Model Itineraries in Hiroshima

This is a one-day course starring Gonokawa Canoe Park Sakugi (江の川カヌー公園さくぎ), a Hiroshima prefectural park spreading along the Gono River (江の川) in Kayodo, Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. During the summer holiday period it opens every day, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the popular water slide can be enjoyed from June 1 through the end of September. In the morning, stop by the Yume Land Funo roadside station (道の駅 ゆめランド布野) and spend a relaxed early hour looking over local vegetables and specialty products. Next, head on to Miyoshi Winery (三次ワイナリー) and have lunch while enjoying the vineyard scenery and browsing the shop. Once you have eaten your fill, move on to Gonokawa Canoe Park Sakugi (江の川カヌー公園さくぎ) in the afternoon, where water play at the stream pool and the water slide until evening is the climax. The stream pool, which makes use of the calm flow of the Gono River (江の川), is safe enough for small children to play in, and the water slide is hugely popular with older children as well. Enjoy a family summer day in true Miyoshi (三次) style, immersed in the clear streams of the Chugoku Mountains (中国山地).

A one-day course centred on Kikkawa Motoharu Residence Ruins History Park (吉川元春館跡歴史公園) in Kaioji, Kitahiroshima Town, Yamagata District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Developed on the residence site of the Sengoku warlord Kikkawa Motoharu (吉川元春), the park is always open and free to enter, and the Shijihara River (志路原川) flowing alongside offers easy water play. In the morning, first stop at Roadside Station Toyohira Donguri Mura (道の駅豊平どんぐり村) and spend a while browsing local vegetables and specialities. Next, go on to Oasa Roman Underground Aquarium (大朝ロマン地下水族館) and observe freshwater fish living in an unusual underground setting. Once everyone is full, the afternoon moves to Kikkawa Motoharu Residence Ruins History Park, where strolling the historic residence site and playing in the Shijihara River is the climax. Looking at stone walls and garden remains that keep traces of the Sengoku period while cooling off in a clear river, it is a day that offers both history and nature. Please take your time as a family enjoying the quiet satoyama scenery unique to Kitahiroshima Town.

A one-day course centred on Sandankyo Gorge (三段峡), the great ravine carved by the Shibaki River (柴木川) in Togouchi, Akiota Town, Yamagata District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Designated a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty, the gorge may be walked between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and since there is no lighting inside you must come down within those hours (some sections may be closed). In the morning, first visit Nurui Dam (温井ダム), known for its powerful water releases, and take in the presence of an arch dam that ranks among Japan's tallest. Next, stop at Hijiri Lake (聖湖) with its calm water surface and spend a relaxed time on the shore. At midday, enjoy local flavours at Roadside Station Raimu Togouchi (道の駅来夢とごうち). Once everyone is full, move to Sandankyo Gorge, where playing in the clear flow of the Shibaki River is the climax. Enjoy a cool afternoon in a pure stream surrounded by ravine walls. Please enjoy a family summer day unique to Akiota Town, fully in touch with the great nature of the Chugoku Mountains.

A full-day course enjoying Etajima City, famous for the former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy, with the October 31, 2026 Etajima Bay Seaborne Fireworks Festival as the centerpiece. In the daytime, tour the historic buildings at the Maritime Self-Defense Force First Technical School (the former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy), learn about the island's history at the Etajima City History Heritage Museum, and enjoy local seafood at the Etajima Yume Tamago Roadside Station. In the evening, enjoy the evening breeze by Etajima Bay, have dinner while securing a spot to watch. When evening falls, leisurely gaze up at fireworks rising from the calm bay into the night sky. A perfect full day to experience both historic romance and autumn seaborne fireworks, fitting for a season-closing celebration.

A course to enjoy Miyoshi City for a full day, centered around the Miyoshi Citizen Fireworks Festival held on September 26, 2026 (Saturday). In the daytime, experience the yokai world at Miyoshi Mononoke Museum, enjoy spectacular views of the three river convergence point at Ozeki-yama Park, and taste locally-grown grape juice at Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery. In the evening, cool off along the Bakasegawa riverbed while enjoying dinner and securing a good spot. After sunset, leisurely enjoy fireworks lighting up the night sky above Miyoshi, known as a town of river mist and yokai legends. A perfect full day for the harvest season, combining legendary tales of yokai with autumn fireworks.

A course to fully enjoy Innoshima, an island associated with the Murakami Mizugun, centered around the Innoshima Mizugun Festival Shimabi Festival, to be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. In the daytime, experience the history of the pirates at Innoshima Mizugun Castle, enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Seto Inland Sea from Shirataki Mountain, and be healed by seasonal flowers at Innoshima Flower Center. In the evening, enjoy dinner from food stalls while cooling off by the shores of Ohama Beach and secure a viewing spot. As night falls, leisurely watch the fireworks launching from the Seto Inland Sea into the night sky. A fulfilling autumn day plan that combines the history of the Mizugun with the fireworks of the Seto Inland Sea.

A one-day course to enjoy the Shobara Summer Festival Fireworks Grand Display on August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday), showcasing the nature-rich city of Shobara in northern Hiroshima Prefecture. During the day, enjoy vast green spaces and playground facilities at the National Government-operated Biho Kyūryō Park, take a scenic walk around the lake at Ueno Park, and savor local gourmet food on Shobara Hondōri Shopping Street. In the evening, enjoy the cool evening air around the venue in Shinshōchō, have dinner, and secure a viewing spot. As darkness falls, you can leisurely watch fireworks rising into the night sky above the verdant basin. A perfect day to wrap up your summer, combining the coolness of the highlands with fireworks nestled in the mountains.

A full-day course to enjoy Mihara City, a port town in the Seto Inland, centered around the 51st Mihara Yassa Festival held on August 9, 2026 (Sunday). During the day, overlook the castle town from the Tenshu Platform of Mihara Castle Ruins towering above JR Station, take a waterside stroll along Ukishiro Road, and experience culture while cooling off at Mihara City Art and Culture Center Popolo. Toward evening, secure a viewing spot at the banks of Mihara Port while enjoying the cool breeze and having dinner. As darkness falls, gaze leisurely at fireworks ascending into the night sky from the port. A fitting day to wrap up summer, combining the festive energy of the yassa dance with fireworks from this charming port town.

This one-day course centers on the 33rd Aki-Ota Town Togoshi Festival Fireworks Celebration, held August 1, 2026 (Saturday) from 9:00 PM to 9:20 PM at Togoshi Fureai Center and its surroundings in Aki-Ota Town, Hiroshima Prefecture. In the morning, explore the stunning valley scenery of Sandan-kyō, designated as a special national scenic site, then enjoy local flavors at a roadside station. After exploring the town, spend the evening having a leisurely meal before heading to the venue to secure a good spot. At 9 PM, watch approximately 2,000 fireworks burst across the mountain sky. This is a one-day plan unique to Aki-Ota Town, where you can indulge in both the lush natural beauty of the deep valley and spectacular fireworks.

A full day celebrating the Yoshiura Town 110th Anniversary Waterfront Fireworks Display (August 1, 2026, 8:30 PM) while exploring the historic shipbuilding and naval heritage of Kure. Start midday at the Yamato Museum to witness the impressive battleship Yamato model and maritime history, then visit the adjacent Tetsuno Kujira-kan to see an actual submarine up close. Enjoy street food and souvenirs along Renga Street in the afternoon, then secure your viewing spot at Yoshiura Shinmachi by evening. At 8:30 PM, watch fireworks illuminate the Seto Inland Sea. This is the ultimate Kure summer plan—combining the history of a maritime town with spectacular waterfront fireworks.

A one-day course exploring the history and culture of central Hiroshima, featuring the fireworks concluding the Sumiyoshi Festival (Sumiyoshi-san), one of Hiroshima's three major festivals, held at Sumiyoshi Shrine on July 27, 2026 (Monday). Start at noon by viewing the city from the top of Hiroshima Castle's main tower and experiencing the castle town's history, then enjoy the four seasons at Shukkeien Garden. In the afternoon, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome to learn about the importance of peace. In the evening, enjoy souvenir shopping and light meals at Honkawa Street shopping area, then move to the Honkawa riverside near Sumiyoshi Shrine to have dinner and secure your viewing spot. At 8 PM, fireworks from around Sumiyoshi Shrine will illuminate the night sky, concluding the Sumiyoshi Festival. A truly Hiroshima course that lets you experience history, peace, and summer festival fireworks all in one day.

Centered around the Takehara Sumiyoshi Festival Fireworks Launch starting at 8:45 PM on July 26, 2026 (Sunday), this is a full-day course to enjoy the Takehara townscape called "Aki's Little Kyoto." At noon, stroll through the Town Preservation District retaining Edo-period character, take a rest at the Shogekei Plaza overlooking the sea, and touch the town's history at the Takehara Municipal History and Folklore Museum. In the evening, return to the Honmachi district to have a meal while waiting for the opening, and at night the Sumiyoshi Festival fireworks light up the night sky. This is a summer one-day plan unique to Takehara where you can fully enjoy both historical walks and fireworks.

Centered around the Longevity Camellia Village Festival opening at 9:00 PM on July 25, 2026 (Saturday), this is a full-day course to thoroughly enjoy the highland town of Sera. After experiencing local flavors at the Roadside Station Sera at noon, enjoy fruit picking and flower fields at Sera Highland Farm, and taste grape juice at Sera Winery. In the evening, move to the Oguni district venue to have a meal while waiting for the opening, and at night fireworks light up the highland sky. This is a summer one-day plan unique to Sera Town where you can fully enjoy fruits, flowers, and highland fireworks.

A full-day course to leisurely savor Oshima Kamijima, floating in the Seto Inland Sea, with the Koe Itsukushima Shrine Seventeen-Night Festival Offshore Fireworks Display (held July 25, 2026, 8:00-8:30 p.m.) as the centerpiece. During the day, walk through the retro streetscape of Koe Harbor (also the fireworks venue), cool off at Shiromizu Waterfall, the island's famous cascade, and enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea's beautiful landscape of islands from Shinmine Mountain observation platform, the island's highest point. In the evening, return to Koe Harbor for dinner while awaiting the opening, and at night approximately 3,500 fireworks launch offshore over the sea. A uniquely Oshima Kamijima summer day plan where you can indulge in the charm of the harbor town, the island's nature, and offshore fireworks all at once.

This course centers on SHIMANAMI BEACH FES 2026, held on July 20, 2026 (Mon/Holiday), and invites you to fully enjoy Innoshima, an island on the Shimanami Kaido, over the course of one day. At midday, learn about the Murakami Pirates at Innoshima Suigun Castle, then find healing amidst flowers and greenery at Innoshima Flower Center. At Shirataki Mountain, enjoy spectacular views of the Buddha statues and Shimanami Kaido. In the evening, move to the Shimanami Beach venue, secure your spot, and enjoy an early dinner while admiring the Seto Inland Sea sunset. Starting at 7 PM, fireworks light up the night sky from the sea, set against the open atmosphere unique to an island summer festival. A one-day plan for Innoshima summer that lets you savor everything: the pirates' history, fruit island bounty, and beach fireworks.

A one-day course starring Fukuyama Memorial Park Pool Plaza (福山メモリアルパーク プール広場) in Fukuyama City (福山市), open from Saturday 27 June to Monday 31 August 2026. In the morning, tour the classic spots around Fukuyama Station (福山駅): touch the history of the castle town at Fukuyama Castle (福山城), the city's symbol, then take an unhurried look around the cool halls of the adjoining Fukuyama Museum of Art (ふくやま美術館). From midday it is on to the pool plaza. Let the current carry you along the 100 m by 7 m lazy river, swim in the 25 m pool, whoop your way down the 8 m-high slide pool, and let little ones play safely in the toddlers' pool. Hours are 9:30 to 16:25, and from 20 July to 19 August there are also evening sessions (17:30 to 20:25). Admission is reasonable at 310 yen for junior high age and above, 200 yen for ages 3 to elementary school, and free for age 2 and under (cash only), with coin lockers available for 100 yen. It is a summer-holiday family standby with water play right through to evening.

In 2026, this full-day course centers on Kure City's Sishin Yore Aqua Park outdoor children's pool, which operates July 11-12 (Sat-Sun) and July 18 (Sat) through August 31 (Mon) (closed July 13-17). Operating hours are 9:30 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays and until 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Admission is reasonable at 200 yen for general admission and 100 yen for high school students and under, making it easy for families to drop by. In the morning, explore exhibits related to Battleship Yamato at the Yamato Museum, representing Kure, then view an actual submarine up close at the adjacent Tetsuno Kujira Museum (Submarine Museum). After learning about Kure's maritime and shipbuilding history, head to the outdoor children's pool in the afternoon. The circular pool features a large bucket toy, the fountain pool has a wide slide, and the toddler pool has three slides—perfect for children of all ages to enjoy water play. With lockers provided, you can pack light and enjoy yourself. It's a quintessential summer outing in Kure where you can play in the water until evening with splashing fun.

A one-day course looping around the Tomonoura (鞆の浦) area, starring Sea Park Ohama (シーパーク大浜) in Utsumicho, Fukuyama City (福山市内海町), open from Sunday 28 June to Sunday 13 September 2026. In the morning, call in at Michi-no-Eki Aristo Numakuma (道の駅アリストぬまくま), lined with local flavours, and pray for a safe trip at Abuto Kannon (阿伏兎観音), a celebrated temple on cliffs overlooking the sea. After lunch and a walk through the streets of Tomonoura, where the look of an Edo-period port town survives, cross the Utsumi Ohashi Bridge (内海大橋) and head at last for Sea Park Ohama. The climax is the afternoon on the sand. A lawn spreads behind the beach, and free water showers, hand and foot washing points and a pump for inflatable rings are provided, so changing and packing up are easy. Parking is generous at 1,000 spaces, reassuring for families arriving by car. Admission is 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children aged 4 and over, free for under-4s. Enjoy a summer day to the full with the calm Seto Inland Sea in view.

A one-day course touring the scenic spots of the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海), starring Crescent Beach (クレセントビーチ) in Utsumicho, Fukuyama City (福山市内海町), open from Tuesday 14 July to Sunday 23 August 2026. In the morning, take in the many-islanded beauty of the Seto Inland Sea from Abuto Kannon (阿伏兎観音), perched on the cliffs at the southern tip of the Numakuma Peninsula (沼隈半島), then stroll Tomonoura (鞆の浦), where the look of an Edo-period port town survives. After looking around the harbour's stone lantern and tiered stone steps, call in at the Irohamaru Exhibition Hall (いろは丸展示館), associated with Sakamoto Ryoma (坂本龍馬), and fuel up on Seto Inland Sea seafood such as sea bream. In the afternoon it is finally on to Crescent Beach. With shops, a barbecue area and a rest house in place, plus a floating obstacle course set up during the season, it is a swimming beach with something for everyone in the family. From splashing at the water's edge to taking on the floating course, you can enjoy the Seto Inland Sea to the full until evening. A summer day unique to Utsumicho, tasting both a walk through a historic port town and a swim in the sea.

A full-day course centered on Okuono Island Beach (開設 from July 18 to August 16, 2026), combining a stroll through Takehara's townscape with a swim in the waters around Okuono Island. In the morning, walk through the white-walled townscape of the Takehara Townscape Preservation District, known as "Aki's Little Kyoto," and admire the historic charm of the sake brewery at Takezuru Sake Brewery. At noon, grab lunch around Chukai Port where the ferry to Okuono Island departs, then board the ship to the island. The beach is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission, and showers cost 300 yen per use. With restrooms, changing rooms, shops, rental beach umbrellas, and rental floats available, you can enjoy the day with minimal luggage. Light meals are also available at nearby Kyukamura Okuono Island, about a 5-minute walk away. In the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, enjoy everything from wading to sandcastle building—a perfect family summer getaway. Check ferry schedules and make sure to enjoy the sea fully by 4 p.m. before heading home.

A one-day course to enjoy Takehara City (竹原市), a town on the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海), starring Matoba Beach (的場海水浴場), open from Saturday 18 July to Thursday 20 August 2026, from 9:00 to 17:00. In the morning, first stop at Michi-no-Eki Takehara (道の駅たけはら) to browse local seafood and specialities and complete your beach kit. Next comes the Takehara Historic Townscape Preservation District (竹原市町並み保存地区), where white plaster walls and latticed windows survive to this day. Flourishing on salt production in the Edo period, the area is also called the Little Kyoto of Aki (安芸の小京都) and is designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区). After an unhurried walk through the old lanes, have lunch nearby and then it is on to the sea for the afternoon. Matoba Beach is known as a family-friendly beach with gentle waves, and admission is free (only the shower rooms are paid). Changing rooms and parking for 50 cars are in place, so families with small children can focus on enjoying the water. Splash at the water's edge, hunt for shells on the sand, and soak up summer to the full until closing at 17:00. This generous course lets you taste both a historical walk in Takehara and the calm Seto Inland Sea in a single day. Pack a swimsuit and a towel and head for Takehara in summer.

Centered on the Takehara Summer Festival Fireworks Grand Event held on August 29, 2026 (Saturday), this is a full-day course to enjoy all the charm of Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture from afternoon onwards. Takehara is a city known as "Aki no Shokyo" (the Little Kyoto of Aki Province), which prospered from salt manufacturing in the Edo era, and its white-walled townscape has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the nation. In the afternoon, stroll through the picturesque townscape and drop by historic temples and shrines while experiencing Takehara's atmosphere. In the evening, venture out along the coast to enjoy a meal while catching the sea breeze, and secure a viewing location before the fireworks begin. At 8:00 PM, fireworks launched from offshore the J-POWER (Electric Power Development) ground in the Seto Inland Sea will illuminate the summer night sky. This is a unique Takehara summer day plan combining a walk through a historic town with seaside fireworks.

Centered on the Higashi-Hiroshima Fireworks Festival on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, this is a full-day course to enjoy Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture from noon to evening. First, head to the Saijo area, the heart of Higashi-Hiroshima. Walk along Saijo Sake Brewery Street (西条酒蔵通り), known nationwide as one of Japan's premier sake production centers, and touch the culture of sake through its white-walled scenery. In the afternoon, experience the town's history and culture slowly at the Higashi-Hiroshima City Art Museum (東広島市立美術館) and the Kamotosuru Brewery (賀茂鶴酒造) exhibits. In the evening, have dinner along the greenery beside the Kamo River, and as darkness falls, move to your fireworks viewing spot. In Higashi-Hiroshima, where castle-town charm meets abundant nature, enjoy a special day with your whole family watching the summer night sky fireworks—a memory to treasure.

A full-day course celebrating the Bingo Kokufu Festival Fireworks Grand Competition (held Saturday, June 6, 2026), where you can enjoy Fukuchū City's rich history and natural beauty from afternoon through evening. Fukuchū City was home to the provincial capital of Bingo Kokufu, and ancient shrines and charming streetscapes still breathe with life here. In the afternoon, leisurely explore the white-walled townscape of Kamoshio and historical sites within Fukuchū City; in the evening, enjoy food stalls along the Ashida River before securing your viewing spot. As darkness falls, approximately 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky from around Fukuchū Municipal Fukuchū Gakuen. This comprehensive one-day plan combines the fireworks gracing Bingo's early summer evening with the charm of this ancient capital—a delightful itinerary for the whole family.