The website RoadGenius reveals that in 2023, over a whopping 25 million international tourists visited Japan, with Tokyo and Osaka being the most visited cities. Those tourists cannot be blamed since the Disneyland Tokyo and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks are there.
Furthermore, Tourist Japan a tour provider, added that among American families, there has been a 54 percent rise in those visiting the country recently. Most families will head over to those bustling cities most of the time, but what about groups of families visiting lesser-known destinations like Hiroshima? Is this travel experience worth it? Find out the best things to do in Hiroshima for families in this guide!
1. Visit the Hiroshima Children's Museum
Hiroshima is filled with so much history, but not just any other history. Its focus isn’t temples and shrines but being the site of one of the world’s deadliest atomic bombing incidents.
Several attractions in this destination teach about this part of Japanese history, like the Atomic Bomb Dome, but they might not be able to appreciate them well.
So, what you can do is to bring them to places like the Hiroshima Children’s Museum that still teaches about the area’s history but for kids. It’s an interaction they will cherish for a lifetime.
2. Unleash Their Inner Japanese Royalties at Hiroshima Castle
Offering a wondrous exploration of samurai history and military artifacts, the Hiroshima Castle is also perfect for families who will find this a rewarding experience that fuses learning with outdoor enjoyment. It’s something your kids can include on their Instagram feeds.
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3. Take Them on a Food Trip
Even if Hiroshima isn’t the culinary capital of Japan, this is still a great place for your family to embark on a food adventure. The must-try specialties are Hiroshima’s signature okonomiyaki, Hiroshima oysters, and common favorites like tempura and sushi.
4. Explore Downtown Hiroshima
In case you have visited Hiroshima on a rainy day and you’re worried your kids might catch a cold, you can instead bring them to downtown Hiroshima, such as to Hondori Street. It’s a place equivalent to their favorite shopping malls back home. This is also a fantastic way to try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
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5. Enroll Them in a Cooking Class at OKOSTA Cooking Studio
You can’t expect your toddlers to learn how to cook at home, but in Hiroshima, you can encourage your little kids to give cooking a try… with a twist. At the OKOSTA Cooking Studio, they can learn how to cook dishes like okonomiyaki. It is located on the north side of the Hiroshima Station building. English-speaking chefs will facilitate the learning, but be sure to reserve online as slots can quickly run out.
6. Get To Know Hiroshima’s Marine Life at Mariho Aquarium & Marine Circus
Also, kids can get easily bored if your itinerary is just all about temples and traditional streets. At the Mariho Aquarium & Marine Circus, they’ll be able to learn about and appreciate the rich underwater life of Hiroshima. It’s a wonderful way to motivate them to keep joining you on your tours for the rest of the day.
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7. Make Paper Cranes at Orizuru Tower
The Orizuru Tower is also a must-visit for families. On the 12th floor, there are virtual reality games perfect for kids where they can fold paper cranes using their bodies or even “fly around town,” playing the role of a paper crane avatar. Yes! Plus, there’s a toboggan ride for kids who like a bit of adventure.
8. Engage in an Anime Otaku Shopping Spree
There are several otaku stores all over Japan, but nothing compares to what’s in Hiroshima. Though not the most popular in the country, here, they can enjoy browsing products about anime, manga, books, videos, and more otaku goods.
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9. Spend the Day on Miyajima Island
Don’t be afraid to stay in Hiroshima for as long as you want, even if you have kids in town. For instance, Miyajima Island looks perfectly beautiful in the daytime where kids can be mesmerized by the floating Itsukushima shrine, the giant Torii gate, and the Daishoin Buddhist temple on the hill.
There’s also a cable car ride they will enjoy as much as they enjoyed those in Malaysia and Singapore. At times, there are also sports events like baseball matches held on the island.
10. Journey to the Countryside
The countryside isn’t always a child’s best friend, but here in Hiroshima, you can bring them to the outskirts without regretting what you did. It’s a train ride away, and at your destination, your family can enjoy amazing views, cute bunnies, and bicycle rides.
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11. Make Them Feel Like They’re Elphaba or Her Minions at Moff Animal Cafe Alpark
Elphaba, one of the lead characters in the Broadway music and now movie “Wicked,” loves animals. At Moff Animal Cafe Alpark, they can interact with owls, tiny animals, parrots, and so much more. Your kids will love it here.
Indeed, Hiroshima is also a family-friendly destination. You shouldn’t be afraid to include this place in your itinerary if you’re visiting Japan with the whole family.
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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