Hiroshima is a city that most Australian’s would have heard about in the context of World War II. It is a city which was reduced to rubble when the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on it back on August 6, 1945. It instantly killed over 80,000 people. Tens of thousands of people died in the days following and many thousands continued to suffer years following the bomb. So why would you want to take kids to such a place? Are there things to do in Hiroshima Japan with kids which won’t leave them traumatised?
On our first visit to Japan I was concerned that I hadn’t spent enough time preparing the kids for Hiroshima, but as we headed back to Australia a big part of me was disappointed that we had not included it on our itinerary. Eighteen months later, after a little prep work, we headed back to Japan with Hiroshima at the top of our itinerary.
Things to Do in Hiroshima Japan with Kids
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Hiroshima has a plethora of things to do with kids, many which have no connection to war. It is a city which, like a phoenix, has risen from its ashes and redeveloped itself as a place of peace. It has a great feel about it, being a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination where you can eat good food, explore numerous cultural locations and have a fulfilling trip with the whole family.
We’ve tried to pull together a list of things to do in Hiroshima Japan with kids. You’ll need to work out which would be suitable for your children and the preparation that you will need to do beforehand.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
In preparation for our visit to Hiroshima I read the picture book Sadako with the kids and we created a good number of paper cranes. This helped to frame the historical events that happened during World War II and provided a springboard for supported discussion.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is built on the open field that was created by the explosion of the Atomic Bomb. Previously it had been one of the busiest downtown commercial and residential districts in Hiroshima. The park has a number of areas to stop at on your visit including the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument which features Sasaki Sadako from the story we read, Rest House, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Memorial Cenotaph, Peace Flame, three Peace Bells, the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound which contains the cremated ashes of 70,000 unidentified victims of the bomb, Gates of Peace and a number of other sites.
Visiting with children we found the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument and the Peace Bells to be a good introduction to learning about Hiroshima’s history. Other areas were a little intense, and although we visited we moved on when we realised that it was a little too much for the children. As adults, we took it in turns to stop and read, the other walking with the kids and talking to them about our learnings.
So is it one of those things to do in Hiroshima Japan with kids that we recommend? With enough preparation definetley a place you *must* visit when in Hiroshima.
Hours: Always open
Price: FREE
Address: Japan, 〒730-0811 Hiroshima Prefecture, 広島市中区中島町1丁目1
Website: Visit Hiroshima Website
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Located in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum documents the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. Within the museum you can explore A-bomb survivor testimonies, descriptions and visuals of Hiroshima before and after the bombings, belongings left by the victims, photos, and other materials that convey the horror of that event, and then what has happened around the world since the event.
There were moments during our visit where I was reduced to tears. It is confronting. I personally feel that there are some exhibits that were not suitable for my children at their age. To support our children, T and I took it in turns to go ahead and check whether exhibits were suitable. Some parents may feel that exploring the Peace Park is enough and may not venture into the museum at all.
Hours: 8.30 am – 6.00 pm daily
Price: Adults ¥200 | High school students ¥100 | Junior high school students and younger FREE
Address: 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0811, Japan
Website: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Website
The Atomic Bomb Dome
Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the A-Bomb Dome is now a designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Atomic Bomb exploded almost directly above the building which allowed its vertical columns to resist the impact, thus much of its frame remained intact despite everything around it being obliterated.
Today the A-Bomb Dome is a symbol of peace. It has been stablised to ensure it can withstand age and any earthquakes.
Hours: Always open
Price: FREE
Address: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0051, Japan
Website: Atomic Bomb Dome Website
Shukkeien Garden
The Shukkeien Garden was originally established during the Edo period in 1620. It is listed as one of Japan’s 100 historic parks and can be enjoyed throughout the year, with plantings ensuring there is always someting on show.
Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily
Price: Adults ¥260 | Child ¥100 | High school and university students ¥150
Address: 2-11 Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0014, Japan
Website: Shukkeien Garden Website
Miyajima Island – Itsukushima Shrine, Omotesando Arcade, Mt. Misen
Miyajima Island is one of the places you must ensure you visit when exploring Hiroshima. Using your JR Pass you can catch a train from Hiroshima to the ferry dock, and then the ferry across to Miyajima Island. It is an incredible spot to explore and you will need at least a day to do it well.
Deer, temples, UNESCO sites, nature, food and shopping, Miyajima island has a plethora of sights and sites to see and explore. Head over to our Miyajima Island coverage to discover everything it has to offer!
Hours: Miyajima Island is a location and is open all hours. Specific sites on the island have opening hours.
Price: Visiting the island is free. Many of the sites have an entrance fee.
Website: Visit Miyajima Island
Mazda Museum
The Mazda car originated in Hiroshima. The museum explores the history of Mazda since the 1920s. The assembly line is perhaps one of the most exciting sections of the museum.
Hours: 10.00 am Monday to Friday
Price: FREE
Address: 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture 735-0028, Japan
Website: Mazda Museum Reservation Webpage
Okonomiyaki
You can’t go to Hiroshima and NOT try Okonomiyaki. The Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki is basically a Japanese Layered Pancake which tastes absolutely delicious.
Our top recommendation for where to go to try Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima is to head to Hassei. With only 25 seats, this cosy little spot offers you an intimate opportunity to see the making of this delight up close. But you better get in quick, Hassei fills quickly and the wait time for a table can be quite a while.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:30am–2pm and 5.30 – 11.30 pm | Sunday 5.30 – 11.30 pm | Closed Monday
Price: Varies. We spent around $70AUD filling our tummies with entree and main + drinks
Address: 4-17 Fujimicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0043, Japan
Hiroshima Castle
Also known as the Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle was originally built by Mori Terumoto in 1591. It was damaged by a great flood in 1617 and was maintained and restored leading it to be named a National Treasure in 1931. Unfortunately, it was then destroyed by the atomic bomb. Today it is an early concrete reconstruction but it does provide you with a good understanding of what it would have originally looked like.
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (March to November) | 9:00 to 17:00 (December to February) | 9:00 to 19:00 (during Golden Week and Obon holidays)
Price: It is free to visit the castle grounds. There is an admission fee of 370 yen to visit the Main Keep
Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0011, Japan
We arrived in Japan from Tokyo within a few hours by Shinkansen. We utilised the JR Pass which is available to tourists visiting Japan.
Hiroshima has a range of accommodation options for families. On this trip, we booked the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima and requested a high floor with views of Hiroshima Castle. The room was perfect for our family of four with two doubles and a single. It had a luxurious feel and included breakfast each day.
Click here to view the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (remember to request the castle view).
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