After Osaka, we were ready for our next Japan adventure.
Himeji Castle is considered Japan’s most iconic and one of the best day trips from Osaka. Hiroshima stands as one of Japan’s most historically significant cities, known worldwide as the site of the 1945 atomic bombing.
Because both cities sit directly on Japan’s Tokaido-Sanyo bullet train line, we thought it would be easy to combine them into a single journey. We were right.
Our plan was simple: visit Himeji and Hiroshima from Osaka by shinkansen, continue to Miyajima, and stay overnight. However, if you are short on time, this route can also work as an ambitious (and very long) day trip.
From Japan’s most famous castle to one of its most thought-provoking cities, without further ado, Feet Do Travel share our journey through Himeji and Hiroshima by bullet train.
Himeji Castle is considered Japan’s most iconic and one of the best day trips from Osaka. Hiroshima stands as one of Japan’s most historically significant cities, known worldwide as the site of the 1945 atomic bombing.
Because both cities sit directly on Japan’s Tokaido-Sanyo bullet train line, we thought it would be easy to combine them into a single journey. We were right.
Our plan was simple: visit Himeji and Hiroshima from Osaka by shinkansen, continue to Miyajima, and stay overnight. However, if you are short on time, this route can also work as an ambitious (and very long) day trip.
From Japan’s most famous castle to one of its most thought-provoking cities, without further ado, Feet Do Travel share our journey through Himeji and Hiroshima by bullet train.
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Himeji Castle drain cover
Suggested Itinerary: Osaka to Hiroshima via Himeji
Is Osaka to Hiroshima worth it? Yes – but with planning.
While it is entirely possible to visit Himeji and Hiroshima as a single-day trip from Osaka, it makes for a very long day. Staying overnight in Hiroshima gave us time to experience the city properly and continue to Miyajima the following morning.
For travellers looking for a seamless, efficient route using the Shinkansen, we recommend this structured timeline:
Early Morning: Osaka → Himeji via Shinkansen (30–45 mins)
Morning: Explore Himeji Castle Grounds and Koko-en Gardens
Early Afternoon: Himeji → Hiroshima via Shinkansen (60 mins)
Afternoon: Hiroshima Castle & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Evening: Dinner at Okonomimura & drinks in downtown Hiroshima
Next Day (Optional): Ferry to Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine)
Is Osaka to Hiroshima worth it? Yes – but with planning.
While it is entirely possible to visit Himeji and Hiroshima as a single-day trip from Osaka, it makes for a very long day. Staying overnight in Hiroshima gave us time to experience the city properly and continue to Miyajima the following morning.
For travellers looking for a seamless, efficient route using the Shinkansen, we recommend this structured timeline:
Early Morning: Osaka → Himeji via Shinkansen (30–45 mins)
Morning: Explore Himeji Castle Grounds and Koko-en Gardens
Early Afternoon: Himeji → Hiroshima via Shinkansen (60 mins)
Afternoon: Hiroshima Castle & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Evening: Dinner at Okonomimura & drinks in downtown Hiroshima
Next Day (Optional): Ferry to Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine)
Riding the Shinkansen – Japan’s Bullet Train Experience
Having previously ridden China’s Maglev train to Shanghai Airport, we were excited to experience Japan’s shinkansen (bullet train).
Our first shinkansen journey made us feel like excited school children on a day trip. Were we turning into train spotters? We took perhaps too much pleasure in filming and photographing the train with its iconic long nose as it pulled into the platform.
Having previously ridden China’s Maglev train to Shanghai Airport, we were excited to experience Japan’s shinkansen (bullet train).
Our first shinkansen journey made us feel like excited school children on a day trip. Were we turning into train spotters? We took perhaps too much pleasure in filming and photographing the train with its iconic long nose as it pulled into the platform.
Our first bullet train (Shinkansen) journey
It felt surreal sitting on a train travelling up to 320 km/h, yet smoother than many local commuter services.
Whisper quiet, ridiculously comfortable, and unexpectedly calming despite the speed, it was easily one of the most enjoyable ways we travelled in Japan.
For us, catching the 5:30am shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station felt like part of the adventure itself, but it also made this multi-city itinerary surprisingly effortless.
Whisper quiet, ridiculously comfortable, and unexpectedly calming despite the speed, it was easily one of the most enjoyable ways we travelled in Japan.
For us, catching the 5:30am shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station felt like part of the adventure itself, but it also made this multi-city itinerary surprisingly effortless.
Himeji Castle - one of the 12 original left in Japan
Visiting Himeji Castle (The White Heron Castle)
If there is one Japanese castle to see, many would argue it is Himeji.
Nicknamed the White Heron Castle because of its brilliant white exterior, it is easily one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, but it's also one of the 12 original surviving feudal castles.
If there is one Japanese castle to see, many would argue it is Himeji.
Nicknamed the White Heron Castle because of its brilliant white exterior, it is easily one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, but it's also one of the 12 original surviving feudal castles.
Dating back to the 14th century and later expanded in the 1600s, it has survived wars, earthquakes and fire, which makes seeing it feel all the more remarkable.
It is also Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (1993) and a designated National Treasure. It has even featured as a backdrop in the 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice".
We spent time wandering the castle grounds and gardens, admiring the views and soaking up the atmosphere.
It is also Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (1993) and a designated National Treasure. It has even featured as a backdrop in the 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice".
We spent time wandering the castle grounds and gardens, admiring the views and soaking up the atmosphere.
Is it Worth Going Inside Himeji Castle?
After doing some research beforehand, we decided not to enter the interior.
We felt the exterior experience, gardens, and sheer scale of the castle offered what we were looking for, especially as we planned to visit Hiroshima Castle later. Although their stories are very different, we were seeking an authentic samurai experience, which we knew we wouldn’t find here.
It was a deliberate choice rather than a missed opportunity, and for us, the exterior alone felt worth the trip.
After doing some research beforehand, we decided not to enter the interior.
We felt the exterior experience, gardens, and sheer scale of the castle offered what we were looking for, especially as we planned to visit Hiroshima Castle later. Although their stories are very different, we were seeking an authentic samurai experience, which we knew we wouldn’t find here.
It was a deliberate choice rather than a missed opportunity, and for us, the exterior alone felt worth the trip.
 |  White Heron drain cover in Himeji |
Himeji to Hiroshima by Bullet Train
From Himeji Station, we boarded the 9:40am shinkansen west to Hiroshima.
Some places carry an emotional gravity before you even arrive. Hiroshima was one of them.
Yet what surprised us most was not only the history, but the life and spirit of the city today.
From Himeji Station, we boarded the 9:40am shinkansen west to Hiroshima.
Some places carry an emotional gravity before you even arrive. Hiroshima was one of them.
Yet what surprised us most was not only the history, but the life and spirit of the city today.
 Modern tram from the train station |  Old tram from Hiroshima City |
One of the first things we noticed were the trams.
Oh, how we loved the trams.
Hiroshima’s streetcars still run across the city today, many on original routes. Some resumed service shortly after the bombing, becoming enduring symbols of recovery.
Oh, how we loved the trams.
Hiroshima’s streetcars still run across the city today, many on original routes. Some resumed service shortly after the bombing, becoming enduring symbols of recovery.
Entrance to Hiroshima Castle over the bridge
Hiroshima Castle and a Survivor Tree
Our first stop was Hiroshima Castle.
We chose this partly because we were unsure how we would feel after visiting the Peace Memorial sites.
Walking over the bridge of Hiroshima Castle and through the entrance gates, we stopped dead in our tracks.
Our first stop was Hiroshima Castle.
We chose this partly because we were unsure how we would feel after visiting the Peace Memorial sites.
Walking over the bridge of Hiroshima Castle and through the entrance gates, we stopped dead in our tracks.
 The survivor tree |  Koi Carp in the moat |
First, we were immediately struck by the koi carp in the moat, then one of Hiroshima’s surviving trees — still living despite surviving the blast in a way that seems impossible.
We were flabbergasted, and it would not be the last time that day.
Inside the reconstructed castle, photographs showing Hiroshima before and after the bombing take you on a journey from destruction to a city rebuilding.
We were flabbergasted, and it would not be the last time that day.
Inside the reconstructed castle, photographs showing Hiroshima before and after the bombing take you on a journey from destruction to a city rebuilding.
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Then we found what we came for — original samurai swords and armour dating back centuries, alongside stories showing how historically important Hiroshima once was.
After spending time admiring the centuries-old katana, all preserved in pristine condition, we headed to the top floor.
View of Hiroshima City from the Castle top
It was definitely worth climbing to the observation deck, even if only for a few minutes.
From the top, we were treated to a spectacular 360-degree view of Hiroshima, showcasing the contrast between the city’s historic roots and modern skyline.
From the top, we were treated to a spectacular 360-degree view of Hiroshima, showcasing the contrast between the city’s historic roots and modern skyline.
Approaching the Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome and Hypocentre Experience
From Hiroshima Castle, we walked towards the Atomic Bomb Dome (also known as the A-Bomb Dome). Our conversation stopped as soon as we saw it.
Everyone knows what happened here, so it does not need over-explaining.
But something we had read at Hiroshima Castle stayed with us; that from that moment in 1945 onwards, everything here became simply “before the bomb” or “after the bomb.” The devastation was that complete.
From Hiroshima Castle, we walked towards the Atomic Bomb Dome (also known as the A-Bomb Dome). Our conversation stopped as soon as we saw it.
Everyone knows what happened here, so it does not need over-explaining.
But something we had read at Hiroshima Castle stayed with us; that from that moment in 1945 onwards, everything here became simply “before the bomb” or “after the bomb.” The devastation was that complete.
The ruined dome is the most recognisable symbol, but what stood out most was the contrast surrounding it.
Everything is lush and green.
It is a striking juxtaposition of life and death.
Everything is lush and green.
It is a striking juxtaposition of life and death.
Iconic Atomic Bomb Dome - but it's so green!
Rowers on the Motoyasu River
We felt guilty staring at the remains of what was once an entertainment hall. The contrast is difficult to comprehend, yet at the same time it is beautiful.
Beside the dome, rowers moved casually along the Motoyasu River under blue skies as if it were any ordinary day.
And for them, it was.
It was us who were different, seeing with our own eyes the remnants of atrocities we had only heard about in school.
Beside the dome, rowers moved casually along the Motoyasu River under blue skies as if it were any ordinary day.
And for them, it was.
It was us who were different, seeing with our own eyes the remnants of atrocities we had only heard about in school.
So we sat by the park fountain for a while and took it in.
It did not feel right to rush through for a photograph, a few “how terrible” remarks, and then move on.
Silence felt the most respectful response.
It did not feel right to rush through for a photograph, a few “how terrible” remarks, and then move on.
Silence felt the most respectful response.
 Information plaque with A-Bomb Dome in the distance |  Plaque marking the blast hypocentre |
We wanted to find the actual hypocentre, the point beneath where the bomb exploded.
It took some finding, as it’s tucked into the Shima Hospital courtyard with only a small plaque marking the spot. This unassuming granite monument marks the exact spot where the atomic bomb detonated 600 metres directly overhead. Standing here felt profoundly significant. Perhaps because so little remains, the simplicity of the marker felt even more sobering.
It took some finding, as it’s tucked into the Shima Hospital courtyard with only a small plaque marking the spot. This unassuming granite monument marks the exact spot where the atomic bomb detonated 600 metres directly overhead. Standing here felt profoundly significant. Perhaps because so little remains, the simplicity of the marker felt even more sobering.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the bombing.
A plaque reminds visitors:
“Hiroshima stands for peace: enduring grief, transcending hatred, pursuing harmony and prosperity for all, and yearning for genuine, lasting world peace.”
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the bombing.
A plaque reminds visitors:
“Hiroshima stands for peace: enduring grief, transcending hatred, pursuing harmony and prosperity for all, and yearning for genuine, lasting world peace.”
We made a personal decision not to enter the museum rooms detailing the bombing’s horrors in graphic depth.
Not because those stories should be avoided — quite the opposite. People need to understand this history so it never happens again.
But after visiting heavy historical tragedies at the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, and confronting similar human cruelty there, and also watching documentaries beforehand, we knew our emotional boundaries. The outdoor memorials, the survivor tree, and the park's atmosphere provided a deeply respectful and sufficient connection to the history for us.
Choosing not to revisit that level of trauma felt right.
Not because those stories should be avoided — quite the opposite. People need to understand this history so it never happens again.
But after visiting heavy historical tragedies at the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, and confronting similar human cruelty there, and also watching documentaries beforehand, we knew our emotional boundaries. The outdoor memorials, the survivor tree, and the park's atmosphere provided a deeply respectful and sufficient connection to the history for us.
Choosing not to revisit that level of trauma felt right.
Memorial Monument plaque in Hiroshima Peace Park
We honoured the eternal flame, which will remain lit until there are no nuclear weapons in the world.
That stayed with us.
Perhaps that is what Hiroshima wants today — not to be defined only by what happened, but by what it continues to stand for: peace.
That stayed with us.
Perhaps that is what Hiroshima wants today — not to be defined only by what happened, but by what it continues to stand for: peace.
Walking Hiroshima: Suggested Peace Memorial Route
If you prefer a more structured walking route through Hiroshima, most visitors follow one of two options.
Short on time?
Start at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visit the museum (optional), walk to the Atomic Bomb Dome, stroll along the Motoyasu River, and continue to the Hypocentre marker.
Have more time?
Begin at Hiroshima Castle, then continue to the Peace Memorial area for extra historical context before reaching the memorial sites.
Allow around 2–4 hours depending on how much time you spend at each location.
If you prefer a more structured walking route through Hiroshima, most visitors follow one of two options.
Short on time?
Start at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visit the museum (optional), walk to the Atomic Bomb Dome, stroll along the Motoyasu River, and continue to the Hypocentre marker.
Have more time?
Begin at Hiroshima Castle, then continue to the Peace Memorial area for extra historical context before reaching the memorial sites.
Allow around 2–4 hours depending on how much time you spend at each location.
Unexpected Hiroshima Oktoberfest
And then came one of those surreal travel moments.
After stopping briefly, we heard music drifting through the streets and followed it.
That is how we quite literally stumbled into Hiroshima Oktoberfest.
And then came one of those surreal travel moments.
After stopping briefly, we heard music drifting through the streets and followed it.
That is how we quite literally stumbled into Hiroshima Oktoberfest.
Beer tent at Hiroshima Oktoberfest
Unbeknownst to us, Hiroshima’s Oktoberfest has been held most years since the early 2000s, bringing a little Bavaria to Japan. Beer steins, brass bands, sizzling bratwurst and locals singing in full voice. Having visited Munich's Oktoberfest, we can vouch for it's authenticity.
Then came genuine disbelief — "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" blasting from the speakers.
If you know the lyrics, you will understand why that felt surreal in this setting.
Then came genuine disbelief — "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" blasting from the speakers.
If you know the lyrics, you will understand why that felt surreal in this setting.
Bavarian Band at Hiroshima Oktoberfest
After the solemnity of the memorials, standing in the middle of an Oktoberfest celebration felt utterly unreal.
In Hiroshima, sorrow and celebration seem to sit side by side.
In Hiroshima, sorrow and celebration seem to sit side by side.
We joined in because, frankly, we did not know what else to do.
So we raised a stein and sang “Ein Prosit” on cue with the Bavarian band.
So we raised a stein and sang “Ein Prosit” on cue with the Bavarian band.
Hiroshima style okonomiyaki
Where to Eat Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki (Okonomimura)
No visit to the city would feel complete without trying its signature culinary dish: Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. Unlike the mixed savoury pancakes found in Osaka, Hiroshima’s version is meticulously built in savoury layers consisting of cabbage, noodles, fillings, sweet sauce, mayonnaise and topped with a fried egg.
The best place to try this is Okonomimura, a famous multi-floor building devoted entirely to okonomiyaki, where each tiny restaurant has its own style and secret touches.
No visit to the city would feel complete without trying its signature culinary dish: Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. Unlike the mixed savoury pancakes found in Osaka, Hiroshima’s version is meticulously built in savoury layers consisting of cabbage, noodles, fillings, sweet sauce, mayonnaise and topped with a fried egg.
The best place to try this is Okonomimura, a famous multi-floor building devoted entirely to okonomiyaki, where each tiny restaurant has its own style and secret touches.
Watching the chefs cook our okonomiyaki
It is popular. Every small restaurant was packed, and we only just managed to grab seats as someone left.
We joined others around a teppan (an iron griddle) and watched in fascination as our meal was cooked in front of us.
Utterly delicious, and an essential cultural experience
We joined others around a teppan (an iron griddle) and watched in fascination as our meal was cooked in front of us.
Utterly delicious, and an essential cultural experience
Lovely jazz bar in Hiroshima's bustling nightlife area
A Jazz Bar for One Final Drink
On the way back to our hotel from Okonomimura, we found a quaint jazz bar and stopped for one final drink to reflect on our whirlwind day.
The bartender was meticulous and impeccably dressed. He polished glasses, wiped surfaces, and took obvious pride in his work.
We were his first customers of the evening, and he spent time chatting with us, even learning a few English phrases to use on patrons.
On the way back to our hotel from Okonomimura, we found a quaint jazz bar and stopped for one final drink to reflect on our whirlwind day.
The bartender was meticulous and impeccably dressed. He polished glasses, wiped surfaces, and took obvious pride in his work.
We were his first customers of the evening, and he spent time chatting with us, even learning a few English phrases to use on patrons.
Getting from Osaka to Himeji and Hiroshima by Shinkansen (Travel Times)
Osaka → Himeji (bullet train):
Around 30–60 minutes depending on service
Himeji → Hiroshima (bullet train):
Around 60–90 minutes
Osaka → Hiroshima (direct bullet train):
Around 1 hour 30 minutes (Nozomi)
Around 1 hour 45–2 hours (Sakura/Hikari)
Osaka → Himeji (bullet train):
Around 30–60 minutes depending on service
Himeji → Hiroshima (bullet train):
Around 60–90 minutes
Osaka → Hiroshima (direct bullet train):
Around 1 hour 30 minutes (Nozomi)
Around 1 hour 45–2 hours (Sakura/Hikari)
Shinkansen Train Types:
Nozomi: Fastest bullet train class, a supplemental fee is required if you are using the National JR Pass
Mizuho: Limited fast service, a supplemental fee is also required
Sakura & Hikari: Slightly slower trains, often covered by the JR Pass
West Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass: This offers incredible cost savings if you are travelling in the Osaka and Kyoto region. We purchased a 5-day pass, which covered all our bullet train travel.
Nozomi: Fastest bullet train class, a supplemental fee is required if you are using the National JR Pass
Mizuho: Limited fast service, a supplemental fee is also required
Sakura & Hikari: Slightly slower trains, often covered by the JR Pass
West Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass: This offers incredible cost savings if you are travelling in the Osaka and Kyoto region. We purchased a 5-day pass, which covered all our bullet train travel.
FAQs: Himeji and Hiroshima from Osaka
Can you do Himeji and Hiroshima in one day from Osaka?
Yes — many travellers do. It is a long but very doable shinkansen day trip. We recommend at least one night in Hiroshima.
Is Hiroshima worth visiting from Osaka?
Yes. For us, it was one of the most memorable and meaningful places in Japan.
How long is the bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima?
Around 1.5–2 hours depending on service.
Is Himeji Castle worth visiting if you don’t go inside?
Yes. The exterior, grounds and scale alone make it worthwhile.
What is Hiroshima famous for food?
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, best eaten at Okonomimura.
Should you stay overnight in Hiroshima?
Yes — and we also recommend continuing to Miyajima for a full Hiroshima itinerary.
Can you do Himeji and Hiroshima in one day from Osaka?
Yes — many travellers do. It is a long but very doable shinkansen day trip. We recommend at least one night in Hiroshima.
Is Hiroshima worth visiting from Osaka?
Yes. For us, it was one of the most memorable and meaningful places in Japan.
How long is the bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima?
Around 1.5–2 hours depending on service.
Is Himeji Castle worth visiting if you don’t go inside?
Yes. The exterior, grounds and scale alone make it worthwhile.
What is Hiroshima famous for food?
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, best eaten at Okonomimura.
Should you stay overnight in Hiroshima?
Yes — and we also recommend continuing to Miyajima for a full Hiroshima itinerary.
Final Thought
From the elegance of Himeji Castle to the emotional weight of Hiroshima, this became one of our most memorable Japan journeys, and the shinkansen made it effortless.
Hiroshima, for us, became a wonderful and unexpected experience.
It feels strange to say it was enjoyable, but we admired what locals are doing here — living.
There is remembrance, yes. But Hiroshima today is also vibrant, busy and full of life.
And we felt that.
From the elegance of Himeji Castle to the emotional weight of Hiroshima, this became one of our most memorable Japan journeys, and the shinkansen made it effortless.
Hiroshima, for us, became a wonderful and unexpected experience.
It feels strange to say it was enjoyable, but we admired what locals are doing here — living.
There is remembrance, yes. But Hiroshima today is also vibrant, busy and full of life.
And we felt that.
