Hiroshima is most known as the target of the first atomic bomb attack in the world, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. This destination continues to commemorate its legacies, but Hiroshima has changed so much from what it was in the past.
This place is now home to a thriving cosmopolitan community, and like how you’d spend a couple of nights to weeks, or maybe even a few months in Tokyo, Hiroshima also deserves to stay.
In winter, Hiroshima’s atmosphere turns mildly cold, reaching down to up to two degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, there are a lot of activities you can do here this season, which you’ll find about in this guide. When you’re traveling to Hiroshima, the first thing you’ll do is visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Castle. But wait until you see its magnificence in winter.
1. Marvel at the Itsukushima Shrine
As you may well know, the Itsukushima Shrine is a landmark attraction in Hiroshima. The shrine features various buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall, and noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by sea pillars. It looks beautiful in summer, especially when the shrine and its torii gate light up after sunset, but it is more dramatic in winter as if you are visiting a shrine encapsulated by a cold weather spell.
2. Relax in a Hot Spring
It is weird to indulge in onsen in the hotter months if there’s wintertime to give you the best experience. Hiroshima’s most widely recommended onsen are the Tomonoura and Miyahama, which offer a variety of wellness benefits, such as relieving fatigue and detoxifying your skin.
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3. Experience a Disney’s ‘Frozen’-Like Village
If you chose Japan over Hong Kong, and you don’t have the financial capacity to visit the Nordic region in Europe yet, there’s a village in Hiroshima that becomes even more beautiful in winter that will remind you of the village in “Frozen” – in the persona of Kagura Monzen Toji Mura.
Situated atop a small mountain in Midori-cho in Akitakata City’s northern part, this village features hot spring inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
4. Enjoy Winter Oysters
Hiroshima is a famous seafood spot, so it is surely your loss if you don’t try winter oysters here. Aside from oyster festivals, there are a lot of restaurants on Hiroshima’s coast-to-coast that serve delectable oysters. The best dishes are their oyster dote-nabe or hot pot oyster and even oyster steamed with sake.
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5. Visit a Sake Brewery
Speaking of sake, you may enjoy this famous Japanese beverage at any month of the year, but did you know it is a winter drink? In Japanese history, the best-tasting sake is brewed during the colder months because the rice used here is harvested in the fall, requiring rest before getting polished down. Sure, you may head to Hiroshima restaurants that offer sake, but do you know the most ideal sake experience? Visit a sake brewery.
6. Try Winter Sports
You may watch them in anime that feature the characters immersed in winter sports in Japan. In Hiroshima’s northern parts, you can visit ski resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding. If you are hesitant to try them out, these resorts offer beginner and advanced skiing courses, as well as areas for families. Go for this adventure.
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7. Witness a Winter Spell at Hiroshima Dreamination
Actually, it’s not just a winter spell, but a winter spell that’s illuminated. At Hiroshima Dreamination, there are no thrills like those of the city’s winter sports, but an opportunity for you to just relax and stroll to see holiday lights on your path. Don’t forget to take photos!
8. Feel Like a Winter Royalty at This Mountain Castle
While visiting Hiroshima Castle is still a must-do when traveling to this city, there’s a castle that’s a tourist’s favorite in wintertime, Shiroyama Park. It has a “park” in its name, but it’s actually a mountain castle related to the royalties of the Japanese medieval period. Situated at the peak of Mount Shiroyama, its best attraction is its line of cherry blossom trees.
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9. Pick Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges in this region are preferred by the Japanese and tourists because they’re unbelievably sweet, you won’t get enough. There are various farms where you can pick Mandarin oranges here, which open from mid-October until early December. While Mandarin orange-picking, you can be mesmerized by the stunning Setouchi archipelago, too. Eat the oranges yourself or bring them for your loved ones to indulge with.
Looking to dive deeper into Hiroshima’s rich culture and history? Join our local tour guides for our Hiroshima Free Walking Tour!
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