Hiroshima is one of Japan's most historically significant cities, forever linked to the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945, yet reborn as a vibrant modern metropolis and a global symbol of peace and resilience. The city sits on the delta of the Ota River where six channels meet the Seto Inland Sea, giving it a lush, island-laced setting. Beyond its profound memorial sites, Hiroshima offers excellent cuisine — including the iconic layered Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki — beautiful Seto Inland Sea islands like Miyajima with its floating torii gate, and a warm, welcoming local culture.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove shoes when entering temples, shrines, and traditional restaurants — look for the genkan (entrance step) and follow locals' lead.
Bow slightly when greeting locals or thanking staff. A nod of the head is sufficient for tourists.
Eating and drinking while walking is considered impolite in Japan. Enjoy street food standing still near the vendor's stall.
Speak quietly on trams and in public spaces — Japan has strong social norms around noise levels in public.
Carry a small bag for rubbish — public bins are rare in Japan. Most combini (convenience stores) have bins inside.
Onsen (hot springs) require complete immersion without swimwear — shower thoroughly before entering.
Queuing is taken seriously in Japan. Always queue in order; pushing in line is very frowned upon.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Say 'Sumimasen' (excuse me/sorry) when bumping into someone or getting a server's attention — it is always appreciated.
- Carry a handkerchief — many Japanese restrooms lack hand dryers or paper towels.
- Try to learn a few Japanese phrases — even basic phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) are warmly received.
- Use the coin tray at shop counters rather than placing money directly in the cashier's hand.
- Fold origami paper cranes to place at the Children's Peace Monument — children's volunteers collect them.
Don't
- Do not talk loudly on public transport — mobile phones should be on silent; calls should not be made on trams.
- Do not eat or drink while walking — particularly important near the Peace Park and in traditional areas of Miyajima.
- Do not touch Miyajima deer if they become aggressive — back away slowly and do not attempt to feed them.
- Do not photograph without permission at private residences, temples marked 'no photography,' or the Peace Museum's restricted exhibits.
- Do not assume everyone speaks English — prepare key information (hotel address, destination) in written Japanese.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you (formal)
Ah-ree-gah-toh go-zye-mahss
Sumimasen
Excuse me / I'm sorry
Soo-mee-mah-sen
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
Ay-go wah hah-nah-seh-mahss kah?
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much is this?
Ko-reh wah ee-koo-rah dess kah?
Eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the station?
Eh-kee wah doh-koh dess kah?
Toire wa doko desu ka?
Where is the toilet?
Toy-reh wah doh-koh dess kah?
Hiroshima heiwa kinen koen e ikitai
I want to go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hee-roh-shee-mah hay-wah kee-nen koh-en eh ee-kee-tie
Okonomiyaki hitotsu kudasai
One okonomiyaki please
Oh-koh-noh-mee-yah-kee hee-toh-tsoo koo-dah-sigh
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Hiroshima.
Items:
- Religion
- Shinto
- Description
- The indigenous religion of Japan. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is one of Japan's most sacred Shinto sites. The torii gate marks the boundary between the sacred and ordinary world. Visitors should pass through with respect.
- Religion
- Buddhism
- Description
- Introduced from China in the 6th century. Most temples in Hiroshima (Daisho-in, Mitaki-dera) are Buddhist. Many Japanese practice elements of both Shinto and Buddhism simultaneously.
- Religion
- Peace Philosophy
- Description
- Hiroshima has developed a powerful secular philosophy of peace (heiwa) and the abolition of nuclear weapons. This ethos permeates the city's culture and public discourse.