Hiroshima is the urban centre of the Chugoku-Shikoku region, but it's also blessed with beautiful nature and great museums. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites ensure that Hiroshima remains a popular tourist destination with visitors from Japan and abroad.
A trip to Hiroshima means an opportunity to think about history and culture while enjoying beautiful scenery. You can visit a submarine in Kure, which was once Japan's leading military port, or head to the island of Miyajima to experience the kind of life that supported the prosperous Heike family of Aki Province.
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A museum that resonates as if time has stopped
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum gives you a chance to deepen your longing for peace through extensive displays that convey the horror of the atomic bombing, such as belongings of the victims and photographic recordings of the city immediately after the blast.
In addition to an audio guide available in 14 languages, you can watch videos of victims' testimonies or, if you ask at the reception desk, you can have a Peace Volunteer (guide service available at the museum) personally explain the history to you.
Location: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0811, Japan
Open: March—July and September—November: daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm August: daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm December—February: daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm Closed on December 30th and 31st
Phone: +81 (0)82-241-4004
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Kure Maritime Museum (Yamato Museum)
A museum where you can experience the powerful world of "Battleship Yamato"
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Kure Maritime Museum (Yamato Museum) is a place where you can actively learn about the history of Kure, which once flourished as Japan's largest naval arsenal, as well as the shipbuilding, iron and steel technologies that contributed to the modernisation of Japan. One of the highlights is the 1/10 scale model of the Battleship Yamato, but it's also worth visiting to learn about modern Japanese industry and the history of warfare.
It's located right on the ocean, so you can stop by while strolling around Kure Port.
Location: 5-20 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture 737-0029, Japan
Open: Exhibition room and shop: daily from 9 am to 6 pm Library: daily from 9 am to 5 pm Closed on Thursdays
Phone: +81 (0)82-325-3017
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Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum
A museum housing an entire submarine
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At the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum (also known as the “Tetsu no Kujirakan”), an actual submarine, the "Akishio", has been turned into a museum. It's located next to the Yamato Museum, so learn about the history of the Japanese navy and Self-Defence Forces by visiting both museums.
At the "Tetsu no Kujirakan", you can enter the inside of the submarine and learn how it works and even experience what it's like to live underwater. There are also café and shops where you can pick up souvenirs.
Location: 5-32 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture 737-0029, Japan
Open: From 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +81 (0)823-21-6111
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Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art
A fascinating museum to visit at the same time as Shukkeien
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Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art is the first public art museum in the Chugoku region, built on the site of the former estate of the Asano family. It's located right next to Shukkeien, the garden and former villa of the feudal lord of Hiroshima, so you can enjoy beautiful views from inside the museum.
Locals love this spot for its convenient located in the centre of the city, which makes it very easy to get to. There are also special services for those visiting with children, such as pushchair rentals and hot water for baby milk.
Location: 2-22 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0014, Japan
Open: From 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 (0)82-221-6246
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Hiroshima Museum of Art
A tasteful museum with a comprehensive collection
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Opened in 1978 for the 100th anniversary of Hiroshima Bank, Hiroshima Museum of Art has attractive collections of Impressionists such as Van Gogh and Renoir, through to Picasso. It's located in a quiet area surrounded by trees in Central Park, which makes it easier to appreciate the artwork.
While the permanent exhibits are excellent, it's also known for its unique special exhibitions. If you're walking around the city area, you should definitely consider stopping by to enjoy a relaxing, enriching time here.
Location: 1-2 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0011, Japan
Open: From 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 (0)82-223-2530
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Hiroshima MOCA
A hub for sophisticated contemporary artwork
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The imposing Hiroshima MOCA is located in Hijiyama Park, which is famous for its cherry blossoms and offers a panoramic view of Hiroshima City. The building was designed by Kisho Kurokawa and is known as one of Hiroshima’s leading postmodern structures.
Here you’ll find collections of pieces by Andy Warhol and Henry Moore, as well as other contemporary artwork from the post-World War II era. A unique feature of this museum is that its collection extends beyond existing artwork and into the fields of design and architecture. Visit this refined museum during the beautiful cherry blossom season for the best experience.
Location: 1-1 Hijiyamakoen, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 732-0815, Japan
Open: *Closed for renovation until March 2023 (TBC)
Phone: +81 (0)82-264-1121
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Numaji Transport Museum
A science museum perfect for children who love vehicles
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At Numaji Transport Museum, you can learn about the history of vehicles and transport around the world and actually experience it for yourself. There’s a huge range of play-based learning activities, including driving experiences and various classes for children, so little ones who love anything on wheels or tracks will have a great time here. And so will the parents.
The museum is built on top of the Astram Line (Hiroshima New Transit Line 1) railyard, so it’s really easy to get here from the city centre.
Location: 2-12-2 Chorakuji, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 731-0143, Japan
Open: From 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 (0)82-878-6211
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Mazda Museum
Look at, learn about, and enjoy the cars of Mazda!
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Mazda Museum is an amazing place to visit, with a full line-up of cars from all generations, from a three-wheeled vehicle launched in 1931 to the most advanced high-tech models of today. If you're a car lover, you'll adore the exhibit of the 787B, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's also an educational museum where you can see the production line of Mazda cars.
You’ll need to book ahead to enter, and a tour guide will take you around on a tour that lasts about 90 minutes. Guides are available in English and Japanese.
Location: 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-8670, Japan
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to noon and 12.45 pm to 5 pm *Closed on weekends, public holidays, and business holidays
Phone: +81 (0)82-252-5050
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Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum
A museum on the site of a school at the A-bomb explosion hypocentre
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Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum was built on the site of the school's original building, which was located only 460 metres from the hypocentre. It still remains as it was at the time of the blast, retaining the vivid horror of the atomic bomb.
It's a small museum that is well worth visiting at the same time as the nearby Peace Memorial Park. Listening to the guide and watching the videos will give you plenty of food for thought about the meaning of peace.
Location: 6-36 Fukuromachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0036, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed over New Year holidays)
Phone: +81 (0)82-541-5345
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Miyajima History and Folklore Museum
A museum telling the history of Miyajima and its Itsukushima Shrine
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Miyajima History and Folklore Museum is a rare historical site where you can learn about the Heike family and the life and culture of the local people in Itsukushima who facilitated the prosperity of the Heike family.
The museum is set in the main house and storehouse of a wealthy merchant who prospered through soy sauce production from the Edo era to the Meiji era, so you can get a real sense of the life of the people in those times by looking at the impressive collection in an authentic space. It's not a large museum, but you can discover a lot about Miyajima by spending some time here.
Location: 57 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0533, Japan
Open: From 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +81 (0)829-44-2019
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