The Complete 2-Days Hiroshima Itinerary: 23 Must-See Attractions, Local Food & Miyajima Island Guide
Hiroshima is a city located in the region of Japan called the Chugoku region. Hiroshima City, the central city of Hiroshima Prefecture, is the only city in the world along with Nagasaki that has experienced nuclear weapon bombing, and there are many spots that wish for peace.
Additionally, Hiroshima is a beautiful land surrounded by rich seas and mountains, with lots of delicious sake and food. Furthermore, there are abundant historic tourist destinations such as Miyajima with its Itsukushima Shrine floating on the sea, and Hiroshima Castle in Hiroshima City.
This time, we will introduce a Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary recommended for those who want to thoroughly enjoy Hiroshima. By referring to this plan, you can efficiently enjoy both Hiroshima City and Miyajima in two days.
If you are planning to visit Hiroshima, please check the article to the end.
For Hiroshima sightseeing, it's recommended to secure at least 2 days
If you want to thoroughly sightsee and enjoy Hiroshima, it's recommended to secure at least 2 days.
The center of Hiroshima is Hiroshima City, located in the western area of Hiroshima Prefecture. Hiroshima City has Peace Memorial Park with the Atomic Bomb Dome, and spots that advocate for peace and nuclear abolition are gathered there.
To visit multiple peace spots in Hiroshima City, secure a full day and tour them with an efficient schedule. We recommend a plan where you visit peace spots during the day and enjoy gourmet food and drinks in the city's entertainment district at night.
Another famous spot in Hiroshima Prefecture is Miyajima, where Itsukushima Shrine is located. If you want to visit Miyajima, it's recommended to secure another full day. With one day available, you can fully enjoy Miyajima with its many attractions.
Also, if you want to visit other cities such as Kure City or Onomichi City (famous for ramen), secure one day each, for a total of 3-4 days.
Day 1: Tour peace-related tourist spots in Hiroshima City
9:00AM: Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome
At 9:00AM, first visit the Atomic Bomb Dome in Peace Memorial Park.
The Atomic Bomb Dome was originally a building constructed in 1915. It was used as an Industrial Promotion Hall for selling and displaying Hiroshima's specialty products.
It was bombed by the nuclear weapon dropped on Hiroshima City on August 6, 1945. The building, which was 160m from the hypocenter, still stands in the same state as when it was bombed.
Currently, it is carefully preserved as a monument to convey the damage of the atomic bomb and to advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons, and many people from around the world have visited over the past 80 years.
I wanted to compare it with the building's appearance before the bombing, so I checked photos of the building from before 1945 on the internet before visiting. When you visit Hiroshima, please definitely visit here first and see it directly.
- Address: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating hours: Available for viewing 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 082-242-7831
- Official website：https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/atomicbomb-peace/163434.html
10:00AM: Enjoy activities and city views at Orizuru Tower
After thoroughly viewing the Atomic Bomb Dome, head to Orizuru Tower around 10:00AM.
Orizuru Tower is a tower right next to the Atomic Bomb Dome. Orizuru refers to cranes folded from origami paper, which are folded in Japan to pray for peace and health. Orizuru Tower was also built as a symbol praying for future peace.
Orizuru Tower has an observation deck without glass that opens toward the outdoors, offering a panoramic view of Hiroshima City. Looking at Hiroshima's cityscape from here, which recovered from the devastating damage of the Atomic Bomb, you should feel hope for peace and regeneration.
Also, when you enter Orizuru Tower, try participating in peace-praying activities. The "Wall of Paper Cranes" on the 12th floor is a place where you can actually make cranes with origami and submit them. Add your origami crane to the wall made of origami cranes created by people from around the world.
- Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating hours: 10:00AM~6:00PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 082-569-6803
- Official website: http://www.orizurutower.jp/
Check out the tenants inside the tower, not just the observation deck!
Source:Official website
Admission to Orizuru Tower is paid. Once you enter, there are tenants other than the observation deck inside, so please check them out.
On the 1st floor, there's a gift shop "Hiroshima IPPIN" where you can buy Hiroshima's specialty products. You can purchase traditional crafts and famous local sweets such as Momiji manju shaped like maple leaves.
My recommendation is the pound cake made with Setouchi Lemon, a specialty grown in the Seto Inland Sea. It's perfect as a souvenir or snack during your trip.
Also, on the same 1st floor, there's a cafe where you can drink beverages made with Hiroshima-grown fruits, and Okonomiyaki Mitchan, a famous okonomiyaki restaurant also introduced in this article, is operating. If you want to take a break before lunch, stopping here is also recommended.
- Address: Inside Orizuru Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating hours: 10:00AM~6:00PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 082-569-6803
- Official website: https://akushucafe.com/organic/
12:00PM: Savor Hiroshima's Specialty Cuisine
At 12:00PM, let's eat the extremely popular gourmet dish that you must try when visiting Hiroshima - Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Okonomiyaki is famous as local cuisine in both Hiroshima and Osaka, with each region having significantly different preparation methods and shapes.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki's main characteristics are its thin wheat flour batter spread like a crepe and the inclusion of noodles as an ingredient. Vegetables, noodles, meat, and egg are placed on top of the batter and grilled.
Here are three recommended Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki restaurants located very close to Peace Memorial Park.
Nagataya
Source:Tabelog
Nagataya is an okonomiyaki specialty restaurant located very close to Peace Memorial Park. It's an extremely popular establishment that always has lines during lunch time, frequented by both locals and travelers.
Nagataya offers 9 types of vegetarian menu options, with 3 of them being vegan-friendly.
The menu is thoughtfully designed for vegetarians, with English descriptions stating that the grill plates are thoroughly cleaned each time before cooking meat-containing okonomiyaki. The staff also provides English support, so feel free to ask any questions you may have.
What I personally appreciated about the okonomiyaki was that the sauce wasn't too thick, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of the vegetables.
Whether you want to eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki very close to Peace Memorial Park, or if you're looking for vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, definitely try Nagataya.
・Address: 1-7-19 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Shigeishi Building 1F
・Business hours: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
・Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
・Phone number: 0822470787
・Official website: http://nagataya-okonomi.com/
Hassei
Source:Tabelog
Hassei is known as a renowned Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki establishment. It's a long-established restaurant beloved by locals, with many travelers visiting from all over Japan and the world.
Despite being a famous restaurant, Hassei's okonomiyaki is surprisingly affordable with generous portions. Watching the owner skillfully grill Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with towering piles of cabbage was like watching a performance.
The okonomiyaki, with its concentrated cabbage umami, is exquisite even without mayonnaise or sauce. Adding a little mayonnaise while eating adds rich flavor and completely changes the impression.
Since it's open until late at night, I recommend returning for dinner if you enjoy it at lunch.
・Address: 4-17 Fujimi-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 AM-2:00 PM, 5:30 PM-11:00 PM
Sunday 5:30 PM-10:30 PM
・Closed: Mondays
・Phone number: 0822428123
・Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/503115965/guang-dao-shi-o-haomi-shaokizhi-ban-shaoki-ba-cheng/
Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori
Source:Official website
Okonomiyaki Mitchan is a famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki restaurant that has been operating for 75 years. It has multiple locations in Hiroshima City, with the main Hatchobori store located less than 20 minutes from Peace Memorial Park.
I ordered the most standard "Soba noodles with meat and egg." The noodles, which are an important ingredient in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, are characteristically thick at Okonomiyaki Mitchan and grilled until crispy. The crispy noodles and surprisingly sweet cabbage combined with the sweet and savory sauce created an exquisite taste.
Okonomiyaki Mitchan also operates on the 1st floor of Orizuru Tower. Since you're planning to return to Peace Memorial Park in the afternoon, those who want to avoid walking can use the Orizuru Tower store.
・Address: 6-7 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Churis Hatchobori 1F
・Business hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, 5:30 PM-9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
・Closed: Irregular holidays
・Phone number: 0822215438
・Official website: https://www.okonomi.co.jp/hatchobori.html
1:00PM: Visit Peace Memorial Park
After finishing lunch, let's return to Peace Memorial Park at 1:00PM.
Peace Memorial Park is located in central Hiroshima City and was built on the site of an area devastated by the atomic bomb.
Within the grounds of Peace Memorial Park, in addition to the Atomic Bomb Dome, there are the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum displaying materials about atomic bomb damage and numerous monuments dedicated to praying for peace.
Among the many monuments, I visited the "Peace Bell" installed in 1964. The bell is engraved with a world map without borders, embodying the wish to "unite the world as one."
I was moved by the sight of many people from around the world waiting in line to ring the bell. If you're interested, please try ringing the bell with wishes for nuclear abolition.
・Address: Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Business hours: 24 hours
・Closed: Irregular holidays
・Phone number: 0825042390
・Official website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/hiroshima-park/7480.html
2:00PM: Tour the Peace Memorial Museum
From 2:00PM, let's tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum displays atomic bombing documents, damage conditions, and belongings of atomic bomb victims.
The damage conditions and suffering from the bombing are expressed in various forms including photographs and displays of belongings, paintings, poetry, video interviews with survivors, and animated recreations of the explosion.
When I first visited as a student, the tour was a shocking and unforgettable experience. What particularly impressed me were the video interviews where I could hear survivors' actual voices, feeling deep sadness that couldn't be expressed in words alone.
While the exhibits include shocking images and content, this is an important site for learning about the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. Please take your time to thoroughly tour the museum.
・Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Business hours: 7:30 AM-8:00 PM (Mondays only 7:30 AM-7:00 PM)
・Closed: Irregular holidays
・Phone number: 0822414004
・Official website: https://hpmmuseum.jp/
For those who want to hear explanations from Hiroshima locals and enjoy tourist spots more deeply, participating in the Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour on day 1 of your Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary is also recommended.
This tour involves spending half a day exploring the city with a local guide born and raised in Hiroshima. You'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome introduced in this article, as well as locally famous atomic bomb sites.
While touring spots related to the atomic bomb, you can directly hear from the guide about how Hiroshima citizens think about the atomic bomb, the city's history, and peace.
Despite the tragic history, you'll surely feel the warm philosophy of Hiroshima's people who, above all, pray for future peace. Participating in this tour will make your first day in Hiroshima City during your Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary even more memorable.
・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
4:30PM: Move to Hiroshima Castle and enjoy the castle grounds and exhibitions
At 4:30PM, move to Hiroshima Castle, which is a 20-minute walk from Peace Memorial Park, and enjoy the historic castle grounds and exhibitions.
Hiroshima Castle was built in the 16th century by the samurai Mouri Terumoto. Mouri Terumoto is a figure beloved by local people as a hero who developed Hiroshima and laid the foundation of the city. The current building was reconstructed in 1958 after being destroyed by the atomic bomb.
The top floor of the castle tower called Tenshukaku serves as an observation deck where you can overlook the entire city of Hiroshima. On clear days, you can even see Miyajima in the distance. However, there is no elevator inside the building, and you need to climb steep stairs to reach the observation deck.
From the 1st to 4th floors, there is a museum displaying samurai swords and helmets, as well as materials about Hiroshima's history. I found the Japanese sword exhibition on the 3rd floor particularly interesting. The forging methods are described in detail, and those who like samurai culture should enjoy it.
The closing time varies depending on the season and operational circumstances. From December to February, the castle may close earlier at 5:00PM or at other early times compared to other seasons, so visitors should check the opening hours on the official homepage.
Hiroshima Castle's Tenshukaku will close on March 22, 2026
The Tenshukaku, which is the main building of Hiroshima Castle, will be closed on March 22, 2026, due to deterioration. Unfortunately, reconstruction plans are currently undetermined.
Instead, a new history museum is scheduled to open within the Hiroshima Castle grounds in 2026. The valuable exhibits currently displayed in the Tenshukaku will be transferred to the museum. Additionally, new and clean shops and restaurants are planned to be developed and opened within the grounds.
The detailed opening dates for the museum and new facilities are currently undetermined. Those visiting Hiroshima in late 2025 to 2026 should check the homepage regularly for the latest information.
- Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0822217512
- Official Homepage: https://www.rijo-castle.jp/
7:00PM: Enjoy dinner & bar hopping in central Hiroshima
On the first evening of your Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary, enjoy dinner and bar hopping in the center of Hiroshima City.
The famous entertainment districts of Hiroshima are Hatchobori, Nagarekawa, and the Hondori Shopping Street area, located in central Hiroshima City near Peace Memorial Park.
I will introduce three Izakaya and Japanese-style restaurants where you can enjoy Hiroshima's specialty gourmet food with alcohol in these entertainment district areas filled with numerous restaurants and bars.
Ekohiiki
Source:Official website
Ekohiiki is an Izakaya restaurant located on Hondori Shopping Street. The Japanese-style interior with white wooden tables and chairs creates a warm, relaxing, and homely atmosphere.
Ekohiiki is a restaurant I recommend to travelers who want to easily try various types of Hiroshima gourmet food. Hiroshima, with its abundant sea and mountains, is a treasure trove of delicious ingredients and has countless specialty gourmet foods that you couldn't finish eating.
At Ekohiiki, a wide variety of oyster dishes are available, along with fried octopus, grilled Conger eel, sardine sashimi, and other specialty gourmet foods from throughout Hiroshima. I enjoyed many seafood gourmet dishes along with the wide variety of Sake, which is also a specialty of Hiroshima.
For those who don't know what to eat for dinner on the first day of their Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary, start by trying various gourmet foods at Ekohiiki.
- Address: 1-7-20 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone Number: 0825453655
- Official Homepage: http://ekohiiki.com/
Tsuki Akari
Source:Official website
Tsukiakari is a Conger eel cuisine restaurant located just a few minutes' walk from Peace Memorial Park.
You can eat various types of Conger eel dishes, including Conger eel rice, which is a local dish of Hiroshima.
Conger eel rice is called "anago meshi" and is a dish where Conger eel grilled with sweet and savory soy sauce is placed on rice. Tsukiakari's Conger eel rice has a refined and gentle flavor with sauce that is not too thick.
As explained by the restaurant staff, adding Japanese pepper or Wasabi significantly changes the taste, allowing you to enjoy various flavors.
The restaurant has an old Japanese townhouse-style atmosphere with private rooms where you can relax comfortably. Takeout is also available, so if you like it, I recommend purchasing some to eat at your hotel.
- Address: 1-8-9 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 0825457777
- Official Homepage: https://in-smart.co.jp/shopinfo/tsukiakari/
Teppan Sho
Source:Table Check
Teppan Sho is also a popular teppanyaki restaurant located immediately near Peace Memorial Park. It has an abundant selection of alcohol and can also be used as an Izakaya, which is a Japanese-style pub.
Teppan Sho is a restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality teppanyaki cuisine casually and affordably. Not only Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, but also Hiroshima beef and oysters can be grilled on the large teppan grill in front of you.
The "Grilled oysters with butter" that I ate was reasonably priced yet used very fresh oysters, with a wonderful butter aroma that made the alcohol go down smoothly.
For those who want to enjoy Hiroshima's specialty foods while drinking alcohol in a lively restaurant, definitely try Teppan Sho.
- Address: 1F Kyokushin Ei Building, 1-1-25 Honkawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0825545448
- Official Homepage: https://www.teppansyo.com/?utm_source=google-mybusiness&utm_medium=referral
Get guided by locals to enjoy bar hopping at "Authentic Restaurants"!
For those who want to enjoy bar hopping in Hiroshima City during their Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary, I also recommend participating in a tour that visits recommended bars and Izakaya with a local guide.
In this tour, you will visit three bars and Izakaya in the entertainment district of Nagarekawa with a guide who knows Hiroshima City's nightlife well. The tour includes three exquisite local gourmet dishes including okonomiyaki and three alcoholic drinks.
Hiroshima, which is also a nationally famous sake production area with many delicious local gourmet foods, is a city with countless Izakaya, which are Japanese-style pubs.
Let a local guide show you around and take you to special restaurants that will satisfy you. You can also learn about delicious ways to drink Hiroshima's Sake, food pairings, and other information that will make your Hiroshima stay more enjoyable.
- Meeting point: Hacchobori station in front of the Gucci shop/6-26 Ebisumachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Tour area:
- Start time: 7:00 PM
Day 2: Enjoy Nature and Traditional Spots in Miyajima Area
9:00AM: Departure from Hiroshima City to Miyajima
Day 2 of your Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary takes you to Miyajima, one of Hiroshima's most famous tourist destinations, where you'll explore the historic temples of Itsukushima Shrine and the island's numerous shrines and temples until evening.
Miyajima is an isolated island floating in the Seto Inland Sea, which faces Hiroshima. From Hiroshima City to Miyajima, you can access it by train + ferry, or by boat.
• From "Hiroshima Station" take Sanyo Line → get off at "Miyajimaguchi Station" → walk → take high-speed boat at JR Miyajima Ferry Terminal → Miyajima... approximately 45 minutes, 820 yen
• Take high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park or Hiroshima Port... Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima approximately 1 hour, 2,200 yen
For train + ferry, you use the train from Hiroshima City to Miyajimaguchi Station where the ferry terminal is located. This is the recommended method as it's inexpensive and doesn't take too much time.
If you want faster access even if the fare is slightly higher, directly use the high-speed boats departing from the boarding area near Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima City or from Hiroshima Port.
10:00AM: Tour Miyajima's Symbol "Itsukushima Shrine"
In Miyajima, first take your time to visit "Itsukushima Shrine," the island's beautiful symbol.
Itsukushima Shrine was founded in the 6th century and is one of Japan's most famous shrines. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1996. The island itself is considered a sacred place where Shinto gods dwell, and Itsukushima Shrine serves as its central location.
The large vermillion Torii gate and shrine buildings appear to float on the sea during high tide. The shrine buildings are constructed in the architectural style of the Heian period, from around the 8th to 12th centuries. The vivid red Torii reflected against the sky and sea, and the graceful shrine buildings show various beauties throughout different seasons and times of day.
Additionally, deer, which are considered sacred animals in Shinto, roam freely, and you can see adorable deer throughout the shrine and island.
• Address: 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Business Hours: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 0829442020
• Official Website: https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/
Check the Tide Schedule in Advance
In Miyajima, you can enjoy completely different scenery depending on the tides.
During high tide, you can see the Torii gate and shrine buildings appearing to float on the sea. During low tide, the seawater around the Torii gate recedes, allowing you to walk to the gate.
High tide and low tide basically occur twice daily in cycles. The tidal schedule changes daily. For example, the planned tidal schedule for 2025 is as follows:
• Spring (April 15): High tide 10:39/23:19, Low tide: 4:48/16:54
• Summer (July 15): High tide: 6:33/20:11, Low tide: 1:17/13:13
• Autumn (October 15): High tide: 3:22/17:45, Low tide: 10:25
• Winter (January 15): High tide: 10:58/22:37, Low tide: 4:24/16:58
Daily tidal schedules can be checked in detail on Itsukushima Shrine's official website. Be sure to check the schedule for the date of your visit in advance.
If you want to enjoy the fantastical view of the shrine buildings appearing to float on the sea, try visiting Itsukushima Shrine during high tide.
Tidal Schedule: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/sio/sio08.php#calendar
(Displayed in Japanese, so please use your browser's translation function to view)
12:00PM: Enjoy Food Walking at Miyajima Omotesandō Shopping Street
Source:Google Maps
When it's 12:00PM lunch time, head to Miyajima Omotesandō Shopping Street where restaurants and gift shops are gathered.
In Miyajima, the standard sightseeing experience is to visit Itsukushima Shrine and stroll around the island while enjoying food walking with exquisite gourmet foods like oysters.
Here, I'll introduce 3 shops where you can buy sweets and light meals perfect for food walking at Omotesandō Shopping Street, and 2 restaurants where you can enjoy a proper lunch.
Momijido Main Store
Source:Tabelog
Miyajima has a famous local sweet called Momiji manju. It's a confection with sweet red bean paste called "An-ko" inside bread shaped like maple leaves. Momijido Main Store is a popular shop that sells Deep-fried Momiji manju, which are Momiji manju that have been crispy fried.
Deep-fried Momiji manju are made by frying the whole manju, resulting in a crispy outer coating while the inner manju becomes steamed and moist, creating a tempura-like deliciousness. The inner paste options include An-ko and cream flavor, as well as cheese, matcha, Seto Inland lemon, and chocolate.
My favorite is the most standard Anko, and the lemon flavor using Seto Inland Sea lemons, which are a specialty of Hiroshima, also has a refreshing taste with acidity that pairs well with the coating. When you go to Omotesandō Shopping Street, definitely try buying several varieties for food walking.
• Address: 448-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 0829442241
• Official Website: http://momijido.shop-pro.jp/
Pettara Pottara Honpo
Source:Tabelog
Pettara Pottara Honpo is a shop where you can buy Pettara Pottara, a light meal that's gaining attention as Miyajima's new local gourmet food. Pettara Pottara is food made with rice cakes with sauce topped with Miyajima-produced oysters or conger eel.
Pettara Pottara has a sticky texture like Mochi, and the outside is well-grilled and crispy. The sweet and savory sauce is well-absorbed, making even just the rice cake portion exquisite. It pairs perfectly with the creamy umami of the oysters on top, creating a taste so delicious you could eat it endlessly.
It's a light meal perfect for eating while strolling around Miyajima. If you want to enjoy food walking with not just sweet treats but also savory light meals, definitely visit Pettara Pottara Honpo.
• Address: 1183-2 Kitanomachi Hama, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 0829442075
• Official Website: https://pettarapottara.com/
Bakery Katsutani-pan
Source:Official website
Bakery Katsutani-pan is a shop that sells various types of sandwiches using bread rolls. There are many sweet flavors that can be eaten as confections with Anko, matcha cream, and fruit cream fillings, as well as unique sandwiches with Okonomiyaki inside bread.
Katsutani, a long-established bakery that originally manufactured Momiji manju, has a reputation for the refined sweetness of their sweet red bean paste (Anko) that they've been making for years. If you want to taste their delicious homemade sweet Anko, order "Katsutani An" or "Matcha bean paste whipped cream."
For those who want sandwiches that will fill them up for lunch, there are chicken sandwiches and sandwiches with fried minced meat croquettes. If you want to eat carefully made, freshly prepared sandwiches, definitely try Bakery Katsutani-pan.
• Address: 465-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Closed: Thursdays
• Phone Number: 08089848640
• Official Website: http://katsutanipan.jp/
Miyajima Sushi Tensen
Source:Official website
Miyajima Sushi Tensen is a restaurant where you can eat sushi made with fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea. The restaurant is located at the end of an alley set back from the main street, creating a luxurious hideaway atmosphere.
At Tensen, you can enjoy sushi courses that abundantly use ingredients unique to Hiroshima. They're particular about using Hiroshima-produced rice and wasabi. I particularly enjoyed the sashimi of conger eel with its crunchy texture and the soft, juicy Hiroshima beef sushi.
The Miyajima oyster soup had a rich flavor with concentrated umami that elevated the entire course to an even higher quality.
The satisfying, luxurious sushi course is reasonably priced compared to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, which is a welcome bonus. If you want to eat sushi for lunch in Miyajima, definitely use Tensen.
• Address: 810-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Business Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Phone Number: 0829441233
• Official Website: http://www.miyajima-tensen.jp/
Miyajima Anago Meshi Mametanuki
Source:Tabelog
Mametanuki is a restaurant where you can eat Conger eel rice, which is a local dish of Miyajima. It operates as an Izakaya where you can enjoy alcohol in the evening, and serves lunch items like Conger eel rice and Japanese set meals during the day.
The most popular lunch item is the luxurious "Conger eel and fried oysters feast set" where you can eat both Miyajima oysters and Conger eel rice. Mametanuki's Conger eel rice is steamed at high temperature with the ceramic bowl, allowing you to enjoy piping hot Conger eel that doesn't cool down while eating.
The fried oysters wrapped in crispy coating also have amazing texture and oozing umami when you bite into them. If you want to casually enjoy Miyajima's specialties - oysters and Conger eel - as a set meal, use Mametanuki for lunch.
• Address: 1133 Miyajima Shopping Street, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: [Not provided in original]
• Official Website: https://miyajima-mametanuki.com/
1:30PM: Enjoy Miyajima's Historical Spots Where Tradition Lives On
In the afternoon, let's visit the various shrines, temples, and museums scattered throughout Miyajima, aside from Itsukushima Shrine. Although you'll need to do quite a bit of walking, if possible, try to thoroughly explore the beautiful temples located on the highlands and mountains.
Hokoku-jinja (Senjokaku Pavilion)
Hokoku-jinja is a shrine built in the 16th century by the famous Japanese samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It's also called "Senjokaku Pavilion" by locals. Compared to Itsukushima Shrine, which has graceful and feminine beauty, this shrine is said to have an architectural style with solemn and masculine beauty.
Senjokaku Pavilion is a very large building, spacious enough to accommodate approximately 850 tatami mats. When I actually entered the building, I was deeply impressed by the sense of openness and tranquility of the vast space.
It's built on a highland overlooking Itsukushima Shrine, and from the building you can view the entire island and the sea. After visiting Itsukushima Shrine, first enjoy the serene beauty at Senjokaku Pavilion.
- Address: 1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0829442020
- Official Website: https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/jp/setumatusya.html#setumatusya05
Daishoin
Daishoin is a Buddhist temple founded in the 9th century. Located on Mount Misen, a 535-meter mountain on Miyajima, it's the oldest temple on the island.
Once you step inside, you'll find countless Buddhist statues and stone statues of protective deities called Jizo, creating a unique atmosphere. When I visited, the small stone statues were wearing colorful knit caps and bibs, creating a very cute and heartwarming scene.
Small temples are scattered throughout the grounds, and one particular temple called Ichigan Daishi, which is said to grant one wish, is especially popular as a spiritual hot spot.
Since Daishoin is located up slopes and stairs from Itsukushima Shrine, you'll need to do quite a bit of walking. The temple on the mountain offers surprisingly beautiful views, so if you're confident in your physical stamina, definitely try exploring.
- Address: 210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0829440111
- Official Website: https://daisho-in.com/
Miyajima History and Folklore Museum
Source:Google Maps
Miyajima History and Folklore Museum displays exhibits about Miyajima's unique history and cultural life. It showcases daily life items and crafts such as old rickshaws and mailboxes.
What I personally found very interesting was the exhibit about the famous samurai clan, the Heike clan, which is very important to Miyajima's history. The Heike clan held the greatest power in Japan in the 12th century and were known for their devoted worship of Itsukushima Shrine.
Their history and battles are presented in an easy-to-understand manner, even for those who don't know detailed Japanese history. The grounds also feature a small, charming garden filled with greenery. If you want to thoroughly understand Miyajima's history, definitely visit here.
- Address: 57 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone Number: 0829442019
- Official Website: http://members.fch.ne.jp/miyajima-rekimin/
If you want to enjoy Miyajima efficiently, participating in a tour where you can explore the island with local guidance is also recommended.
The Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour takes 5.5 hours to visit major tourist spots with a local guide who knows Miyajima well. It includes lunch made with Hiroshima ingredients.
You'll visit Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin (Miyajima's oldest temple introduced in this article), Miyajima History and Folklore Museum, and more. You'll also tour Momijidani, where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage and natural scenery in other seasons, allowing you to efficiently sightsee Miyajima's many attractions in half a day.
Listen directly to stories about Miyajima's history and culture from a local guide while sightseeing - this island is considered the dwelling place of Shinto deities and has attracted devoted worship since ancient times. This tour is recommended for those who want to visit major tourist spots in a short time and gain a thorough understanding of Miyajima.
- 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
5:00PM: Return to Itsukushima Shrine and Enjoy Its Different Appearance from the Morning
Return to Itsukushima Shrine again at 5:00 PM to enjoy the beautiful evening scenery. Miyajima's tides basically repeat high and low tide cycles approximately every 6 hours. In the evening, you can see a different state of the sea and scenery than what you saw in the morning.
When I visited, it happened to be high tide in the evening, so I could see the sun setting across the water, with the sea around the shrine and the sky turning orange.
Until 5:00 PM, there are many tourists creating a lively atmosphere, but after 5:00 PM, it gradually becomes less crowded and quieter. When it becomes quiet, you can even hear the sound of waves washing against the shrine, creating a truly mystical atmosphere.
After 5:00 PM when it gets dark, the Torii gate is also illuminated. If you want to thoroughly enjoy the nighttime scenery, staying on the island until a bit later is also recommended.
This section perfectly complements any **Hiroshima 2-days Itinerary**, offering visitors a comprehensive afternoon and evening experience of Miyajima's cultural treasures and natural beauty.
7:00PM: Return to Hiroshima City and Enjoy Exquisite Food Again
At 7:00PM, return to Hiroshima City and enjoy Hiroshima's local gourmet and exquisite food again.
What I would like to recommend for dinner on the second day is to try Hiroshima local gourmet that you haven't eaten yet during the 2 days. For example, Sea Urchin and Spinach is a dish that has been attracting attention in recent years as "new Hiroshima local gourmet."
If you liked the food or restaurants you ate on the first day, you may visit them again. Here, I will introduce 3 restaurants where you can eat many more Hiroshima local gourmet dishes.
Sea Urchin and Spinach
Sea Urchin and Spinach has been gaining popularity in recent years as Hiroshima's hidden local gourmet.
"Sea Urchin and Spinach" is a dish where sea urchin and boiled spinach are stir-fried with butter and soy sauce seasoning. The sea urchin is often fresh, caught from the Seto Inland Sea facing Hiroshima.
The mild and elegant sea urchin pairs well with the richness of butter, and since it can be enjoyed with alcohol, it's a beloved menu item at Izakayas.
Kappou Hakutaka
Source:Official website
The restaurant said to have created Sea Urchin and Spinach is the authentic Japanese restaurant Kappou Hakutaka. It's a long-established restaurant that has been operating in Hiroshima for over 60 years and is a renowned establishment selected for one Michelin star.
Kappou Hakutaka is basically a restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality Japanese course meals. However, it can also be used for enjoying single dishes and alcohol, and their very popular "Stir-fried raw sea urchin and spinach with butter" can also be ordered as a single dish.
Hakutaka's sea urchin has no fishy smell at all, and its mild flavor combines with butter and spinach for a very elegant taste.
The restaurant is currently temporarily closed due to relocation. It is scheduled to reopen in early September 2025 or later. Those who want to eat exquisite Sea Urchin and Spinach should visit Hakutaka after September.
(Post-relocation address)
・Address: 1st Floor, Rex Building No. 1, 1-14 Horikawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Business hours: 6:00PM~10:00PM
・Regular holiday: Sunday
・Phone number: 0822410927
・Official website: https://www.hiroshima-hakutaka.com/
Shirunashi Tantanmen (Dry Dandan Noodles)
Dry Dandan noodles are a Japanese-style adaptation of Chinese Sichuan cuisine.
In Japan, Dandan noodles with soup were originally eaten as popular Chinese cuisine. Among these, Dry Dandan noodles adapted in Japanese style were born in Hiroshima and became a nationally popular dish as local gourmet.
Currently, Dry Dandan noodles are eaten throughout Japan, with many arrangements and seasonings at each restaurant.
Shirunashi Dan Dan Noodle KISAKU
Source:Tabelog
Shirunashi Dan Dan Noodle KISAKU in Hiroshima City is the restaurant said to have created Dry Dandan noodles. The interior is impressive with slightly dark lighting and traditional decor, filled with heat.
The only menu item served at the restaurant is "Dry Dandan noodles." It's a very simple dish with noodles topped with green onions, spices, and ground meat. You can clearly taste the sansho pepper, with a tingling spicy sensation. I felt so hot that sweat poured out while eating, but the satisfaction after eating was also abundant.
At KISAKU, business hours and holidays may change according to the restaurant's convenience, so visitors need to be careful. If you're interested in the birthplace of Dry Dandan noodles, which are now very popular throughout Japan, please check it out.
・Address: Sasaki Building, 5-13 Funairikawaguchi-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Business hours: 11:00AM~2:00PM, 6:00PM~9:00PM (Sundays only 11:00AM~3:00PM)
・Regular holiday: Wednesday
・Phone number: 0822310317
・Official website: https://sites.google.com/view/kisaku/
Onomichi Ramen
Onomichi Ramen is a local ramen beloved in Onomichi City, Hiroshima.
Onomichi Ramen is characterized by a soup made from small fish broth caught in the Seto Inland Sea and chicken bones, with minced back fat added. The soup is seasoned with soy sauce and offers a unique rich flavor.
Actually, there are restaurants where you can eat the nationally popular Onomichi Ramen in Hiroshima City without going to Onomichi City. I'll introduce a famous Onomichi Ramen restaurant that I often use.
Onomichi Ramen AKATSUKI
Source:Tabelog
Onomichi Ramen AKATSUKI is a ramen restaurant in the center of Hiroshima City. It's a popular restaurant for eating authentic Onomichi Ramen within Hiroshima City.
I always order the standard "Onomichi Ramen" for 750 yen. The surprisingly hot soup contains many large chunks of minced back fat. The fish broth and soy sauce flavors are strong and addictive, and once you start eating, you finish it all at once.
The generous amount of green onions on top suppresses the richness and provides a refreshing aftertaste, which is a nice point. You can also order large portions or spicy versions of Onomichi Ramen.
Ramen lovers should definitely check out AKATSUKI, where you can eat local ramen without going to Onomichi City.
・Address: 1F Nishitaya Building, 8-24 Teppo-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Business hours: 11:30AM~10:00PM
・Regular holiday: Irregular holidays
・Phone number: 0825118177
・Official website: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/onomichi.akatsuki/
