Perfect ONE DAY in HIROSHIMA (5 Things You Can’t Miss+Useful Tips)

Are you planning on visiting Hiroshima and checking off all of Hiroshima’s amazing attractions in one day? You came to the right place!

Here is a detailed itinerary plus useful tips for your perfect one day in Hiroshima. Follow my guide and have a fun and memorable day!

Ok, so before we dive into one day in Hiroshima, check out the section right below! It is a handy Hiroshima at a Glance Guide that will help you get safely to Hiroshima, navigate between all the places you can’t miss, and decide where to stay and eat.

Perfect One Day in Hiroshima – Map with 5 Things You Can’t Miss

With no further delay, let’s get started with an itinerary for perfect one day in Hiroshima!

Atomic Bomb Dome should be one of the first things to do in Hiroshima. It is an iconic symbol of the “peace city” – Hiroshima.

Atomic Bomb Dome is also called A-Bomb Dome, Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and it is a part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park serves as a memorial to people killed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945.

The Atomic Bomb Dome was built in 1915 as a facility to exhibit and sell products from Hiroshima prefecture and also held Hiroshima prefectural art exhibitions and exhibitions.

The designer was Czech architect Jan Letzl, and the structure was partially brickwork using steel, and the exterior was made of stone and mortar.

The atomic bomb exploded at an altitude of about 160 meters southeast of the building. The pressure of the blast was 35 tons per square meter and the wind speed was 440 meters.

The building was wrecked by the blast and heat rays and burned down by blowing fire from the ceiling.

Since the blast worked almost vertically, the central part of the main building miraculously escaped collapse, however, everyone who was in the building died instantly.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. It opened to the public in 1954.

The park has a total area of 122,000 square meters and houses a museum, as well as numerous memorials and monuments commemorating the people who perished during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945.

One of the most stunning monuments is the Children’s Peace Monument dedicated to Sadako Sasaki and all the children who perished due to the atomic explosion.

Sadako was exposed to the A-bomb at the age of two. Yet, she grew into a strong and healthy girl. However, nine years after exposure to the atomic bomb radiation, she developed leukemia.

Based on a traditional Japanese belief, Sadako thought that if she folded 1,000 origami cranes she would recover. But, after an eight-month battle with the disease, she succumbed.

Many visitors line up to ring the bell inside the monument to honor Sadako and all the innocent children who were victims of the atomic bombing.

Another monument that you should not miss is the Cenotaph.

The Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb (formally known as the Memorial Monument for Hiroshima, City of Peace) was built in 1952.

Inside lay registries that contain the names of all the known victims of the bombing.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was built by the City of Hiroshima and it was opened to the public in 1950. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and paintings that show Hiroshima before and after the bombing.

Many of the stories are told by the victims and their families in graphic detail. Many of the exhibits are poignant and evocative.

It was a very solemn experience for me. I noticed that most of the visitors looked at the exhibits and did not say a word and many were in tears.

The best way to understand the timeline leading to the bombing, the impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and the recovery efforts is to attend: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Walk Tour. You will have a local guide by your side who will give you an in-depth insight into the history of Hiroshima.

Another tour that I enjoyed was: Hiroshima Cycling Peace Tour with a Local Guide. This tour is about 2 hours long and you will bicycle around Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. You will get to see the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph, Children’s Peace Monument, and the Peace Bell. It is a small group tour limited to no more than 10 people.

Hiroshima Castle is also known as the Carp Castle. Supposedly, the name originated from the many carp living in the moats surrounding the castle.  I

The castle’s history dates back to the 1590s.

It was constructed by Mori Motonari, a prominent feudal lord. Originally, the castle was surrounded by 3 moats, and also protected by the nearby river. It was a great example of a flatland castle – a castle located in a flat area rather than in a naturally protected location like a hill or mountain top.

The castle was completely destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The main keep was reconstructed in 1958.

Today, Hiroshima Castle houses a great museum documenting the history of Hiroshima prior to the second world war.

Hiroshima Castle looks absolutely stunning all lit up at night!

If your time allows, take a stroll in the evening around the castle and around the Hiroshima Memorial Park. You will catch some awesome photos of the castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and monuments and memorials.

Hiroshima has a bustling downtown area situated around Hondori.

Hondori is a pedestrian arcade that is closed to traffic. It starts near Peace Memorial Park and runs east. It is lined with shops and restaurants and it is perfect for a stroll in the evening when it comes alive.

Just south of the eastern end of Hondori is Okonomimura, translated as Okonomiyaki Village.

And, a visit to Okonomimra is one of the top things to do in Hiroshima.

Okonomimura is basically a four-story building decorated with lanterns and banners and a large horizontal “Okonomimura” sign. It houses over 25 different stalls each offering its own unique rendition of okonomiyaki.

You can take the elevator but I suggest taking the stairs. You will not only work up an appetite, but also you will be able to take a peek through the doors and assess the scene.

• What is Okonomiyaki?

Let’s start with the name – yaki means grilled or cooked, okonomi means “what you want” or “what you like.” In essence, okonomiyaki means “grilled the way you like it”.

• How is Okonomiyaki made?

Here is my take on it, as I watched it being made:

First, the batter made of flour is poured on an iron griddle. It is spread out in a circular motion to form a thin crepe-like pancake.

Next, a heap of sliced cabbage is placed on the batter, then thin-sliced pork. Consequently, it is cooked for a bit and then turned over with a big spatula and cooked for a little more.

In the meantime, the noodles are fried on the side, and once done they are put on top. Finally, an egg is cracked onto the griddle and spread out in the same circular size, and eventually put on the very top.

In due time, the special sauce is applied on the top as well as some mayonnaise, and aonori (dried seaweed).