Hiroshima Chugoku Japan
5
Day Itinerary •
Japan
Five days in Hiroshima and Chugoku gives the complete experience of western Honshu, from the extraordinary Hiroshima peace heritage and the remarkable Miyajima island to the extraordinary Shimanami Kaido island cycling route, the remarkable Onomichi hillside town and the finest Setouchi seafood. This route covers the full Chugoku: the extraordinary Hiroshima Peace Museum, the remarkable Miyajima floating torii, the extraordinary Shimanami Kaido cycling across six Setouchi islands, the remarkable Onomichi temple walk and the extraordinary Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.
Best Time To Visit
April for cherry blossom. Oct to Nov for autumn colours.
Getting There
Shinkansen to Hiroshima from Tokyo (4 hr) or Osaka (90 min).
Getting Around
Tram in Hiroshima. Ferry to Miyajima. Car for Shimanami.
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 160 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate , cycling optional on Shimanami Kaido
DAY 1
HIROSHIMA
MORNING
HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is the most extraordinary and important museum in Japan, its remarkable exhibits of the 1945 atomic bomb , the extraordinary shadow vaporised on stone steps, the remarkable melted lunch boxes and the fine survivor testimonies , giving the most profound museum experience in the country. The A-Bomb Dome preserved across the river gives the finest peace heritage in Asia. Entry approx 200 yen. Drive: 5 min walk
MIDDAY
A-BOMB DOME AND PEACE PARK
The A-Bomb Dome is the most extraordinary UNESCO site in Japan, its remarkable ruined industrial building preserved as the most powerful symbol of nuclear destruction in the world. The extraordinary Peace Park with the remarkable Cenotaph aligned to frame the dome gives the finest peace memorial landscape in Asia. Free. Drive: 15 min tram
AFTERNOON
SHUKKEIEN GARDEN AND CASTLE
Shukkeien is the most extraordinary traditional garden in Hiroshima, its remarkable miniaturised landscape of streams, islands and tea houses giving the finest garden heritage in western Honshu. The extraordinary Hiroshima Castle and the remarkable views over the city give the finest feudal heritage in the Chugoku region. Entry approx 260 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum near the A-Bomb Dome is the finest hidden peace site in Hiroshima, its remarkable original schoolroom preserved with extraordinary artefacts from August 6th 1945. The most intimate atomic bomb experience in the city. Entry approx 250 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hiroshima okonomiyaki restaurant Outstanding Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki pancake, the finest local dish in western Japan. | Lunch: Oyster restaurant near Peace Park Outstanding fresh Hiroshima oysters grilled or raw near the extraordinary Peace Memorial. | Dinner: Nagarekawa district Outstanding Hiroshima dinner in the finest entertainment district. Local sake and fresh Setouchi seafood.
DAY 2
MIYAJIMA
MORNING
ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE AND FLOATING TORII
Itsukushima Shrine is the most extraordinary Shinto shrine in Japan, its remarkable buildings built over the sea giving the finest tidal heritage in the country. The extraordinary O-torii gate appearing to float at high tide is the most famous image in Japanese culture. Walking under it at low tide gives the finest shrine experience in western Japan. Entry approx 300 yen. Drive: 30 min walk
MIDDAY
MIYAJIMA VILLAGE AND MOMIJIDANI
Miyajima village is the most extraordinary pilgrimage island in Japan, its remarkable streets of maple leaf cakes and extraordinary crafts lining the shrine approach. The extraordinary Momijidani Park and the remarkable deer roaming freely give the finest island village atmosphere in Japan. Free. Drive: 30 min walk
AFTERNOON
MOUNT MISEN ROPEWAY
Mount Misen's remarkable ropeway gives the finest aerial views over the Seto Inland Sea and the extraordinary summit trails through ancient cedar to the finest panorama in western Japan. The remarkable eternal flame burning since Kobo Daishi lit it 1200 years ago gives the finest religious heritage on Miyajima. Ropeway approx 2000 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Daisho-in temple complex at the foot of Mount Misen contains the finest Buddhist statuary on Miyajima, with remarkable prayer wheels, extraordinary cave shrines and the fine Five-Storey Pagoda. The most atmospheric Buddhist heritage on the island. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Miyajima early ferry Arrive before 8am for the extraordinary torii in early light with almost no visitors. Most powerful moment on Miyajima. | Lunch: Miyajima oyster stall Outstanding grilled Miyajima oysters overlooking the extraordinary floating torii gate. | Dinner: Return dinner in Hiroshima Outstanding Hiroshima okonomiyaki on return from the extraordinary Miyajima island.
DAY 3
SHIMANAMI KAIDO
MORNING
SHIMANAMI KAIDO CYCLING START
The Shimanami Kaido is the most extraordinary cycling route in Japan, its remarkable 70km series of suspension bridges connecting six Setouchi islands from Onomichi to Imabari giving the finest island cycling in Asia. The extraordinary views from each bridge deck over the scattered islands and the remarkable citrus groves of each island give the finest cycling experience in the country. Bike rental approx 1000 yen. Drive: Cycling between islands
MIDDAY
IKUCHI ISLAND AND KOSANJI TEMPLE
Ikuchi Island contains Kosanji Temple, the most extraordinary privately built temple complex in Japan, its remarkable marble Hill of Hope and extraordinary reproductions of Japan's finest buildings giving the most unusual religious heritage in the Setouchi. The remarkable Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art and the extraordinary island scenery give the finest midpoint stop on the Shimanami. Entry approx 1400 yen. Drive: Continue cycling
AFTERNOON
OMISHIMA ISLAND AND OYAMAZUMI SHRINE
Omishima is the most extraordinary island on the Shimanami Kaido, its remarkable Oyamazumi Shrine, the oldest shrine in the Setouchi, housing the extraordinary collection of samurai armour , the finest in Japan , giving the most remarkable warrior heritage in the Inland Sea. The remarkable cedar forest and the extraordinary island cycling give the finest afternoon on the route. Entry approx 1000 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Tatara Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido is the finest cable-stayed bridge in Asia, its remarkable observation deck giving the finest panoramic view over the Setouchi islands. The cycling path crosses the bridge at mid-height for the most extraordinary cycling experience in Japan. Free on the cycling route.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Onomichi cafe before cycling Outstanding early breakfast in Onomichi before the extraordinary Shimanami Kaido cycling departure. | Lunch: Ikuchi Island lemon cafe Outstanding Setouchi lemon products and fresh island food at the finest cafe on the Shimanami route. | Dinner: Imabari or island guesthouse Outstanding Ehime local cuisine at the finish of the extraordinary Shimanami cycling route.
DAY 4
ONOMICHI
MORNING
ONOMICHI TEMPLE WALK
The Onomichi Temple Walk connects 25 temples through extraordinary cat-filled alleys and remarkable hillside paths with the finest views over the Onomichi Channel. The extraordinary Senko-ji Temple and the remarkable bell tower give the finest panorama over the Setouchi islands from the hilltop. Ropeway approx 280 yen. Drive: 30 min walk
MIDDAY
ONOMICHI CAT ALLEY AND OLD QUARTER
Onomichi is the most extraordinary cat town in Japan, its remarkable colony of resident cats on ancient stone walls, extraordinary temple steps and the fine wooden merchant quarter giving the most atmospheric cat-watching in the country. The remarkable Onomichi harbour with Setouchi ferry views gives the finest harbour town in western Honshu. Free. Drive: 1 hr by train
AFTERNOON
TOMONOURA HISTORIC PORT TOWN
Tomonoura is the most extraordinary preserved Edo-period port town in western Japan, its remarkable stone quays, extraordinary sake breweries and the fine Fukuzen-ji temple with the finest view of the Setouchi from its extraordinary tatami viewing room giving the most atmospheric Edo heritage in Chugoku. Said to have inspired the Studio Ghibli film Ponyo. Free to walk.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Onomichi Cinema museum in the old town celebrates the finest film heritage in Japan , Onomichi was the favourite filming location of director Yasujiro Ozu for his remarkable family dramas. The extraordinary alley scenes from his films are recognisable throughout the cat town. Free to visit.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Onomichi morning cafe Outstanding Japanese breakfast before the extraordinary hillside temple walk and cat alleys. | Lunch: Onomichi ramen restaurant Outstanding Onomichi soy ramen with back fat, the finest local noodle style in western Honshu. | Dinner: Tomonoura restaurant Outstanding fresh Setouchi seafood dinner in the finest Edo-period port town in western Japan.
DAY 5
IZUMO
MORNING
IZUMO TAISHA GRAND SHRINE
Izumo Taisha is the most extraordinary and most ancient Shinto shrine in Japan, its remarkable main hall, the tallest wooden building in the country in ancient times, giving the finest grand shrine experience in the nation. The extraordinary sacred rope, the largest shimenawa in Japan at 13 tonnes, and the remarkable October gathering of all eight million Japanese gods give the finest mythological heritage in the country. Entry free. Inner hall approx 300 yen. Drive: 30 min walk
MIDDAY
IZUMO OLD TOWN AND HORIKAWA CANAL
The Izumo old town surrounding the grand shrine is the most extraordinary shrine town in Japan, its remarkable covered shopping street of extraordinary soba restaurants, the finest Izumo soba in the country, and the fine Horikawa canal boat tours through the extraordinary castle moat giving the finest shrine town experience in western Honshu. Canal boat approx 1200 yen. Drive: 1 hr drive
AFTERNOON
ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART GARDEN
The Adachi Museum garden is the most extraordinary garden in Japan, ranked by the Journal of Japanese Gardening as the finest garden in the country for 20 consecutive years. Its remarkable dry landscape garden uses the extraordinary surrounding mountains as borrowed scenery in the finest example of shakkei in Japan. The remarkable Yokoyama Taikan collection inside gives the finest nihonga painting in the country. Entry approx 2300 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Matsue Castle, the only original unrestored wooden castle in western Japan, is the finest surviving feudal castle in Chugoku, its remarkable black silhouette reflected in the moat and the extraordinary views over Lake Shinji giving the finest castle experience in the region. Entry approx 680 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Izumo soba restaurant Outstanding Izumo soba, the finest buckwheat noodle in Japan, served in three stacked lacquer boxes before the grand shrine. | Lunch: Shrine town restaurant Outstanding lunch in the extraordinary Izumo shrine town. Local seafood from the Sea of Japan coast. | Dinner: Farewell dinner in Hiroshima or Matsue Outstanding final Chugoku dinner. Hiroshima oysters or Matsue fresh seafood from the finest brackish lake in Japan.
Where To Stay
Hiroshima, Nights 1 to 2 Best hub. Hotels from 70 to 180 euros. Tram to Peace Park and ferry connections. Shimanami island guesthouse Stay on an island mid-route. Guesthouses from 60 to 120 euros with local Setouchi breakfast. Budget option Business hotels in Hiroshima from 50 euros. Onomichi guesthouses from 40 euros per person.
Top Tips
1. Miyajima torii at high tide: check tide tables at miyajima.or.jp. The extraordinary floating gate requires high water , the schedule determines the entire visit.
2. Peace Museum: allow 3 hours and arrive at opening. The extraordinary survivor testimony films are the most important part. The most profound museum experience in Japan.
3. Shimanami cycling: the full 70km takes 6 to 7 hours. Start before 8am from Onomichi. The extraordinary bridges are most beautiful in the morning light.
4. Izumo Taisha: the grand shrine is most extraordinary in October when all eight million gods gather here from across Japan. The regular months still give the finest shrine experience.
5. Adachi Museum garden: buy tickets online to avoid the queue. The extraordinary garden is at its finest in November for autumn colours and January for snow.
6. Onomichi cats: most active in the cool morning. The extraordinary temple walk cat alley is entirely different before 9am when locals feed the resident colony.
Total Budget
80 to 160 euros/day