Your complete guide to must-visit attractions in Japan, including opening hours, tickets, and tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Hiroshima Prefecture is located in the western part of Honshu, Japan's main island, where the azure waters of the Seto Inland Sea and scattered islands create a unique coastal landscape. This area carries profound historical memory, yet also boasts stunning stunning natural beauty and traditional harbor town charm. Hiroshima's scenic routes connect precious attractions between the mountains and sea, allowing travelers to savor the infinite allure of the Seto Inland Sea while reflecting on history.
Hiroshima's scenic routes are primarily distributed along the coastal areas of the prefecture, including the popular Miyajima, the artistic town of Onomichi, and Tonomachi, which retains its nostalgic harbor atmosphere. These routes blend natural scenery, historic towns, and local culture, making them perfect for travelers who enjoy in-depth exploration. Below are the scenic routes you shouldn't miss.
The area around Itsukushima (Miyajima) is arguably Hiroshima's most iconic scenic destination. Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima City to Miyajimaguchi Station, then transfer to a ferry for about ten minutes to reach this sacred island. Itsukushima Shrine is world-famous for its iconic "floating torii gate" on the sea. During low tide, you can walk right up to the gate and admire the magnificent vermillion torii gate up close; during high tide, you can witness the gate appearing to float on the water—a dreamlike scene and one of Japan's most representative views. The primeval forest of Mt. Misen on the island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the hiking trails are well-maintained. We recommend taking the cable car to the summit observation deck, where you can take in the panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea's islands. Miyajima's Omotesando shopping street is lined with stores offering local specialties, including maple-leaf cakes and oyster dishes that are not to be missed.
Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido are another highly recommended scenic cycling route in Hiroshima Prefecture. Starting from JR Onomichi Station in Onomichi City, the route passes through islands such as Mukaishima, Innoshima, and Ikuchijima in the Seto Inland Sea. The approximately 70-kilometer cycling path is renowned as one of Japan's most beautiful bike routes. Cycling stations and rest facilities are well-equipped along the way, making it easy to enjoy the experience even without bringing your own bike. The route passes by citrus orchards, traditional harbors, and seaside farmland scenery that refreshes the soul. You can also visit historical sites like Senko-ji Temple to experience Onomichi's unique literary and cinematic atmosphere. The alleyways of Onomichi Hommachi Street hide many charming boutiques and cafes, perfect for taking a break from cycling and leisurely exploration.
Tonomachi is located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is an old harbor town that has preserved its Edo period atmosphere. Take a bus from Fukuyama Station for about thirty minutes to reach this area. Once an important port in Japan, Tonomachi is now known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere. The harbor is lined with old wooden piers and brightly colored fishing boats, making the scenery particularly captivating at sunset. The town center street is home to many traditional shipbuilding workshops and restaurants serving seafood dishes. Local specialties like small fish from the Seto Inland Sea and conger eel dishes are definitely worth trying. Tonomachi was also one of the filming locations for Studio Ghibli's animated film "Ponyo," making it especially meaningful for fans of Hayao Miyazaki's works.
Takehara is located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is an old town that has preserved traditional machiya townhouse buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods. It is often called "the Kawagoe of Hiroshima." From JR Takehara Station, it's about a five-minute walk to the well-preserved old town district. The white-walled storehouses and lattice windows on both sides tell of the area's former prosperity. The town was once known for its salt production and sake brewing industries, and many old-style breweries and souvenir shops still remain today. Takehara is also famous for its nighttime scenery. The town hosts the "Takehara Night View" event during the winter season, when the old streets are decorated with lights, presenting a dreamlike atmosphere completely different from daytime.
【Practical Information】
To reach Hiroshima Prefecture, you can take the JR Sanyo Hikari rail from Tokyo, which takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, with a fare of around ¥18,600. Alternatively, from the Kansai area, the Shinkansen takes about 2 hours. Within Hiroshima City, you can use the streetcar and bus day pass for around ¥650. The round-trip ferry to Miyajima costs approximately ¥400. Bicycle rental for the Shimanami Kaido costs around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per day.
Regarding admission fees, Itsukushima Shrine tickets cost around ¥300, and the round-trip cable car to Mt. Misen costs approximately ¥2,000. Tonomachi and Takehara are free town attractions to visit.
Regarding opening hours, Itsukushima Shrine is open from dawn to dusk, with specific times varying by season. The first ferry to Miyajima departs around 6 AM, with the last ferry around 10 PM. Shops in Onomichi typically operate from 10 AM to 6 PM.
【Travel Tips】
When visiting Itsukushima Shrine, we recommend going during early morning or evening when crowds are smaller, so you can enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere and take beautiful photos. For cycling the Shimanami Kaido, we suggest planning one to two days, with an overnight stay at a minshuku (traditional Japanese inn) on one of the islands. Hiroshima has a mild climate, but if visiting the beach in summer, be sure to protect yourself from the sun. In winter, bring warm clothing. Sampling Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and oyster dishes are must-try culinary experiences in Hiroshima City. We recommend visiting restaurants near the Peace Memorial Park in the evening, where you can enjoy local delicacies while soaking in the city's unique historical atmosphere.
