- Before arriving: Consider getting the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Pass if you intend to visit the Kansai Region, as well. If you decide to buy a JR pass, use it fully by taking any of the three Meipuru~pu sightseeing loop buses (Orange, Green, and Lemon). They will bring you and your travel companions to the Peace Park. (https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp.e.aec.hp.transer.com/teikan/meipurupu/)
- Getting around: Use the JR Central website (https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/timetable/ ) to find the timetables for the Tokaido (Tokyo - Osaka) shinkansen and the Sanyo (Osaka - Fukuoka) shinkansen trains. Also use this tidal forecast website (https://www.tidetime.org/asia/japan/miyajima-calendar-apr.htm) to find the timing of low tides and high tides in Miyajima because you definitely don’t want to miss the chance to take contrasting photos of Itsukushima Shrine.
- Popular Highlights: Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima
- Where else to go: Some lesser-known attractions that are worth checking out include Okonomiyaki Mura (concentration of okonomiyaki restaurants), Mitakidera Temple (located on the slopes of Mount Mitaki, which is the northern part of Hiroshima) and the Mazda Museum (detailing the history behind Mazda cars). Explore the Umi-Mori Art Museum if you want to rejuvenate yourself from the combination of great art and sublime views overlooking the Seto Island Sea.
- What to eat: Best time to savour oysters in Hiroshima is winter. There is a variety of ways to enjoy them - raw & fresh, grilled, fried, with curry and rice, in soups, marinated on a stick. Enjoy the myriad tastes and textures of oysters.
- Hacks for maximisers: If you want to optimise sightseeing time yet not give up on good food, Nagataya, an okonomiyaki restaurant located next to the Peace Park, does takeouts. Order your food and come back later to collect your takeout and relish it amidst the reflective ambience of the Peace Park. On the other hand, if you crave for interaction with locals, signing up for a free English language tour conducted by Hiroshima Peace Volunteers will surely enable you to understand the Peace Park more deeply. The Peace Park is also the place to board the Aqua Net Ferry (https://www.aqua-net-h.co.jp/en/ ), which will take you to Miyajima within 45 minutes for just ¥2200 (but note that you can’t use your JR pass for this).
- Venturing out of Hiroshima City: Travellers who love the outdoors should visit Onomichi Island and cycle on the Shimanami Kaido route. When you cycle to the other end, you will end up on Imabari City in Ehime. Go on a gastronomical feast at the same time by tucking into citrus fruits on Onomichi Island and switching to mandarin oranges in Imabari City!
