The best things to do in Hiroshima at night

At night, the whole site is lit up so that it gives the illusion that it’s floating on the light. The iconic red Torii gate glows a warm hue too which makes this historical site dating back to the 12th century a must-visit at night. Surrounding the shrine are dense green forests and a bustling village town which is also well worth exploring if you’re looking for more things to do in Hiroshima at night. In addition, you may be lucky enough to become friends with one of the hundreds of deer wandering around the island.

Miyajima island is one of Japan’s most picturesque attractions with beautiful views of the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine, and UNESCO world heritage site. You can take a one-way direct ferry from Hiroshimako port to Itsukushima for ¥1,850 which departs every 30 minutes or take the JR Sanyo train from Hiroshima station to Miyajimaguchi for ¥410 and transfer onto a ferry for ¥180. 

Please note that the actual shrine closes to visitors at sunset but you can see the illuminated island from boat cruises which last thirty minutes and take passengers around the bay and through the torii gate (during high tide only).

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the city's local food.

Okonomiyaki is basically a savory “everything pancake” full of an assortment of savory ingredients. The standard pancake consists of a batter,  cabbage, and pork layers but feel free to go wild with the options. One of the most popular places to try this local dish is "Okonomi-mura". Here, you can chat with the chefs while you wait for your okonomiyaki to cook away in front of you.

Once you actually get to tuck in you’ll soon realize it was worth the four to five-minute wait. This is great for the whole family and even picky as the dish is prepared right in front of you and you can also pick your favorite ingredients.

Another great place is "Mitchan Sohonten" one of the most popular okonomiyaki spots in the Hatchobori area, and said to be one of the original Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki restaurants, but be prepared to line up as it tends to be very busy.

Famous all over Japan, Onomichi Ramen is a local favorite dish. The combination of chicken, pork-based, and seafood-based soup gives this ramen its unique and delicious flavor. 

And the great news is that you don't have to travel two hours from Hiroshima to Onomich to try this popular ramen. Instead, I recommend that you visit the  "Omichi Ramen Sanko" restaurant which is conveniently located a 3-minute walk the from the Kencho-mae Station. Don't be put off by the lines of people waiting to be served; they tend to offer a fast service and the wait will definitely be worth it.

At the top of mount Futaba lies the Peace Pagoda, one of the city's landmarks, and a shrine erected a prayer for everlasting world peace and the repose of those souls sacrificed in the atomic bombing. 

You can climb up to the Pagoda after dark via a paved path that starts behind Hiroshima shinkansen station (North Exit). It takes around half an hour to reach the Pagoda and the views of the city at night are spectacular.