Drop bags at your hotel and get a simple Japanese-style breakfast at a nearby café or the hotel (try a tamago set or toast and coffee). It's an easy start before museum visits.
The museum documents the 1945 atomic bombing — a moving, essential visit to understand Hiroshima's history and message of peace; the adjacent A-Bomb Dome is a preserved symbol. Check seasonal hours; typically open 8:30am–6:00pm (last entry earlier).
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (layered pancake) is a must — Okonomimura is a multi-stall building where you can sample different vendors. Quick, filling, and quintessentially local.
Hondori is a covered shopping street with cafés and souvenirs; Shukkeien is a compact traditional garden (usually 9:00am–5:00pm) if you want a quieter garden visit.
Try Hiroshima seafood and local sake at an izakaya near Nagarekawa or return to Okonomiyaki if you loved it; many spots open until late (izakayas 5:00pm–11:00pm).
Quick breakfast at the hotel or station café, then take the short train/ferry to Miyajima; ferries run early and frequently (first ferries approx 6:00am onward).
Iconic red torii and shrine built over tidal flats — best at high tide for the floating effect and early to avoid crowds; shrine hours roughly 6:30am–5:30pm but check seasonally.
Take the ropeway or hike inland trails to Mt. Misen for panoramic Seto Inland Sea views; ropeway usually operates ~9:00am–5:00pm, hikes vary by trail and season.
Miyajima is famous for fresh oysters (grilled) and anago meshi. Try one of the Omotesando street stalls or a small local restaurant for island specialties.
Simple breakfast and catch a morning train to Onomichi (about 1–1.5 hours from Hiroshima by local train); arrive ready to walk the temple lane and enjoy seaside views.
Rent a bicycle (Onomichi Cycle Tour Center or rental shops) for a scenic section of the Shimanami Kaido across islands, or travel by car/train and ferry; rentals typically open ~8:00am–6:00pm. If short on time, take the train/ferry and do a short cycling stretch on one island.
Imabari Castle is a moated castle with a seawater moat; enjoy a sunset walk along the port before dinner. Castle hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm (check seasonal times).
Historic public bathhouse and charming shopping street — the Honkan is iconic and open from early morning through evening (hours vary, common 6:00am–11:00pm). Enjoy a communal bath or a footbath if pressed for time.
Hirome Market is a lively food hall where you can sample Kochi specialties including fresh seafood and local produce — great for variety and atmosphere. Market stalls typically open by late morning.
Kochi is famed for seared bonito — seek a reputable restaurant or stalls in Hirome Market for this signature dish, best enjoyed with local ponzu and garlic.
Early breakfast and then travel (train + bus or rental car recommended) toward Oboke/Awa-Ikeda gateway to reach the Iya Valley area; travel can take 3–4 hours depending on connections.
Scenic riverboat through dramatic gorges — operators run daytime cruises typically around 9:00am–4:00pm depending on season and water conditions; check schedules in advance.
Cross the historic vine bridge and enjoy the remote valley scenery; the bridge area is open all day but attractions and nearby facilities operate ~8:30am–5:00pm.
Stay in a riverside ryokan for a hot-spring soak and kaiseki-style dinner — an authentic way to experience rural Shikoku hospitality (onsen usually open from early morning to late evening).
Famous shrine reached by climbing ~785 stone steps (inner shrine a further climb) — the main shrine area is open daily and offers rewarding views; bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Take the train across the scenic Seto-Ohashi Bridge toward Okayama (about 1–1.5 hours by rapid train) or ferry where available; enjoy views of the Inland Sea.
One of Japan’s three great landscape gardens — wide lawns, ponds and tea houses ideal for a morning stroll; garden hours typically around 7:30am–5:00pm (seasonal changes possible).
Visit Okayama Castle (near Korakuen) then, if time allows, take a short train to Kurashiki’s historic Bikan district for canals, museums, and preserved merchant houses (Kurashiki attractions typically open 9:00am–5:00pm).
Enjoy a relaxed dinner sampling local produce or seafood; Okayama’s station area has many good dining choices from yakitori to sushi, usually open until late.
If you have a later departure, revisit Kurashiki Bikan Quarter for a gentle canal walk and museum visit, or relax at Omotesho area in Okayama; most museums open by 9:00am–10:00am.
Have an early lunch near the station and then board your train or bus to Hiroshima, a nearby airport, or onward destination. Trains to Hiroshima take about 45–70 minutes depending on service.
Complete your loop by returning to Hiroshima or proceed to the nearest airport (Okayama Airport or transfer via Shin-Osaka for international departures); allow buffer time for connections.