8 Free Things to Do in Hiroshima

No question, traveling to Japan is ridiculously expensive. A one-week trip to Japan can cost $700 for a budget trip, while it can cost up to around $1,500 for a mid-range getaway for a week. 

It’s like your one-month salary already, right? However, Japan welcomes an unbelievably high number of tourists each day and every year. They’re just willing to spend on this East Asian adventure. 

One of the best places to see in Japan is Hiroshima, and you'll need to get a stash of cash for the other pleasures of your trip. Here are some free things to do in this magnificent Japanese destination.

1. Indulge in Hiroshima Castle

Yes, yes, yes, the iconic Japanese castle you see on the social media pages of your friends can be explored for free. This castle, built in the 16th century, is accessible free of charge. Experience nature, architecture, and history, then take photos with the castle. However, entering the castle has fees.

2. Enjoy Miyajima 

Most of Miyajima Island could also be explored around for free, seriously. It’s like roaming around Disneyland without paying a dime!

Start your trip at the Itsukushima Shrine and be awed by the famous torii gate jutting out of the water. Then, climb up the Daisho-in Temple, and once you’re at the peak, see outstanding views of the surroundings.

ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN HIROSHIMA AT NIGHT

3. Visit Mitaki Temple

Mitaki Temple is a temple from the Medieval age that’s also free of charge when you wish to access this place. Be sure to wear comfy shoes as this temple will have some hiking. You’ll see waterfalls, Jizo statues with red bibs, and hiking trails with nature in abundance. Indulge.

4. Stroll Saijo Sake Street

Sake is seemingly the national liquor of Japan, and for good reasons. To try glasses of it here could mean getting a table at a restaurant and paying for its high price tag.

Well, when you are at Saijo Sake Street, you can try tasty sake drinks for free. Along the street, you can find seven breweries that offer sake tours and tastings for free. Of course, if you wish to bring a bottle home, you’d have to follow the price tags. But a free taste is good enough, right?

ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN HIROSHIMA WITH KIDS

5. Reminisce at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, included in most lists, if not all, of things to do in Hiroshima, can be accessed for free. 

Located at the city center, this park was previously a busy commercial and residential district during the Second World War. Now, it is a sprawling space dotted with monuments, museums, and remnants of the days past during a dark time in Japanese history, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

6. Do a Downtown Walk

To dream is for free, to walk is for free. If you have more time for free things to do in Hiroshima, which for sure you will, head over to Hiroshima’s Downtown Walk, which encompasses Hondori Street, filled with shops and restaurants, Aioi Street, Okonomimura, and shopping and entertainment hubs. 

ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN KURE

7. Experience the Hiroshima City Central Library

While not giving the same vibes as the public libraries in New York, the Hiroshima City Central Library is also for the party animal traveler, not just geeks and nerds. It houses books, magazines, and newspapers that you can read inside the library or borrow. A free library card is available. Their materials and books are available in English, Chinese, Korean, German, and French.

8. Embrace Nature and Hike Mount Misen

Mount Misen is also referred to as “God’s Island” because of its unparalleled beauty. And yes, you can hike the mountain and be in tune with nature without paying any fees, unlike when exploring mountains in other places. The forest here, as well as the Itsukushima Shrine, are declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

If you are wondering whether touring Hiroshima for free means not seeing the major attractions, you are wrong. Almost every important landmark in Hiroshima can be experienced for free. Wait, how about a free walking tour? Yes, a free walking tour!

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