Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Hiroshima

I've been to Japan multiple times. I've been to Nagasaki in a previous trip. This time around I decided to visit another city that the atom bomb leveled, Hiroshima. The latter is a noteworthy addition because of its history.

Learn more about my experience visiting Hiroshima.

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Hiroshima

Feudal lord Mōri Terumoto founded Hiroshima in the 16th century. The city became a military center from the late 19th century onwards. One of the most infamous and destructive events in history took place in Hiroshima when the Americans dropped an atom bomb that killed thousands and leveled a substantial part of the city. The radiation that took place immediately after the explosion led to negative long-term effects on survivors. However, the city got back on its feet soon after the dust cleared. Reconstruction took decades but the Japanese managed to revive Hiroshima. You can visit memorials, monuments, and museums related to the nuclear bombing and other noteworthy attractions in the city.

How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa

Filipinos (like myself) need a visa to enter Japan. The process has changed since the last time I applied (I already got two 5-year multiple entry visas). I updated my post for Filipino passport holders that want to apply for a visa.

Read here: how to get a Japan tourist visa for Filipinos

How to Get to Hiroshima

You have options when it comes to getting to Hiroshima.

From Tokyo

Shinkansen (Bullet Train):

Travel Time: About 4 hours.

Route: You’ll take the Tōkaidō Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka, and then transfer to the Sanyō Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station.

Cost: Around ¥16,000-¥18,000 for a one-way ticket in standard class.

You can also take a Nozomi (fastest) or Hikari train (slightly slower).

From Osaka

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Route: Take the Sanyō Shinkansen directly from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.

Cost: Around ¥10,000-¥12,000 for a one-way ticket.

From Fukuoka

Shinkansen (Bullet Train):

Travel Time: About 1 hour.

Route: Take the Sanyō Shinkansen from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) to Hiroshima Station.

Cost: Around ¥5,000-¥6,000 for a one-way ticket.

*I would recommend purchasing a regional pass to save a bit money if you'll be going to Hiroshima via Fukuoka. You can buy here: JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass

By Bus

Travel Time: Depending on the departure city, it could range from 4 to 8 hours.

Cost: Bus tickets are generally cheaper than trains, costing anywhere from ¥3,000 to ¥7,000 one way.

By Plane

Hiroshima has its own airport. You can book a flight from major cities in Japan.

Things to Do in Hiroshima

You can spend a couple of days exploring Hiroshima's attractions. These are some of the things you can do when you plan your budget and itinerary for Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

This park is a symbol of peace and is a memorial of the victims of the atom bomb the Americans dropped on Hiroshima. Here you'll find various monuments and museums related to the bombing. It also has beautiful gardens and cherry blossom trees lining its trails. It's a good place for cherry blossom watching, if you're here during the right season. When planning your budget and itinerary for Hiroshima, make sure to include this park.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

For me, this museum is a must-visit if ever you're in Hiroshima. The museum has displays and exhibits about the bombing and world peace. You'll see stories and displays about the before and after the atom bomb explosion and events about the actual day of the bombing.

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle dates to the late 16th century. It's also referred to as the "Castle of Carp." The explosion of the atom bomb's detonation leveled the old castle, leaving it in ruins. The local authorities of Hiroshima had it rebuilt and reconstructed in the late 1950s. It's now a popular tourist attraction. If you have time, drop by again at night.

Atomic Bomb Dome

The Americans dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. It destroyed and incinerated a substantial part of the city and killed thousands of people. The skeleton of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall survived the devastation. It's now called the Atomic Bomb Dome and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local authorities kept and maintained its ruinous state as a reminder of the perils of nuclear warfare.

Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument

If you want to know the location of the atom bomb's hypocenter, you can look for the plaque shown above.

Shukkei-en Garden

This quaint garden is a nice place to visit. The garden's landscapes are a representation of various landforms such as mountains, valleys and forests. It dates to the 17th century. There are walking and scenic trails where you can take leisurely strolls.

Miyajima

Miyajima is a popular day trip destination from Hiroshima. The island is home to an important cultural site which is the Itsukushima Shrine. It's a beautiful shrine and has a famous torii gate that looks like it's floating on the water during high tide. The area is a lovely place to walk around in with views of the sea and the mountains. There are shops and restaurants lining its streets.

Getting around Hiroshima

Walking is the most affordable way to get around the city. Many attractions are within walking distance from each other with the exception of Miyajima. If you think you've walked enough, you can take the trams and local buses that travel around the city. Fare for a ride is roughly JPY 220 or you can get a day pass as a cost-efficient option.

Where to Stay in Hiroshima

Japan is an expensive country to visit in general. However, you can still find good value accommodation while in Hiroshima. I usually stay in hostel dorms to save a bit of money. I was traveling with my sister so we decided to stay in a private room. We still found a few good value places to stay in the city. I often use www.booking.com when I look for accommodation.

Budget for Hiroshima

You can still enjoy Hiroshima even if you're on a budget. However, for this trip I wasn't choosing the cheapest option available all the time. With a budget of approximately Japanese Yen or JPY 15,000 a day covers the JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass, food and drinks, accommodation for two, a few entrance fees, and transportation. You can spend more than that or even less depending on your travel style.

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