Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights Tour

Hiroshima is a beautiful city and the perfect mix of bustling metropolis and relaxed countryside. Within the city center, one has the opportunity to not only explore the historical relevance of Hiroshima, but also appreciate its beauty and culture. This half-day tour has been specially designed so you may learn about Hiroshima city’s origins as a castle town during the Sengoku Period, its importance as Japan unified and developed, and the impact and legacy of the Atomic Bomb. Gain a deeper understanding of how this city first formed and how it was able to become the symbol of peace that it is today by taking part in this walking-tour around the Hiroshima city center.

1. 1

   Shukkeien

   1 hour

   Your guide will lead you out of Hiroshima Station and provide some brief information about the city as you make your way to the first destination of the day, Shukkei-en Garden. Within the garden, you will take a leisurely stroll around the main pond, admiring the tea houses, bridges, and hills, while stopping at the best photo spots. Your guide will also give a thorough explanation of Japanese gardens and their main design principles. As you walk, you will learn about the construction of Shukkei-en during the Edo period, its concept as a “miniaturized landscape,” and its different restorations in the past 400 years. Lastly, your guide will explain the role of the garden as an evacuation site during World War II, and what it symbolizes today to the people of Hiroshima.

2. 2

   Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

   1.5 hours

   Your guide will take you to the main locations within the ruins and explain their history, purpose, and significance. These locations include the Castle Tower, Ninomaru enclosure, and Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. By using Hiroshima Castle as “case study,” you will gain a better understanding of Japanese history and the development of castle towns. As you walk through the ruins, your guide will help you picture what life would have been like during the Edo Period in a flourishing city of Japan. Our next stop will be the Atomic Bomb Dome located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This building was inaugurated in 1915, with the purpose of exhibiting and selling products from Hiroshima Prefecture and it was the only structure left standing near the explosion’s hypocenter. As you walk to this next location, your guide will provide historical context about World War II and the events leading up to the bombing.

3. 3

   Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

   1.5 hours

   Our last stop of the tour will be the Peace Memorial Museum. Within, you will be able to observe the personal belongings left behind by the victims of the atomic bombing. The exhibits will walk you through the events of August 6th, the many hardships and trauma that followed in the years after, and the ultimate reconstruction of the city. Your tour guide will offer some context before entering the different exhibition rooms, but for the most part, this will serve as an opportunity to quietly learn about and reflect on this historical event.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Tour Availability Disclaimer: All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.