Two retirees and adult daughter visiting Hiroshima for the first time for 5 full days from Sun., Nov 23 to Friday, Nov 28. Last time we were in Japan was almost 20 years ago when we did the Golden Triangle – before over tourism. We will be arriving and departing on the Shinkansen from Yokosuka and staying at an AirBnB close to the Honkawacho Tram Station. We are interested in seeing historical and cultural sights as well as enjoying some nice easy to moderate walks/hikes to enjoy some natural beauty in the area especially with fall leaves changing. Also, would love to try some local Japanese food!
Is Nov 22-24 a Japanese 3 day weekend – so it will be a busy weekend upon our arrival?
Tentative plans are as follows – I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.
Day 1 – Sunday, Nov 23 Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Gardens, maybe Peace Memorial Park
Day 2 – Monday, Nov 24 – Hiroshima Peace Memorial Musuem (arrive about 8am) and Peace Memorial Park: should I purchase Museum tickets in advance, is an audio guide recommended?
Day 3- Tuesday, Nov 25 – Sandankyo Gorge (Kurobuchi ferry closed on Wed and Thurs) – take bus 75 from Hiroshima Bus Center both ways about 1 hr 30 min. Is there only one bus 75 in the morning at about 8 am – none others earlier or later ?? If we get a rental car, will the drive be on major roads? Or are there lots of narrow mountain roads?
Day 4- Wednesday, Nov 26 – Miyajima Island – trolley and ferry to Itsukushima Shrine (high tide is 13:30) and Mt. Misen
Day 5 – Thursday, Nov 27 – Mitaki Temple & hike, Fudoin Temple – take Bus 22 Mitaki Kannon to the Mitaki Temple – is this correct?
Friday – leaving to visit Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyoji with a 2 night stay in Himeji.
I read that there is Hiroshima Tourist Pass for 1, 2, and 3 days. Where can this pass be purchased – at the Hiroshima Bus Center or JR Shinskansen train station? Will the pass include the bus to Sandankyo Gorge?
It is difficult to get much information regarding Sandankyo Gorge – would this worth a full day trip given that it may be a good place to see the autumn leaves? Will the Kurobuchi ferry be operating during our stay except closed on Wednesday and Thursdays? Or will we see plenty of autumn leaves at Miyajima Island and Mitaki Temple?
Thank you for any comments in advance!
by Jwerking1