24 hours in Hiroshima and Miyajima

DAY 1

8AM: ARRIVAL
Hiroshima is only 1.5 hours away from Osaka or 2 hours from Kyoto by Shinkansen.

9AM: EXPLORE HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most iconic attractions of the city. 15 minutes away from Hiroshima station, take a tram and make your stop at A-Bomb Dome. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing till today. Walk along the river until you reach Peace Memorial Museum. If you are planning to explore the museum, make sure to rent English audio guide. On the way, don't forget to stop by at Children's Peace Monument.



11AM: MITCHAN OKONOMI-YAKI
Other than Osaka, Hiroshima is also famous for its Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. The difference with Osaka okonomiyaki is that the okonomiyaki is served on noodle. Mitchan is one of the most famous okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima and indeed it is the best okonomiyaki that I've ever tried. I ordered Mitchan Special Okonomi-yaki. Note that this restaurant is very famous, and you may have to queue for up to 1 hour.

1PM: FERRY RIDE TO MIYAJIMA
Miyajima is a small island outside the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate and is ranked as one of Japan's three best views. From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station for 25 minutes, Then take a 10 minutes ferry ride to Miyajima.

2PM: EXPLORE MIYAJIMA
After check-in and drop luggage at your accommodation, just walk around the city. Have some snacks, buy some souvenirs and take pictures with the deer. Similar to Nara, there are deer wandering around along the walking paths all over the island.

3PM: ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE
The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. It is important to check the timings of the tides during your visit. At high tide, the shrine and the torii gate appear to float above the water; and at low tide, you can walk to the torii gate and see it up close.

5PM: SUNSET
Witnessing the beauty and awe of Miyajima sunset over torii gate was such an amazing view.

7PM: KAISEKI
Miyajima is best enjoyed by staying overnight at a ryokan. I stayed at Kinsuikan Ryokan which is the best Ryokan on the island. It costs ¥25000 per person including kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast with torii gate view.

9PM: NIGHT CRUISE
Enjoying night scenery of Itsukushima shrine and O-torii Gate is a must in Miyajima. There are night boat cruises that last 30 minutes that take you around the bay and through the torii gate.You need to make a reservation for Miyajima Light-up cruise by 2 hours before departure. However, I recommend to book couple of days in advance as everything is sold out during the day I visited. Ask your hotel to book for you. There are about 6 departures per night. I recommend to ride on the latest one of the day so you can enjoy your Ryokan Dinner beforehand.

10PM: ONSEN
Not every accommodation in Miyajima has onsen. One of the reason I stayed at Kinsuikan Ryokan was because they have onsen.

DAY 2

8AM: BREAKFAST
Start the day by having breakfast served in your room.

10AM: CHECK OUT
If you have more time, you can explore Miyajima or even hike to Mount Misen for amazing views of Seto Inland Sea. Otherwise, you can go back to Hiroshima to explore more or continue with your next itinerary. I didn't as I went to Himeji Castle and Kinosaki Onsen the day after.