Several hundred semi-wild rabbits live on Okunoshima; their numbers may change. The visitor center provides information about the island’s natural environment and history. Wildlife and historical context thus offer two distinct themes for exploring the island.
Water, Forest and Gorge
The Seto Inland Sea is one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s natural attractions. Unspoiled waters and forested mountains are also among the region’s natural highlights; hiking is one of the prefecture’s outdoor activities. Sandankyo leads into the mountain landscape: the gorge is about 16 kilometers long and lies in the West Chugoku Mountains Quasi-National Park. Water landscapes and forested terrain therefore sit alongside a clearly defined gorge as distinct ways to experience nature.
Architecture, Remembrance and Tradition
At Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, the buildings are arranged over the sea, with mountains in the background. The reconstructed buildings preserve architectural styles from the late 12th to the early 13th century. The spatial design and historic architecture offer two perspectives on the same shrine: one focuses on the interplay of sea and mountain backdrop, the other on the architectural styles handed down through the centuries.
Mibu no Hana Taue is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Alongside architecture, intangible cultural heritage thus stands out as a distinct cultural focus of the prefecture.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum displays personal belongings of survivors, as well as photographs and drawings depicting the devastation caused by the atomic bombing. The different exhibits give the subject a concrete, personal and visual dimension.
Craftsmanship is also part of the cultural discoveries: Kumano produces 80 percent of Japan’s fude brushes. The focus here is not a building, but a crafted cultural product—a different way to experience the prefecture’s culture than through shrines and historic architecture.
Flavor and Movement
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is defined by layering rather than mixing: cabbage, flour, egg and dashi are arranged in layers, and the dish is served on fried noodles. This construction is what distinguishes the version described and gives the local cuisine a distinctive profile.
The prefecture also offers a notable attraction for cycling enthusiasts. The Shimanami Cycling Road is Japan’s first cycling route designed to cross straits. The cycling route along the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido is approximately 70 kilometers long; the distance is measured between the terminals in Onomichi and Imabari. Bicycle rentals are available along the Shimanami Kaido route. Check current availability before planning, as operations may change. This provides a concrete route length and stated start and end points for gauging whether cycling could be a focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Fukuyama, Fuchū, Onomichi, Higashihiroshima, Kurogawa, Sera, Miyoshi, Mihara, Kure.
For the broader travel overview: Japan.
