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I’d include Itsukushima & Miyajima Island for a hike.

Japan is one of the most unique places in the world where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge modernity. And did I mention cherry blossoms, exquisite cuisine, and landscapes that will leave you enchanted?

Miyajima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its iconic floating torii gate and scenic beauty. It is one of Japan’s most celebrated destinations.

The island offers a blend of spiritual sites, hiking trails, and charming streets lined with local shops and street food vendors. Itsukushima Shrine, with its dramatic setting over the water, is especially photogenic at high tide.

Expect to see friendly deer roaming the island and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Misen if you hike or take the ropeway. Try local specialties like grilled oysters and momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes).

TIP: Check the tide schedule in the expert links section to see the torii gate at its most picturesque.

TIP: Consider staying overnight to experience the island after day-trippers leave. Our experts curate a list of best stays on the island.

Half-day walking tour

Half-day private tour

Full-day bus tour

Miyajima tide schedules

Itsukushima & Miyajima Island

Epic exploration of Japan's vibrant capital metropolis.

Immersive Tokyo

Appreciate Japan's most picturesque and peaceful seaside village.

Ine Village Retreat

The grand tour of Japan's cultural kaleidoscope with must-see regions.

Japan Highlights

An enchanting journey through Japan's cultural heart and modern pulse.

Kyoto & Osaka

A city that stands as a symbol of peace and resilience, Hiroshima offers a moving journey through history with its Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Beyond its poignant past, the city delights visitors with vibrant street life, beautiful gardens, and the savory taste of okonomiyaki. Stroll along the riverside or take a ferry to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island for a truly unforgettable experience.

Hiroshima

Traveling from Kyoto to Hiroshima is fast, smooth, and surprisingly scenic thanks to Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen. You’ll leave Kyoto Station and glide west across the Kansai and Chūgoku regions, watching cities slowly give way to countryside as the train reaches speeds of up to 200 mph.

The journey takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes on the Nozomi train (or about 2 hours on Hikari or Sakura), making Hiroshima an easy and comfortable addition to your route. Seats are spacious, luggage is simple to manage, and the ride itself feels like part of the experience rather than a chore.

TIP: Try to sit on the right side of the train when departing Kyoto — on clear days, you may catch a brief glimpse of Mount Fuji early in the journey.

TIP: Once you arrive in Hiroshima, the city’s tram network makes it easy to continue toward Peace Memorial Park or your hotel without needing a taxi.

Japan Rail Pass Reservations

Bullet Train to Hiroshima

Traveling between Osaka and Hiroshima is quick and effortless thanks to Japan’s high-speed rail network. From Shin-Osaka Station, you’ll board the Shinkansen and head west, passing coastal views, small cities, and stretches of countryside as the train speeds across western Honshu.

The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Nozomi train, or around 1 hour and 45 minutes on Hikari or Sakura services. Trains run frequently throughout the day, seats are comfortable, and the ride is smooth — making this one of the easiest long-distance transfers in Japan.

TIP: If you’re using the Japan Rail Pass, take the Sakura or Hikari trains, which are fully covered and only slightly slower.

TIP: Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, hop on the local tram right outside the terminal to reach Peace Memorial Park, downtown, or your hotel with minimal hassle.

Traveling from Hiroshima to Tokyo by bullet train is one of the fastest, most comfortable, and most iconic ways to cross Japan.

The Shinkansen connects the two cities in just about four hours, offering smooth, high-speed travel through the Japanese countryside. With wide seats, generous legroom, clean restrooms, and onboard luggage space, the journey feels more like a relaxing break than a long transfer day.

Along the way, you’ll pass through major hubs like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, with views shifting from coastal landscapes to urban skylines. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it easy to fit this transfer seamlessly into your itinerary.

TIP: If you’re sitting on the right side of the train when traveling eastbound, you may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day — one of the most memorable moments of the journey.

Hiroshima no Yado Aioi is a traditional Japanese ryokan located directly across from the Atomic Bomb Dome, offering one of the most meaningful and atmospheric stays in the city. Its unique location places you within walking distance of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it especially powerful for travelers interested in history and reflection.

The ryokan blends classic Japanese hospitality with modern comfort, featuring a peaceful onsen-style public bath, attentive service, and a calm, respectful atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese meals, often served kaiseki-style, showcasing seasonal ingredients and local flavors.

Rooms are traditional tatami-style with futon bedding, offering a quiet and authentic experience that contrasts beautifully with Hiroshima’s modern cityscape. Many rooms feature views of the river or Peace Park, creating a serene setting that encourages slowing down and taking in the significance of the surroundings.


Hiroshima no Yado Aioi

KIRO Hiroshima by THE SHARE HOTELS is a modern boutique-style hotel in the heart of downtown Hiroshima that blends minimalist design with a communal, lifestyle-oriented vibe. The property occupies a thoughtfully renovated building and serves as a relaxed base for exploring Hiroshima’s museums, Peace Park, Hondori shopping street, and excellent local eateries, all within easy walking distance.

Inside, the hotel emphasizes shared spaces and social interaction. The standout feature is THE POOLSIDE, a bar and guest lounge reimagined from a former indoor pool, where guests can enjoy breakfast, drinks, and casual gatherings under skylights. The lobby coffee stand, shared kitchen, and lounge areas make it easy to meet other travelers or unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Rooms at KIRO Hiroshima are clean and comfortable with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. They include air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee facilities, and come in a variety of layouts — from standard guestrooms to loft or Japanese-style options ideal for different group sizes. While some rooms are compact, they’re practical and well-designed for urban stays.

KIRO Hiroshima

THE KNOT HIROSHIMA is a contemporary, design-driven hotel in the heart of Hiroshima’s city centre, just steps from Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Its modern aesthetic and stylish shared spaces make it stand out from typical business hotels, blending comfort with a social, urban atmosphere that appeals to both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.

The hotel offers thoughtful amenities including free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and lounge with panoramic city views, a lively bar, and an on-site restaurant serving Italian-inspired dishes. Guests can also enjoy easy access to lounges, outdoor seating areas, 24-hour reception, and self-serve laundry facilities — perfect for longer stays or multi-city Japan itineraries.

Rooms at THE KNOT HIROSHIMA are comfortable and modern, equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and private bathrooms with bidets and free toiletries. Many rooms offer city views, and the sleek design and practical layouts make it a great balance of style and value.

THE KNOT HIROSHIMA

Itsukushima & Miyajima Island

Experience with a guide

Explore Japan itineraries

Curated stays in Hiroshima

THE KNOT HIROSHIMA

KIRO Hiroshima

Hiroshima no Yado Aioi