7 BEST Things to Do on a PORT DAY in HIROSHIMA, JAPAN [2023]

6/16/2023

**Updated : June 2023**
Use the map to see a visual of all our recommendations - click the arrow next to our photo to have a pop up list! This post may also contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase a product via these links, with no extra cost to you!

We have to be honest with you, a visit to Hiroshima is not something we ever saw ourselves doing. However, after a recent stop on our cruise through Japan, we can only recommend that everyone adds this stop in Japan to their "must-do" lists. Not only was it a powerful reminder of our past, but also encouragement to work towards peace. Our only regret is only having such a small handful of hours to explore Hiroshima on our short port day. We hope that this post will help you make the most of your stay, and make your visit to Hiroshima a memorable one.

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Before you Arrive...

Make sure to know which port you'll be docking in, with MSC Cruises we docked quite a ways from downtown (at the warehouse area near Saeki-Kuyakusho-Mae Station). Even though they had 3 shuttles, none of them brought us to the downtown area where most of the top sights are, so if you plan on seeing the things on our list you'll want to make your way to Kamiya-cho-higashi Station on the subway, or Genbaku Dome-Mae Station on the trolley - from here a number of the activities on our list are walkable. If you plan on using public transport to get to these stations, you have the public metro or trolleys which you can pay in cash, or there are always plenty of reliable taxis around in Japan! There is also so much history in Hiroshima that we highly recommend making a stop at the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome a priority on your port day, even if you aren't a "history buff," we promise it'll leave you in awe.

7 Best Things to do in Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park - Arguably the most visited attraction in Hiroshima, the Peace Memorial Park is home to many different memorials. The first we recommend visiting is around the Pond of Peace, where you can find the Flame of Peace and the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph (pictured above). From here you can walk over to the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which is 200 yen per person, and goes over the story and history of the bombing in 1945 as well as showcases different items and belongings of the victims. We also recommend stopping at the Children's Peace Monument to see the Paper Cranes of Hope. There are of course many other memorials and monuments to see throughout the park, which is free.
Atomic Bomb Dome - As one of the the only buildings left standing in the center of the atomic bomb explosion, this building got its name from the clearly visible wire dome. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in 1996, we can't recommend a stop here enough. It would just feel strange to visit Hiroshima without a stop here. Located on the riverside right across from Peace Memorial Park, this spot really puts things into perspective with signs in Japanese and English for educational and historical purposes.

Mitaki-dera - Located just north of Hiroshima, this beautiful Buddhist temple is only a 30 minute journey from Hiroshima station. Begin by catching the Local Midorii Line to Mitaki Station, then walk 15 minutes from there. Mitaki-dera is free, however there is a box for you to put a "recommended" donation in. There is also a two story pagoda on site in addition to being considered a strikingly beautiful spot to visit in the Fall!
Itsukushima Jinja - A Shinto Shrine located on Itsukushima Island (also known as Miyajima) this beautiful attraction will be a bit more difficult to get to compared to the other top sights on our list. From Hiroshima Station, you'll have to take a 30 minute ride to Miyajimaguchi Station, then catch the JR Miyajima Ferry for a 10 minute ride to the island, the last journey will be a 15 minute walk to a viewing area where you can see the shrine (minimum 1 hour each way). If you've only got one day, or a single port day, to explore Hiroshima, then this spot will be hard to fit in along with the other sites. Unfortunately we missed this one ourselves, however you can bet it's at the top of our list for next time!
Mazda Museum & Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium - With daily tours lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours, we have to be honest in saying we didn't even know this spot existed until we were finishing up this post. Although the tours themselves are free, you have to make an online reservation in advance in order to attend. During this tour you can learn about Mazda's history, see an assembly line, and of course, a gift shop. On the other hand, there are two ways to experience the Mazda Zoom Zoom Baseball Stadium - by taking a tour, or by going to watch the Toyo Carp play a game of ball!

Hiroshima Castle - This stunning castle really should be at the top of our list...BUT, we had to save the best for last right? ;) Although it is FREE entry to the surrounding gardens, if you'd like to enter the castle itself you'll have to pay 370 yen per adult. If you saw our video you know we missed our chance to actually go inside the Hiroshima Castle, but we're here to help you avoid the same mistake! If you're just looking to admire from the outside, then you'll just have to enter the park by 6:00 pm, if you want to pay the extra fee and go inside the castle then you'll have to make it in time for last admission at 5:30 pm.
Shukkeien Garden - This beautiful Japanese garden dates all the way back to 1620. With a pond and multiple tea houses, the Shukkeien Garden is about a 15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station and costs 260 yen to enter. We would recommend spending at least an hour or two here to really enjoy the gardens.