Can you do this cruise port on your own?
Hiroshima
DIY Score
Easy DIY
Pick Peace Park, Miyajima, or both if you watch the ferry return.
Tender or Docked?
Docked, no tender, usually at Ujina wharf about 3km from the city. A Hiroden tram from the port terminus is the cheap, easy way in; larger ships dock further out at Itsukaichi.
How to Get Into Town
Hiroden tram from the port: about ¥240 flat fare into the city. For Miyajima, a direct ferry leaves from the Ujina port a short walk away.
Main Attractions
The Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima's floating torii are the two headline experiences, each a comfortable half day on their own.
How Much Time You Need
A full 9-11 hour call lets you do Peace Park and Miyajima, but only with an eye on the ferry return.
Keep in Mind
If you cross to Miyajima, the ferry return is the timing risk to watch. Everything else here is smooth.
Safety & Comfort
Hiroshima is extremely safe and orderly, among the easiest ports anywhere for an independent visitor.
Tips from Cruisers
"The tram from the port terminus was dead simple, English signs the whole way, and cost next to nothing compared to the ship tour.…" — by Ken A.
The tram from the port terminus was dead simple, English signs the whole way, and cost next to nothing compared to the ship tour. Peace Park in the morning, museum, then a bowl of okonomiyaki. Hiroshima does not need an excursion.
honestly just bought the day tram pass and pottered about. castle, garden, some shopping. didnt even make it to miyajima and didnt mind. relaxed day, everything ran on time like clockwork
I did not expect the Peace Park to hit me the way it did. Stood in front of the dome for a long time, did not really want to talk after the museum. Ended up just sitting by the river for a while before heading back. Some ports you rush. This one I did not.
I barely remember the museum because by the time we got there my head was already on the ferry timetable back from Miyajima. Kept sneaking looks at my phone the whole way round the island. Somewhere as reflective as this deserved more of my attention than I gave it.
We took the fast ferry straight from the port over to Miyajima and it was so easy. Saw the torii at high tide, fed the deer, had lunch. Watched the clock on the way back because the boat times are set, but we made it with time to spare. Lovely island.