Plan a CruiseHiroshima is a modern, cosmopolitan city located on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, well-known globally for the atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945. Today, it's an industrial city with wide boulevards, crisscrossing rivers, and a dense city center offering great food and culture.
Cruise ships dock at the new cruise terminal, which is situated in an industrial area approximately 3 km from the city center. The nearest public transport, the "Kaigan Dori" Street Car station, is about a 15-minute walk from the dock. Taxis are also readily available at the port.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking: The city center is about 3 km from the cruise dock. The nearest Street Car station, "Kaigan Dori," is a 15-minute walk away.
Street Car (Tram): Hiroshima boasts an extensive tram network, a slow but reliable way to navigate the city. From "Kaigan Dori" station (a 15-minute walk from the dock), you can take:
- Line 1 or 3 to "Hondori" for the city center.
- Line 3 directly to "Genbaku Dome-Mae" for Peace Memorial Park.
Taxis: Taxis are metered, inexpensive, and drivers are known to be honest. A few important tips:
- The driver remotely opens and closes the left rear door; do not attempt to open or close it yourself.
- Tipping taxi drivers (or any service provider) is not customary and can be considered rude.
- If you don't speak Japanese or your destination isn't widely known, provide the driver with the precise address written on paper or pointed out on a map, as the Japanese address system can be complex.
Sightseeing Buses: Buses run to major sights from JR Hiroshima Station at 9 AM, 10 AM, and 1 PM. You'd need to get to JR Hiroshima Station first via streetcar or taxi.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, Hiroshima offers a blend of historical reflection and cultural exploration.
- Peace Memorial Park & Museum: This is the essential visit for most cruise passengers. Located centrally, it commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing and advocates for peace. Allow at least 2-3 hours.
- Getting there: Take Street Car Line 3 from "Kaigan Dori" (15-minute walk from port) directly to "Genbaku Dome-Mae" station.
- Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island: One of Japan's most iconic and beautiful sights, famous for its "floating" torii gate. This requires a minimum of 3-4 hours, so prioritize if time is tight.
- Getting there (Option 1 - faster): Take a short tram connection from Hiroshima city center to Hiroshima's Ujina port, then a 20-minute high-speed ferry to Miyajima.
- Getting there (Option 2 - scenic): Take a longer tram connection to "Hiroden-Miyajime-guchi" stop (near the ferry pier), then a 10-minute water trip on a regular ferry to Miyajima.
- Hondori Shopping Arcade & City Center: After visiting the Peace Park, explore the bustling Hondori shopping street and the surrounding city center for shopping and dining.
- Getting there: Take Street Car Line 1 or 3 to "Hondori" station.
Dining
A must-try local specialty is Okonomiyaki, often called "Japanese Pancake" or "Japanese Pizza." It's a savory dish made with flour, eggs, cabbage, pork (bacon), seafood (like shrimp), and topped with sweet sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and dried fish flakes. You'll find numerous Okonomiyaki restaurants throughout the city center.
Shopping
Shops and department stores generally operate daily, including most national holidays (except New Year's), from 10:00 or 10:30 AM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Some specialty shops may close on Sundays or national holidays, but department stores often have varied closing days, so there's usually something open. The Hondori shopping arcade in the city center is a good place to start.
Currency & Payments: The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), available in ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 notes, as well as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1 coins.
- ATMs: ATMs are increasingly useful for withdrawing funds from overseas accounts; post offices also offer ATMs.
- Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants in urban areas. However, Japan is still a cash-heavy society, and some establishments, regardless of location, may not accept credit cards. It’s always wise to carry sufficient cash.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude, as service is included in the price.