When thinking of child-friendly travel locations in Japan, Hiroshima is usually very far down the list. Due to the city's tragic past and its main sightseeing locations being related to the atomic bombing, parents might feel reluctant to visit Hiroshima along with very young kids. A place such as the Peace Memorial Museum can be difficult to navigate with a child due to the striking information, videos, and images being displayed.
However, we would like to reassure you that there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Hiroshima, with locations such as Rabbit Island and Miyajima being ideal for children to enjoy nature and wildlife. Below, we have included a list of the best places to visit with children in Hiroshima which we hope will eliminate any doubts about visiting the prefecture along with your kids!
Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island is our top pic for family-friendly places in Hiroshima. There, wild rabbits roam freely and visitors can feed them! There are also some other kid-friendly activities on the island such as cycling (bicycles are available for rental), handicrafts, and hiking. Of course, adults can also enjoy all of these activities as well, with the added bonus of viewing some historical ruins around the island related to its dark and mysterious past.
The island is located about a 90-minute bus ride plus 15-minute ferry ride away from the city. The buses heading out towards Rabbit Island have restrooms in them which is convenient for younger children who might find the ride too long. As far as food goes, there is only one restaurant and one café on the island, so we advise bringing your own food with you, even if your kids are not particularly picky eaters.
Getting to Rabbit Island can sometimes be a bit complicated when it comes to timing the buses and ferries correctly. If you would like to make the journey as easy and stress-free as possible we recommend booking a guided tour to the island like the one below.
Miyajima Island
The island of Miyajima, with its iconic "floating" gate, is probably the most recognizable symbol of Hiroshima right after the Atomic Bomb Dome. While the Miyajima is well-known for its scenic beauty, many are not aware that there are also some free roaming deer on the island! Unlike the deer in Nara, these one's can't be fed, but they are still a fun sight for children and do not mind visitors petting them at all.
Adults visiting the island will want to step inside the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but children will certainly prefer activities such the Mount Misen Ropeway ride and a visit to the Miyajima Public Aquarium. Kids can also enjoy walking along the coastline, dipping their toes in the water, and playing in the sand. Of course, there are also a lot of tasty treats and snacks available on the island.
Our 1-day tour of Miyajima island includes activities which both adults and their kids can enjoy. For half of the tour you will be able to visit important shrines and temples on the island, and the other half will be spent ascending Mount Misen on the previously mentioned ropeway! Our expert guides will also help you navigate the train and ferry ride needed to access the island.
Port City of Kure
Towards the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture lies a city called Kure which is famous for its naval history and for being the place in which the largest battleship ever made, the Yamato, was built. Nowadays, the city has a lot of museums and activities which are perfect for children, particularly those interested in ships and submarines. You can enjoy all the following in this city:
- Cruising around Kure harbor, getting a closer look at the ships and submarines which lie within
- Exploring the inside of a decommissioned submarine at the JMSDF Museum
- Observing a 1/10th scale model of the battleship Yamato in the Yamato Museum
- Learning about the science and engineering through child-friendly activities at the Yamato Museum
Getting to Kure is quite easy using the JR trains. Despite this and not being very far from the city of Hiroshima, many foreign visitors have never heard about Kure before, so we also consider it to be a hidden gem of the prefecture!
If you would like to enjoy a guided tour of Kure which includes all of the activities listed above and some additional sightseeing locations, consider booking our tour below!
**PLEASE NOTE - The Yamato Museum is currently undergoing renovations until March 2026. Due to this, guests will be visiting a temporary exhibit titled the "Yamato Museum Satellite" instead. The one-tenth scale model of the battleship Yamato is not viewable at this temporary location.
Orizuru Tower
Located next to Peace Memorial Park, Orizuru Tower is a tourist attraction in which visitors can pay an entrance fee of JPY2,200 for adults and JPY1,400 (or below) for children to access the upper deck which overlooks the entire park. Here, you can not only get a magnificent view, but also learn how to fold an origami paper crane and throw it into the glass wall of the building.
In Hiroshima, paper cranes are a symbol of peace and these ones thrown down the side of the building represent hopes and wishes from people all around the world. Folding a paper crane is a perfect activity for children who enjoy making crafts and the tower is a great place to stop by before or after touring the park.
Shukkei-en Garden
Shukkei-en Garden is a beautiful feudal lord's garden located near Hiroshima Station. Here, children can roam around freely without parents having to worry about incoming traffic or large crowds. There are also a lot of Koi fish (carps) within the main pond of the garden, and on most days, fish food can be purchased along with your entry tickets so that visitors of all ages can enjoy feeding the colorful fish. It goes without saying that this place is also perfect for adults, particularly those who are a fan of gardening or nature. While children can explore the garden on foot, there are plenty of places to sit down and rest, plus a small shop in which souvenirs, drinks, and ice cream can be purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best season to visit Hiroshima with kids?
We recommend visiting Hiroshima during the spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Oct-Nov) as these seasons have the best weather for outdoor activities.
Can I use a stroller at all of these locations?
While indoor attractions permit strollers, places such as Rabbit Island, Shukkei-en Garden, and Miyajima have some uneven terrain and areas which are not stroller accessible. Thus, we recommend bringing a lightweight or foldable stroller which can be easily carried when necessary.
Are these places good for teens too?
Yes! All of the places mentioned above are great for both teens and adults.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
While it is not obligatory to book tickets in advance for any of the locations or activities listed above, during the busy weekends we recommend making reservations for the Kure bay ship cruise and Orizuru Tower.
Additional Tips for Visiting Hiroshima with Kids
- Bring snacks and water, especially for remote locations such as Rabbit Island
- Consider guided tours as they provide all the transportation and logistic planning for you.
- Pack layers—indoor museums are climate-controlled, but outdoor venues can get chilly in early spring and winter.
For parents hesitating to visit Hiroshima with their kids, we hope this list shows that there are many ways to enjoy the city as a family. Whether your children are interested in animals, nature, history, or even ships, we are sure you will be able to find something for them in this beautiful prefecture!