Hiroshima is one of Japan’s most well known cities, for obvious reasons. Hiroshima does have a dark past but this city rose from the ashes to become a beautiful, lively, and well respected city. Hiroshima City is an easy city to explore with most of the attractions being within walking distance from the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Hiroshima deserves minimum one day of exploring if not two. After successfully visiting what Hiroshima has to offer there are so many day trips from Hiroshima that are worthwhile. Just a couple of hours or less, you can see towns and attractions like the Floating Torri Gate at Miyajima or take a ferry to Okunoshima and pet hundreds of wild rabbits. In this post, I’ve outlined 10 of my favorite day trips from Hiroshima.
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I used to live in Iwakuni and have frequented Hiroshima many times. Since living in Okinawa, I’ve traveled to Hiroshima a few times and have explored Hiroshima and the surrounding prefectures extensively. The 10 day trips from Hiroshima listed below are my most recommended trips from the city of Hiroshima. The list includes everything from nature to larger cities. The day trips listed below are in order from closest to farthest away from Hiroshima.
1. Miyajima
About 21 Km or 25 minutes south of Hiroshima is Itsukushima, otherwise known as Miyajima. Miyajima can be accessed from Hiroshima by car or street car. Once at the ferry port, it is a quick 10 minute ferry ride to the island of Miyajima.
Miyajima is considered to be one of Japan’s 3 most scenic sites and is home to Itsukushima Jinja Otorii (Grand Floating Torii Gate). The Floating Torii Gate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is built in the water. Depending on the tides but at high tide the Torii Gate appears to be floating in the ocean.
Miyajima deserves a day in itself. For a small island, there is so much to do and see here. For people that love hiking, you can hike to the top of Mt. Misen and get amazing panoramic views of the area to include Hiroshima City off in the distance. One of my all time favorite temples in Japan, Daisho-in is at Miyajima and the beautiful Toyokuni Shrine and 5-storied Pagoda is not to be missed.
You might notice to that there are a lot of wild deer at Miyajima. The deer are cute and small and many tend to hang out near the ferry port and town area. Be cautious as they tend to sneak food from people not paying attention. Like all wild animals you may encounter in nature. Don’t feed them and enjoy them from a distance, although easier said then done!
2. Kure
24 Km or 30 minutes from Hiroshima is the port city of Kure. Kure is an easy drive from Hiroshima, but visitors can also take the Kure Line from Hiroshima Station. There is also a ferry that goes back and forth between Hiroshima Port and Kure.
If you love maritime museums then Kure is right down your alley! Kure is home to the JMSDF Kure Museum and Kure Maritime Museum. It’s worth it to walk around the port area, you might catch a glimpse of some of the ships and submarines docked.
3. Iwakuni
Iwakuni, my second home is one of the most recommended places to visit if staying in Hiroshima. Iwakuni is very accessible from Hiroshima by either car or train.
Iwakuni deserves a day to explore. There are many famous sites around the Iwakuni area to include the Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni Castle, and Kikko Park. Don’t forget to try an unusual ice cream flavor at one of the ice cream shops near the Kintai Bridge.
For more information on Iwakuni, whether it be sites to see, restaurants to try, stunning hikes, or just general tips and recommendations, I have a post series, Guide to Iwakuni.
4. Takehara
About 1 hour away from Hiroshima is the quaint and quiet town of Takehara. Takehara is one of the towns Jill and I stopped in for a quick breather while on our bike trip after cycling the Shimanami Kaido.
Takehara has a historical district with traditional buildings dating back to the Edo period. Saihoji Temple was a highlight of our brief stop in Takehara. Saihoji Temple is a Buddhist Temple built on the hillside.
5. Rabbit Island
Okunoshima, better known as “Rabbit Island”, is a popular tourist destination especially for families with younger children.
Just over an hours drive from Hiroshima is Tadanoumi Port. From here, visitors can take a quick 12 minute ferry ride to Okunoshima. Once on the island, the rabbits that call Okunoshima home are the stars of the show. There are approximately 900 wild rabbits here and they are all adorable! In fact, you can purchase rabbit food at Tadanoumi Port to feed the little bunnies.
The rabbits are scattered throughout the island, there is a nice trail that circulates the island, so make sure to keep food for some of the rabbits that are farther from port. The rabbits are quite friendly, they have no problem with ganging up on us humans to beg for food and pets.
There are also WWII sites around the island, a hotel, museum, and a café/restaurant.
6. Onomichi
Onomichi is a popular destination, mainly due to the fact that it is the beginning or ending location for the Shimanami Kaido. Onomichi does make for a great day trip from Hiroshima as there is plenty to do and see here. Driving distance is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Hiroshima. There is also a train that connects the cities.
Onomichi lies on the Seto Inland Sea but is surrounded by hills and mountains. The town is somewhat built on the hillside, so be prepared to walk!
When in Onomichi, it is recommended to visit the temples and Cat Alley. Cat Alley is a part of town that has become popular amongst cat enthusiasts due to the many stray but well cared for cats and the many cat themed cafes and decorations here.
7. Fukuyama
Not far from Onomichi and one of my favorite day trips from Hiroshima is a visit to the Castle town of Fukuyama. Fukuyama is accessible by train, shinkansen, and driving.
I love Fukuyama, because it is the perfect day trip destination. There is just enough to do here for an entire day but I feel two days is a bit much unless planning on visiting outside attractions
My main recommendation for Fukuyama is to visit Fukuyama Castle. The castle here is not original but still impressive and the ground surrounding the castle are gorgeous.
I also recommend a visit to Kusadoinari Shrine. Kusadoinari Shrine is unique because of the architecture and color.
8. Bihoku Hillside Park
About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hiroshima is Bihoku Hillside Park. This is a nice day trip from Hiroshima as it’s something completely different then cities and towns like the other trips on the list.
Bihoku Hillside Park has a great mix of flower fields, open air museums, nature walks, plenty of playgrounds and activities for kids.
For an up to date list of attractions and events, it is recommended to visit the National Bihoku Hillside Park Website.
9. Kurashiki
One of the more underrated destinations in Japan and an easy day trip from Hiroshima is the historic canal town of Kurashiki.
Kurashiki is an ancient merchant town that is built up around canals. Kurashiki is very walkable as most the attractions are centered around the canal district.
My main recommendation for Kurashiki is to simply walk around the historic down center, walk the small alley ways, hike up to the shrines on the hillside, and maybe take a canal tour if that is your thing! There are many souvenir shops within the historic center and great restaurants!
10. Okayama
Just over a 2 hour drive from Hiroshima is the city of Okayama. Okayama is a large city that deserves a minimum of a day to explore if not a couple, but you can easily see the highlights in a single day trip from Hiroshima. The main highlights of Okayama include Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden.
Okayama Castle is known as the Crow Castle because its black color. I consider this to be one of the most beautiful castles in Japan but the inside is a bit of a let down. The inside of the castle is modern and as no real castle vibe to it, I’d recommend just enjoying it from the outside.
Korakuen Garden is considered to be one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Conclusion
Whether you are interested in seeing the Floating Torii Gate at Miyajima or petting cute rabbits at Rabbit Island, there are many day trips from Hiroshima that allow visitors to explore the surrounding region. If you are in to nature, WWII history, or simply want to see more of Japan, these day trips from Hiroshima are highly recommended.
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