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How to Spend a Day Visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Last updated 2025/3/8
Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima is a city of history, remembrance, and peace. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum helps us understand the past and hope for a better future.

This guide will take you through a full day in Hiroshima, including historical sites, beautiful gardens, and delicious local food.

Let’s begin!

Take a Tram from Your Hotel to Genbaku Dome-mae Station

Start your day by taking the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) tram from the nearest station to Genbaku Dome-mae Station.

Recommended Tram Lines:

  • Line 2 (Miyajima Line) – Best for travelers staying near Hiroshima Station or in central Hiroshima.

  • Line 6 (Eba Line) – Another direct option to Genbaku Dome-mae Station.

Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome

  • Walking Distance: Right next to Genbaku Dome-mae Station

  • Entrance Fee: Free

The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the few buildings that remained standing after the bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved as a symbol of peace.

What to Do at the Atomic Bomb Dome:

✔ Look at the ruins and think about their history.
✔ Read the nearby signs to learn more.
✔ Take a quiet moment to reflect.

Walk Through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Phone
+81 82-504-2390
Website
www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp
  • Walking Distance: Next to the Atomic Bomb Dome

  • Entrance Fee: Free

This large park was built to honor the victims of the bombing and to remind the world of the importance of peace.

Things to See in the Park:

✔ Visit the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki and her 1,000 paper cranes.
✔ Ring the Peace Bell, a symbol of world peace and hope.
✔ Walk to the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, a stone monument with an inscription: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”
✔ See the Flame of Peace, which will burn until nuclear weapons are no longer in the world.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Phone
+81 82-504-2390
Website
www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp
  • Walking Distance: Inside Peace Memorial Park

  • Entrance Fee: About 200–500 yen

This museum tells the story of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bomb. It is a powerful and emotional experience.

What to See in the Museum:

✔ Stories from survivors.
✔ Clothes and items from the bombing.
✔ Exhibits about the effects of nuclear weapons.
✔ Videos and pictures of Hiroshima before and after the bombing.

Lunch in Hiroshima

After visiting the museum, take a break and enjoy some local food. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) is a must-try!

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Okonomimura – A famous place with many okonomiyaki stalls.

  • Nagata-ya – A popular spot for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

  • Shirakabe – A traditional Japanese restaurant with local seafood.

  • Matsukaze (Vegan-Friendly) – Serves a plant-based version of okonomiyaki.

Traveler’s Tip: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki has noodles in it!

Walk Along the Motoyasu River and Visit Hiroshima Castle

21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan
Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 82-221-7512
Website
www.rijo-castle.jp
  • Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Peace Memorial Park

  • Entrance Fee: About 370 yen

After lunch, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Motoyasu River, then visit Hiroshima Castle. The castle was destroyed in 1945 but was later rebuilt.

What to Do at Hiroshima Castle:

✔ Walk through the beautiful castle park.
✔ Go inside the castle to see Samurai armor and artifacts.
✔ Climb to the top for great city views.

Afternoon Coffee Break

Take a short break and enjoy a coffee or tea at a local café.

Recommended Cafés:

  • Obscura Coffee Roasters – A modern café with specialty coffee.

  • Kissa Saeki – A retro-style Japanese café with desserts.

  • Elk Hiroshima – Famous for thick, fluffy pancakes.

  • Café Ponte (Vegan-Friendly) – A riverside café with plant-based drinks and sweets.

Visit Shukkeien Garden

2-11 Kaminoborichō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014, Japan
Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone
+81 82-221-3620
Website
shukkeien.jp
  • Walking Distance: About 15 minutes from Hiroshima Castle

  • Entrance Fee: About 260 yen

What to Do in Shukkeien Garden:

✔ Walk around the scenic paths and take photos.
✔ Stop at a tea house for matcha and sweets.
✔ Relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

Dinner in Hiroshima

Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy dinner at one of Hiroshima’s great restaurants.

Recommended Dinner Spots:

  • Steakhouse Hama – A restaurant serving Hiroshima wagyu beef.

  • Ekohiiki – A seafood spot known for fresh oysters.

  • Chikara Sushi – A traditional sushi restaurant.

  • Monta (Vegan-Friendly) – A cozy place with plant-based Japanese dishes.

Return to Your Hotel

After dinner, return to your hotel in Hiroshima. If you're staying near Hiroshima Station, you can take a tram or taxi.