How to plan your first trip to Hiroshima

City Layout and Districts

Hiroshima is structured around the Delta, where the Ota River splits the city. For first-timers, think of the city in three primary zones:

• The Peace Memorial Park Area: The historical and emotional heart of the city, located in the center. This is where you will find the A-Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum.
• Downtown (Hondori/Nagarekawa): The commercial hub. Hondori is a covered shopping arcade ideal for dining and retail, while Nagarekawa is the primary entertainment and nightlife district.
• Miyajima/West Side: While Miyajima is an island, the transport hub to reach it is located on the western edge of the city center.

Transport and Arrival

From Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): The airport is located inland. The most direct way to reach the city center is via the airport limousine bus, which connects the terminal to the main bus center and Hiroshima Station.

Getting Around: The city is highly accessible via the Hiroden (streetcar system). It is the most intuitive way to move between the Peace Park, the downtown core, and the ferry terminals. For faster travel across the city, local buses are available, but the streetcar is generally preferred for sightseeing.

Common First-Timer Mistakes

• Overestimating walking distances: While the downtown core is walkable, the distance from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Memorial Park is significant. Use the streetcar or a taxi rather than attempting to walk with luggage.
• Ignoring the ferry schedule: When visiting Miyajima, check the ferry timings and weather conditions, as the island is separated from the mainland and dependent on water transport.

Suggested First-Trip Itinerary

Prioritize these experiences to get a balanced sense of the city:

• Day 1: History and Center. Start at the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the Hondori shopping arcade.
• Day 2: Nature and Spirit. Take the streetcar to the ferry terminal and spend a full day on Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine.
• What can wait: Smaller museums and outlying suburbs can be skipped on a first short visit in favor of the primary historical and natural landmarks.