Best Time to Visit Hiroshima: Complete 2025 Seasons Guide/ Attraction, Foods & Natural Settings
Hiroshima is a city located in an area called the Chugoku Region. It belongs to the western area of Japan and serves as the central hub of the Chugoku Region.
Hiroshima is famous as the city where the atomic bomb was dropped, and the city contains many spots dedicated to praying for peace, including Hiroshima Peace Park.
Hiroshima is also renowned for its numerous delicious gourmet foods and local cuisine. Due to its rich natural water environment, it is historically a famous sake-producing region. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, it is also an area where high-quality seafood such as oysters can be abundantly harvested.
Furthermore, it is a land with various attractions, including the historic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and the magnificent nature found in mountainous areas.
This time, we will introduce the seasonal charms of Hiroshima, which is full of such attractions. By reading this article, you can check out recommended spots and ways to enjoy each season, as well as seasonal gourmet foods to try and recommended restaurants all at once.
Those interested in Hiroshima or planning to visit should definitely use this as a reference.
Recommended Hiroshima Seasons for Visiting
The most recommended Hiroshima seasons for visiting are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring and autumn in Hiroshima have mild and comfortable climates, making them optimal seasons for tourism. Additionally, Miyajima, Hiroshima's greatest attraction, is adorned with cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, offering very beautiful scenery.
Those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of Miyajima, where Itsukushima Shrine is located, should visit during late March to early April when cherry blossoms bloom, or in November when autumn foliage reaches its peak.
Visitors to Hiroshima during summer are recommended to go to the West Chugoku National Park area outside Hiroshima City and enjoy camping and activities in the great outdoors.
Winter is an especially recommended season for those who want to enjoy gourmet foods such as Hiroshima's famous oysters and sake.
Characteristics and Highlights of Each Hiroshima Season
Spring in Hiroshima
Hiroshima faces the Seto Inland Sea and has a warm climate throughout the year. Among all Hiroshima seasons, spring is the most comfortable time to spend outdoors. The sunshine is warm, and in coastal areas, you can feel refreshing sea breezes.
From late March to April, Hiroshima welcomes cherry blossom season. In nature-rich Hiroshima, you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and spring flowers everywhere, from downtown areas to mountainous regions.
Hiroshima Peace Park and Miyajima, where Itsukushima Shrine is located, are particularly famous cherry blossom spots where many locals and tourists visit for flower viewing.
Additionally, spring in Hiroshima offers fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima vegetables such as long green onions.
Spring Hiroshima Highlights and Recommended Gourmet:
- Cherry blossoms and spring flowers in Hiroshima City, including Hiroshima Peace Park
- Cherry blossoms at Miyajima/Itsukushima Shrine
- Seafood such as squid, Spanish mackerel, and red sea bream
- Spring vegetables such as long green onions
Autumn in Hiroshima
Autumn in Hiroshima also has a mild and comfortable climate, similar to spring. With many sunny days, you can spend warm days during the daytime. As November arrives, it begins to get cold, with large temperature differences between morning and evening.
What's a must-see during autumn Hiroshima seasons is the beautiful autumn foliage visible at numerous scenic spots. Miyajima is adorned with colorful autumn foliage, allowing visitors to tour Itsukushima Shrine with an even more mystical atmosphere than in other seasons.
Extending beyond Hiroshima City, there are magnificent mountains and gorges where you can enjoy spectacular autumn foliage scenery. This is also the season when Hiroshima's famous oyster season begins, and raw oysters become available.
Autumn Hiroshima Highlights and Recommended Gourmet:
- Autumn foliage at Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani
- Autumn foliage outside Hiroshima City, such as at Taishakukyo
- Oysters and Setouchi lemons
Summer in Hiroshima
Facing the warm Seto Inland Sea with many sunny days, Hiroshima's summer features strong sunlight and continued hot days.
Summer is the season that includes the days when atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the anniversary of the end of World War II. Every year on August 6th, the day the atomic bomb was dropped, a Peace Memorial Ceremony is held at Hiroshima Peace Park.
In water-rich Hiroshima, summer offers waterside activities at spots with magnificent nature such as Sandankyo Gorge. Kayaking and river trekking, where you walk upstream in the river, are particularly popular.
For gourmet experiences, this is the season to enjoy river fish like ayu (sweetfish) and fatty sea bream.
Summer Hiroshima Highlights and Recommended Gourmet:
- Water activities such as kayaking at Sandankyo and river trekking in the Yuki town area
- Ayu (sweetfish)
- Summer seafood gourmet such as sea bream
Winter in Hiroshima
Although Hiroshima is a warm region within Japan, there is snowfall in mountainous areas during winter. About an hour and a half by car from Hiroshima City, there are large ski resorts where you can enjoy hot springs while viewing snow.
Additionally, Hiroshima is a major sake-producing region, and winter is the season when sake is particularly delicious. Head out to Saijo, a traditional sake-producing area, to enjoy sake tasting, shopping, and special gourmet foods.
It's also recommended to enjoy hot sake together with oysters, which also reach their best season in winter.
Winter Hiroshima Highlights and Recommended Gourmet:
- Illuminations in Hiroshima City
- Natural hot springs and skiing at West Chugoku National Park
- Famous sake from Hiroshima
Expert's Guide! How to Fully Enjoy Hiroshima Throughout All Seasons
From here, I will introduce methods to fully enjoy Hiroshima throughout all seasons. I will explain the enjoyment methods for each season, including spots to visit, what to pay attention to, and activities you'll want to participate in for each season.
I have also compiled recommended gourmet foods from spring to winter, along with carefully selected local restaurants. Please check the key points for each season and plan your trip accordingly.
Spring: Tour the Cherry Blossom-Adorned City and Enjoy Nature to the Fullest
In spring Hiroshima, first enjoy sightseeing in the cherry blossom-adorned Hiroshima City area and Miyajima. Among all Hiroshima seasons, spring offers some of the most spectacular natural beauty.
Hiroshima City has many cherry trees planted, mainly Someiyoshino varieties. From late March, you can enjoy the sight of the city being colored in pale pink. Hiroshima City is also a city rich in flowers, where you can enjoy many spring flowers at Hiroshima Peace Park and the traditional Japanese garden, Shukkeien Garden.
Hiroshima Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Peace Park is located within Hiroshima City and is the park where the famous Atomic Bomb Dome is situated. It has become a symbolic spot of Hiroshima as a place to inherit the memories of war and offer prayers for peace. In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms bloom abundantly in the park and along the river, making it also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
The best time to view cherry blossoms at Hiroshima Peace Park is typically from late March to early April each year. About 300 cherry trees are planted in the park, and local people and visitors to the Atomic Bomb Dome enjoy the cherry blossoms along the tree-lined paths and riverside within the park. Besides cherry blossoms, many spring flowers such as roses, tulips, and azaleas are also planted.
I was fortunate to visit during the cherry blossom season. While viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms with many people in the park, I felt strangely peaceful, and my feelings of praying for peace became even stronger.
When you visit Hiroshima and tour the Atomic Bomb Dome, please be sure to also see the beautiful cherry blossoms in the park. It will surely be an opportunity to deeply feel the preciousness of peace.
- Address: Nakajimacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0825042390
- Official Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/hiroshima-park/7480.html
Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in the center of Hiroshima City. It was created in the 16th century when Hiroshima flourished greatly as a castle town, and is a spot where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout all Hiroshima seasons. In spring, you can enjoy charming spring flowers including cherry blossoms and peach blossoms, along with traditional garden landscapes.
Shukkeien Garden has three walking routes, and this time I walked the course that allows you to see most of the garden in about 50 minutes. The pond where koi swim leisurely and the beautiful red bridge become even more elegant when adorned with cherry blossoms in spring compared to other seasons, and just walking around made my heart feel uplifted.
Shukkeien Garden was damaged by the atomic bomb but has a history of reconstruction. You can also see precious ginkgo trees that survived the atomic bomb. Volunteer staff wearing green jackets provide free English guides, so if you see them near the entrance, please feel free to talk to them.
- Address: 2-11 Kamihatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0822213620
- Official Website: https://otaru-sushinakamura.com/about.html
When you visit Hiroshima City in spring, I also recommend touring cherry blossom spots with the guidance of a local guide.
The Peace Walk Tour allows you to explore Hiroshima City over 5.5 hours together with a local guide who was born and raised in Hiroshima. Let's visit Hiroshima Peace Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum together.
The tour's original plan centers around visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and atomic bomb sites well-known to local people. If you want to tour mainly cherry blossom spots, tell your guide and they will take you to recommended spots.
Let's hear from the local guide about the thoughts of Hiroshima people regarding peace and hope. While enjoying beautiful cherry blossoms, it will surely be an opportunity to learn more deeply about Hiroshima.
- Meeting Point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station, 1-2-22 Kamiyacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Tour Area: Hiroshima City
- Start Time: 10:00
Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine
Miyajima is a small island floating in Hiroshima Bay, also called Itsukushima. It is home to Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's most famous shrines, and is known for its Torii Gate that appears to float on the sea.
Spring Miyajima sees 1,900 cherry trees blooming all at once, making it the most colorful season of the year among all Hiroshima seasons. The area near Itsukushima Shrine's Pagoda is a spectacular spot where you can view the beautiful traditional red tower, the Torii Gate standing in the sea, and cherry blossoms filling your entire field of vision together.
I was able to take a wonderful photo several years ago that symbolizes Hiroshima, featuring the famous Torii Gate together with cherry blossoms. The Pagoda is currently under construction as of 2025, but the construction is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.
Also, for those who want to see cherry blossoms in a quiet and relaxed place, Omoto Park is a recommended spot. Since cherry blossoms bloom gorgeously throughout the island, please take a leisurely stroll around the mystical island.
- Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0829442020
- Official Website: http://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/index.html
Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Hiroshima's Exquisite Spring Foods
Hiroshima seasons bring distinct culinary delights, and spring in Hiroshima is particularly recommended for enjoying seafood such as squid and Spanish mackerel that reach their peak season in spring.
Additionally, fresh spring vegetables are abundant, making this the season when Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki becomes even more delicious. Let's savor okonomiyaki filled with fresh long green onions, shiso, and other seasonal ingredients.
Guttsuri-an (Seafood)
Source:Tripadvisor
Guttsuri-an is an izakaya restaurant where you can eat fresh seafood from Hiroshima. You can enjoy seasonal seafood gourmet dishes along with alcoholic beverages. The interior has a Japanese traditional folk house style, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. The staff is very friendly, and it's a lively establishment.
At Guttsuri-an, you can enjoy a BBQ-style cuisine called "Shichirin-yaki," where vegetables and seafood are grilled on a grill at your table. All the seafood is high quality and incredibly reasonably priced.
I particularly enjoyed Hiroshima's squid that reaches its peak in spring. Chewing the fragrant squid while drinking a well-chilled, sour yuzu sour was blissfully delicious.
Although it's a bit away from the city center, it's a popular restaurant that many overseas travelers visit. If you want to eat exquisite spring seafood, please be sure to check it out.
- Address: 1-36 Tanna-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 17:00–23:00
- Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Phone Number: 0822561520
- Official Website: http://www.guttsurimaru.com/
Negian Kamiyacho (Spring Vegetables)
Source:Official website
Negian Kamiyacho is a casual restaurant where you can easily enjoy okonomiyaki packed with spring vegetables harvested in Hiroshima, as well as Hiroshima's local cuisine.
Okonomiyaki, a pancake-like light meal made from flour and vegetables, is a famous gourmet dish from Osaka and Hiroshima. Each has different preparation methods and shapes, and Hiroshima's okonomiyaki is prepared by placing ingredients like vegetables on top of thin crepe-like batter and cooking it.
The characteristic of Negian's okonomiyaki is that it's topped generously with green onions grown in Hiroshima. They use green onions cultivated with traditional farming methods, which have very strong sweetness and rich aroma. Spring green onions are particularly fresh, offering a crispy texture to enjoy.
For those who dislike the strong aroma of green onions, the refreshing taste and aroma of the "Shiso Special" is recommended. If you want to casually try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and Hiroshima gourmet food, please visit Negian Kamiyacho first.
- Address: 13-13 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima Motomachi NS Building
- Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Saturdays and Sundays 11:00–23:30
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0822228282
- Official Website: https://negiankamiyachou.owst.jp/
Autumn: Enjoying Cityscapes Colored by Fall Foliage and Magnificent Nature
Hiroshima seasons showcase their beauty magnificently in autumn, when you can enjoy both the city colored by fall foliage and magnificent nature in Hiroshima.
Mitaki-dera Temple in Hiroshima City is a spot where you can enjoy spectacular fall foliage that covers the mountains, despite being easily accessible from the city.
Additionally, Miyajima is a nationally renowned must-see fall foliage spot, with Momijidani being particularly famous. Let's enjoy the collaboration of numerous shrines and temples on Miyajima with the fall foliage.
Mitaki-dera Temple
Mitaki-dera Temple is a beautiful temple located on Mt. Mitaki in Hiroshima City. Situated in the mountains, it's known as one of Hiroshima's premier fall foliage spots in autumn. You can access it by taking a bus from JR Hiroshima Station for about 35 minutes.
In the mountains, three waterfalls and beautiful Buddhist architectural complexes built over 100 years ago are scattered throughout. The particularly dazzling vermillion Pagoda becomes even more majestic in autumn when surrounded by the vivid mountain foliage.
Walking while viewing the foliage dyed in various colors, you can hear the sound of waterfalls echoing through the quiet mountains. It's a spot where you can feel nature through your eyes and ears, spending very peaceful and beautiful time.
It has a history of being damaged by the atomic bomb and collapsing, but was later rebuilt. There's also a Memorial monument in the temple grounds with prayers for peace. Please be sure to check that out as well.
- Address: 411 Mitakiyama, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 8:00–17:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0822370811
- Official Website: https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/3320/
Momijidani
Momijidani is a valley located behind Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. It's famous as a fall foliage spot, and the natural park at the foot called Momijidani Park has about 700 beautifully autumn-colored Japanese maples and maple trees planted.
At Momijidani, mid to late November is the best season for fall foliage. The most recommended spot is around Momiji-bashi, the bridge at the park entrance. The old-style red bridge is decorated with foliage dyed in copper and golden colors.
The maples most commonly planted in Momijidani turn red in autumn. I was captivated by the contrast of maples dyed in various shades of the same red color, from deep crimson to orange-tinged vermillion. I never got tired of looking at them for hours and enjoyed exploring extensively.
Also, this is a spot where deer that freely roam around the island are particularly numerous and relaxed. I recommend enjoying the beautiful fall foliage while leisurely interacting with the deer.
- Address: Momijidani, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0829309141
- Official Website: https://www.city.hatsukaichi.hiroshima.jp/map/15043.html
Taishakukyo
Taishakukyo is a beautiful gorge located in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It features an 18km-long continuous gorge where you can see magnificent natural scenery of each of the four seasons. The autumn foliage is also famous, attracting many travelers from distant places.
Within the Taishakukyo area, Lake Shinryu offers particularly magnificent fall foliage enjoyment. You can slowly walk the walking course around the lake to enjoy the mountain foliage, or take a pleasure boat to view the foliage from the lake.
I rode an open boat without a roof among the pleasure boats. Racing through the foliage-decorated lake at 60km/h was exhilarating and felt amazing.
Regular pleasure boats operate slowly across the large lake, allowing you to leisurely enjoy beautiful foliage and magnificent cliffs. If you want to see magnificent autumn foliage different from the city, please extend your trip to Taishakukyo.
- Address: Taishaku Miwatari, Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0847860611
- Official Website: http://taishakukyo.com/
For those who want to thoroughly enjoy Miyajima's beautiful autumn and fall foliage, consider joining a tour guided by a local guide. After meeting with the guide, you'll travel together by ferry to Miyajima. You'll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and explore Miyajima's main spots with numerous temples. This 5.5-hour tour includes a lunch plan where you can enjoy Miyajima gourmet foods such as oysters.
Miyajima has been considered the island where Shinto gods reside and has long been regarded as a very sacred place for Japanese people. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine adorned with autumn foliage and the island's oldest Buddhist temple, while listening to the guide's explanations about Japanese Shintoism and Buddhism.
You'll also stroll through Momijidani, one of the recommended autumn foliage spots introduced in this article. With thorough explanations about the island from the guide, Miyajima's autumn foliage will surely feel even more mystically beautiful.
- Meeting point: In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station(1-3-23 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Tour area: Miyajima
- Start time: 9:30
Foods to Enjoy in Autumn Hiroshima
During Hiroshima seasons, particularly autumn, enjoy Miyajima oysters and Setouchi Lemon as the season begins.
Hiroshima has the highest oyster production in Japan, and especially high-quality oysters are harvested in the waters near Miyajima. Many famous restaurants in Tokyo also source their oysters from Miyajima.
Here are recommended restaurants where you can enjoy dishes using the nationally renowned Miyajima Oysters and Setouchi Lemon.
Yakigaki No Hayashi (Oysters)
Source:Official website
Yakigaki No Hayashi is an oyster specialty restaurant in Miyajima. Oysters are a specialty product of Hiroshima, and oyster cultivation has been actively practiced in Hiroshima for about 1,000 years. Autumn is the season when oyster harvesting begins for winter, allowing you to enjoy exceptionally fresh and delicious oysters.
The recommended dish is the "Oyster Sankei set meal," where you can enjoy all types of oyster dishes served at Hayashi. This satisfying set meal includes the signature Grilled oysters, as well as Raw oysters, oyster rice, and fried oysters.
Hayashi uses the highest-grade Jigozen Oysters caught in Hiroshima Bay. The Raw oysters I ate were so fresh that I had never tasted oysters with so little fishy smell, and I was moved by their rich sweetness.
After enjoying the autumn foliage in Miyajima during Hiroshima seasons, be sure to savor the renowned specialty oysters.
- Address: 505-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business hours: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 0829440335
- Official website: http://www.yakigaki-no-hayashi.co.jp/?utm_source=google-mybusiness&utm_medium=referral
Chidori (Setouchi Lemon)
Source:Yahoo! Travel
Another recommendation for autumn Hiroshima seasons is Setouchi Lemon. The area around the Seto Inland Sea that Hiroshima faces has a warm climate, making it a region where delicious lemons grow. Chidori is a restaurant located on Ikuchi Island, which floats in the Seto Inland Sea and has Japan's highest lemon production.
The specialty dish at Chidori, located in this lemon production area, is "Lemon hotpot," which simmers plenty of lemons with seafood. I ate the Lemon hotpot simmered with octopus, which is also a specialty of Ikuchi Island.
Autumn Setouchi Lemons have mild acidity and a gentle, refined taste. The octopus was full of elasticity, and thanks to the lemon, the fishy smell was eliminated, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
The trick to eating the hotpot deliciously is not to overcook the lemons and remove them early. The moderate acidity enhances the flavor of the seafood.
- Address: 530-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone number: 0845270231
- Official website: http://chidori-onomichi.com/
Summer: Enjoying Waterside Activities in Nature-Rich Hiroshima
In Hiroshima, which is rich in water with gorges and large rivers, you can enjoy waterside activities during summer Hiroshima seasons.
West Chugoku Mountains National Park spans across Hiroshima and neighboring Shimane Prefecture, and is an area where the great nature of mountainous regions is preserved.
At Sandankyo Gorge in West Chugoku Mountains National Park, try participating in summer-specific activities like Kayak and SUP.
Sandankyo Gorge (Kayak)
At Sandankyo Gorge in West Chugoku Mountains National Park in Hiroshima, you can enjoy waterside activities like Kayak and SUP during summer. Sandankyo Gorge is famous as a spot where you can see magnificent landscapes created by great nature, with a 16km gorge surrounded by high cliffs.
The river at Sandankyo Gorge has extremely high transparency, allowing you to clearly see the riverbed at depths of 4-5 meters. The Kayaking experience activity I participated in was conducted in a place with almost no current, allowing me to leisurely enjoy the riverbed and surrounding scenery.
Many fish were swimming in the clearly visible riverbed, making it a time when I could feel Hiroshima's nature very closely. Since it's an activity that children and beginners can enjoy, please feel free to try it when you visit Sandankyo Gorge.
- Address: Shibagi, Akiota-cho, Yamagata-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 0826281800
- Official website: https://cs-akiota.or.jp/sandankyo/
Oku-Yuki Area (River Trekking)
Source:Tripadvisor
Oku-Yuki Area is the source region of the Ota River, about one hour from Hiroshima City. It's a mountainous region famous for hot springs, and because it's easily accessible from Hiroshima City, it's a natural spot that citizens casually visit.
What's recommended in Oku-Yuki Area during summer Hiroshima seasons is River Trekking, where you walk upstream through the Ota River's uppermost stream. Together with a guide who explains about the river and surrounding nature, you walk through the river while playing in the water.
When I participated, I was able to dive into waterfall basins, climb waterfalls, and enjoy playing in the water wholeheartedly like returning to childhood. What was particularly fun was being able to slide and play at a location that had become like a natural water slide due to the slope.
This is a currently very popular activity with high participant satisfaction. You can make reservations from Yuki Town's official website, so please check it out if you're interested.
<Information>
Schedule: Summer period (specific period undetermined, refer to official website)
Access: JR "Hiroshima" Station → Get off at "Itsukaichi" Station → About 70 minutes by bus from the south exit of "Itsukaichi" Station → Get off at "Yuki Lodge Mae"
Participation fee: (Beginner course) Adult / 9,800 yen, Ages 9-15 / 7,800 yen
Website: https://yuki-kouryu.jp/
Miyoshi no Ukai (Traditional Experience)
Source:Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organisation official website
During summer in Hiroshima, it's also recommended to observe the local traditional fishing called "Ukai fishing." Ukai fishing is a traditional Asian fishing method using Cormorants to catch fish, and in Miyoshi, Hiroshima, it has been practiced for about 450 years to catch sweetfish and other fish.
At the observation event, you board a pleasure boat at night to observe the parallel-running Cormorant fishing boats and the fishing activities. You can also listen to stories from experienced fishermen who have continued Ukai fishing for many years.
I also saw Ukai fishing in person for the first time. Because I could see it very closely, the sight of Cormorants catching fish in the river was spectacular, and I was amazed by how skillfully the fishermen controlled the Cormorants.
Being able to observe Ukai fishing up close is a very precious opportunity. If you're interested in unique traditional culture during Hiroshima seasons, please apply through the official website.
<Information>
Schedule: June 1 - September 10, 2025
Access: JR "Hiroshima" Station → Take the JR Geibi Line → JR "Miyoshi" Station → 20 minute walk → Miyoshi City Tokaichi Waterfront Park (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes)
Admission fee: Adults 4,000 yen / Children (elementary school and under) 2,000 yen
Website: https://www.miyoshi-dmo.jp/event/miyoshi-ukai-lp/
Foods to Enjoy During Summer in Hiroshima
Among the delightful Hiroshima seasons, summer offers some of the most exceptional culinary experiences. What we particularly recommend for summer in Hiroshima are dishes using Ayu (sweetfish) caught in rivers and sea bream caught in the Seto Inland Sea.
Ayu (sweetfish) is typically enjoyed simply grilled with salt. You should definitely try taimeshi, Hiroshima's local cuisine made with sea bream.
Riverside Station Josei
Source:Tabelog
Riverside Station Josei is a rest facility located in Miyoshi city, with an attached gift shop where you can buy local specialty products and a restaurant.
Near the facility flows the Gounogawa River, the largest river in the Hiroshima region. During summer, Ayu are abundantly caught, and you can enjoy exquisite Ayu dishes in the surrounding areas.
What we recommend at the restaurant inside Riverside Station Josei is the "Ayu set meal." This is a menu where you can enjoy simply salt-grilled Ayu with rice and soup. The fresh Ayu has plump, tender flesh with perfectly balanced seasoning. When eaten together with white rice, the deliciousness doubles.
This is such a famous gourmet dish that people come from far away specifically to eat fresh salt-grilled Ayu in Miyoshi during summer. If you want to try simple and delicious summer gourmet food, extend your trip to Riverside Station Josei in Miyoshi.
- Address: 1537 Shimosakugi, Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 0824557020
- Official Website: https://npo.genkimurasakugi.or.jp/kawanoeki
Chitose
Source:Tabelog
Tomonoura in Fukuyama City is an area abundant with natural sea bream, with the fishing season at its peak especially from May through summer. The restaurant Chitose in Tomonoura is famous for sea bream dishes and is so popular that it fills up even during weekday lunch hours.
What's particularly popular at Chitose is taimeshi, a local dish from Tomonoura. Taimeshi is a dish made by putting a whole sea bream in a pot and cooking it together with rice.
I ordered the "Sea bream set meal" during lunch time. You can choose the main dish from options like grilled salted sea bream, sea bream tempura, sea bream sashimi, and others. The sides include taimeshi, soup, and salad.
The taimeshi I had been looking forward to had rice thoroughly infused with sea bream flavor, creating an elegant taste with the fish's umami and sweetness. The sea bream sashimi was incredibly rich with fat, with concentrated, dense umami packed tightly.
If you want to fully enjoy authentic sea bream gourmet food during summer in Hiroshima, definitely visit Tomonoura.
- Address: 552-7 Tomo, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: Monday 11:30 AM - 2:20 PM
Wednesday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 2:20 PM, 6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 0849823165
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/chitose_tomo/
Winter: Fully Enjoy Hiroshima's Unique Beautiful Scenery and Hot Springs
The beauty of Hiroshima seasons truly shines in winter, when annual illumination events are held in Hiroshima City. The quality improves year by year, making it a very spectacular event, so if you're going to Hiroshima City in winter, definitely check it out.
In the West Chugoku National Park area, you can enjoy natural hot springs while viewing snowy landscapes. Also, in Awayacho in Miyoshi City, you can enjoy mystical scenery created by deep fog.
Illumination (Hiroshima Dreamination)
Source:Official website
Hiroshima Dreamination is an illumination event held annually from November to January in Hiroshima City.
It's held around Peace Boulevard near Hiroshima Peace Park, where many beautiful illumination objects are displayed. Additionally, cafe corners and gift shops selling Hiroshima specialty products are also set up.
The illuminations of Hiroshima Dreamination have "Fairyland" as their annual theme. You can enjoy objects that seem to have jumped out of picture books, such as jeweled castles and steam locomotives.
The light balloon and sailing ship objects were particularly popular with local children. Looking closely, they were elaborately crafted down to the finest details, providing plenty to see even for adults.
Peace Boulevard is very spacious, so please enjoy the illuminations while taking a leisurely stroll through the area.
Information
- Schedule: November 15, 2024 - January 3, 2025, 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM (2025 schedule TBD)
- Access: Take the Hiroshima bus from JR "Hiroshima" station → get off at "Peace Memorial Park" station (about 20 minutes)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.dreamination.com/summary/
Hot Springs (Megahira Onsen Quere Yoshikazu)
Source:Google Maps
Enjoying skiing and hot springs is also recommended during winter in Hiroshima. Within West Chugoku National Park, about an hour by car from Hiroshima City, there are ski slopes and hot springs popular with locals.
Megahira Onsen Quere Yoshikazu is a hot spring hotel attached to Megahira Ski Resort, and non-guests can also use it.
The bathhouse is very spacious, with indoor baths, outdoor baths, plus jacuzzis and saunas. In the outdoor bath, you can soak while viewing the snowy scenery outside. Since I went in after skiing, the hot water felt really good and warmed my body instantly.
The hotel also has an attached art museum where you can see Van Gogh, Renoir, and ceramic collections. This is recommended not only for those who want to enjoy hot springs during winter in Hiroshima, but also for those looking for a resort spot where they can relax in nature.
- Address: 4291 Yoshiwa, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0829772277
- Official Website: http://www.megahira.co.jp/
Sea of Fog (Mt. Takatani Sea of Fog Observatory)
In Awayacho, Miyoshi City, located in Hiroshima, you can enjoy the mystical "Sea of Fog" from autumn through spring - truly one of the most spectacular Hiroshima seasons experiences. In Awayacho, where three rivers converge in a basin-like terrain, deep fog emerges from the rivers.
In November and during winter early mornings, deep fog occurs that completely covers the town, and this spot is known for looking like a sea when viewed from above. Near the summit of Mt. Takatani in Awayacho, there is an observatory where you can look down and observe the sea of fog covering the town. The moment of sunrise is particularly beautiful, where you can witness the sun illuminating the sea of fog like a sea of clouds in orange colors.
Many people gather with cameras to view this mystical scenery. If you want to enjoy Hiroshima's unique winter natural landscapes across the Hiroshima seasons, please visit Awayacho.
- Address: Awayacho, Miyoshi City
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: None
- Official Homepage: https://www.miyoshi-dmo.jp/play/takataniyama/
https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/1305/
Winter Food to Enjoy in Hiroshima
What we recommend in winter Hiroshima are Sake and the local dish Anagomeshi. Blessed with abundant rice and clean water, Hiroshima is a sake production area renowned nationwide. At Sake Brewery Street in Saijo, you can enjoy sake tasting of Hiroshima's famous brands and gourmet food made with sake.
Also, Anagomeshi is Miyajima's local dish made with conger eel. On Miyajima, there are famous Anagomeshi restaurants that have earned one Michelin star.
Saijo Sake Brewery Street (Japanese Sake)
Source:PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Saijo is an area where sake breweries are concentrated, and it has flourished as a major sake production area for 300 years. Currently, seven major sake breweries are gathered on the street in front of the station.
The street is lined with white-walled buildings built in traditional Japanese architectural style and brick brewery buildings. At shops operated by each sake brewery, you can enjoy tasting many different sakes.
In addition to selling limited-edition sake, there are also restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy gourmet food made with sake. What we recommend is "Bishu nabe," a hearty hot pot dish where Hiroshima pork and vegetables are boiled in sake.
Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, this delicious dish warms your chilled body from the core. Please also try special desserts like gelato made with sake.
- Address: 17-1 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Varies by company
- Closed: Varies by company
- Phone Number: 0824212511
- Official Homepage: https://hh-kanko.ne.jp/about/
Fujitaya Anagomeshi (Conger Eel)
Source:Tabelog
Fujitaya is a long-established restaurant where you can eat conger eel rice bowls called Anagomeshi. It's a famous restaurant where you can eat exquisite Miyajima Anagomeshi, and it has earned one Michelin star.
Anagomeshi is a representative gourmet dish of Miyajima alongside oysters, characterized by grilling conger eel with sweet and savory sauce. Fujitaya's main menu item is only "Anagomeshi," and you can also order side dishes such as "conger eel liver."
Basically, Anagomeshi takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour from order to serving. The Anagomeshi I eagerly awaited while sightseeing was served piping hot, and the moment I opened the bowl lid, there was a fragrant aroma. The sauce wasn't too thick and the sweetness was modest, allowing me to taste the original umami of the conger eel.
Winter conger eel is rich with fat, offering an even more juicy flavor than other Hiroshima seasons. In winter Miyajima, please enjoy the specialty Anagomeshi at this very popular restaurant.
- Address: 125-2 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0829440151
- Official Homepage: https://www.fujitayamiyajima.com/
In Winter Hiroshima, We Recommend Enjoying Oysters and Sake with Locals, Which Become Especially Delicious!
Winter in Hiroshima is the season when oysters, which are also a specialty product, become even more delicious across the Hiroshima seasons. Try participating in a bar hopping tour with a local guide and enjoy them together with locally produced sake.
This tour visits three izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) in the entertainment district Nagarekawa area. You can eat Hiroshima's specialty Okonomiyaki and two exquisite dishes, and enjoy three drinks from an abundant selection.
At izakaya, which are Japanese-style pubs, let's enjoy Hiroshima's delicious gourmet food, especially oysters that reach peak season in winter. And try enjoying the combination with Hiroshima's sake, famous as a sake production area.
What impressed me when I participated was that people in Hiroshima were much more friendly compared to Tokyo. At the down-to-earth shops visited on this tour, they were particularly active in communication, and I had a great time.
Please borrow the guide's help and also enjoy interacting with the lively local people.
- Meeting point: Hacchobori station in front of the Gucci shop 3rd floor of Fukuya Hatchobori Main Store, 6-26, Ebisumachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Tour area: Nagarekawa
- Start time: 19:00
