Miyajima Island, scenic Shukkeien Garden, and a rich history await when arriving at the Hiroshima cruise port. This port is located on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. A day here provides convenient access to iconic landmarks and cultural treasures.
If you only have one day in Hiroshima, Japan’s 11th largest city offers plenty to do. Popular attractions include the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Park. Due to the nuclear strike in 1945, the Peace Memorial Park is now recognized as a symbol of peace.
Beyond the historical events of the World War II bombing, the city features its own castle, and travelers can embark on journeys to Miyajima Island, known for its famous floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine.
Hiroshima, meaning “wide island,” was once a castle town. Mazda, the car company, originated here and now employs 20% of the city’s residents.
We visited this port as part of our Celebrity Millennium Japan cruise. Our 12-day itinerary included six days in Japan and one in Busan, South Korea. Our day in Hiro came after two days in Osaka.
With an overnight in Osaka, we spent a full day in Kyoto, accessing it by train and took a day trip to Nara. Our day in Nara was the highlight of our Japan vacation, and the ancient city delivered beyond our expectations.
Where Is The Hiroshima Cruise Port?
Ships arrive at the Ujina Foreign Trade Wharf, better known as the Hiroshima Cruise Terminal.
This dock is situated in an industrial zone, roughly 3 kilometers from the heart of the city. It provides effortless access to top tourist spots and all the necessary facilities for cruise passengers.
Cruise guests can experience the city’s blend of somber history and vibrant culture, from peace memorials to local culinary delights.
The port area features a silver spire called the Tower of Paradise. It was constructed in 1989 for the Sea and Lands Expo. The design expresses Hiroshima’s aspiration to become a more thriving and illustrious city.
Originally situated elsewhere, it has been relocated to Hiroshima port. The monument represents the city as an International Peace and Culture City and commemorates the port’s centenary.
Cruise Port Facilities
The Ujina Foreign Trade Wharf can accommodate large vessels with its 280-meter-long dock. The modern terminal features currency exchange and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Transportation And Getting Around Hiroshima
Several transportation options are available from the cruise port to Hiroshima city center and nearby attractions.
A complimentary shuttle was available, providing transportation between Ujina Port and Hiroshima Minato Park. Travel time is 10 to 15 minutes.
From here, we could take the tram to the city but note that the tram only accepts coins. Money exchange is available on the tram or at the port.
Taxis are readily available at the port. You can hire by the hour, with a 4-seater taxi costing 6,600 Yen or a 9-passenger vehicle costing 8,100 Yen.
Taxi fare pricing was posted for one-way rides as follows:
| Attraction | Cost |
|---|---|
| Motoujinaguchi Station | 800 Yen |
| Atomic Bomb Dome | 2,200 Yen |
| Peace Memorial Park | 2,200 Yen |
| Shukkeien | 2,200 Yen |
| Hiroshima Castle | 2,500 Yen |
| Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal | 7,000 Yen |
Those heading to Miyajima Island, a popular excursion, can take a ferry from Hiroshima port. Ferries leave once an hour at 25 minutes past the hour from the city. Expect the trip to take 30 minutes.
Returning trips leave the island on the hour. The one-way journey costs 2,100 Yen.
What’s Within Walking Distance?
The immediate vicinity of the cruise port is primarily industrial, with limited attractions within walking distance. Most popular tourist sites require transportation to reach them.
Key points to note:
- The city center is not within comfortable walking distance (3 km away).
- Most passengers opt for organized tours or public transportation to visit attractions.
Transportation is required to reach nearby attractions such as Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Hiroshima: A Day Visit
Hiroshima offers cruise visitors a compelling mix of historical sites and modern attractions. Choose from ancient castles to poignant memorials, with all diverse experiences within a compact area.
Celebrity Cruises shore excursions for our port day varied from 2 hrs. 30 mins to 5 hrs. 30 mins, even though we were docked for nine hours.
While we took a tour, visitors could choose from the following popular attractions.
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle symbolizes the city’s resilience. Often referred to as the Carp Castle, the intial structure, built in the 1590s, was reconstructed in 1958 after the atomic bombing.
The five-story main keep houses a museum detailing the castle’s history and Hiroshima’s past. Visitors can explore its unique architecture and surrounding grounds, which include moats and stone walls.
The top floor offers panoramic views of Hiroshima city. Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage are ideal visitation times for picturesque photo opportunities.
Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden, meaning “shrunken-scenery garden,” dates back to 1620. It’s a tranquil oasis in the heart of Hiroshima.
The garden showcases miniature landscapes that beautifully capture mountains, valleys, and forests. At its heart, there’s a central pond complete with charming bridges and little islands.
Scattered throughout the garden are tea houses where visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Seasonal events like plum blossom viewing in February and moon gazing in the autumn draw a larger crowd.
Atomic Bomb Dome
The A-bomb Dome stands as a somber reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. It was one of the few structures left standing near the bomb’s hypocenter.
The dome is one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites of tragic events, the other being Auschwitz Birkenau.
The highlight of our visit was doing a Hiroshima walking tour with a local. Initially, the city decided to remove the dome’s remains. However, the public decided against it, and it remains as a poignant reminder of the importance of peace.
Today, the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall have been preserved in their post-bomb state. The dome is particularly striking when illuminated at night.
During our tour, it was fascinating to learn that the copper dome roof reflected the blast, saving some of the structure.
Peace Memorial Park
Peace Memorial Park serves as a somber reminder of the atomic bombing and a symbol of hope for world peace. The park covers 120,000 square meters in the heart of Hiroshima and offers a buffer protection zone to the nearby A-bomb Dome.
Key features include:
- Cenotaph for A-bomb Victims.
- Flame of Peace.
- Peace Bell.
- Children’s Peace Monument.
I found the latter particularly moving. The monument, dedicated to Sadako Sasaki and all the children who perished, features a wire crane and thousands of paper cranes. Cranes are a symbol of peace and are found in all the bombing sites in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Orizuru Tower
Orizuru Tower offers a modern perspective on Hiroshima since it’s opening in 2016. The 50-meter-tall structure provides panoramic city views, including Peace Memorial Park and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome.
The tower’s observation deck features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor skywalk. Visitors can create and drop paper cranes from the Orizuru Wall, a glass panel with 50,000 holes.
The ground floor houses souvenir shops and cafes, making it a convenient stop for refreshments and keepsakes.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers a compelling look at the atomic bombing and its devastating aftermath. An elevated walkway connects the museum’s two main buildings.
Exhibits include:
- A Peace Watch showing the number of days since the bombing.
- A-bomb artifacts belongings of victims.
- Photographs and testimonies from survivors.
- Scale models of Hiroshima before and after the bombing.
The museum’s East Building focuses on Hiroshima’s history and the events leading up to the bombing. The Main Building presents the bombing’s immediate impact and long-term consequences.
Audio guides are available in multiple languages. We found the exhibits well documented, and although we spent over an hour here, we could have spent several hours. During busy times (like the day we visited), the museum can get very congested, slowing the viewing process.
Although some of the museum’s content was emotionally challenging, it offers crucial insights into the importance of peace and nuclear disarmament.
Miyajima Island
An alternative to attractions on the mainland is a trip to Miyajima Island. This picturesque destination boasts stunning natural beauty and holds significant cultural value.
Visitors can explore iconic landmarks and serene landscapes during their day trip from the cruise port. On a private tour, it’s possible to explore both Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is the island’s most famous attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a striking vermilion torii gate that appears to float on water during high tide. Check the tide before taking the ferry there if you want to see it surrounded by water.
The shrine complex includes multiple buildings connected by boardwalks, all seeming to hover above the sea. The architecture embraces traditional Japanese design. It features a prayer hall, a main hall, and a Noh theater stage that provide a window into ancient Shinto practices.
As the daily tides change, visitors can experience the dramatic transformation of the scenery. During low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the torii gate, though it’s not quite as breathtaking as when it’s surrounded by water at high tide.
For photography lovers, there are countless spots to capture stunning shots of the iconic gate set against the Seto Inland Sea.
Momijidani Park
Momijidani Park, who’s name translates to “Maple Valley,” hinting at its main attraction – vibrant maple trees that burst into fiery reds and oranges in fall.
The park offers a tranquil nature retreat, which is especially lovely in the fall. On hot days, The lush greenery provides a cool respite from humidity.
For those seeking panoramic views, a ropeway near the park leads to Mount Misen’s summit. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot the island’s famous deer, which roam freely throughout Miyajima.
Self-Guided Itineraries Vs. Cruise Tours
Cruise passengers visiting Hiroshima have two main options for seeing the city: self-guided exploration or organized tours. Each approach offers distinct advantages and considerations.
Self-Guided Itineraries
Self-guided itineraries provide flexibility and independence. Visitors can customize their day based on personal interests and pace. They can also change plans due to weather changes or areas that pique their interest.
Public transportation in Hiroshima is efficient, making it easy to navigate between top attractions.
Pros of self-guided tours:
- Flexibility to create your own itinerary and change it when necessary.
- Exploring alone generally costs less than a tour.
- More immersive local experience.
Cons of self-guided tours:
- Requires more planning and research.
- Risk of getting lost or missing essential sights.
- Public transit may not get you close to attractions, requiring more walking.
- Language barriers may be challenging. Plus, exhibit signage may only be in Japanese, with no one to translate.
Organized Tours
Cruise-organized tours offer convenience and expert guidance from locals. They gave deep insight into the area’s history, something we didn’t experience alone.
We liked that the local tour company used the “whisper system,” or headset device which meant we could hear the commentary even with several tours speaking in the same vicinity.
These structured experiences ensure passengers see significant highlights within the limited port time. Having a local guide allowed us to ask questions.
Arranged tours also take the guess work out doing the research yourself.
Pros of cruise tours:
- Guaranteed return to your ship on time.
- Expert commentary and historical context beyond the exhibit’s signage.
- Ability to ask questions and get answers.
- Transportation that provides drop-off and pick-up close to the attraction.
Cons of cruise tours:
- Less flexibility with a rigid schedule.
- Visiting attractions with a larger group.
- Potentially higher cost.
- Limited time at each attraction.
- Potentially no free time.
The choice between self-guided and cruise tours depends on individual preferences. Your independent travel comfort level and desired depth of experience may play a factor in choice.
Some visitors opt for a mix, joining a guided tour for part of the day and exploring independently for the remainder. We did a mix of a shortened 4-hour excursion and self-guided exploration.
Wrapping Up One Day In Hiroshima
While one day in Hiroshima isn’t enough to explore all it has to offer, a day visit allows for some immersion in its historical sights.
Whatever you decide to do, take time to enjoy the local cuisine. You can sample “okonomiyaki,” a delicious Japanese soul food.
