A Classic Day in Hiroshima: From Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima via the World Heritage Sea Route

This course connects Hiroshima's two World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine, by boat in a single day. In the morning, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. From Motoyasubashi Pier, take the high-speed boat of the "Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route" to Miyajima. After worshipping at Itsukushima Shrine with its shrine buildings stretching over the sea, savor Miyajima's specialties along the Omotesando shopping street.

History & Local Charm

At 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945 (Showa 20), an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Conveying the appearance of the bombed building to the present day, the Atomic Bomb Dome was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996 (Heisei 8). It is positioned as a shared peace memorial for humanity, continuing to appeal for the elimination of nuclear weapons and the importance of permanent world peace.

In the same year, 1996, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima was also registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. According to legend, it originated in 593 when Empress Suiko ascended the throne, and toward the end of the Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori rebuilt it into shrine pavilions incorporating the shinden-zukuri architectural style.

The "Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route" connects these two World Heritage Sites without any transfers. While viewing the cityscape of Hiroshima from the boat, you head from the river out to the sea toward Miyajima. A journey visiting these two World Heritage Sites is a classic choice perfect for first-time visitors to Hiroshima.

Key Highlights

• ​Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum​​: A museum that conveys the reality of the damage caused by the atomic bomb and calls for a peaceful world free of nuclear weapons. Designed by architect Tange Kenzo, the main building was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2006, the first postwar building to receive this designation. In the main building's "The Reality of the Atomic Bombing" section, personal effects and photographs of the victims convey how the atomic bomb robbed each individual of their life and daily existence.
• ​Atomic Bomb Dome​​: Completed in 1915 (Taisho 4) as the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, this building was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. The atomic bomb exploded in the sky approximately 160 meters southeast of this structure. The building has been preserved almost exactly as it appeared after the bombing, and because visitors cannot enter inside, viewing is done from outside the fence.
• ​Itsukushima Shrine​​: A shrine standing on the shores of Miyajima with its pavilions extending over the sea. The main shrine and the east and west corridors are designated as National Treasures. The vermilion Grand Torii gate standing offshore is an Important Cultural Property of Japan, standing by its own weight without being buried into the seabed. Visitors enter, proceed through the East Corridor to pray at the main shrine, and exit via the West Corridor.
• ​Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street​​: Located midway between Miyajima Pier and Itsukushima Shrine, this is the liveliest street on the island. Souvenir shops and eateries line the street for approximately 350 meters, where you can enjoy freshly baked momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) right at the storefronts. There are also dining spots serving conger eel (anago) and oyster dishes.

Recommended Route & Travel Time

The recommended duration is approximately 8 hours. Start your morning at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The exhibits proceed from the East Building to the Main Building and then return to the East Building. Because the contents are emotionally heavy and can be tiring, please allow ample time for your visit.

After exiting the museum, walk through Peace Memorial Park approximately 450 meters north to the Atomic Bomb Dome. Beyond the pathway passing under the Main Building of the museum, the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims and the Atomic Bomb Dome can be seen aligned in a single line. This is a place where many people lost their lives. Keep in mind that it is a place of prayer and view it quietly.

After viewing the Atomic Bomb Dome, board the high-speed boat of the Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route from Motoyasubashi Pier in Peace Memorial Park. The ride to Miyajima Pier takes about 45 minutes. Please check the schedule in advance, as some departures cannot operate depending on the tide level.

Upon arriving at Miyajima Pier, head to Itsukushima Shrine. The appearance of Itsukushima Shrine changes significantly with the ebb and flow of the tide: at high tide, the shrine pavilions and Grand Torii appear to float on the sea, while at low tide, you can walk close to the Grand Torii. Tide times vary by day, so checking a tide table will make planning easier. After your visit, savor local specialties and browse souvenirs along the Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street on your way back to the pier.

For the return trip, you can return to Peace Memorial Park via the same boat route. Alternatively, you can take a ferry across to Miyajimaguchi and return to central Hiroshima by JR train or tram.

Experience Summary

A morning facing the reality of the atomic bombing and praying for peace. An afternoon cruising from river to sea by boat, joining hands in prayer at the shrine pavilions floating on the waters. Connecting two World Heritage Sites in one day, this course is a classic journey that brings together Hiroshima's history and prayers, along with the scenic beauty of Setouchi.