
Source:Google Maps
"Katazoegahama" is an attractive beach with transparent emerald green seas and beautiful sandy shores. It's highly popular even within the Setouchi area where the Seto Inland Sea is located, and many sea bathers visit from far away seeking the beautiful waters of Katazoegahama. Nearby cottages and resort hotels are well-equipped, so you can enjoy sea bathing while immersing yourself in a resort atmosphere during your Hiroshima summer vacation.
Suo Oshima, where Katazoegahama is located, is also affectionately known as the "Hawaii of Setouchi," and you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere with palm trees growing along the coast and hula dance events held on summer Saturdays. Since it's accessible from JR Hiroshima Station in about 2 hours, those wanting to experience a resort feeling should definitely visit Suo Oshima during their Hiroshima summer journey.
Basic Information
- Address: Yamaguchi Prefecture, Oshima-gun, Suo Oshima Town, Katazoe
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take the "Sanyo Main Line" to "Obatake Station," then take a taxi for approximately 30 minutes from Obatake Station
- Phone: 0820-78-0985
- Official Website: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_13264.html
Viewing Beautiful Nature
The Hiroshima summer is a season when Sun flowers shine brilliantly under the sun and water lilies bloom magnificently, bringing a sense of coolness over the water. In Hiroshima, you can admire summer flowers in various locations, from flower fields that spread dynamically across vast grounds to gardens where you can feel the essence of Japanese culture. Here, we introduce two recommended spots for viewing summer flowers.
Sera Kogen Farm
Source:Official website
"Sera Kogen Farm" is a farm where you can enjoy flowers throughout the four seasons, including tulips and dahlias. Every year during the Hiroshima summer season from late July to August, the "Sun flower festival" is held. The beauty of the Sun flowers planted across a 65,000㎡ area is breathtaking, and the adorable yellow flowers that bloom facing the sun give people energy.
During the event period, various activities are held, including photography sessions by professional photographers and corn harvesting experiences. Workshops for small children are also offered, such as Sun flower bouquet making and painting experiences, making this a recommended spot for creating family memories.
Basic Information
- Address: Hiroshima Prefecture Sera-gun Sera-cho Betsusako 1124-11
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take the "JR Sanyo Main Line" to "Kochi Station," then about 40 minutes by taxi
Direct bus service from Hiroshima Bus Center available only during seasonal event periods
- Operating Hours: 9:00～17:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays check official website
- Contact: https://sera.ne.jp/g_contact/
Shukkeien
"Shukkeien" is a Japanese garden with over 400 years of history, created in 1602. This garden allows you to experience Japanese culture similar to Kyoto, and despite being located in central Hiroshima City, time flows quietly here.
The charm of Shukkeien lies in being able to experience nature and traditional culture throughout the four seasons. The flower that signals the arrival of Hiroshima summer at Shukkeien is the water lily. Blooming from around mid-June, they colorfully decorate the garden's pond. Additionally, Shukkeien hosts seasonal events every month. June features a rice planting festival, July has "Tanabata" where wishes are written on paper strips and hung on bamboo, and August holds a memorial service for atomic bomb victims.
The abundant nature here makes you forget you're in the city, so when you're tired from walking around town, why not stop by and be healed by nature?
Basic Information
- Address: Hiroshima City Naka-ku Kaminobori-cho 2-11
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Hiroshima Station
- Operating Hours: March 16 September 15: 9:00～18:00 / September 16 March 15: 9:00～17:00
- Closed: December 29-31
- Phone: 082-221-3620
- Official Website: https://shukkeien.jp/
For those who love beautiful nature or have become interested in Miyajima after reading this article, we also recommend participating in a half-day tour where you can explore spots that showcase Miyajima's history and culture with a local guide.
This tour takes you through the spiritual spots of Miyajima, also known as "God's Island." Beyond sightseeing at historical spots, you can experience Miyajima's traditional crafts, enjoy lunch made with local ingredients, and fully appreciate Miyajima's charms in half a day. The tour includes essential Miyajima sightseeing spots such as Itsukushima Shrine, making it recommended for those who want to efficiently and deeply explore Miyajima.
・Meeting Point: In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station
・Tour Area: Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine
・Start Time: 9:30
Cycling
During the Hiroshima summer, it's highly recommended to enjoy cycling while feeling the pleasant sea breeze. Hiroshima offers abundant cycling spots, including the famous "Shimanami Kaido" which is also called the "holy land of cycling." There are many locations that offer bicycle rentals, so you can easily enjoy cycling even during your trip to experience the best of Hiroshima summer.
Etajima City
Etajima is the fourth largest island in the Seto Inland Sea. It's close to Hiroshima City and accessible by ferry in about 30 minutes, making it a recommended spot for those who want to experience the unique resort atmosphere of a remote island during their Hiroshima summer adventure. You can cycle along the coastline and mountain roads, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural charm of Etajima through cycling.
Etajima has well-equipped rental bicycle spots, with bicycle rentals available at four locations on the island. They also offer electric bicycles with motors, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can enjoy authentic cycling during their Hiroshima summer getaway.
Electric bicycles can easily gain speed, so please be mindful of your speed and oncoming traffic when riding.
Basic Information
- Address: Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take bus "Hiroshima Minato Shinsen" to "Hiroshima Port", then take ferry from Hiroshima Port
- Phone: 0823-69-7597 (Etajima City Tourism Association)
- Official Website: https://etajima-kanko.com/rentalcycling
Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido is approximately a 70km route connecting Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu to Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku. You can choose courses according to your ability, from a 9km round trip to the first island to a 70km course completing the entire Shimanami Kaido, so anyone can enjoy cycling during their Hiroshima summer experience.
The islands are connected by bridges, and you can enjoy cycling while taking in beautiful ocean views and the nature within the islands. This is why Shimanami Kaido is popular among cyclists and is also called the "Mecca of cycling." Cycling, which allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Setouchi, is one of the Hiroshima summer activities I wholeheartedly recommend.
Basic Information
- Address: Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take "JR Sanyo Main Line" to "Onomichi Station"
- Phone: 0898-22-3911 (Shimanami Japan Bicycle Rental Division)
- Official Website: https://visitshimanami.com/
Introducing Hiroshima Summer Events by Month
Summer is the season when large festivals and fireworks displays are held nationwide. In Hiroshima too, major shrine festivals representing the year and large-scale fireworks displays where you can view more than 10,000 fireworks are held during the vibrant Hiroshima summer season. Also, in August, globally important events praying for peace are held. Here we will introduce events you should check if visiting during Hiroshima summer, organized by month.
Must-See Events in Hiroshima in June
In Japan, June enters the season called "Tsuyu" when it rains frequently. In Hiroshima too, many rainy days are observed during this early Hiroshima summer period. Speaking of seasonal features in such rain, there are "Hydrangeas." Colorful hydrangeas bloom even more beautifully when it rains.
Hiroshima has abundant spots where you can see more than 1,000 hydrangea plants, such as Jinguji Temple and Sankeien Garden, and at Jinguji Temple, a festival is also held where you can enjoy hydrangea viewing even more during the early Hiroshima summer.
Also, June is the season when rice planting begins, and a traditional festival called "Mibu no Hanataue" that prays for good harvest, which is also registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is held. It begins with a parade of cattle dressed in gorgeous costumes, and in the rice fields, traditional rice planting is performed by hand to the music of drums and flutes, praying for a good harvest. It's an event where you can feel Japanese traditional culture and local atmosphere firsthand during your Hiroshima summer visit.
Jinguji Hydrangea Festival
- Event Period: Around June
- Venue: Jinguji Temple
- Official Website: https://fuchu-kanko.jp/ssevent/ssevent-1072/
- Jinguji Temple: http://jinguji-ajisai.com/
Mibu no Hanataue
- Event Period: Early June
- Venue: Mibu, Kitahiroshima City, Yamagata-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Official Website: https://www.town.kitahiroshima.lg.jp/site/hanadaue/
Must-See Events in Hiroshima in July
In July, festivals are held at various shrines to express gratitude to the gods and pray for regional development. Among them, the "Gion festival" at "Susanoo shrine" held over three days and the "Kangensai festival" at "Itsukushima shrine" that prays for maritime safety are major festivals representing July in Hiroshima, bustling with the enthusiasm of many people.
At the Gion festival, an event called "Kenka mikoshi" is held, where mikoshi (portable shrines) weighing about 400kg are crashed into each other, creating an atmosphere of tremendous power and excitement.
At the Kangensai festival, boats carrying gods travel across the sea. The elegant sight of sailing while lighting flames allows you to feel the beauty of Japanese festivals. Such traditional festivals are held throughout various locations in July.
At festivals, in addition to religious ceremonies, stalls called "Ennichi" are set up where you can enjoy food and drinks. Please enjoy the charm of festivals, which are a hallmark of the Japanese summer.
[Gion festival]
- Date: Mid-July
- Location: Susanoo shrine
- Official website: https://www.k-shinichi.com/gionmatsuri2025/
- Susanoo shrine: https://susanoojinja.com/
[Kangensai festival]
- Date: Mid-July (17th day of the 6th month in the lunar calendar)
- Location: Itsukushima shrine
- Official website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/event/event_kangen.html
- Itsukushima shrine: https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/
Must-See Events in Hiroshima in August
On August 6th, when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, the Peace Memorial Ceremony is held. This is a globally important event to commemorate those who died from the atomic bomb and pray for world peace.
After the ceremony ends at night, "Toro Nagashi" is held, where lanterns called "Toro" made of paper are floated down the river as a memorial service for the deceased and with hopes for world peace. Currently, more than 10,000 Toro light up the river, creating a fantastical scene.
If you visit Hiroshima in August, why not participate in Toro nagashi with wishes for world peace?
Also, fireworks festivals are held in various locations in August. Fireworks festivals were originally held for the purpose of memorial services for the deceased, but now they are essential summer events that promote community connections and revitalization. Please experience the beauty of fireworks that color Japanese summer nights.
[Toro nagashi]
- Date: August 6th
- Location: Peace Memorial Park
- Official website: https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/2558/
[Onomichi sumiyoshi fireworks]
- Date: Early August
- Location: Around Sumiyoshi shrine, Tsuchido 2, Onomichi city, Hiroshima prefecture
- Official website: https://onomichi-cci.or.jp/hanabi/
[Fukuyama summer festival]
- Date: August 13th-15th (fireworks on the 15th)
- Location: Fukuyama city
- Official website: https://fukuyama-natsumatsuri.jp/
To Taste Hiroshima's Exquisite Summer Cuisine, Visit Stores Beloved by Locals!
After enjoying sightseeing, we recommend participating in the "Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour" where you can taste Hiroshima's exquisite cuisine with local guides at night.
This tour allows you to savor local gourmet foods such as Hiroshima's famous oysters and "Hiroshimayaki," as well as Hiroshima's local sake. At Hiroshimayaki restaurants, you can sit at counter seats and enjoy a lively dining experience.
The other two establishments are also popular local favorites located in "Nagarekawa," one of Hiroshima's premier entertainment districts, where you can enjoy high-level cuisine and alcohol. Why not join the tour and enjoy nightlife just like the locals?
・Meeting point: Hacchobori station in front of GUCCI shop
・Tour area: Hiroshima city, Nagarekawa area
・Start time: 19:00
The vibrant festivals, moving peace ceremonies, and exceptional local cuisine make Hiroshima summer an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the essence of Japanese tradition, remembrance, and culinary excellence for every visitor.
