Hiroshima Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Hiroshima, Chugoku, Western Honshu, Japan)

As home to two World Heritage sites, the A-Bomb Dome and Miyajima, it is no surprise that Hiroshima is a popular tourist destination. The sightseeing here is varied, ranging from historical and moving attractions to stunning Japanese parks and gardens, and religious sights.

Be prepared to travel, with some of the top tourist attractions and sights being located a short drive from the city centre. For children, the Asa Zoological Park makes a good sightseeing alternative to some of the city's historical sights.

Miyajima

Address: 1-1, Miyajima-town, Saeki-county, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 082 944 2011
This island of Miyajima is about a one-hour journey from the city centre and involves a short ferry ride. Often heaving with Japanese tourists who come to see the 6th century Itsukushima Shrine, if you can fight your way through the crowds, you will see what is considered to be one of Japan's most beautiful shrine arches. The island also offers parks and good hiking, as well as a famous five-storey pagoda.
Open hours: daily - 06:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for students

Five-Storied Pagoda

Address: Miyajima, Saeki-county, Japan, JP
Located in Miyajima, the cypress bark-roofed five-storied pagoda is a popular daytrip destination from Hiroshima. A combination of Chinese and Japanese styles, the building rises to over 27 meters / 89 feet and is situated on a hill. The Five-Storied Pagoda is an ancient structure and believed to date from 1407. Decorated with a gold-brocaded painting, each pillar is an attraction in its own right, while the inner walls and sacred images are also painted in vibrant colours.
Open hours: call for details
Admission: call for details

Miyajima Suizoku-kan

Address: 10-3 Miyajima, Miyajima-cho, 739-0500, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 082 944 2010
Also popular with Hiroshima tourists and another of Miyajima's top tourist attractions, the Suizoku-kan is a impressive marine life centre, home to more than 10,000 creatures. Highlights here include dolphins, seals and plenty of colourful fish, together with feeding displays, shows and various talks.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, concessions available

Asa Zoological Park

Address: Asa-cho Dobutsuen, Asa-kita-ku, Hiroshima, 731 3355, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 082 838 1111
Hiroshima Asa Zoological Park dates back to 1971 and has a good selection of animals, some which are indigenous to Japan. Enjoy getting up close to rhinoceros, lions, baboons, zebras and giraffes, and learn about their natural habitats and eating habits. For young children, the animal attractions within the petting zoo are sure to be a big hit.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Hiroshima New Zealand Village

Address: Oaza-Harada, Takata-gun, Hiroshima, 739-1800, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 082 657 0160
A charming village attraction where New Zealand is recreated in a small way, the Hiroshima New Zealand Village is rather unexpected and lots of fun. With regular shows and plenty of animal attractions, highlights include a selection of friendly farm animals and even some kiwis are thrown in for good measure. A restaurant and gift shop are also located within the village.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Municipal Baseball Stadium

Address: 5-25 Motomachi, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 082 221 2040
A major baseball stadium and home to the Hiroshima Carp team, a game at the city's Municipal Baseball Stadium is always a crowd-puller. The stadium is sited on the northern side of the Peace Memorial Park and tickets are reasonably priced. With a seating capacity of more than 30,000 and regular games, the ticket office stands on the southern side of the stadium.
Open hours: ticket office daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge