Day 1 in Hiroshima

Welcome to Hiroshima! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, start by taking a stroll around the popular Peace Park where many of the city`s sightseeing attractions can be found. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the famous Atomic Bomb Dome which was the only building to survive the Atomic Bombing in 1945. The Park also features many memorials such as The Children`s Peace Monument, The Peace Bell and The Cenotaph where visitors can pay homage to the victims of the bombing.

Alternatively, take the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus from the Hiroshima Station and travel around the city to see some of the most popular attractions. Hop-off at places such as The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park.

Wander around the downtown area just outside of the park where you will find plenty of local restaurants and shops. Enjoy a traditional `Okonomiyaki` (savory crepe/pancakes) lunch and then explore the local shops where you can pick up some souvenirs to take home.

On your first evening in the city head downtown and try out one of the many seafood restaurants located in the city. Hiroshima`s coastal location provides the city with freshly caught seafood daily and one of the most renowned dishes in the city is the area`s fresh oysters.

After a busy day, head back to your hotel and retire for the evening.

Day 2 in Hiroshima

Begin your day with `okonomiyaki` the savory crepe/pancake can be enjoyed in so many ways with a wide variety of fillings. Visit Hiroshima Castle, a national treasure that now serves as a museum on the history of Hiroshima before World War II. Check out the observatory on the top floor where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and Miyajima Island.

From here make your way The Hiroshima Museums of Art, this world-class art gallery features works of art by well known European artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Picasso along with Japanese artists spread throughout four galleries with a bronze statue of Venus made by Maillol.

Make your way to Shukkei-en Garden; this historic Japanese garden dates back to 1620 during the Edo period, the miniature gardens are filled with elements that represent mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and forests. Stroll around the gardens and the lake enjoying the beautiful scenery filled with trees and flowers. Enjoy some lunch at the teahouse on the grounds which has a full schedule of tea ceremonies and outdoor seating.

From here visit The Memorial Cathedral of World Peace, this Roman Catholic Church is one of the largest found in Asia. The church was built on the site of the Noboricho parish church that stood on this site before it was demolished by the Atomic Bomb. Some highlights of the cathedral were items gifted from overseas during the re-build and include a 150ft tall bell tower, bronze doors by Dusseldorf, an altar made of black marble presented by Belgium and a pipe organ provided by the city of Cologne.

Head over the Hondori Shotengai which is the main shopping street in the heart of the city, here you will find two large shopping malls and streets lined with local shops. Do some window shopping and pick up some specialty local items to take home.

As dinner time approaches choose from one of the many restaurants found in the downtown area and enjoy some Japanese cuisine. After dinner check out the city`s vibrant nightlife, The Nagarekawa district is said to the be the ultimate party area in the city. These narrow streets are packed with restaurants, bars, izakayas, pubs, lounges and beer gardens. Enjoy a night out on the town enjoying the local culture and some of the area`s famous sake.

Day 3 in Hiroshima

Start your day off early with a ferry ride over to Miyajima Island, this spectacular spiritual island features one of the world`s most recognizable shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine or floating vermilion torii gate. The shrine stands at 52ft high in the middle of the bay and is the symbol of the island, during high tide the torii gate appears to float on the water. Explore the uniqueness of this `island of worship` and visit the shrine complex and main prayer hall, and the Noh theatre stage which is all connected by boardwalks over the Seto Inland Sea.

The Island offers hiking trails, an aquarium, a museum, a shopping arcade, several temples, shrines and pagodas and even wild deer all set in a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere with the spectacular surrounding scenery. Visit the local village and enjoy lunch at any of the quaint local restaurants where you can dine on freshly caught seafood and enjoy spectacular views.

Once you arrive back on the mainland explore the area that surrounds the pier known as Marina Circus, here you will find a large variety of restaurants, shops, an amusement park, two large malls and a large Ferris Wheel. This is a great area to enjoy a sunset in the city, waterfront dining, and some shopping before retiring for the evening.

Additional Days in Hiroshima

If you are able to spend additional days in the city and are a sports fan, check out the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team who play at the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium. The stadium also holds tours twice daily of the large stadium and grounds.

If you are a car lover be sure to visit the Mazda Museum where the corporate headquarters of The Mazda Motor Corporation has been since 1920. There is a museum and parts of the factory open to the public with daily tours. Some of the highlights here include the Mazda Cosmos, the world`s first car with a rotary engine and the Mazda 787B, the only Japanese car to win the Le Mans Grand Prix.

Your Last Day in Hiroshima

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.