The top things to do in Hiroshima and Kyoto in 2025 combine powerful history, breathtaking temples, and unforgettable cultural moments. These two cities offer travelers a beautiful mix of reflection, tradition, and nature. Whether you’re soaking in Kyoto’s ancient temples or standing beneath Hiroshima’s sobering Peace Memorial, these destinations deliver some of the richest experiences Japan has to offer. And with deer that bow and pancakes that could win awards, it’s also full of unexpected charm. Let’s break it down into everything you must see, do, and eat in Hiroshima and Kyoto in 2025.
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🔗 Useful Travel Links
- 🛳️ Ferry bookings – Book on Ferryhopper
- ✈️ Flights & hotels – Book with Kiwi
- 🚄 Shinkansen Ticket Pass – Buy on Klook
- 📶 eSIM – Get Airalo here
🕊️ Hiroshima – Peace, Resilience, and Okonomiyaki
🏛 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Start your visit in Hiroshima with a powerful and essential stop: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This museum documents the events of August 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. The exhibits are moving, sometimes graphic, and ultimately call for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. Bring tissues—you might need them.
Just outside the museum, you’ll find the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, home to several monuments including the Children’s Peace Monument, the Flame of Peace, and the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)—a preserved structure that survived the blast. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognized symbols of Hiroshima. Eerie, humbling, and essential.
⛩ Miyajima Island – The Floating Torii Gate
A short ferry ride from the mainland brings you to Miyajima Island, officially called Itsukushima. The star of the show here is the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic floating torii gate, which seems to hover on the water during high tide. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Japan—and once you see it, you’ll know why.
You’ll also meet some extremely photogenic (and occasionally snack-stealing) deer. Wander through souvenir shops, grab grilled oysters from a street stall, or hike up Mount Misen for views that make the climb worth every step. Plan to spend at least half a day here—you won’t want to leave.
🍽 What to Eat in Hiroshima – Okonomiyaki Heaven
Hiroshima’s signature dish is okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake layered with cabbage, noodles, egg, and your choice of meat or seafood. Unlike the Kansai style (mixed), Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered like a delicious Jenga tower.
Head to Okonomimura, a multi-story building in downtown Hiroshima packed with okonomiyaki stalls. Each counter has its own twist, but they all deliver that sizzling goodness straight onto your plate. Grab a seat at the counter and let the chef work magic on the teppan grill.
Recommended stalls: Micchan, Hassho, and Lopez. (Yes, Lopez is run by a Peruvian-Japanese chef, and it’s amazing.)
🏯 Kyoto – Temples, Torii, and Timeless Beauty
Once Japan’s imperial capital, Kyoto is where the country’s soul lives. With over 1,600 temples, charming old districts, bamboo groves, and geishas walking cobblestone streets, Kyoto is basically the set of every beautiful Japan montage you’ve ever seen. Give yourself at least 2–3 days to soak in the magic.
🛕 Hōkan-ji Temple – The Five-Story Pagoda of Gion
Also known as Yasaka Pagoda, Hōkan-ji Temple is one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto—and it’s easy to see why. Rising five stories high, the pagoda towers gracefully over the Higashiyama district, its silhouette a favorite subject for both amateur and pro photographers.
This historic pagoda, originally built in the 6th century and reconstructed in the 15th, captures the timeless beauty of Kyoto. Even if you can’t go inside, walking its perimeter—especially at golden hour—is enough to make you fall in love with Kyoto’s old-world charm. The surrounding streets, lined with wooden machiya homes, traditional tea houses, and boutique craft stores, add to the cinematic vibe of the whole area.
⛩ Fushimi Inari Taisha – The 1,000 Torii Gates
Possibly the most iconic sight in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its mesmerizing path of thousands of vibrant red torii gates that snake their way up the sacred Mount Inari. Walking through these gates feels like stepping into a living postcard—one moment you’re surrounded by a flurry of tourists, the next you’re alone with the rustle of leaves and the creak of ancient wood.
This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. Fox statues (Inari’s messengers) dot the grounds, adding to the mystical feel. The full hike to the summit can take around 2–3 hours and rewards hikers with tranquil forest paths, smaller shrines, and panoramic views of Kyoto. But even a short stroll through the lower gates is enough to feel the magic of this sacred site.
Early morning or evening visits offer a quieter, more serene experience—ideal for photos and reflection alike.
🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Head west to Arashiyama, home to the dreamy Bamboo Forest. The towering green stalks sway in the breeze and make you feel tiny in the best way possible. The soft rustle of leaves overhead, the play of light through dense green walls—this place is pure zen.
While in Arashiyama, step into the serene grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site with a garden that changes beautifully with the seasons. Nearby, consider hopping on a traditional rickshaw ride for a charming local tour, or take a romantic boat ride along the Hozugawa River, where you’ll float past lush scenery and traditional bridges.
And if you’re up for a short uphill walk, visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park. At the top, you’ll be greeted by a troop of wild Japanese macaques and a sweeping view of Kyoto. Bring good shoes—and maybe a banana (for you, not the monkeys).
🛕 Kiyomizu-dera – Kyoto’s Most Famous Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is the kind of temple that belongs on a postcard—and on your itinerary. Perched on the hillside of eastern Kyoto, this historic Buddhist temple boasts sweeping views of the city from its grand wooden veranda, which juts out from the main hall supported by towering pillars. It’s particularly stunning in spring, when cherry blossoms blanket the hillside, and in autumn, when fiery red and gold leaves surround the temple.
The name “Kiyomizu” means “pure water,” referring to the Otowa Waterfall that runs beneath the complex. Visitors traditionally drink from one of its three streams for success, longevity, or love (choose wisely).
Nearby, the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are full of traditional Kyoto charm—think cobbled lanes lined with wooden teahouses, local artisans, and picturesque cafés. You can rent a kimono and stroll through the area, sampling sweets and shopping for unique souvenirs. It’s touristy, yes, but absolutely worth it.
🏙️ Nishiki Market – Kyoto’s Kitchen
Snack heaven? Yep, that’s Nishiki Market—a narrow, covered street stretching five blocks in central Kyoto and overflowing with culinary treasures. With over 100 shops and food stalls, it’s a paradise for anyone who likes their sightseeing with a side of snacks.
You’ll find matcha warabi mochi (a jiggly, earthy jelly dusted with kinako), freshly grilled mochi skewers, savory yuba (delicate tofu skin served hot or cold), and crunchy Kyoto pickles that burst with flavor. And if you’re feeling brave? Try the legendary baby octopus skewers—each stuffed with a surprise quail egg inside. It’s equal parts bizarre and delicious.
Whether you’re grabbing soy milk donuts to-go or sampling sashimi on a stick, Nishiki Market is where traditional Kyoto ingredients meet modern foodie fun. Arrive hungry and pace yourself—you’ll want to try everything.
🌸 Gion District – Geishas and Tradition
Gion is Kyoto’s old-school heart, where tradition feels alive in every lantern-lit alley and wooden lattice door. As twilight falls, the streets transform into a scene from another era—paper lanterns flicker to life, the scent of incense hangs in the air, and soft footsteps echo on cobblestone paths.
If you’re lucky (and respectful), you might catch a glimpse of a geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) or a maiko (an apprentice) gracefully making her way to an evening engagement. Their presence is quiet, dignified, and always magical.
Please remember: these women are not tourist attractions. Refrain from flash photography, chasing, or attempting to pose with them. Instead, book a tea ceremony, a kimono experience, or a guided cultural tour to gain deeper insight into this world. Gion deserves admiration—not interruption.
🦌 Nara – Deer, Temples, and Tranquility
Just under an hour from Kyoto, Nara makes for a perfectly quirky, surprisingly majestic day trip. It’s home to sacred temples, scenic parks, and deer that bow (sort of).
Start at Nara Park, where the resident deer are cute, entitled, and completely unbothered by humans. Buy the special crackers, bow politely, and prepare to be gently headbutted in return.
Next, see Tōdai-ji Temple, housing a Great Buddha that’s taller than your Airbnb. Then head to Kasuga Taisha, glowing with thousands of lanterns, and unwind at Isuien Garden, Kyoto’s calm cousin.
🍵 What to Eat in Kyoto – Elegant, Seasonal, and Delicious
Kyoto cuisine is where edible art meets soul food. Here’s what to devour:
- Kaiseki Ryori – Fancy, seasonal, multi-course meals. Treat yourself.
- Yudofu – Temple-style tofu hot pot. Surprisingly comforting.
- Matcha Everything – From soft-serve to soba. Don’t question it.
- Yatsuhashi – Cinnamon mochi triangles. Great gifts, better snacks.
- Obanzai – Home-style Kyoto tapas. Tiny plates, big flavors.
- Grilled Fish & Tempura – Simple. Fresh. Perfect.
Bonus tip: Save room for dessert. Kyoto’s sweet shops will test your willpower.
🚄 Getting Around & Tips
- From Tokyo: Zip in via Shinkansen. Use your Klook Shinkansen Pass to save time and cash.
- Language: English is rare. Translation apps = lifesavers.
- When to Visit: Spring and fall. Cherry blossoms or red leaves? Yes, please.
🇯🇵 Final Thoughts
Kyoto and Hiroshima are the yin and yang of travel: one reflects the past with a call for peace, while the other whispers timeless beauty from temple rooftops.
From deer that bow to pancakes you’ll dream about, these cities offer more than just sightseeing—they offer soul-filling moments you’ll remember forever.
🧳 Pack your stretchy pants and your camera. Japan’s waiting.