Hiroshima Events 2025: Complete Guide to 80th Anniversary, Traditional Festivals & Major Events

Located in western Honshu, Hiroshima is a nature-rich prefecture surrounded by mountains and sea. Among its attractions, Hiroshima City is globally known as a "Peace Memorial City," home to World Heritage sites including Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

The Seto Inland Sea coast, blessed with a warm climate, offers attractive specialty products that make use of nature's bounty, such as oysters and lemons.

Hiroshima hosts various events throughout the year. This guide introduces recommended seasonal events, with a special focus on the exciting Hiroshima Event 2025 lineup!

Hiroshima Event 2025 Schedule

Summer Events in Hiroshima 2025

Summer in Hiroshima is characterized by many days exceeding 30°C with high humidity. The city center, surrounded by high-rise buildings, feels particularly hot, so please be careful of heatstroke. We recommend bringing portable mini fans when sightseeing.

August in Hiroshima features many ceremonies related to "peace" and waterside events. Here are five recommended events from our Hiroshima Event 2025 summer collection!

Please check each monthly event article for access details and other information.

Featured Hiroshima Event 2025: August Highlights

Peace Memorial Ceremony

Source:Wikipedia

The "Peace Memorial Ceremony" is held annually on August 6th from 8:00 AM at Peace Memorial Park. This ceremony mourns those who died in the atomic bombing and wishes for future peace.

During the ceremony, "Senbazuru" are offered to the "Children's Peace Monument." "Senbazuru" refers to one thousand origami cranes connected with string. This has become a symbol of peace, as the child who was the model for the statue folded paper cranes hoping for recovery from illness.

Foreign visitors need advance reservations to participate. Although recruitment for 2025 has already ended, please visit Peace Memorial Park if you have the opportunity.

Information
- Date: August 6, 2025, 8:00 AM~
- Access: Take Hiroshima Bus Line 24 from JR Hiroshima Station, get off at "Peace Memorial Park" bus stop (immediate walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/english/index.html

Peace Message Lantern Floating

"Peace Message Lantern Floating" takes place in the evening after the Peace Memorial Ceremony. Lanterns with various messages are floated down the Motoyasugawa River near the Atomic Bomb Dome, carrying prayers for peace. This event, with its mystical lights shimmering on the water surface, is a summer tradition in Hiroshima.

The sight of many lanterns gently flowing down the river is very peaceful, spreading wishes for peace in your heart.

Anyone can participate in the lantern floating. On the day, receive a lantern (1,000 yen each) at the reception and write your message.

Please join this treasured local event that has been cherished for many years.

- Date: August 6, 2025, 4:00 PM~10:00 PM
- Access: Take Hiroshima Electric Railway city tram from JR Hiroshima Station, get off at "Atomic Bomb Dome-mae" (5-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/2558/

Innoshima Suigun Festival Sea Festival

Source:Official website

The "Innoshima Suigun Festival" is an event held in three parts: Sea Festival, Island Festival, and Fire Festival.

The Sea Festival, which kicks off the festivities, is a racing competition using wooden boats called "Kohaya." These boats, recreating ancient messenger ships, require 16 people working together: 14 rowers, 1 captain, and 1 drummer, competing on approximately 1km courses.

An attractive feature is that various age groups can participate, including general, ladies', elementary school, and middle school divisions. Enjoy the spectacular sight of 16 people working in unison toward the goal.

The beach venue also offers beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea!

- Date: August 31, 2025
- Access: Take route bus "bound for Innoshima Habu Port" from JR Onomichi Station for 25 minutes, get off at Innoshima Bridge, about 1km walk
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://0845.boo.jp/suigun/

Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival

Source:Official website

The "Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival" is a summer tradition held at the Onomichi Strait in the Seto Inland Sea. This historic event has been held for a long time and is one of the largest fireworks festivals in western Japan.

Approximately 13,000 fireworks, including underwater fireworks, rapid-fire starmine, and spectacular fireworks synchronized with music, color Onomichi's summer night sky. The brilliant fireworks reflected on the water are also a must-see.

Before the fireworks, there's also "Mikoshi Sea Crossing," where boats carrying portable shrines cross the sea, creating a distinctly Japanese festival atmosphere.

An attractive feature is that you can view from a wide area. My recommendation is Ekimae Ryokka Park, just steps from the station. You can enjoy the full panorama of fireworks without any obstructions!

- Date: August 2, 2025, 7:30 PM~
- Access: 15-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station
- Admission: Free

Fukuyama Summer Festival

Source:Fukuyama City

The "Fukuyama Summer Festival" is a traditional summer festival held in Fukuyama City. Various events take place over three days.

Niagari Dance Competition
"Niagari Dance" is a traditional performing art danced to comfort ancestral spirits. Characterized by a unique rhythm based on shamisen, the cheerful dancing makes you feel happy just watching.

Iroha-maru YOSAKOI
This event features dancing to folk songs while holding instruments. Teams showcase uniquely individual dances with choreography representing local culture and history.

Ashida River Fireworks Festival
This main event concludes the festival. The water fireworks launched over approximately 1.4km upstream are a must-see! You can view from both sides of the river, so you can feel the power of the fireworks up close.

Enjoy Fukuyama's summer tradition!

[Niagari Dance Competition]
- Date: August 13, 2025, 6:00 PM~
- Location: Kitahama Street
- Access: 7-minute walk from JR Fukuyama Station South Exit

[Iroha-maru YOSAKOI]
- Date: August 14, 2025
Fukuyama Station area downtown shopping district / Central Park
- Access: Immediate walk from JR Fukuyama Station / 10-minute walk from - Fukuyama Station South Exit

[Ashida River Fireworks Festival]
- Date: August 15, 2025, 7:30 PM~8:30 PM
- Location: Upstream from Ashida River Ohashi Bridge
- Access: Take Chugoku Bus "bound for Minoshima" from JR Fukuyama Station, get off at "Shingai-cho 6-chome" bus stop (approximately 300m walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://fukuyama-natsumatsuri.jp/

Hiroshima Event 2025: Autumn Events in Hiroshima (September to November)

Autumn in Hiroshima brings mild weather that continues throughout the season, making it the perfect time for tourism. The beautiful natural scenery, including autumn foliage, is one of the attractive highlights of this period.

Autumn offers many traditional festivals and delicious local specialty events. With the summer heat subsiding, outdoor events become especially enjoyable!

Here, I would like to introduce the events from September to November that I recommend for Hiroshima Event 2025. Please check the detailed event articles for each month for access information and other specifics.

September 2025 Hiroshima Event Highlights

The average temperature in September is around 23°C. While the early part of the month still retains some summer heat, it gradually becomes more comfortable, allowing you to feel the transition from summer to autumn. As it's also typhoon season, be sure to prepare rain gear.

Various genres of events are held during September's Hiroshima Event 2025. Here are four carefully selected events I recommend:

Innoshima Suigun Festival - Island Fire Festival

Source:Official website

The Innoshima Suigun Festival, held in three parts, combines the "Island Festival" and "Fire Festival" together.

The highlight of this festival is watching people dressed as warriors in armor and helmets parade along the nighttime seaside illuminated by torch flames. You can enjoy the worldview of the Sengoku period when these warriors were active.

My recommended highlight is the purification ritual where large torches are dynamically swung around on the fire-lit beach. The festival concludes with spectacular large fireworks at the climax.

On the day of the event, many food stalls open and festival-limited goods are sold. Be sure to get souvenirs that can only be bought here!

- Date: September 20, 2025  
- Access: 25 minutes by local bus "bound for Innoshima Habu Port" from JR Onomichi Station, get off at Innoshima Bridge, about 1km walk  
- Admission: Free  
- Website: https://0845.boo.jp/suigun/

Dahlia Festival

Source:Official website

At Sera Kogen Farm, an event is held to enjoy 7,500 beautiful dahlia plants of 550 varieties. The garden filled with colorful dahlias in cute forms presents breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

The attractive point is encountering flowers of various sizes, colors, and shapes. Look for unique varieties like the "Happy Dahlia" with heart-shaped petals!

I recommend visiting right after opening time. The sight of dahlias wet with morning dew is a beauty that can only be seen in the early morning.

At the venue, you can also see 300 varieties of garden mums. Please visit during this special time for Hiroshima Event 2025.

- Date: September 13 - November 3, 2025  
- Access: 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Hiroshima city center (using expressway) / 40 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport  
Direct bus with admission included available only on weekends and holidays from September 27 - October 26. Check website for details  
- Admission: Adults 700-1,200 yen / Children 300-600 yen (prices vary depending on bloom conditions)  
- Website: https://sera.ne.jp/en/sk/dahlia/

Cosmos Festival

Source:Shobara Kankonavi

At Bihoku Kyuryo Park in Shobara City, you can enjoy beautiful cosmos flowers from mid-September. The sight of pink, white, and red cosmos spreading across the landscape is a scene that symbolizes Japanese autumn.

In addition to over 2.1 million cosmos flowers, you can also enjoy colorful zinnias and celosia. The beautiful contrast with the refreshing autumn sky makes it a recommended photo spot.

The event features cosmos flower-cutting experiences, traditional performing arts stages, and plenty of water activities like canoeing and SUP on the grounds.

When I visited last year, I tried making steamed bread using autumn delicacy sweet potatoes.

Please visit this autumn-exclusive event where you can experience various activities during Hiroshima Event 2025!

- Date: From mid-September 2025  
- Access: 20-minute walk from JR Geibi Line "Nanatsuka Station" / About 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Hiroshima  
- Admission: Adults 450 yen (free for junior high school students and younger)  
- Website: https://www.bihokupark.jp/special/autumn (2024 version)

Autumn Flower Festival

Source:PR TIMES

At the "Flower Forest" of Sera Kogen Farm, located at an altitude of 450m, 7,200 English roses of 150 varieties bloom magnificently. The noble appearance and elegant fragrance of English roses are autumn's signature feature of Sera Kogen.

Benches and swings are installed throughout the grounds, so you can enjoy resting while viewing the flowers or taking romantic photos as you please.

The gift shop sells various rose goods including rose-flavored sweets and wine. I recommend the elegant rose-scented bath products.

How about taking a leisurely stroll while enjoying autumn flowers under the pleasant climate of Hiroshima Event 2025?

- Date: September 13 - November 3, 2025  
- Access: 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Hiroshima city center (using expressway) / 40 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport  
Direct bus with admission included available only on weekends and holidays from September 27 - October 26. Check website for details  
- Admission: Adults 700-1,200 yen / Children 300-600 yen (prices vary depending on bloom conditions)  
- Website: https://sera.ne.jp/hm/rosefesta-aki/

In autumn Hiroshima, I recommend savoring local sake and specialties while feeling the pleasant breeze. This tour, guided by someone who knows Hiroshima inside and out, visits three popular local izakayas and bars.

My recommendation is the local specialty okonomiyaki restaurant where the chef cooks on a teppan grill right in front of you. Be sure to heartily bite into the freshly grilled okonomiyaki!

At izakayas serving specialties like oysters and hormone tempura, and at back-alley bars, please enjoy interacting with local people during your Hiroshima Event 2025 experience!

- Meeting point: Hacchobori Station  
- Tour area: Nagarekawa Area  
- Start time: 19:00

Click here for more details

Notable Hiroshima Events in October 2025

October in Hiroshima features many traditional festivals and photogenic events. In late October, the leaves begin to change color, making it an attractive time to enjoy autumn foliage.

October is highly recommended for those who want to experience Japanese tradition and rich nature. Here, I'll introduce 6 carefully selected Hiroshima Event 2025 offerings that I've handpicked for October.

Mitsujo Kofun "Light Banquet"

Source:Chugoku Shimbun Digital

The autumn tradition held at "Mitsujo Kofun," Hiroshima Prefecture's largest keyhole-shaped burial mound, is the "Light Banquet." This event, which illuminates the area around the ancient tomb with approximately 3,000 candles, started as part of community revitalization efforts.

The colorful lanterns feature various written characters, making them highly photogenic and recommended for photography. The illuminated ancient tomb allows visitors to rediscover its dynamic scale and grandeur.

Evenings can get a bit chilly, so bringing a jacket is recommended. The historically significant ancient tomb is also enjoyable to explore thoroughly during daylight hours. Please enjoy both day and night experiences!

- Date: October 4, 2025
- Access: From JR Sanyo Main Line "Saijo Station," take the Boulevard Hiroshima University Line bus and get off at "Municipal Central Library" bus stop (5-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://blog.livedoor.jp/hikari_utage/

Setoda Moon Viewing Party

Source:Onomichi Sightseeing Association

One of my favorite autumn Hiroshima Event 2025 experiences is the "Setoda Moon Viewing Party" held on Ikuchi Island. Ikuchi Island is located on the Shimanami Kaido connecting Hiroshima Prefecture's Onomichi City and Ehime Prefecture's Imabari City, and is also known as an "Art Island."

The stage is "Belvedere Setoda," a circular outdoor sculpture floating on the sea. The dances and music performed on stage blend beautifully with the autumn moon and gentle waves.

Please enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime fantastical stage and the romantic moon floating in the night sky!

- Date: October 4, 2025
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take Hiroshima Bus Line 24 and get off at "Peace Memorial Park" bus stop (immediate walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: None

Yoshiura Crab Festival

Source:Kure City Official X

The Yoshiura Crab Festival is an annual festival held at Yoshiura Hachiman Shrine in Kure City."Kani" means "crab" in Japanese, but this isn't a festival for tasting crab. The name originates from the festival timing coinciding with the season when crabs are commonly caught.

This festival is so popular locally that some people return home specifically for this day. The sight of mikoshi (portable shrines) from various neighborhoods gathering and powerfully ascending the shrine's long staircase is truly spectacular!

My highlight is the giant figure called "Bakuro" that runs around wielding bamboo. Please visit this unique festival beloved by locals!

- Date: October 4-6, 2025
- Access: Get off at JR Yoshiura Station (5-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: None

Kameyama Shrine Grand Festival

Source:Official website

Kameyama Shrine in Kure City holds its annual grand festival in October. Many food stalls line the shrine grounds and approach, so please enjoy the festival food as well!

My recommended unique feature is the demon called "Yabu." Yabu, considered a messenger of the gods, has the role of guiding the mikoshi and inspecting rice offerings to the gods. It's said that small children held by Yabu will grow up healthy and strong.

The climax features a performance where the mikoshi loaded with rice bales and Yabu engage in dramatic confrontations.

This Hiroshima Event 2025 is recommended for those who want to experience a unique festival unlike any other.

- Date: October 11-12, 2025
- Access: Get off at JR Kure Line "Kure Station" (15-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kameyama-jinja.com/

Hiroshima Food Festival

Source:Official website

At the "Hiroshima Food Festival," where seafood and mountain delicacies gather, you can savor Hiroshima's autumn flavors.

My favorite is Hiroshima's specialty oysters. Freshly harvested oysters offer creamy, rich umami flavors. Oyster houses also offer all-you-can-eat plans, so please enjoy them paired with local Japanese sake.

Hiroshima's classic confection "Momiji Manju" is also recommended as a souvenir. This castella sponge cake shaped like maple leaves filled with sweet bean paste offers a simple, gentle sweetness that's delicious.

If you want to enjoy Hiroshima's specialties all at once, this Hiroshima Event 2025 is definitely worth visiting!

- Date: Late October 2025
- Venue: Hiroshima Castle surrounding area
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://foodfesta.jp/ (2024 version)

Sake Festival

Source:Official website

The "Sake Festival" is held in Saijo, Higashihiroshima City, one of Japan's three major sake-producing regions. Seven breweries gather around the station area, and on the festival's first day, Shinto rituals are performed at a shrine near the station.

The appeal of this event is that renowned sake from across Japan gathers here. Festival-exclusive sake is also sold, with popular stores forming long lines.

Hiroshima's specialty gansu (fried fish paste mixed with onions) and other foods that pair well with sake are also delicious.

Last year, I participated in an event offering all-you-can-drink access to over 830 types of sake for two and a half hours. Please try various tastings and find your personal favorites!

- Date: October 11-12, 2025
- Access: Get off at JR "Saijo Station" - surrounding area
- Admission: Paid (check website for ticket details)
- Website: https://sakematsuri.com/

If you want to enjoy Hiroshima's city more deeply, why not participate in a tour that includes lunch and a guide? While listening to explanations of history and cultural background that only local guides know, you'll visit Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and other sites.

At Orizuru Tower, please try your hand at making paper cranes, which are symbols of peace. The cute original goods you can buy at the gift shop make great souvenirs.

This is a recommended tour where you can touch upon the real aspects of Hiroshima while walking through this historically rich city.

- Meeting point: Mont-Bell Hiroshima Kamiyacho Store
- Tour Area: Shirakami-sha Shrine／Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum／Phoenix Trees／Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph／Children's Peace Monument／- Atomic Bomb Dome／Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
- Start time: 10:00

Click here for more details

Notable Hiroshima Event 2025 for November

In November in Hiroshima, as winter approaches, illumination events begin early. Also, since there are many ingredients that become delicious in autumn in Japan, there's a phrase "autumn appetite," and events related to this are also held.

We'll also introduce traditional festivals and other events, so please use them as reference for your travel plans!

Ebisu Taisai

Source:Ebisu Street Arcade

"Ebisu Taisai" is a 400-year-old annual festival held at Ebisu Shrine, about 10 minutes by train from Hiroshima Station. The "Ebisu-sama" enshrined at the shrine brings good fortune for business prosperity, and major sales are held in the shopping district near the shrine.

My recommendation is the bamboo rake called "Komazarae" decorated with large gold coins, small gold coins, treasure ships, and other ornaments. After purchasing, you receive purification at the shrine and display it at your store front, which is said to improve business luck.

On the surrounding streets, citizen events such as competitive drumming and dance battles are also held. Please come out to this auspicious event that gets the whole town excited!

- Dates: November 18-20, 2025
- Access: From JR Hiroshima Station, take streetcar or bus to "Ebisu-cho" stop (immediate walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ebisujinja.jp

Daishoin Fire Walking Ceremony

Source:Miyajima Tourist Association

Daishoin is a temple located about a 10-minute walk from the exit of Itsukushima Shrine. It's also known as a power spot on Miyajima, where various Jizo statues with different expressions, considered guardian deities of the land, are enshrined.

The "Fire Walking Ceremony" held in November is a traditional event where monks and worshippers walk barefoot over the remaining embers after burning firewood. This ritual, performed while praying for health and longevity, is said to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune.

I also participated for the first time last year and walked over the fire in a solemn atmosphere. This is a recommended event for people who want to experience Japanese traditions.

- Date: November 15, 2025
- Access: Get off at "Miyajimaguchi Station" on JR Sanyo Main Line, take Miyajima Matsudai Tourist Ferry to Miyajima, then 30-minute walk from "Miyajima Pier"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://daisho-in.com/shunki_taisai.html

Hiroshima Dreamination

Source:Official website

"Hiroshima Dreamination" is where you can feel the arrival of winter earliest. Various places throughout the city, including event plazas and shopping districts, are decorated with illuminations themed around a "fairy tale land."

When I visited last year, the jeweled castle and ice queen objects were popular. When you pass through the wave-shaped illumination tunnel, a fantastical space spreads out as if you've entered a fairy tale world.

The fact that they use recycled materials for objects and are environmentally conscious is also an attractive point. How about creating wonderful memories in this photogenic city?

- Dates: From mid-November 2025~
- Location: Central Hiroshima City
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.dreamination.com/ (2024 version)

Kure Food Festival

Source:Official website

For people who want to enjoy Hiroshima food, please visit this event where over 100 specialty gourmet items originating from Kure gather.

Kure Specialties:
- Niku-Jaga
- Gansu Udon
- Kure Kaiji Curry
- Grilled Oysters
- Gansu Burger

Niku-Jaga is a dish of potatoes, beef, onions, and other ingredients simmered in soy sauce and sugar. Kure's Niku-Jaga is characterized by using May Queen potatoes, which have a moist texture.

My recommendation is "Kure Kaiji Curry," where recipes are learned directly from Maritime Self-Defense Force cooking staff and receive certification. Each store has different recipes, so you can enjoy each unique taste.

Please enjoy until your stomach is full!

- Dates: Early November 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://kurecci.or.jp/2024/10/24/post-2654/ (2024 version)

Onomichi Betcha Festival

Source:Official website

"Onomichi Betcha Festival" is a unique festival designated as intangible folk cultural property.

The main highlight of this festival is when parishioners wearing demon masks walk through the streets chasing children. The demons carry tools called "Sasara," which are bundles of finely split bamboo, and they hit children on the head or poke their bodies.

It's said that being hit by Sasara makes you smarter, and when adults are poked, they'll be blessed with children.

For people who want to participate in this unique festival that has been passed down locally for many years, please go!

- Dates: November 1-3, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station (to Ichinomiya Shrine), and others
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://onomichi-betcha.com/

For efficient sightseeing in Miyajima, which is packed with attractions, we recommend a guided half-day tour. You'll visit places where you can experience Miyajima's unique culture and history, including spiritual power spots like Itsukushima Shrine and Daishoin Temple, as well as museums. 

After fully enjoying the sightseeing, you can enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Hiroshima's local specialties. This tour is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy all the charms of Miyajima.

- Meeting point: Hacchobori Station  
- Tour area: Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine / Miyajima History and Folklore Museum / Daisho-in Temple / Momijidani Park)  
- Start time: 9:30

Click here for more details

2025 Hiroshima Year-End & Winter Events (December)

In December, snowfall increases in the mountainous areas and the cold intensifies significantly. Hiroshima City, located on the coast, has a relatively mild climate, but the average maximum temperature is around 12°C, dropping to around 4°C after sunset. Please dress warmly with thick coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Here we've selected recommended events that mark the arrival of winter. There are Christmas celebrations and traditional Japanese year-end events. Please check the monthly event articles for details such as access information.

Featured Hiroshima Event 2025 Highlights for December

Hiroshima German Christmas Market

Source:Official website

At the event plaza about a 10-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, a winter event inspired by German Christmas is held from late December. It's packed with traditional German Christmas illuminations, Christmas food, and drinks. My personal favorite is enjoying authentic hot wine with the scent of cinnamon.

During the event period, a "Christmas Train" decorated with illuminations inside runs through the city for just one day. Please check the official website for details. Enjoy this precious event where you can experience authentic German atmosphere while in Japan!

- Date: Late December 2025  
- Access: Hiroshima Electric Railway Hakucho Line, get off at "Shukkeien mae" (2-minute walk)  
- Admission: Free  
- Website: https://hiroshima-christmasmarket.jp/

Itsukushima Shrine Fire Prevention Festival

Source:Miyajima Sightseeing Association

If you're spending the year-end in Hiroshima, why not participate in this traditional New Year's Eve event that has continued since ancient times? The "Fire Prevention Festival" held on the beach of Itsukushima Shrine is a traditional ceremony to escape from fire-related disasters.

A large torch is carried by 20-30 people, moving around the shrine area with spirited chants. Small torches lit from the large torch can be taken home as charms for "family safety." The sight of the entire beach enveloped in flames is spectacular!

After the event, why not continue into the new year and make your first New Year's visit at the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine?

- Date: December 31, 2025, from 6:00 PM  
- Access: JR Sanyo Main Line to "Miyajimaguchi Station," then take Miyajima Matsudai Tourist Ferry to Miyajima, 15-minute walk from "Miyajima Pier"  
- Admission: Free  
- Website: https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/

Winter Firefly

Source:Yahoo! News

"Winter Firefly" is my favorite event held in a nature-rich town about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Hiroshima City. These brilliant illuminations are actually made from plastic bottles! The illuminations using approximately 35,000 plastic bottles are all handmade by local volunteers.

The charming appeal lies in the warm atmosphere unique to handmade crafts, including various objects and messages written in light characters. This event started as part of community revitalization efforts - please create wonderful memories here.

- Date: From early December 2025  
- Access: About 15 minutes by car from Sanyo Expressway Mihara Kui IC  
- Admission: Free  
- Website: None

Year-End Purification Ceremony & New Year's Eve Festival at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Source:Official website

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is known as a place that enshrines war victims and offers prayers for peace. The "Shiwasu-Oharae" is a ceremony to purify sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months, allowing visitors to welcome the New Year with a refreshed spirit. This ritual, which preserves ancient traditions, is conducted in a solemn atmosphere.

The subsequent "Joya-sai" (New Year's Eve Festival) features Shinto priests ringing the New Year's Eve bell. The Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve bell) is a traditional New Year's Eve event where the bell is struck 108 times, representing the number of human desires and sufferings in Buddhism.

While general visitors cannot ring the bell at this shrine, why not reflect on the past year while listening to the solemn sound of the bell?

- Date: December 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM  
- Access: 10-minute walk from Astram Line "Kenchomae Station"  
- Admission: Free  
- Website: https://www.h-gokoku.or.jp/

Senkoji Temple New Year's Eve Bell

Source:Official website

At Senkoji Temple in Onomichi, which is also popular as a power spot, general visitors can participate in ringing the New Year's Eve bell. Located on a mountainside, Senkoji Temple offers the attractive feature of breathtaking views overlooking the city of Onomichi from its grounds.

The New Year's Eve bell event starts at 11:30 PM on December 31st. When I participated last year, numbered tickets were distributed around 10:00 PM. Please check the official website for details!

The experience of ringing the New Year's Eve bell at this historic shrine to conclude the year will surely become a precious memory of your Japan trip.

- Date: December 31, 2025  
- Access: Take a bus from JR Onomichi Station and get off at "Nagaeguchi" bus stop  
- Admission: Free  
- Website: http://www.senkouji.info/Events/view/8

As part of the exciting Hiroshima Event 2025 lineup, why not warm yourself with Japanese sake during the increasingly cold December in Hiroshima? By participating in a guided tour, you can taste exquisite Japanese sake at hidden local establishments known only to locals.

This tour visits three different establishments where you can enjoy dishes that pair perfectly with sake, including Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki grilled on iron plates right before your eyes by chefs, and local specialty oysters. If you're unsure about sake pairings, feel free to ask your guide plenty of questions.

For those who want to learn how to truly enjoy delicious Japanese sake, definitely consider participating!

- Meeting Point: Hacchobori Station  
- Tour Area: Nagarekawa Area  
- Start Time: 7:00 PM

Click here for more details

Summary

We've introduced recommended events to enjoy in Hiroshima Event 2025. Did you find any events you'd like to attend?

Hiroshima, with its long history and cultural background, can be understood more deeply by participating in ceremonies and festivals. By interacting with local people, you'll discover new aspects of Hiroshima you never knew existed.

For those who want to savor Hiroshima's specialties and delicious Japanese sake, gourmet-related events are recommended.

Participate in various seasonal events and discover your own unique charm of Hiroshima!