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.
Hiroshima has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (July–August reaching 33–36°C/91–97°F), winters are mild by Japan standards with light or no snow, spring brings cherry blossoms in late March–early April, and autumn (October–November) offers spectacular foliage. Hiroshima receives an average 1,480mm (58 in) of annual rainfall, with a rainy season (tsuyu) from mid-June through mid-July.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
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The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
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Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Items
- Period
- Late March–early April (Cherry Blossoms)
- Level
- Very High
- Notes
- Peace Park and Hiroshima Castle moat are extremely popular. Book accommodation 3+ months ahead.
- Period
- Golden Week (late April–early May)
- Level
- Very High
- Notes
- Domestic Japanese tourism peak. All attractions and transport crowded. Book everything in advance.
- Period
- August 6 (Peace Memorial Ceremony)
- Level
- High
- Notes
- Thousands attend the ceremony at the Peace Park. Hotels within walking distance sell out fast.
- Period
- November (Foliage Season)
- Level
- Medium-High
- Notes
- Miyajima's Momijidani Park and Mitaki-dera fill with visitors. Book Miyajima ryokan early.
- Period
- January–February
- Level
- Low
- Notes
- Best period for budget prices and minimal queues at museums.
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Annual ceremony at 8:15AM in the Peace Memorial Park marking the atomic bombing anniversary. Moving and significant.
One of Japan's largest outdoor festivals along Peace Boulevard — live music, food stalls, dance performances.
Spectacular fireworks display over the Seto Inland Sea with the Miyajima torii as backdrop. One of Japan's most photographed fireworks events.
Ancient court music and dance performances on elaborately decorated boats in the Seto Inland Sea.
The Hiroshima Carp baseball team plays at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium. Attending a game is a quintessential local experience; tickets from ¥1,800 ($12) at mazda-stadium.jp.