Hiroshima Highlights: Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots and Local Eats

Hiroshima is known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning Seto Inland Sea views, and beloved local cuisine. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the city always offers something new to discover. In this guide, we highlight some of the most accessible sightseeing spots from the city center, along with must-try local dishes that perfectly capture the flavor of Hiroshima. These picks will help you experience the very best the region has to offer.

Itsukushima Shrine’s Grand Torii: Hiroshima’s Iconic Must-See Landmark

The Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine—standing boldly in the sea—is one of Miyajima’s most iconic and breathtaking sights. Its allure lies in the magical scenery that changes dramatically between high and low tide.

At high tide, the torii appears to float on the water, creating a stunning view where the shrine and the sea blend into one. Sightseeing boats even approach it up close, allowing visitors to appreciate its scale and beauty. At low tide, the sea recedes and a path of sand emerges, letting visitors walk right up to the massive structure. Simply strolling along this natural “path” feels almost whimsical—like stepping into a moment crafted by nature itself. It’s a spot where the landscape shifts so much with the tide that every visit becomes a different experience.

Standing about 160 meters offshore from the shrine buildings, the Great Torii is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Measuring approximately 16.6 meters in height and weighing around 60 tons, it is one of the largest wooden torii gates in the country. The current gate is said to be the ninth iteration, rebuilt in 1875. Its structure, known as “ryobu torii,” features side pillars supporting the two main ones, and the top lintel contains about four tons of stones to stabilize the massive frame.

Hours	6:30–17:00 (until 18:30 depending on the season; please check the official website) Open year-round
Address	1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Access	・Hiroshima Washington Hotel: Walk to Hacchobori Station. Take the Hiroden tram bound for Miyajimaguchi and ride to Miyajimaguchi Station. Transfer to the ferry and reach Miyajima in about 10 minutes. From the pier, it is approximately a 15-min walk to the Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine.
URL	https://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/en/

Orizuru Tower: A Relaxing Spot with Stunning Views of Hiroshima

Located right next to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Orizuru Tower is a popular spot where visitors can experience the present and future of Hiroshima. From the open-air rooftop observation deck, Hiroshima no Oka (“Hill of Hiroshima”), you can enjoy refreshing breezes along with panoramic views of the city, including the Atomic Bomb Dome.

On the rooftop, the takeout-only Akushu Cafe -windside- offers seasonal fruit drinks made with locally grown produce, organic coffee, and 100% plant-based soft-serve ice cream, making it a relaxing place to unwind.

Inside the tower, visitors can participate in a unique experience: folding a paper crane with special origami paper and dropping it into the massive Orizuru Wall, where wishes for peace from around the world continue to accumulate. A multilingual origami instruction app is available in the workspace area, so even first-time visitors can enjoy the activity with ease.

Combining scenic views, cultural experiences, and hands-on activities, Orizuru Tower is a must-visit destination for any trip to Hiroshima.

Hours	10:00–18:00
Address	1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Access	・Hiroshima Washington Hotel: Walk to Hacchobori Station. Take the Hiroden tram toward Kamiya-cho Higashi and get off at Genbaku Dome-mae Station. From there, it is a short walk to the tower.
URL	https://www.orizurutower.jp/en/

Fumichan: One of the Best Places to Try Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

Located in Hiroshima’s bustling Nagarekawa district, Okonomi Fumichan has been a beloved local favorite since its founding in 1995. Open continuously from lunchtime through late evening, the restaurant is easy to drop by at any hour. With 48 seats across counter, table, and tatami areas, guests can enjoy watching their okonomiyaki freshly grilled on the hotplate right before their eyes.

The signature dish is the soba niku-tama okonomiyaki. The cabbage is carefully prepared—its cut adjusted depending on the firmness of each head—and slowly steamed without pressing it down, allowing its natural sweetness to emerge. The noodles are grilled until lightly crisp and fragrant, creating a well-balanced, classic Hiroshima-style flavor complemented by plenty of vegetables. The sauce used is Mitsuwa Sauce, known for its mild sweetness and clean finish, which makes the dish feel surprisingly light. It’s no wonder many people stop by for a satisfying late-night meal.

A must-try side dish is the beef tendon stew. Simmered until tender in a house-made ponzu of soy sauce and vinegar, it pairs perfectly with drinks. Loved by both locals and visitors, Fumichan is a great place to savor the authentic taste of Hiroshima.

Hours	Mon–Sat: 11:30–23:30 Sun and holidays: 11:30–22:00 Closed: Tuesdays and the third Monday of each month
Address	1-20 Horikawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Access	・Hiroshima Washington Hotel: Walk toward the Nagarekawa area. Continue south along Chuo-dori Street to reach the restaurant.
URL	https://tabelog.com/hiroshima/A3401/A340109/34000405/