©f11photo/Shutterstock

Hiroshima Region

It's easy to beeline it to Miyajima for a glance at the floating torii gate, or to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park to witness how locals have transformed an infamous tragedy into a firm call for peace.

Yet there are other quiet wonders worth exploring in the region around Hiroshima. Stroll narrow cobbled streets in the seaside town of Tomo-no-ura, go temple hunting in Onomichi, sip sake at one of many breweries in Saijō, and save some time for reflection in an ancient Shintō shrine at Ōmi-shima.

Explore Hiroshima Region

  • Peace Memorial Park

    Hugged by rivers on both sides, Peace Memorial Park is a large, leafy space crisscrossed by walkways and dotted with memorials and tranquil spaces for…

  • Itsukushima-jinja

    With origins as far back as the late 6th century, Itsukushima-jinja gives Miyajima its real name. The shrine's unique and attractive pier-like…

  • Atomic Bomb Dome

    Perhaps the starkest reminder of the destruction visited upon Hiroshima in WWII is the Atomic Bomb Dome. Built by a Czech architect in 1915, it was the…

  • S

    Sensui-jima

    The island of Sensui-jima is just five minutes across the water from Tomo-no-ura town, though vastly different for its rugged natural beauty, as there are…

  • H

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    The main building of Hiroshima's premier museum houses a collection of items salvaged from the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The displays are confronting…

  • F

    Floating Torii

    This 16m-tall vermilion torii (shrine gate) is a symbol of Miyajima and the watery entrance to World Heritage shrine Itsukushima-jinja. At high tide, it…

  • Daishō-in

    Just south of town at the foot of Misen, Daishō-in is a worthwhile stopping point on the way up or down the mountain. This Shingon temple is crowded with…

  • M

    Misen & Ropeway

    Covered with primeval forest, the sacred, peaceful Misen is Miyajima's highest mountain (530m), and its ascent is the island's finest walk – especially in…

  • S

    Senkō-ji

    Senkō-ji is the best known and most impressive of Onomichi's temples. Among its features is the kyō-onrō, a bell tower whose bell always rings in the new…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Hiroshima Region.

  • See

    Peace Memorial Park

    Hugged by rivers on both sides, Peace Memorial Park is a large, leafy space crisscrossed by walkways and dotted with memorials and tranquil spaces for…

  • See

    Itsukushima-jinja

    With origins as far back as the late 6th century, Itsukushima-jinja gives Miyajima its real name. The shrine's unique and attractive pier-like…

  • See

    Atomic Bomb Dome

    Perhaps the starkest reminder of the destruction visited upon Hiroshima in WWII is the Atomic Bomb Dome. Built by a Czech architect in 1915, it was the…

  • See

    Sensui-jima

    The island of Sensui-jima is just five minutes across the water from Tomo-no-ura town, though vastly different for its rugged natural beauty, as there are…

  • See

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    The main building of Hiroshima's premier museum houses a collection of items salvaged from the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The displays are confronting…

  • See

    Floating Torii

    This 16m-tall vermilion torii (shrine gate) is a symbol of Miyajima and the watery entrance to World Heritage shrine Itsukushima-jinja. At high tide, it…

  • See

    Daishō-in

    Just south of town at the foot of Misen, Daishō-in is a worthwhile stopping point on the way up or down the mountain. This Shingon temple is crowded with…

  • See

    Misen & Ropeway

    Covered with primeval forest, the sacred, peaceful Misen is Miyajima's highest mountain (530m), and its ascent is the island's finest walk – especially in…

  • See

    Senkō-ji

    Senkō-ji is the best known and most impressive of Onomichi's temples. Among its features is the kyō-onrō, a bell tower whose bell always rings in the new…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Hiroshima Region

Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.