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Hiroshima and Miyajima travel guide

A city of peace and the island of the floating gate

The floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine. Photo: redlegsfan21, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12hflight from London
HIJnearest main airport
25° in Augwarmest month
2° in Jancoolest month

Hiroshima is a lively, rebuilt city where the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome tell the story of 1945.

Miyajima island, a short ferry ride away, has the famous red torii gate that seems to float at high tide.

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What Hiroshima is known for

  • Peace Memorial

    The Atomic Bomb Dome and museum.

  • Miyajima

    The floating torii gate.

  • Okonomiyaki

    Hiroshima-style layered pancakes.

  • Deer

    Tame deer on Miyajima.

Top things to do in Hiroshima and Miyajima

  1. 1

    Peace Memorial Museum

    A moving museum of the bombing.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Atomic Bomb Dome

    The ruin left standing as a memorial.

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  3. 3

    Itsukushima Shrine

    The floating gate on Miyajima.

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  4. 4

    Mount Misen

    A ropeway and hike on Miyajima.

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See all tours and tickets in Hiroshima

Where to stay in Hiroshima and Miyajima

Find a hotel in Hiroshima

Best time to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima

Best value: May, Oct. Spring and autumn: mild weather and beautiful colours.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
1.8 C2°J3 C3°F6.2 C6°M11.4 C11°A16.5 C16°M20.7 C21°J24.5 C24°J25.4 C25°A21.5 C22°S15.5 C16°O9.6 C10°N4 C4°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Hiroshima and Miyajima, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h from London to HIJ, and flights from most UK airports.

Trams in the city. Ferries go to Miyajima.

Find flights to Hiroshima (HIJ)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Check tide times for the floating gate.
  • Miyajima charges a small visitor tax.
  • Try okonomiyaki in Okonomimura.
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Hiroshima and Miyajima FAQ

Can I visit Hiroshima from Kyoto?

Yes, about 1 hour 40 minutes by bullet train.

How long should I stay?

One or two nights.

More places in Japan

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