Hiroshima Events January 2026: New Year Festivals, Illuminations & Traditional Experiences
Hiroshima prefecture is a regional city with a population of approximately 2.5 million people. While the central area presents an urban landscape with tall buildings lining the streets, a 15-minute train ride will take you to the countryside rich in nature.
Hiroshima is the perfect city for strolling through lively streets, enjoying traditional culture, and connecting with nature.
This time, we will introduce events you can enjoy in Hiroshima in January. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to make their January trip to Hiroshima a special memory.
Table of Contents
-Traditional Events Taking Place in Hiroshima in January 2026
-Illumination Events Coloring the Streets of Hiroshima Only During This Season in January 2026
-Special Experiences Unique to Hiroshima Events in January 2026
Traditional Events Taking Place in Hiroshima in January 2026
Hatsumode
Hatsumode is a traditional Japanese custom of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time after the new year begins to pray for happiness throughout the year.
While shrines are typically lively with food stalls until around January 3rd, you can still visit shrines and temples for Hatsumode until around January 15th.
The worship methods differ between shrines and temples, but this time we will introduce the more common shrine worship etiquette.
1.Toss in your offering (one 5-yen coin is standard)
2.Ring the bell
3.Bow deeply twice, then clap your hands twice
4.Make your wish while keeping your hands together
5.Bow deeply once
Please find a shrine that suits your preferences from the ones we will introduce below and pay a visit.
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Hiroshima-Gokoku-Jinja Shrine is located within the Hiroshima Castle grounds, right next to the Tenshukaku (the main building of the castle).
Hiroshima-Gokoku-Jinja Shrine is a classic Hatsumode spot in Hiroshima, with an expected 600,000 worshippers during the three days from January 1st to 3rd. Food stalls selling Hiroshima specialties such as okonomiyaki and oysters will be set up, creating a lively atmosphere.
For those who want to feel the excitement of the crowds and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Japanese New Year, Hiroshima-Gokoku-Jinja Shrine is highly recommended.
<Information>
Address: 21-2 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
Hours: 24 hours (Prayer reception: 9:00-16:00)
Closed: None
Phone: 082-221-5590
Official Website: https://www.h-gokoku.or.jp/
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its torii gate built over the sea. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hiroshima and is also recommended for Hatsumode.
Itsukushima Shrine has a history of nearly 1,500 years, and various traditional Shinto rituals are held during the New Year. For example, bugaku (known as one of the oldest forms of court music, enjoyed together with traditional dance) is performed, making it especially recommended for those who want to experience traditional Japanese ceremonies.
If you are interested in traditional Japanese Shinto rituals and Hatsumode, please visit Itsukushima Shrine.
<Information>
Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Hours: January 1st: 0:00-18:30/ January 2nd-3rd: 6:30-18:30/ January 4th-End of February: 6:30-17:30/ March 1st-October 14th: 6:30-18:00/ October 15th-November 30th: 6:30-17:30/ December 1st-December 31st: 6:30-17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 0829-44-2020
Official Website: https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/index.html
Hiroshima Toshogu
Hiroshima Toshogu has relatively fewer Hatsumode visitors compared to the two shrines introduced above.
Therefore, it is the perfect place to worship at a leisurely pace and enjoy the shrine buildings themselves. Although much of Hiroshima Toshogu was lost to history, some structures such as the gate actually remain in their original form from when they were first built in 1648.
Hiroshima Toshogu is the perfect place to slowly explore the grounds and experience Japanese tradition from both architectural and cultural perspectives.
<Information>
Address: 2-1-18 Futabanosato, Higashi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Hours: 6:10-19:00 (Amulet office: 9:00-16:00)
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 082-261-2954
Official Website: https://www.hiroshima-toshogu.or.jp/
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine Tondo Festival
Source:Official website
At Hiroshima-Gokoku-Jinja Shrine, which we introduced earlier, the Tondo Festival held every year on January 15th is also a must-see.
The highlight of the Tondo Festival is the giant bonfire lit using traditional methods. The flames blazing with rising smoke are truly spectacular.
During this time, old amulets and paper charms can be burned, which is the main purpose of the Tondo Festival. Amulets and charms are not simply purchased and forgotten; after they have served their purpose, they must be returned to the gods with gratitude.
I also have my amulets burned at the Tondo Festival every year. It is a wonderful time to express gratitude for having a good year thanks to the gods and to strengthen my resolve for the coming year.
Additionally, as the flames settle down, mochi (rice cakes) are also grilled. There is a legend that eating them will keep you healthy for the entire year, so please give them a try.
<Information>
Date: January 15th every year
Access: 10-minute walk north from Astramline Kenchomae Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.h-gokoku.or.jp/saijigyoji/
Saito Goma (Saikokuji Temple)
Source:Official website
At Saikokuji Temple, a Firewalking ritual is held every year on January 8th. This involves burning cypress branches and firewood to create a path of fire, which participants then walk across.
It is performed to pray for business prosperity, family safety, and good health. Watching the monks walk through the blazing flames, I felt both amazement and a solemn sense of reverence.
After the monks finish crossing and the fire settles down, we ordinary visitors can also experience it. Perhaps because I was toward the back of the line, I barely felt any sensation of "hot" or "painful."
However, because it is such a solemn ritual, after crossing the fire, I felt as though my resolve for the new year had solidified.
It may be a little scary, but if you try it, I believe you will come away with positive feelings.
<Information>
Date: January 8th every year
Access: 8-minute walk from bus stop "Saikokuji-shita"
Admission: Free (Experience requires 1,500 yen)
Website: https://www.saikokuji.jp/gyoji/
Let Local Guides Show You Around Hiroshima to Deeply Learn and Enjoy Its Traditions and History!
If you are visiting Hiroshima, we recommend joining a Magical Trip tour where local guides will show you around. By weaving in stories that only locals know, they will introduce you to the historical remnants, customs, and legends that remain in places that may appear ordinary at first glance.
The Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour takes you around Miyajima, a hugely popular tourist destination, while learning about the faith that remains on Miyajima—an island where Itsukushima Shrine is located and is also called the "Island of the Gods."
The Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites takes you through the city of Hiroshima, which suffered tremendous damage from the atomic bomb during World War II.
This tour allows you to get closer to the inner spirit of Hiroshima's people by learning how they overcame their sorrow and continue to spread the message as a city of peace.
Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour
Meeting point: In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station
Tour area: Miyajima
Start time: 9:30
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Meeting point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station
Tour area: Hiroshima
Start time: 10:00
Illumination Events Coloring the Streets of Hiroshima Only During This Season in January 2026
Hiroshima Dreamination 2025
Source:Official website
When Hiroshima Dreamination begins, glittering fairy-tale lands appear in various locations throughout the city, centered around Peace Blvd, Hiroshima's main street.
The attractive point of Hiroshima Dreamination is that you can not only view the illuminations but also step inside them. My favorite is the golden castle. When you go inside, the walls and ceiling shine so brightly that it makes you feel very excited.
You can also take wonderful photos. I visited in November this year (2025). My best shots this year are a photo that looks like I am riding a colorfully glowing train, and a photo that looks like I am inside the mouth of a large whale.
This is an attractive place where you can not only "see" the fairy-tale land but also "experience" it.
<Information>
Dates: November 17 (Mon), 2025 – January 3 (Sat), 2026
Access: Immediately from Fukuromachi Station to the main area
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.dreamination.com/
Winter Illumination 2025-2026 Bihoku Illumi
Source:Official website
During the Winter Illumination period, the entire Bihoku Hillside Park shines brightly. The attractive point is that different styles of illuminations are arranged throughout the park, so you can feel like you are wandering through a land of lights as you walk around the park.
By the way, my top recommendation is the field of lights. Approximately 400,000 LED lights illuminate the entire ground like a flower field. I recommend viewing it from a slightly elevated position so you can see the whole scene.
During the event period, there are several days when fireworks are launched, so I recommend visiting on a day with fireworks. The combination of the illuminated ground and the fireworks brightening the night sky is spectacular.
Since the air is clear in winter, the lines of light appear sharper compared to summer fireworks, and the contrast with the night sky feels more vivid, which is another attractive point.
<Information>
Dates: November 1 (Sat), 2025 – January 12 (Mon, national holiday), 2026
*There are closed days, so please check the official website.
Access: 6-minute walk from Hillside Park North Entrance
Admission: Adults 450 yen, Children (junior high school students and under) free, Seniors (65 and over) 210 yen
Website: https://www.bihokupark.jp/special/act/winter/3208
Higashihiroshima Towaie 2025-2026
Source:Higashiru
Higashihiroshima Towaie is a Hiroshima event held in January 2026 at Saijo Central Park, where a small park is adorned with approximately 100,000 lights.
Higashihiroshima Towaie is more popular among locals than tourists. It has a very warm atmosphere and feels very comfortable.
Many families visit, and sitting on a bench watching the illuminations while listening to children playing happily gives you a peaceful and happy feeling. There is also playground equipment in the park, so it is recommended for families with small children.
Additionally, Higashihiroshima is a town famous for Japanese sake, which is produced right near Saijo Central Park. The street lined with traditional sake breweries is very popular.
My recommended way to enjoy this area is to explore the traditional Japanese streets while it is still light, have dinner, and then enjoy the modern illuminations after dark.
<Information>
Dates: November 21 (Fri), 2025 – January 12 (Mon, national holiday), 2026
Access: 8-minute walk from JR West Saijo Station
Admission: Free
Special Experiences Unique to Hiroshima Events in January 2026
First Sunrise (Mt. Takatani Sea of Fog Observatory)
Hatsuhinode (first sunrise) refers to the very first sunrise of the new year—the sun that rises on the morning of January 1st. In Japan, this is considered highly auspicious, and there is a tradition of going to see Hatsuhinode to wish for happiness throughout the year.
I also go to see Hatsu Hinode every year. The most unforgettable Hatsuhinode of my life was the one I saw from Mt. Takatani Sea of Fog Observatory. The Sea of Fog is a mystical landscape where clouds spread out like an ocean.
It can only be seen when multiple weather conditions are met, but I was lucky. I will never forget the moment when Hatsuhinode began to rise, the clouds gradually turned crimson, and the Sea of Fog faintly emerged.
I truly want everyone to experience the emotion of watching the colors of the sky and the clouds spread across the landscape slowly change, and the moment when the bright light of the sun finally appears.
<Information>
Date: Early mornings from September to March
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Miyoshi Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.miyoshi-dmo.jp/play/takataniyama/
Hiroshima Gate Park NEW YEAR PARK
Source:Official website
Hiroshima Gate Park New Year Park is a Hiroshima event in January 2026 where you can enjoy traditional Japanese New Year customs.
For example, you can fly traditional Japanese-style kites or play with kendama, a traditional toy.
Kendama, also called a Japanese juggling toy, involves catching a ball connected by string onto a handle. You can not only try kendama yourself but also watch performances by skilled performers.
After trying it yourself, you will appreciate how impressive the performers truly are. Additionally, food trucks serving dishes commonly eaten during New Year will be there. Please enjoy the exquisite traditional Japanese New Year foods.
Why not experience a traditional Japanese New Year firsthand? This event can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but it is especially recommended for children.
<Information>
Date: January 10 (Sat) – January 12 (Mon), 2026
Access: 1-minute walk from "Atomic Bomb Dome Mae" station on the Hiroshima Electric Railway
Admission: Free
Website: https://gate-park.jp/3646/
Fukuyama Oyster Festival 2026
Hiroshima is also known as a famous oyster-producing region. The Fukuyama Oyster Festival is where you can enjoy freshly harvested Hiroshima oysters to your heart's content.
Every year, more than 50 restaurants and food trucks participate, offering a wide variety of oyster dishes including fried oysters and stewed dishes.
Everything is delicious, but for me, the best is still the simple grilled oysters. The briny aroma of freshly harvested oysters is irresistibly delicious, and I find myself ordering more and more, thinking "just one more, and then I'll stop..."
Another attractive feature is the all-you-can-stuff oyster bags for 1,000 yen (approximately 6.5 USD, 5.5 EUR). As an oyster lover, I get a numbered ticket every year to participate in the all-you-can-stuff challenge.
In addition to oyster dishes, there are also dishes made with Hiroshima specialty products and street performances, creating a fun atmosphere throughout the area. Please come and visit this exciting Hiroshima event in January 2026.
<Information>
Date: TBD (In 2025, it was held on January 26 (Sun))
Access: About 5 minutes walk from "Fukuyama Station" on the JR Sanyo Main Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://ines-fukuyama.jp/event/985/ (2025)
Ines Fukuyama
Address: 1-1 Higashisakura-machi, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Miya-dori
Address: 1-4 Nobuhiro-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Numbered ticket distribution start time: 9:30~
All-you-can-stuff start time: 10:00~
Hisamatsu-dori
Address: 5 Nobuhiro-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Numbered ticket distribution start time: 10:30~
All-you-can-stuff start time: 11:00~
Fukuyama Tenmaya
Address: 1-1 Motomachi, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Numbered ticket distribution start time: 12:30~
All-you-can-stuff start time: 13:00
NEWCASPA
Address: Sannomaru-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Numbered ticket distribution start time: 11:30~
All-you-can-stuff start time: 13:00~
When You Come to Hiroshima, Immerse Yourself in an Authentic Dining Experience at Restaurants Loved by Locals!
The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is a tour where you can savor the culinary delights of Hiroshima while visiting three different establishments.
The first stop is an Okonomiyaki plate (Japanese style pancake) restaurant. You can watch the cooking being done right in front of you, which deepens your understanding of Hiroshima and Japanese food culture.
At the second and third stops, you can eat whatever interests you from a wide selection at izakaya (Japanese-style bars) recommended by locals. You can tell the guide your food preferences and mood to try Japanese dishes tailored to your taste, or you can experience dishes you have always wanted to try.
Allergies and vegetarian options are accommodated, so please let your guide know.
The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is an attractive tour where you can enjoy food in your own way while relying on the guide's extensive knowledge. It is recommended for those who want to experience a wide range of Hiroshima and Japanese cuisine.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: In front of the Gucci display outside Hiroshima Fukuya dept. store, near Hatchobori station
Tour area: Hiroshima
Start time: 19:00
