7 Days in Hiroshima: A Relaxed Itinerary for Culture, Food & Scenic Drives

Located in western Japan, Hiroshima is a city that blends resilience with beauty — where poignant history stands alongside serene gardens, sacred islands, and vibrant modern life. For travelers who love to combine photography, culture, food, and leisurely exploration, Hiroshima offers an itinerary that is both meaningful and relaxing.

On this trip, I spent 7 days and 6 nights exploring Hiroshima and its surrounding towns. With a rental car, I covered 402 km across scenic bridges, historic districts, and coastal landscapes. Here’s my full itinerary — perfect for anyone planning their first Hiroshima journey.

🛫 Flying from Bangkok to Hiroshima

I flew with China Airlines, connecting via Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The transit was seamless — walking between gates was easy, and the connection time was just right.

• Bangkok ⇄ Taiwan: ~3 hrs 40 mins

• Taiwan ⇄ Hiroshima: ~2 hrs 15 mins

For travelers from Thailand or Southeast Asia, this is one of the most convenient ways to reach Hiroshima.

✨ Travel tip: Always secure travel insurance before international trips. I used MSIG Travel Insurance for this journey — easy to claim, affordable, and comprehensive.

🚗 Driving in Hiroshima

I opted for self-driving, which gave me flexibility to explore both city highlights and countryside escapes.

• Distance driven: 402 km

• Fuel: ¥6,000 (premium petrol)

• Highway tolls: ¥11,400

• Car rental: ¥51,200 (booked via ToCoo Rent a Car)

  • Discount code: DKB1E6 (¥1,000 off bookings over ¥10,000)

Driving in Hiroshima is smooth, and parking is manageable in most tourist spots. For travelers who enjoy road trips, it’s the best way to experience the region’s diverse landscapes.

⛩️ 7-Day Hiroshima Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Hiroshima

• Bangkok → Taiwan → Hiroshima Airport

• Pick up rental car, check-in, and rest after the journey.

Day 2 – Gardens & Sacred Island

• Sankeien Garden (三景園)
  Located near Hiroshima Airport, this Japanese-style strolling garden is designed around seasonal beauty. Visitors can enjoy plum blossoms in spring, irises in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and a snowy landscape in winter. With a central pond and traditional teahouses, it’s a serene introduction to Hiroshima’s nature and culture.

• Miyajima Island (厳島)
  One of Japan’s most iconic destinations, Miyajima is home to the Itsukushima Shrine with its floating red torii gate that appears to rise from the sea at high tide. The island also offers Mount Misen hiking trails, wild deer roaming freely, and traditional streets lined with oyster stalls and momiji manju (maple-leaf shaped cakes). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for photography, spirituality, and authentic island culture.

Day 3 – Bridges & City Views

• Kintaikyo Bridge (錦帯橋)
  Located in Iwakuni, this five-arched wooden bridge is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful historical bridges. Built in 1673 and reconstructed with traditional carpentry techniques, it spans the Nishiki River and is especially scenic during cherry blossom season. Visitors can also enjoy the Kikko Park nearby and sample Iwakuni’s unique sushi, served in layered wooden boxes.

• Orizuru Tower (おりづるタワー)
  Overlooking Hiroshima Peace Park, this modern tower offers a rooftop observation deck with panoramic views of the Atomic Bomb Dome, the cityscape, and distant mountains. Inside, the interactive exhibits let visitors fold paper cranes (orizuru) and add them to a wall of peace — a moving symbol of Hiroshima’s wish for a peaceful future.

Day 4 – Shrines, Heritage Towns & Street Food

• Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine (広島東照宮)
  Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, this Shinto shrine features ornate carvings and historic stone lanterns. Nestled against the hillside, it’s a quiet retreat that reflects the city’s Edo-period heritage.

• Onomichi (尾道市)
  A charming port town famous for its hillside temples, retro cafés, and scenic seaside views. Onomichi is also the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which connects islands across the Seto Inland Sea. It’s a favorite for film directors and photographers seeking nostalgic landscapes.

• Takehara Townscape Conservation Area (竹原市)
  Often called the “Little Kyoto of Aki,” this preserved Edo-period town showcases merchant houses, sake breweries, and traditional streets. It’s ideal for travelers who want to step back in time and experience authentic Japanese architecture.

• Hondori Shopping Street (本通商店街)
  Hiroshima’s lively pedestrian arcade filled with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a great place for souvenirs, fashion, and sampling local snacks.

• Okonomimura (お好み村)
  A multi-floor food complex dedicated to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki — savory pancakes layered with noodles, cabbage, and toppings. Each stall has its own specialty, creating a lively and delicious food experience.

Day 5 – History & Reflection

• Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム)
  Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Atomic Bomb Dome is the skeletal remains of a building that survived the bombing on August 6, 1945. It stands as a powerful reminder of the tragedy and a symbol of Hiroshima’s resilience.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園)
  This expansive park includes monuments, museums, and memorials dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. Highlights include the Flame of Peace, which will remain lit until nuclear weapons are abolished, and the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki’s story of paper cranes.

• Hiroshima Gate Park (ひろしまゲートパーク)
  A new riverside development combining modern architecture with community spaces. It represents Hiroshima’s transformation into a vibrant, forward-looking city while still honoring its past.

Day 6 – Sake & Shopping

• Saijo Sakagura-dori (西条酒蔵通り)
  Known as one of Japan’s top sake-brewing districts, Saijo features historic breweries lining the street. Visitors can tour traditional storehouses, learn about brewing techniques, and sample a variety of sakes. It’s a cultural and culinary highlight for adults interested in Japan’s sake heritage.

• Hiroshima Airport Shopping
  Before departure, the airport offers a wide range of souvenirs — from Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki kits and momiji manju sweets to local sake. It’s the perfect last stop to bring a piece of Hiroshima home.

Day 7 – Return Home

• Hiroshima → Taiwan → Bangkok.

✨ Final Thoughts

Hiroshima is a destination that speaks to the heart: a place where history, culture, food, and scenery come together in balance. From the emotional power of the Peace Park to the beauty of Miyajima Island and the nostalgic streets of Onomichi, every day offered something different yet connected.

For travelers seeking a relaxed, photography-friendly, and culture-rich journey, Hiroshima is the perfect choice — less crowded than Japan’s big cities, yet equally rewarding with its own unique blend of heritage and modern spirit.