Four days in Hiroshima: a night in Onomichi?
For Onomichi's hilltop views and Jodoji on different days, stay two nights in Hiroshima, then one in Onomichi. To keep one base, stay three nights in Hiroshima and give the garden, collection exhibits, Miyajima and museum a day each. After your last visit, return to Onomichi Station if staying there, or Hiroshima Station if keeping your base there.
Choose a 4 days, 3 nights itinerary
From the island to Onomichi
After museum exhibits and Miyajima from Hiroshima, move to Onomichi for separate visits to hilltop views and Jodoji. With two nights in Hiroshima and one in Onomichi, this suits travellers who want an extra day there rather than a day trip.
From the island to Onomichi →4 days, 3 nightsExhibits and the island from one accommodation base
Stay three nights near Hiroshima Station. Skip Onomichi and give the garden and collection exhibits separate days. Their prices use individual admission.
Exhibits and the island from one accommodation base →From the island to Onomichi
After museum exhibits and Miyajima from Hiroshima, move to Onomichi for separate visits to hilltop views and Jodoji. With two nights in Hiroshima and one in Onomichi, this suits travellers who want an extra day there rather than a day trip.
Day 1 · Hiroshima Station → museum and Peace Memorial Park → station
After museum exhibits and a park walk, you can eat around Hondori. Check the route from your restaurant back to the return tram stop.
- Hiroshima Station → Museum and park
At the station, go to the second floor, usually route 2 platform D or route 6 platform C. Take a westbound route 2 or 6 tram to Genbaku Dome-mae, then pass the dome exterior and park to reach the museum's East Building. Some departures may use other platforms; check on-site destination and platform signs.
Hiroden platform changesHiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and directionHiroden current platform diagram: route 2 D and route 6 C
- Museum and park entrance → Museum, park and meal
After two hours of exhibits, allow 45 minutes for park memorials. Eat near the park or in Hondori, using your booked restaurant's address for its location. Walking to the museum entrance and from the restaurant back to Genbaku Dome-mae is extra to visiting time.
Open Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum official informationMuseum official information
- Museum and park → Hiroshima Station
In the evening, return from Genbaku Dome-mae on a Hiroshima Station-bound tram. This is a different direction from Eba-bound services; check the destination before boarding.
Open Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum official informationHiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and direction
Day 2 · Hiroshima Station → Miyajima → Hiroshima Station
See Miyajima's shrine and shopping streets, then return to Hiroshima. Today excludes Mount Misen hiking and the island ropeway.
- Hiroshima Station → JR Miyajimaguchi Station
Take a JR Sanyo Line train towards Iwakuni to Miyajimaguchi Station. This differs from the Hiroden tram stop at Miyajimaguchi. Check outward and Hiroshima-bound return trains together in the JR timetable for your date.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
- JR Miyajimaguchi Station → JR ferry passenger terminal
Walk about ten minutes from the station to the JR Miyajima Ferry passenger terminal. With a JR pass, distinguish this operator from other ferries to the same island. Waiting to board is extra to walking time.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
- JR ferry passenger terminal → Miyajima pier
Take the JR Miyajima Ferry to the island. The ride takes about ten minutes. Standard adult fare is JPY 200 one way or JPY 400 return, with a separate JPY 100 visitor tax. Choose your return ferry first and check that you have time to finish the shrine visit.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableJR Miyajima Ferry standard fares and visitor tax
- Miyajima pier → Itsukushima Shrine
Walk about 15 minutes from the pier to the shrine. Visits follow a one-way route, so check the direction back to the port from the exit. Views change with the tide; you cannot always walk beneath the torii gate.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
- Itsukushima Shrine and shopping street entrance → Shrine, shopping streets and meal
Allow 45–60 minutes for the shrine, then 90 minutes for lunch and snacks on Omotesando. Mount Misen hiking and the island ropeway are excluded today.
Open Itsukushima Shrine official informationOpen Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street official informationFerry fares
- Shrine and shopping streets → Miyajima pier
Return to the pier after the shrine and shopping streets. Allow the roughly 15-minute walk from the shrine and boarding waits separately. Adjust shopping street time around your return ferry.
- Miyajima pier → Mainland terminal and JR Miyajimaguchi Station
After returning to the mainland by JR ferry, walk about ten minutes to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. Do not treat ferry arrival as your train departure time. Choose a connection allowing the walk to the station and train waiting.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableJR Miyajima Ferry standard fares and visitor tax
- JR Miyajimaguchi Station → Hiroshima Station
Return on a JR Sanyo Line train towards Hiroshima. Check stops and departures in your date's station timetable. Stay at your booked Hiroshima accommodation tonight.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
Day 3 · Hiroshima Station → Onomichi Station → Senkojiyama → Onomichi Station
Arrive in Onomichi and see Senkojiyama's views. After coming down by ropeway, have dinner in town and stay one night in Onomichi.
- Hiroshima Station → JR Onomichi Station
Choose a JR Sanyo Line train towards Mihara/Fukuyama that stops at Onomichi. If not direct, transfer at the station shown in the official search. This differs from Shinkansen Shin-Onomichi Station. For an accommodation detour to store luggage, add that travel and check storage hours separately from train travel.
JR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry pageJR Onomichi Station official timetable and station map entry pageJR Shin-Onomichi Shinkansen and connecting station information
- JR Onomichi Station → Senkoji Ropeway lower station
Walk about 15 minutes from Onomichi Station to the lower ropeway station. Choose the operator's route along the railway, Hondori or the coast.
- Lower ropeway station → Summit station
Buy a return ropeway ticket and board. The one-way ride takes about three minutes; ticket purchases and boarding queues take extra time. Standard adult return fare is JPY 700; a JR pass does not provide free rides.
Open Senkoji Ropeway official informationAdditional transport and operating informationSenkoji Ropeway ordinary tickets and JR pass presentation discount
- Summit station → Senkojiyama Park views
Allow 60–90 minutes for park views. If the ropeway is suspended, choose sights below the hill instead.
Open Senkoji Ropeway official informationAdditional transport and operating informationRopeway operator access from each station
- Summit station → Lower station
Use your return ticket for the downhill ropeway. Regular operating hours run until 17:15; check your date's last downhill ride and service notices before choosing. If suspended, choose sights below the hill instead of hilltop views.
Official ropeway hoursOpen Senkoji Ropeway official information
- Lower station → Onomichi Station area
Walk about 15 minutes back towards Onomichi Station along the same route. Allow extra time for meals, rest and finding your way.
Ropeway operator access from each stationOpen Senkoji Ropeway official information
Day 4 · Onomichi Station → Jodoji interior and grounds → Onomichi Station
See Jodoji's regular interior and grounds before departing from Onomichi. Choose a departure that leaves time for return walks and your visit.
- Onomichi Station → Jodoji
Follow access guidance for about 15 minutes from the station to the lower ropeway station, then about 20 minutes to Jodoji.
Ropeway operator access from each stationOnomichi tourism association visits and access
- Jodoji entrance → Temple visit and meal
Allow 60 minutes for the regular interior and grounds. Do not take the ropeway today. The Jodoji viewpoint uphill is excluded.
- Jodoji → Onomichi Station
Return via the lower ropeway station to Onomichi Station. The two access sections total about 70 minutes walking return; with 60 minutes for the interior and grounds, the reference time is 130 minutes. Allow extra time for rest, finding your way and waiting to board your departing train. Shinkansen trains use Shin-Onomichi, not Onomichi Station; transport time and fare between them are excluded from this walking itinerary.
Ropeway operator access from each stationOnomichi tourism association visits and accessJR Shin-Onomichi Shinkansen and connecting station information
Included: Museum and return trams JPY 680 + shrine, ferry and visitor tax JPY 800 + return ropeway JPY 700 + regular Jodoji interior JPY 300.
Extra costs and conditions: JR return travel between Hiroshima and Miyajimaguchi, JR Hiroshima–Onomichi travel, airport transport, accommodation, meals and luggage storage cost extra. Add travel to Shin-Onomichi Station if using the Shinkansen.
Jodoji's grounds alone are free. The amount above includes JPY 300 regular interior admission.
With a valid pass covering the JR ferry, subtract the JPY 400 return ferry fare from the subtotal above. The JPY 100 visitor tax still applies.
Free-admission days, JR passes and ropeway discounts are not applied to this total. Check prices, opening and reservations for your date.
The one-night Onomichi itinerary uses the JR Sanyo Line for Hiroshima–Miyajimaguchi return and Hiroshima → Mihara → Onomichi one way. These routes fall within the Kansai–Hiroshima and Sanyo–San'in pass areas, and the JR Miyajima Ferry is covered too. Visitor tax, Hiroden, admission and accommodation cost extra. Compare ordinary JR tickets to your destination after Onomichi before choosing a pass. You cannot compare the JPY 2,480 subtotal, excluding train fares, directly with a pass price.
A JR pass does not give free Senkoji Ropeway rides. The operator lists JPY 630 adult return tickets, versus the regular JPY 700, for the pass holder who presents a JR-WEST RAIL PASS before purchase. Showing it afterwards does not qualify. This cost table does not apply that discount.
Museum official admission, hours and reservationsHiroden standard faresHiroden transfersOpen Itsukushima Shrine official informationFerry faresOpen Senkoji Ropeway official informationOnomichi tourism association visits and accessJR West Kansai–Hiroshima pass coverage, price and eligibilityJR West Sanyo–San'in pass coverage, price and eligibilityKansai–Hiroshima pass official coverage mapSanyo–San'in pass official coverage mapSenkoji Ropeway ordinary tickets and JR pass presentation discount
Exhibits and the island from one accommodation base
Stay three nights near Hiroshima Station. Skip Onomichi and give the garden and collection exhibits separate days. Their prices use individual admission.
Day 1 · Hiroshima Station → Shukkeien → Hiroshima Station
After the garden walk, have lunch in the city and go to your booked accommodation. Leave the adjoining art museum for another day.
- Hiroshima Station, second floor → Hatchobori
Take a westbound tram from the usual route 2 platform D or route 6 platform C to Hatchobori. Some departures may use different platforms; check on-site destination and platform signs.
Hiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and directionHiroden platform changesHiroden current platform diagram: route 2 D and route 6 C
- Hatchobori → Shukkeien-mae and Shukkeien
Cross at the pedestrian crossing to the Hakushima Line platform, then take route 9 towards Hakushima to Shukkeien-mae. Walk from the stop to the entrance. With cash, obtain a transfer ticket when first getting off and hand it in at your next alighting. With IC, tap at each boarding and alighting, transferring within 60 minutes of first getting off.
Hiroden route 9 stop order and directionHatchobori transfer diagramHiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periodsGarden access and current opening hours
- Shukkeien entrance → Garden visit and meal
Allow 90 minutes for a garden walk around the pond, followed by lunch in the city. Today excludes the adjoining museum, so count only JPY 350 garden admission. Last entry is 16:30 from 16 September to 15 March.
- Shukkeien entrance → Hatchobori
Return to Shukkeien-mae after your visit and take route 9 towards Hatchobori. Add the walk to the stop and tram waiting to your visiting time. The return is in the opposite direction and needs a new fare.
Hiroden route 9 stop order and directionHiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periodsGarden access and current opening hours
- Hatchobori → Hiroshima Station
Cross at the pedestrian crossing to the Hiroshima Station-bound platform and take route 2 or 6. Check your return service in the timetable for your date. Standard adult fare, meeting transfer conditions, is JPY 240 one way or JPY 480 return.
Hiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and directionHatchobori transfer diagramHiroden standard faresHiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periods
Day 2 · Hiroshima Station → prefectural art museum collection exhibits → station
Spend time reading the collection exhibit descriptions. Special exhibitions cost separately, and collection exhibits are unavailable during changeovers.
- Hiroshima Station, second floor → Hatchobori
Take a westbound tram from the usual route 2 platform D or route 6 platform C to Hatchobori. Some departures may use different platforms; check on-site destination and platform signs.
Hiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and directionHiroden platform changesHiroden current platform diagram: route 2 D and route 6 C
- Hatchobori → Shukkeien-mae and prefectural art museum
Cross at the pedestrian crossing to the Hakushima Line platform, then take route 9 towards Hakushima to Shukkeien-mae. Walk from the stop to the entrance. With cash, obtain a transfer ticket when first getting off and hand it in at your next alighting. With IC, tap at each boarding and alighting, transferring within 60 minutes of first getting off.
Hiroden route 9 stop order and directionHatchobori transfer diagramHiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periodsGarden access and current opening hoursTram access
- Prefectural art museum entrance → Art museum visit and meal
Allow around two to three hours to read and explore the collection exhibits, with breaks. Special exhibitions need separate tickets and are excluded from the costs below.
Prefectural art museum admission and closuresGarden access and current opening hours
- Prefectural art museum entrance → Hatchobori
Return to Shukkeien-mae after your visit and take route 9 towards Hatchobori. Add the walk to the stop and tram waiting to your visiting time. The return is in the opposite direction and needs a new fare.
Hiroden route 9 stop order and directionHiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periodsTram access
- Hatchobori → Hiroshima Station
Cross at the pedestrian crossing to the Hiroshima Station-bound platform and take route 2 or 6. Check your return service in the timetable for your date. Standard adult fare, meeting transfer conditions, is JPY 240 one way or JPY 480 return.
Hiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and directionHatchobori transfer diagramHiroden standard faresHiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periods
Day 3 · Hiroshima Station → Miyajima shrine and shopping streets → station
See Miyajima's shrine and shopping streets, then return to the same Hiroshima accommodation. Do not move to Onomichi.
- Hiroshima Station → JR Miyajimaguchi Station
Take a JR Sanyo Line train towards Iwakuni to Miyajimaguchi Station. This differs from the Hiroden tram stop at Miyajimaguchi. Check outward and Hiroshima-bound return trains together in the JR timetable for your date.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
- JR Miyajimaguchi Station → JR ferry passenger terminal
Walk about ten minutes from the station to the JR Miyajima Ferry passenger terminal. With a JR pass, distinguish this operator from other ferries to the same island. Waiting to board is extra to walking time.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
- JR ferry passenger terminal → Miyajima pier
Take the JR Miyajima Ferry to the island. The ride takes about ten minutes. Standard adult fare is JPY 200 one way or JPY 400 return, with a separate JPY 100 visitor tax. Choose your return ferry first and check that you have time to finish the shrine visit.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableJR Miyajima Ferry standard fares and visitor tax
- Miyajima pier → Itsukushima Shrine
Walk about 15 minutes from the pier to the shrine. Visits follow a one-way route, so check the direction back to the port from the exit. Views change with the tide; you cannot always walk beneath the torii gate.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
- Itsukushima Shrine and shopping street entrance → Shrine, shopping streets and meal
Allow 45–60 minutes for the island shrine and 90 minutes for Omotesando lunch and walks. No Onomichi transfer is included.
Open Itsukushima Shrine official informationOpen Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street official informationFerry fares
- Shrine and shopping streets → Miyajima pier
Return to the pier after the shrine and shopping streets. Allow the roughly 15-minute walk from the shrine and boarding waits separately. Adjust shopping street time around your return ferry.
- Miyajima pier → Mainland terminal and JR Miyajimaguchi Station
After returning to the mainland by JR ferry, walk about ten minutes to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. Do not treat ferry arrival as your train departure time. Choose a connection allowing the walk to the station and train waiting.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableJR Miyajima Ferry standard fares and visitor tax
- JR Miyajimaguchi Station → Hiroshima Station
Return on a JR Sanyo Line train towards Hiroshima. Check stops and departures in your date's station timetable. Stay at your booked Hiroshima accommodation tonight.
Walks between station, pier and shrineSailing timetableFerry faresJR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page
Day 4 · Hiroshima Station → Peace Memorial Museum morning exhibits → station
See museum exhibits on your last morning. Move the visit to an earlier day if departure timing is tight or a temporary closure applies.
- Hiroshima Station → Peace Memorial Museum
Depart from route 2 platform D or route 6 platform C on the station's second floor. Count return walking between Genbaku Dome-mae and the East Building separately from exhibit time. Take a westbound route 2 or 6 tram to Genbaku Dome-mae, then walk through the park to the entrance. Some departures may use other platforms; check on-site destination and platform signs.
Hiroden platform changesHiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and directionHiroden current platform diagram: route 2 D and route 6 C
- Peace Memorial Museum entrance → Museum visit and meal
Allow two hours to read museum exhibits in the morning. Choose your departure first; if there is too little visiting time, move the visit earlier. Check temporary and year-end closures in the official calendar and choose other sightseeing when the museum closes.
Open Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum official informationMuseum official information
- Peace Memorial Museum → Hiroshima Station
Walk through the park to Genbaku Dome-mae and take a tram towards Hiroshima Station. Add park walking and tram waiting to exhibit time. On reaching the station, go to your departure platform.
Open Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum official informationHiroden route 2 stops and directionHiroden route 6 stops and direction
Included: Garden and return trams JPY 830 + collection exhibits and return trams JPY 990 + shrine, ferry and visitor tax JPY 800 + museum and return trams JPY 680.
Extra costs and conditions: JR return travel between Hiroshima and Miyajimaguchi, airport transport, accommodation, meals, luggage storage and special exhibitions cost extra.
The garden and collection exhibits are on different days, using individual JPY 350 and JPY 510 tickets.
With a valid pass covering the JR ferry, subtract the JPY 400 return ferry fare from the subtotal above. The JPY 100 visitor tax still applies.
Free-admission days, JR passes and ropeway discounts are not applied to this total. Check prices, opening and reservations for your date.
The three-night Hiroshima itinerary uses only the JR Sanyo Line between Hiroshima and Miyajimaguchi and the JR ferry, without Onomichi. These are within both JR pass areas, but garden, art museum, Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroden trams cost extra. You cannot judge a pass purchase as better value without comparing ordinary return JR tickets into and out of the prefecture.
Shukkeien official admission and hoursPrefectural art museum admission and closuresHiroden standard faresHiroden transfersOpen Itsukushima Shrine official informationFerry faresMuseum official admission, hours and reservationsJR West Kansai–Hiroshima pass coverage, price and eligibilityJR West Sanyo–San'in pass coverage, price and eligibilityKansai–Hiroshima pass official coverage mapSanyo–San'in pass official coverage map
Frequently asked questions
Are trams and the ropeway free with a JR pass?
Hiroden trams and Senkoji Ropeway are not free-ride sections of these two JR passes. Kansai–Hiroshima and Sanyo–San'in passes cover JR Sanyo Line and JR Miyajima Ferry travel within validity, with JPY 100 visitor tax extra. Senkoji Ropeway lists JPY 630 adult return tickets for the holder who presents a JR-WEST RAIL PASS before purchase. Distinguish this from itinerary costs using the JPY 700 regular fare.
JR West Kansai–Hiroshima pass coverage, price and eligibilityJR West Sanyo–San'in pass coverage, price and eligibilityKansai–Hiroshima pass official coverage mapSanyo–San'in pass official coverage mapSenkoji Ropeway ordinary tickets and JR pass presentation discountJR Miyajima Ferry standard fares and visitor tax
Does an Onomichi stay change my last-day departure station?
With an Onomichi stay, visit Jodoji and return to Onomichi Station. With a Hiroshima stay, visit the museum and return to Hiroshima Station. Walk from Onomichi Station to Jodoji via the lower ropeway station, about 15 minutes then 20 minutes, returning by the same route. Allow rest and boarding time beyond the roughly 70-minute reference return walk and suggested 60-minute visit. Shinkansen travel needs a separate transfer to Shin-Onomichi.
Ropeway operator access from each stationOnomichi tourism association visits and accessJR Shin-Onomichi Shinkansen and connecting station information
Official sources and check dates
- Museum official information ·
- Hiroden standard fares ·
- Open Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum official information ·
- Open Itsukushima Shrine official information ·
- Ferry fares ·
- Sailing timetable ·
- Walks between station, pier and shrine ·
- Open Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street official information ·
- Open Senkoji Ropeway official information ·
- Additional transport and operating information ·
- Prefectural art museum admission and closures ·
- Tram access ·
- Hiroden transfers ·
- Onomichi tourism association visits and access ·
- Hiroden platform changes ·
- Hatchobori transfer diagram ·
- Ropeway operator access from each station ·
- Garden access and current opening hours ·
- Hiroden route 9 stop order and direction ·
- Hiroden route 2 stops and direction ·
- Hiroden route 6 stops and direction ·
- JR Shin-Onomichi Shinkansen and connecting station information ·
- Hiroden current platform diagram: route 2 D and route 6 C ·
- Museum official admission, hours and reservations ·
- Shukkeien official admission and hours ·
- Official ropeway hours ·
- JR West Kansai–Hiroshima pass coverage, price and eligibility ·
- JR West Sanyo–San'in pass coverage, price and eligibility ·
- Kansai–Hiroshima pass official coverage map ·
- Sanyo–San'in pass official coverage map ·
- Senkoji Ropeway ordinary tickets and JR pass presentation discount ·
- Hiroden transfer tickets and IC validity periods ·
- JR Miyajima Ferry standard fares and visitor tax ·
- JR Onomichi Station official timetable and station map entry page ·
- JR Hiroshima Station official timetable and station map entry page ·