When it comes to Hiroshima day trips, most people instinctively think of the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine, but Hiroshima Prefecture has far more to offer beyond these classic landmarks. Starting from Hiroshima City and taking a JR or tram for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, you can reach several cities with completely different characteristics—featuring Japan's most authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki masters, ancient towns preserving complete Edo-era charm, a rabbit paradise hidden on an island in the Seto Inland Sea, and a secret submarine base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. Let me show you a different way to discover Hiroshima's surroundings.
The charm of Hiroshima's surrounding cities lies in their preservation of the "old Japan atmosphere"—not overly commercialized, yet filled with authentic daily life. Ono's nostalgic cafes, Kure's naval port atmosphere, Takehara's old-town streets—these places are worth special trips even for Japanese locals. It's worth mentioning that in recent years, due to changes in China-Japan diplomatic relations, Chinese tourists to Japan have decreased by about 40%, making these non-mainstream attractions easier to book and providing a better experience quality.
Onomichi: The City of Cats and Literature
Onomichi is a port city in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture, where the JR Sanyo Line and Seto Inland Sea ferry intersect. The city is famous for two characteristics: an astonishing number of stray cats on the streets, and a rich literary atmosphere. Writer Shiga Naoya lived here, and Shimomao's "孝行之魂" is set in Onomichi. You can rent a bicycle and follow the "Onomichi Literature Path" to visit literary monuments and writers' former residences, leisurely exploring temples and old houses on the hillside. The "Cat Alley" near Senko-ji Temple is a paradise for cat lovers, with various cat artworks scattered in the corners of private homes. At lunch time, you must try Onomichi ramen or Hiroshima okonomiyaki—hidden gem shops in the alleys often have pleasant surprises.
Kure: Submarines and Naval Hometown
Kure was once an important base for the Japanese Navy, and still retains a strong naval port atmosphere. The Kure Regional Headquarters of the Maritime Self-Defense Force is still in operation, and gray warships can occasionally be seen docked at the port. The most recommended attraction is the "Kure Maritime History and Science Museum," which showcases the development history of the Maritime Self-Defense Force and real submarines. You can walk inside the Maritime Self-Defense Force training submarine "Shiokaze" and learn about the crew's living spaces. The museum also features interactive facilities like diver experiences and periscope operation, which are very attractive to military enthusiasts or children. There are many seafood restaurants along Kure's coastal road, and fresh Seto Inland Sea seafood and fried mackerel set meals are must-try local delicacies.
Miyajima: The Oyster Kingdom's Delicious Secrets
Miyajima (also known as Itsukushima) is about 30 minutes by ferry from Hiroshima and is the most famous attraction around Hiroshima, but most tourists only visit Itsukushima Shrine and leave. In fact, Miyajima's oysters are the real treasure—this is one of Japan's top oyster-producing areas, and oysters are fattest in winter (November to March). You can enjoy grilled oysters, oyster rice pot, or oyster tempura at restaurants near Miyajima's pier, with a portion (about 6-8 pieces) costing around ¥800-1,500. If you like grilling yourself, Miyajima also has all-you-can-eat oyster BBQ places. When visiting from autumn to winter, you can also catch the "Miyajima Oyster Festival" and experience a lively food carnival.
Ohkunoshima: Rabbit Paradise
If you love animals, Ohkunoshima will make your heart explode with joy. This small island is located off the coast of Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, and can be reached by ferry from Tadamiura Port in about 15 minutes. The island has hundreds of wild rabbits that are completely unafraid of humans and will actively approach you for food. You can rent carrots (¥200) at the port and then be surrounded by rabbits—this scene is truly healing. The island also has remnants of an old poison gas factory, recording the island's dark wartime history, creating a stark contrast in the travel experience. A reminder: there are no restaurants on the island, so it's recommended to bring your own food or eat in Takehara's old town before heading there.
Takehara: A Journey Through Time with Edo Charm
Takehara is designated as an "Important Traditional Buildings Preservation Area," maintaining white-walled storehouses and lattice-window old houses from the Edo to Meiji periods. Known as "Little Kyoto," it has far fewer visitors than Kyoto, so you can take photos without crowds. You can stroll along "Takehara Old Street," visit data museums converted from well-preserved breweries, or enjoy tea at an old folk house cafe. The cherry blossom tunnel in spring and maple foliage in autumn are both breathtaking views. It's only a 5-minute walk from the Ohkunoshima ferry port, making it perfect to visit together.
Regarding practical information, there are various transportation options from Hiroshima City: JR Sanyo Line can reach Onomichi (fastest 35 minutes, ¥540), Kure (fastest 50 minutes, ¥810); Miyajima Ferry departs from Hiroshima Port, one-way ¥190, about 25 minutes; to reach Ohkunoshima, you need to walk from JR Takehara Station to Tadamiura Port (about 15 minutes), ferry is 15 minutes, round-trip ¥920. Admission fees at various attractions generally range from ¥300-1,000, and the submarine tour combo ticket at Kure Maritime History and Science Museum is about ¥600.
Final travel tips: Hiroshima's surroundings are suitable for half-day trips visiting 2-3 attractions. It's recommended to start from Hiroshima in the morning, first go to the farther Onomichi or Kure, have lunch locally, and then arrange Miyajima or Ohkunoshima in the afternoon depending on time. If time is limited, the combination of Onomichi, Takehara, and Rabbit Island is the most fulfilling; if you want to slow down, the pairing of Kure and Miyajima can balance history and food. Visiting in winter, although the weather is colder, the oysters are at their fattest, and there are significantly fewer tourists, making it easier to book accommodation and transportation.
