Hiroshima’s Hidden Travel Gems: Avoid The Crowds at These Unique Sights

Discover sights beyond Peace Park and Miyajima, from ramen towns and sake alleys to rabbit islands and baseball games.

Picture: ruruphoto / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

By Kristina Rin Fujikake

Hiroshima, long known worldwide as a symbol of peace and resilience, was once synonymous only with tragedy. Today, however, the prefecture is drawing more visitors than ever before.

Japan has seen a surge of inbound travelers. Hiroshima has benefited greatly from this rush. In 2024, there was a record of 4.21 million international travelers. Total visitor numbers, domestic and foreign combined, returned to pre-pandemic levels, reaching 64.7 million. Iconic sites like Peace Park, Miyajima, and Hiroshima’s hidden gems beyond are finally reaching the spotlight.

Part of this boom comes from the ongoing weak yen, which makes Japan an attractive destination for overseas travelers. But infrastructure has played an equally important role.

Hiroshima Airport has resumed and expanded international service, adding new and more frequent flights to regional hubs. For instance, the Hiroshima–Shanghai route was boosted from four flights a week to daily service in July 2025. The airport is also undergoing a major renovation set for completion in 2027, which will expand the international departure…