When to Go
Best Time to Visit
March–May, October–November. Cherry blossoms in spring, maple foliage in autumn; summers are humid, winters mild and dry.
Daily Spend in USD
Budget
Budget
$55/day
Mid-range
$130/day
Luxury
$350/day
Okonomiyaki dinners run a few dollars; Miyajima ryokan stays push the luxury tier.
With Kids
Family Travel
Peace Memorial Museum (heavy but important), Miyajima deer-feeding, an okonomiyaki-making class.
Together
Couples Travel
A Miyajima overnight ryokan, a Peace Park sunset moment, a Saijo sake-brewery district day trip.
On Your Own
Solo Travel
Hostels near the station are good; English support in Peace Park; easy day trips by JR Pass.
Food
What to Eat
- Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Layered (not mixed) — pancake, noodles, cabbage, pork, egg on a hot iron plate.
- Oysters. Local Hiroshima oysters — grilled, fried, or in hotpot, especially in winter.
- Anago meshi. Saltwater eel over rice — a Miyajima ferry-port specialty.
- Momiji manju. Maple-leaf shaped sweet bean cakes — Miyajima souvenir, sold in every shop.
Transportation
Getting Around
Trams and JR trains cover the city; the JR ferry reaches Miyajima in 10 minutes.
The JR Pass covers the ferry to Miyajima — use it the same day as Peace Park to save.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
- Peace Park. Central memorial district — the A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Museum.
- Hatchobori. Shopping centre — okonomiyaki streets, department stores, the tram hub.
- Miyajima. Sacred shrine island a ferry away — the famous floating torii gate.
What to Know
Safety
Extremely safe. Real hazards are summer heat in the Peace Park and high-tide bullishness of Miyajima deer.