Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Hiroshima — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated

Hiroshima has 5+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by Mt. Misen Summit Trail (Miyajima Island), Mitaki-dera Forest Trail and Shimanami Kaido Walk (Onomichi–Habu Bridge Section). Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

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.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Mt. Misen Summit Trail (Miyajima Island)

    4.5 km round trip (Momijidani trail)2–3 hours round trip (on foot); 1 hour with ropeway one way535 m (summit); approx. 400 m elevation gain from ropeway station

  2. 2

    Mitaki-dera Forest Trail

    2 km loop1–1.5 hours80 m elevation gain

  3. 3

    Shimanami Kaido Walk (Onomichi–Habu Bridge Section)

    3–5 km (walkable section); full route 70 km by bicycle1–2 hours for coastal walk; multiple days for full routeMostly flat with gentle inclines on bridge ramps

  4. 4

    Hiroshima Peace Park Circuit Walk

    2 km loop1.5–3 hours (including museum and monument visits)Flat (riverside park)

  5. 5

    Senkoji Park Temple Walk (Onomichi)

    2.5 km (Temple Walk linking 25 temples through the hills)2–3 hours200 m elevation gain; option to take ropeway up (¥320/$2.15 one-way)

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

Related topics