Family-Friendly Adventures in Hiroshima, Japan!

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Why Visit?

Morning: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Start your day at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Located in central Hiroshima, it"s easily accessible by tram. Take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (tram) and get off at Genbaku-Domu Mae Station. The museum opens at 8:30 AM, allowing you and your family to beat the crowd.

The museum provides a poignant look at the tragic impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Family-friendly exhibits include personal stories and artifacts that bring history to life, emphasizing peace and the importance of preventing future tragedies.

Midday: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Just a short walk from the museum is the Hiroshima Peace with attractions like the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It"s one of the few structures that remained standing near the bomb"s epicenter and serves as a powerful reminder of that day in 1945.

Enjoy a peaceful walk through the park to see other important monuments such as the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes. It"s a good opportunity to teach children about the peace movement and the story of Sadako, encouraging them to fold their own paper cranes.

Afternoon: Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden

After lunch, take a 20-minute walk or hop back on the tram to visit Hiroshima Castle. Rebuilt after the war, the castle offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area and features exhibits on Japanese history and culture.

End your day at Shukkei-en Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden that"s perfect for relaxation. Located a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Castle, the garden features lovely tea houses and scenic paths, providing a serene end to your day.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima Jinja)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Itsukushima Shrine

Morning Arrival

Start your family adventure to Itsukushima Shrine by catching a ferry from Miyajimaguchi pier, easily accessible by train from Hiroshima Station. The scenic ferry ride to Miyajima island, where the shrine is located, takes about 10 minutes.

Exploring Itsukushima Shrine

Upon arrival, head straight to the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its "floating" torii gate—a must-see spectacle during high tide when it appears to be standing in the middle of the sea. The shrine opens at 6:30 AM but check the tide schedules to plan your visit when the gate is submerged for the most dramatic view.

Fun Fact: The shrine and the torii gate are built over water to respect the island’s purity, as it"s considered a sacred place where gods reside.

Engage with History

Explore the shrine complex, marvel at its ancient architecture, and learn about its history, dating back to the 6th century. The shrine is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, revered for its unique construction and cultural significance.

Lunch and Deer Watching

Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic under the maple trees in Momijidani Park, famous for its beautiful foliage and free-roaming deer. Teach the kids about the sacred status of these friendly deer and remind them to respect the wildlife.

Cable Car to Mount Misen

Post-lunch, take the Miyajima Ropeway to Mount Misen’s observatory for a panoramic view of the island and the Seto Inland Sea. Engage the kids with tales of the eternal flame at the summit, said to have been burning for over 1200 years!

Evening Stroll and Souvenirs

Wind down with a leisurely stroll through Miyajima’s traditional streets. Visit local shops for unique souvenirs like Momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) before catching the ferry back, concluding a memorable family day at Itsukushima.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima)

Why Visit?

Miyajima Island, or Itsukushima, is a magical destination, perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in nature and culture. Here’s a delightful one-day itinerary for your family trip!

Morning: Arrival and Itsukushima Shrine

Start your day early by catching a ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier to Miyajima Island. The ferry ride offers beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and takes about 10 minutes. Upon arrival, head straight to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, known for its "floating" torii gate, which appears to be standing in the sea during high tide. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 6th century and is a marvel of ancient Japanese architecture. Kids will enjoy watching the friendly deer that roam freely around the island.

Midday: Mount Misen

Grab some lunch at one of the local restaurants serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki—a must-try! Then, take the Miyajima Ropeway to Mount Misen, the highest peak on the island. The ropeway journey offers stunning views and ends at Shishiiwa Station, from where you can hike to the summit. Explore the ancient temples and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

Afternoon: Omotesando Shopping Street

Descend from Mount Misen and head to Omotesando Shopping Street, a bustling lane filled with shops selling souvenirs and sweet treats like Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes). It’s a great place for kids to pick a souvenir and experience local flavors.

Evening: Sunset at Itsukushima Shrine

Conclude your day by returning to Itsukushima Shrine to witness an enchanting sunset behind the torii gate—a truly memorable sight.

This itinerary offers a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family on Miyajima Island.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day Itinerary at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Morning: Arrival and Peace Memorial Museum

- Start: Begin your day at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Accessible via tram (Line 2 or 6) to Genbaku-Domu Mae Station, this museum provides a poignant look at the effects of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

- Activity: Explore the museum"s exhibits, which include personal items, photographs, and stories that highlight the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. The museum is designed to be educational and promotes peace and understanding.

- Interesting Fact: The museum"s East Building focuses on Hiroshima"s history and the development and aftermath of the atomic bomb, making it particularly insightful for families to understand the global significance of peace.

Midday: Cenotaph and Children"s Peace Monument

- Next Stop: Walk to the nearby Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, an arched tomb holding the names of all known victims of the bomb.

- Lunch Break: Enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park; there are several family-friendly restaurants nearby where you can grab a bento box to go.

- Activity: Visit the Children’s Peace Monument, a statue inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki and the thousand origami cranes. It’s a touching spot where children can learn about peace efforts and even fold their own cranes.

- Interesting Fact: Sadako Sasaki, who developed leukemia from the radiation, believed that folding 1,000 origami cranes would grant her wish to live.

Afternoon: Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall

- Final Stop: Conclude your visit at the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. It’s a short walk within the park and offers a serene environment where visitors can reflect on the day’s experiences.

- Activity: Participate in interactive exhibits and view the Hall of Remembrance, which offers a panoramic view of Hiroshima’s post-bomb landscape.

- Interesting Fact: The Hall provides a searchable database of victims’ names and photographs, adding a personal dimension to the historical facts.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, ensuring a meaningful experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.