Exploring Hiroshima - How to Spend 2 Days
Let’s explore the rich history and resilience of Hiroshima, a city just 90 minutes from my hometown in Shimane. Hiroshima is also a 4 hours train ride from Tokyo, and if it’s from Kyoto, it takes less than 2 hours.
In just two days, we explored the unique blend of tradition and modernity that this city has to offer. From iconic landmarks to local flavors, our journey unfolded like a beautiful tapestry, leaving us with unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Kyoto to Hiroshima, and Orizuru Tower
Traveling from Kyoto to Hiroshima:
We hopped on a Shinkansen Nozomi from Kyoto station for a swift 1 hour and 40 minutes to Hiroshima. The 10,770 yen cost can be conveniently covered with a Japan Rail Pass if you have one. We enjoyed a quick and delicious lunch at Hiroshima Station's Ekie mall. This indoor shopping mall offers various dining options along with the Omiyage (souvenir) shops. Then we headed to our hotel, Knot Hiroshima which is a 10 minutes drive from the station. (luckily my brother gave us a ride. You may easily find a taxi station in front of the Hiroshima station).
Orizuru Tower:
While our aunties (yes, we traveled with family members this time!) explored the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park, my 3-year-old daughter and I ventured to Orizuru Tower, just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. It’s a newer spot in the town offering a rooftop with observation deck, cafe, exhibitions, art workshops, spiral slopes with local art decoration to stroll around.
The 2,200 yen admission fee granted us access to the rooftop with an open-air wooden observation deck called “Hiroshima Hills”, where we enjoyed an hour of breathtaking views, indulging in ice cream from the souvenir shop on the 1st floor. The experience provided a poignant moment, overlooking the Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome.
Okonomiyaki Dinner at Kuraya Komachi:
Hiroshima's signature dish, Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake, was for our dinner. Choosing a local spot, Kuraya Komachi over the popular Okonomiyaki-mura, we savored the flavors of the Okonomiyaki along with other teppan grilled goodies. The restaurant offers an open-counter seating, and the lively cooking show became an amazing experience for all of us. (I’ve made the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at home previously - check recipe here)
Day 2: Exploring Miyajima Island’s Charms
Boat Ride to Miyajima:
Our second day kicked off with a scenic 10-minute stroll to the boat station near the Atomic Bomb Dome. A 2,200 yen ticket (+100 yen is added to enter Miyajima) secured our journey to Miyajima, with a round-trip ticket available for 4,000 yen. A 45-minute smooth boat ride provided breathtaking views as we approached the mystical island. Boat information is here in Japanese.
Itsukushima Shrine:
Itsukushima Shrine, standing gracefully on the water, captivated us with its history. This island has been a holy place for Shintoism since the 12th century. The popular Torii gate stands in the water and when the low tide comes, you may walk to the gate. Since Hiroshima is a popular school-trip spot in Japan, you may see many school kids groups during the fall season.
Miyajima Ropeway:
Miyajima ropeway is one activity to enjoy if you like to embark the journey to the island's summit. There are shuttles to the Momijidani ropeway station by the Itsukushima Shrine. We hiked to the station instead of the shuttle and it took us about 20 minutes with the beautiful nature scenery with wild deers.
The ropeway from the Momijidani station takes you to Kayatani station to transfer (10 minutes ride), then to Shishiiwa terminal (4 minutes ride), round trip ticket is 2,000 yen. Once you get to the Shishiiwa terminal, you may hike to Mt. Misen taking about 1 hour round trip. Since lunch time was approaching, we stopped at the Shishiiwa observatory, and returned.
Omotesando:
Instead of going to a sit-down restaurant, we strolled Omotesando street for enticing food stands. Our choice was starting from Age-momiji (deep-fried Momiji Manju - Japanese maple shaped sweets with fillings), Momiji croissant, grilled oysters, fishcake sticks, and ending with soft serves. I would suggest try their oysters as their oyster farms are well-known.
The return trip from Miyajima was the same way we took in the morning. We walked to the Miyajima Pier for the ferry terminal, and rode the Sekai-isan boat back to the town.
Ramen Dinner at Youki:
For our final dinner in Hiroshima, we discovered Youki, a local Ramen shop conveniently located near our hotel. With only one menu item – their signature ramen with Tonkotsu soy sauce based ramen – we bought tickets from the machine, watched the chef craft our steaming bowls, and indulged in the rich flavors of Hiroshima's unique ramen culture.
Lastly:
Hiroshima, with its poignant history and vibrant present, charmed us in just two days. From the iconic Orizuru Tower to the serene Miyajima island, the city's cultural tapestry unfolded before our eyes, leaving us with a deep appreciation for Hiroshima's resilience, beauty, and culinary delights.
