Hiroshima's bus system is an essential means of transportation for exploring the city, connecting major downtown attractions and serving as a gateway to surrounding cities like Miyajima and Onomichi. For first-time visitors to Hiroshima, the sightseeing loop bus offers the most convenient and economical choice, allowing you to easily visit classic attractions such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and the Peace Memorial Park.
Hiroshima's city sightseeing bus is called "Hiroshima Maifuru-PU" (ひろしまめいぷる～ぷ), also known as the Maple Leaf Loop Bus. It began operations in 2019 and is famous for its cute lemon-yellow body. This circular route connects major tourist areas including Hiroshima Station, Shintenchi, Hatchobori, Hiroshima Castle, and the Peace Memorial Park. The full loop takes approximately 50 minutes with frequent departures, ranging from 1 to 4 buses per hour, allowing passengers to explore freely without being constrained by rigid schedules.
Beyond the city sightseeing bus, Hiroshima also offers diverse transportation options including ferry buses to Miyajima, intercity highway buses, and streetcars. Starting February 1, 2026, Hiroshima Kotsu's base fare for regular routes will increase from 170 yen to 200 yen, but day passes remain in the 400 to 600 yen range, which is quite economical for passengers who will ride the bus more than three times in a day.
The highlight of Hiroshima's sightseeing bus lies in its tourism-oriented design. The bus offers multilingual audio guide services in English, Chinese, and Korean, allowing international visitors to deeply understand the history and cultural significance of attractions along the route. Additionally, the bus features a low-floor design for easy boarding and alighting by elderly passengers and those with mobility challenges—a thoughtful touch worth praising.
Below are recommended attractions and experiences accessible via Hiroshima buses:
Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hiroshima's most iconic symbol of peace. Visitors can explore the Flame of Peace and the Memorial Cenotaph within the Peace Memorial Park, and enter the Atomic Bomb Dome to learn about World War II history. The bus stop is approximately a 3-minute walk from the entrance, making access very convenient.
Hiroshima Castle: An ancient castle built in 1589, also known as "Karo Castle" (Carp Castle), is a symbolic building of Hiroshima. The main keep features historical exhibition areas, and the top floor offers panoramic views of the city. The surrounding moat blossoms with cherry blossoms in spring, making it one of Hiroshima's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.
Okonomiyaki Village (Okuno Village): Located near Shintenchi, this area is packed with Hiroshima okonomiyaki specialty shops, gathering approximately 20 okonomiyaki restaurants. The biggest difference between Hiroshima okonomiyaki and Osaka okonomiyaki is the generous use of steamed noodles (tae-dama) and bean sprouts—a distinctive特色. Among them, "Dengaku Sekka" is famous for its rich sauce, with signature okonomiyaki priced at 1,360 yen, making it a popular local spot.
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art: Located within Hijiyama Park, the museum houses works by Japanese contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitomo Nara. The museum building itself was designed by a renowned architect, and the outdoor sculpture plaza is free to enter, making it a must-visit for culture and art enthusiasts.
Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine): Although it requires a ferry transfer, you can take the bus to Miyajimaguchi Pier. During low tide, you can walk to the floating torii gate and admire the spectacular scenery of this World Heritage Site.
For practical information, the bus ticket office is located at the Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station, operating from 8:30 to 18:30, open year-round. The one-way fare for the sightseeing bus ranges from 220 to 240 yen, and day passes can be purchased on the bus or at the ticket office. If you hold a JR Pass, you can ride for free—remember to show your pass to the driver for verification.
Travel tips: It is recommended to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome in the morning, head to Hiroshima Castle or Okonomiyaki Village in the afternoon for meals, and return to the Hatchobori area in the evening to enjoy Hiroshima's night views. When purchasing a day pass, plan your route in advance and confirm whether all attractions you wish to visit are on the bus route to avoid wasting money. If time permits, Hiroshima's streetcars are also worth experiencing—the section between Chihachiro (near the municipal hospital) and Kamiyacho West is called "Hiroshima Electric Railway-dori," offering views of Hiroshima's everyday scenery along the way.
