Hiroshima on a Budget: The Ultimate 5-Day Guide

Explore Hiroshima without sacrificing your budget.

21 June 2023

With a limited budget, a trip to Hiroshima, Japan can still be enjoyed. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, explore the city's temples and gardens, and indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake. Stay at a budget-friendly hostel or capsule hotel to save on accommodations.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Hiroshima

  • Check-in at K's House hostel, a budget-friendly accommodation centrally located with friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing.
  • See the A-bomb Dome, a haunting reminder of the destruction caused by the bomb.
  • Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with meat, vegetables, and noodles, cooked right at your table.
  • Stroll through Hondori Shopping Arcade and visit the arcades and souvenir shops in the area.
Day 2

Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

  • Take the ferry to Miyajima Island, known for its picturesque Itsukushima Shrine and wild deer roaming free.
  • Walk through the gates of Itsukushima Shrine and witness the striking view of the iconic "floating" torii gate across the ocean.
  • Visit the Daisho-in Temple with its many halls and pagodas, and marvel at the colorful prayer flags adorning the premises.
  • Take a cable car to the top of Mount Misen for an unforgettable panoramic view of the island and beyond.
  • Taste the local specialty, momiji manju, a sweet cake filled with red bean paste shaped like a maple leaf.
Day 3

Samurai History and Shukkeien Garden

  • Explore Hiroshima Castle and its museum, where you can learn about the city's samurai history and see artifacts such as armor and swords.
  • Take a stroll through Shukkeien Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city with ponds, bridges, and teahouses.
  • Satisfy your hunger with Hiroshima-style tsukemen, a type of dipping ramen with thick noodles, pork, and soy sauce-based broth.
  • Visit the Mazda Museum to see the company's history of innovation and design.
  • Feel like a local by hopping on a streetcar and observing the daily life of Hiroshima's inhabitants.
Day 4

Hiroshima Street Food and Nightlife

  • Wake up early to see the traditional fish market, Mugishima, and try fresh seafood such as oysters and sardines.
  • Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or sushi rolls.
  • Walk around the entertainment district of Nagarekawa and enjoy drinks and karaoke in the local bars.
  • Try Hiroshima-style yakitori, skewered chicken cooked over charcoal, at a local izakaya.
  • Stroll along the riverside and enjoy the shimmering lights of the city at night.
Day 5

Day Trip to Onomichi and Tomonoura

  • Take a train to Onomichi, a charming port town known for its scenic streets and temples.
  • Walk up the scenic Temple Walk, visiting temples, shrines, and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
  • Take a boat ride to Tomonoura, a quiet fishing village with historical sites such as Fukuzenji Temple and a preserved Edo-era landscape.
  • Taste the locally sourced oysters and seafood, and indulge in the sweet-themed souvenir shops before returning to Hiroshima.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or Hiroshima-style tsukemen before departing the city.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hiroshima by plane is to fly into Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya.

Car

If you are driving to Hiroshima, the easiest way is to use the Sanyo Expressway. It is connected to major cities in Japan and it will take you straight to Hiroshima.

Train

If you are travelling by train, you can take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo or Osaka to Hiroshima Station.

Boat

The best way to get to Hiroshima by boat is to take a ferry from Matsuyama or Kure. These ferries run multiple times a day and take around 1-2 hours to reach Hiroshima port.

Bus

There are several bus companies that run services from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto to Hiroshima. The best and most comfortable way is to take a highway bus.

Destination

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan, marries poignant history with vibrant modernity, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Explore this city of resilience, where serene parks, delicious cuisine, and compelling narratives await.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover Hiroshima's Best on a Budget

A trip to Hiroshima, Japan on a limited budget is still possible with careful planning. Visitors can explore the city's many historic sites and museums, including the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, which offer free admission. To save on accommodation costs, budget-friendly options such as capsule hotels or hostels can be found throughout the city.

Fall in love on a 4-day Hiroshima escape

Explore the iconic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a poignant reminder of the city's history and resilience. Indulge in Japan's world-renowned cuisine, from traditional sushi and sake to modern fusion dishes. Take a romantic stroll across the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, known for its floating Torii gate and stunning sunsets over the Seto Inland Sea.

Two-Day Fun-Filled Hiroshima Adventure

As a tourist, a trip to Hiroshima would involve exploring the city's historical significance, particularly the famous Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Additionally, tourists can immerse themselves in Hiroshima's vibrant culture by trying its delicious local specialties, including the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea from Miyajima Island, just a short ferry ride away from Hiroshima.

A Romantic Day-Trip Guide to Hiroshima

A romantic trip to Hiroshima, Japan would offer a mix of historical and peaceful experiences. Couples can visit the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to pay their respects and learn about the city's history. They can also enjoy a serene stroll through the Shukkei-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with a central pond and various flora that change with the seasons.