Solo Travel in Hiroshima: 3 Days, 2 Nights of Food and Fun
Hiroshima x Three-Day Experience Sharing
This time, I flew solo to Hiroshima for a stress-free 3-day, 2-night trip! Whether you want to chill, savor local delicacies, shop at two major malls, or visit must-see attractions for photo ops, this itinerary is perfect for you. The area around Hiroshima Station is incredibly convenient for eating, shopping, and entertainment, with seamless connections between malls and transportation. Even traveling alone is super easy—you can enjoy authentic ramen and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, visit Miyajima, and even try a calligraphy class. Highly recommended!
🗺️ Highlights of the Itinerary:
- Perfect for solo travel beginners—easy transportation, dining, and accommodation
- Two major malls, Minamoa & Ekie, connected to the station, offering a concentrated hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Hiroshima World Heritage Tour: Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum
- Day trip to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine to experience nature and culture
- Unique calligraphy class and a quiet meal of grilled eel set
- Convenient hotel ideal for female travelers and backpackers
Day 1:
After arriving at Hiroshima Airport, follow the signs to take the bus directly to the Shinkansen entrance—just a 40-minute ride for 1,500 yen.
Hotel: Hiroshima Sotetsu FRESA INN (5-2 Enkobashicho, Minami), a 3-8 minute walk to Hiroshima Station. There's a 24-hour convenience store right downstairs, and the lobby offers self-service amenities, so you don't need to pack much! After check-in, head straight to Minamoa Mall for food. Try Onomichi Ramen Maruboshi (2-8-15 Tsuchido, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 722-0035) for their signature Onomichi ramen. The rich soy sauce broth mixed with flavorful back fat is pure happiness in every bite.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll back to the mall and hop on the No. 2 tram line to the Atomic Bomb Dome (1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima). The historical site is deeply moving, and the Peace Memorial Museum (1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward) is worth visiting—check the opening hours. Tickets can be purchased on-site or with a Tabi Pass for discounts. In the evening, find a small eatery near the hotel for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The friendly owner might even offer you banana candies—traveling solo feels so carefree.
Day 2: Calligraphy Class + Itsukushima Shrine Photo Ops
Start the day with a Japanese calligraphy class at Sun Mall. The teacher is very patient, and the interactive process is super fun! Then, take the tram to Miyajima. From Hiroshima, transfer to the ferry—Tabi Pass users pay only 100 yen for a round trip (great deal)! A 10-minute boat ride brings you to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate (1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 739-0588). It's highly recommended to buy tickets and take a stroll around the shrine—the atmosphere of the sea shrine is unparalleled.
Afterward, explore Omotesando Shopping Street for souvenirs and local snacks. Don't miss Miyajima Shokudo's grilled eel set and cheesy oysters—absolutely delicious. On the way back, visit Hondori Shopping Street to experience the city's liveliest area. Then, return to Minamoa and Ekie malls for more souvenir shopping. End the day with a hearty bowl of meat udon at 'Dashi Chazuke + Niku Udon En' on Minamoa's second floor.
Day 3: Shopping and Departure
Start the day with a final shopping spree at Ekie Mall's 'Omiyage Road.' After checking out, follow the directions to the Shinkansen entrance bus stop and take the airport bus back. The journey is smooth and hassle-free. The airport has a small selection of souvenirs for last-minute purchases. If you're hungry, you can enjoy Hiroshima oysters again or choose Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or ramen at the airport's second-floor food court. Alternatively, head to the departure level for udon. Don't miss Hiroshima's famous Hattendo cream buns—soft and filled with rich cream.
🌟 Practical Tips:
- Recommended Tabi Pass: Covers city trams and ferries—make sure to get the pass at customer service
- Sun Mall calligraphy class requires reservations; the interactive teaching is worth the time
- Solo travel is very safe—Hiroshima Sotetsu FRESA INN is perfect for short trips and light packers
- Malls are interconnected, so you don't need to worry about rain; shop and dine without stepping outside
- Visit the Atomic Bomb Peace Park in the morning for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities
🍴 Food Recommendations:
- Onomichi Ramen Maruboshi: Rich-flavored ramen broth
- Miyajima Shokudo: Grilled eel set and cheesy oysters are must-tries
- Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki: Plenty of options near the hotel with friendly service
✈ Transportation Tips:
- Hiroshima Airport to city bus: Use IC cards or credit cards for tickets; 45 minutes direct to Hiroshima Shinkansen entrance
- Tram Line No. 2 connects major attractions and the port; great for rainy days
- The airport is relatively small, so you don't need to arrive too early
Conclusion: This 3-day, 2-night trip was incredibly fulfilling—traveling solo was easy and enjoyable! If you're looking to relax, shop, take photos, and indulge in Hiroshima's local cuisine, I highly recommend planning a similar itinerary.