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Hiroshima Prefecture is one of Japan's most attractive tourist destinations, blending beautiful nature, prayers for peace, traditional culture, and sophisticated urban charm. Especially for international travelers, Hiroshima Prefecture is a unique place where you can experience Japan's past and present. With its historical background as the site of the atomic bombing, the World Heritage Site of Miyajima, the scenic islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea, and authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, every visit promises new discoveries. This article provides clear, detailed information for first-time foreign travelers visiting Hiroshima, covering recommended sightseeing spots, cultural experiences, access information, gourmet food, and accommodations. Each spot is sure to make foreign visitors feel truly glad they came.

The appeal of Hiroshima Prefecture: Why it's popular with tourists from overseas

Hiroshima is a unique region where "war and peace," "nature and culture," and "food culture and human kindness" intersect. Hiroshima City is known worldwide for its history due to the atomic bombing of the city during World War II, but it has also been rebuilt as a "city of peace," nurturing a diverse culture alongside beautiful urban landscapes. Hiroshima Prefecture is also home to numerous historical and natural sites, centered around Miyajima, as well as atmospheric cityscapes such as Onomichi. Many foreign visitors to the city say they are deeply moved when they see the Atomic Bomb Dome in person, something they have only seen in textbooks, and at the same time feel a sense of hope for the future at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Access to international airports

Hiroshima Airport has many direct flights from Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Taiwan, and once you've entered the country, it's easy to access the city by train or bus. If you use the Shinkansen, you can easily access the city even if you're connecting from Tokyo or Osaka.

Rich nature and activities

Hiroshima Prefecture is home to the Chugoku Mountains, which stretch across central-eastern Hiroshima Prefecture, the beautiful coastline facing the Seto Inland Sea, and numerous large and small islands, all of which offer a wealth of natural beauty that cannot be experienced in urban areas. In this environment, activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking are popular.

A classic Hiroshima tourist spot that impresses foreign tourists

There are many places you should definitely visit when you come to Hiroshima, but the following spots are by far the most popular.

Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome

Located in the center of Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are connected and attract many tourists from all over the world every year. There are plenty of multilingual guides and information boards, and guides who speak English, French, and Spanish can also be arranged. You can also learn about the situation at the time from various angles at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which will help deepen your feelings for peace.

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine is registered as a World Heritage Site and is a popular spot, especially among foreign tourists. The vermilion torii gate floating on the sea can be approached on foot at low tide, and at high tide it appears fantastically above the water. Another reason for its popularity is the opportunity to interact with the deer.

Onomichi and Shimanami Kaido

Onomichi is also known as a city of cats, and you can enjoy visiting the atmospheric slopes and temples. Furthermore, the Shimanami Kaido is a tourist route loved by cyclists from overseas, and offers an extraordinary experience of cycling along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.

Recommended visiting times and events by season

Hiroshima Prefecture is suitable for tourism all year round, but each season has its own unique beauty and charm. Events and activities vary depending on the time of year you visit, so it's important to do some research before you travel.

Spring: Cherry blossoms and Peace Park

From late March to early April, the cherry blossoms in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden are in full bloom, creating a beautiful landscape. Yoshida Park in Akitakata City and the area around Senjokaku in Miyajima are also particularly popular spots.

Summer: Fireworks and the beach

The Hiroshima Minato Yume Fireworks Festival is a large-scale event held in Hiroshima Bay, where many foreigners enjoy the summer nights in yukata. In addition, in Kure City and Tomonoura, you can also enjoy swimming and sea kayaking, making it a unique opportunity to experience nature.

Autumn: Autumn leaves and cultural festivals

In northern Hiroshima Prefecture, beautiful autumn leaves adorn the mountains, and must-see spots include Taishakukyo Gorge and Sandankyo Gorge. A stroll through Momijidani Park is recommended in Miyajima in autumn. Kagura and other autumn festivals are also popular in each region, allowing you to combine sightseeing with cultural experiences.

Winter: Hot Springs and Gourmet Trip

Geihoku Onsen and Yuki Onsen are hot springs where you can enjoy bathing while admiring the snowy scenery. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and oysters are also perfect for winter.

Cultural experience programs popular with foreigners

Hiroshima Prefecture has a wide variety of cultural experience programs, and there are many facilities and instructors that cater specifically to foreigners.

Okonomiyaki making experience

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a unique style in which ingredients are layered and cooked, making it popular with foreign tourists who love cooking. There are also many cooking classes available in English, allowing you to experience Japanese downtown culture while actually cooking.

Calligraphy and tea ceremony experience

Cultural centers and experience facilities in Hiroshima City offer calligraphy and tea ceremony programs with English interpretation, providing an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese spiritual culture. Tea ceremony in particular is a valuable experience that teaches you the importance of silence, courtesy, and harmony.

Brewery tour and tasting

The Saijo area is famous nationwide for its sake, and many foreign tourists take part in tours of sake breweries, learning about the sake-making process and then enjoying tastings.

Infrastructure and support system for traveling safely in English

For foreign tourists, the language barrier can be a major obstacle when traveling, but Hiroshima Prefecture is making efforts to alleviate it.

Multilingual guidance and transportation information

Major tourist spots such as JR Hiroshima Station, Miyajima Ferry Terminal, and Peace Memorial Park have plenty of signs in English, Chinese, and Korean. Hiroshima Bus Center also has an English-speaking ticket counter, so you can travel without worry.

Wi-Fi Spots and Mobile Support

Free Wi-Fi spots are widely available at airports, major city facilities, restaurants, and other locations, and rental services for SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi are also available for foreign visitors to Japan. This means you can check information, use map apps, and translation apps on your smartphone at any time.

A gourmet tour of Hiroshima's flavors

Hiroshima is home to many unique Japanese dishes. We will introduce some gourmet foods that you should definitely try while sightseeing.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki

The "layered grilled style with soba noodles" is a clear difference from other regions and is very popular with foreigners. Recommended restaurants also have English menus, making ordering easy.

Hiroshima oysters

Hiroshima oysters, which are highly acclaimed around the world, are in season in winter and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster rice. There are also restaurants offering all-you-can-eat oysters, which is a must-see.

Sweets and drinks made with Setouchi lemons

There is an increasing number of products that use citrus fruits from Hiroshima, such as the popular souvenir "Setoda Lemon," and they can be easily enjoyed in pancakes, gelato, sour drinks, and more.

Accommodation and foreigner-friendly environment

There are a variety of accommodation options available not only in Hiroshima city, but also in nearby tourist destinations such as Miyajima, Onomichi, and Kure.

Guesthouses and hostels

Affordable and friendly accommodations are attracting attention, especially among young tourists. English-speaking staff are available, allowing you to enjoy interacting with global travelers.

Hot spring inns and traditional ryokans

At ryokans, you can experience things unique to Japan, such as wearing yukata, eating Japanese food, and staying in tatami rooms. You can make your selection with peace of mind, as you can make reservations in advance through an English-language reservation website.

Access and Transportation Basic Information

Travel from the international airport to the city

It takes about 45 to 60 minutes by limousine bus from Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima Station. You can also take a taxi, but it will be a little more expensive.

Transportation within the city

Hiroshima Electric Railway (City Tram), which connects major tourist destinations, is highly convenient and offers a one-day tourist pass. By using it in conjunction with Google Maps or the NAVITIME app, you can move around smoothly.

Access to distant places

Access to the San'in region and Shikoku is also easy, and we recommend starting from Hiroshima and traveling to other prefectures. Using express trains and ferries will greatly expand the scope of your sightseeing.

summary

Hiroshima Prefecture is an attractive area where you can experience Japan's history, culture, nature, and cuisine all at the same time. For foreign tourists, it stimulates their sensibilities as a place for peace education, and there are also many opportunities to meet heartwarming people and be moved by unforgettable scenery and delicious food. With a well-developed transportation infrastructure, multilingual support, and experiential tourism resources, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Be sure to visit Hiroshima on your next trip to Japan and experience a memorable journey that is unique to Japan.

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