Hiroshima Cruise Ship Port Guide

Navigating Hiroshima’s Port Facilities

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Wondering where your cruise ship will pull in at Hiroshima? Most ships end up at Ujina Foreign Trade Wharf, about 3km from the city center. This 280-meter dock can handle ships with drafts up to 10 meters. Got a bigger ship? You’ll probably dock at Itsukaichi Wharf instead – it’s longer at 430 meters and can take ships with drafts up to 12 meters.

Look for the shiny silver Tower of Paradise spire near the terminal – it’s pretty hard to miss! Don’t bother trying to walk to the sights though – it’s all industrial around there and not pedestrian-friendly at all. The terminal has basic facilities, but shopping options nearby are pretty slim, so plan your day trip accordingly.

Transportation Options to Explore the City

Getting Around Hiroshima After Arriving

When you reach the port, moving around Hiroshima is pretty easy. Free shuttles run to Hiroshimako and Itsukaichi Station, with a stop at Hiroshima Minato Park where you can catch trams.

To see the city, hop on Hiroden tram Line #5 from the port to Enkobashicho (costs between ¥190-270) or grab Bus Line 311 to Hiroshima Station (¥240). If you want to hit all the main spots, the Meipuru-pu sightseeing bus is a good deal at ¥400 for the whole day.

Taxis will run you about ¥2,500-3,000 to reach Peace Memorial Park. For Miyajima Island, you’ll need to take a ferry – and if you’ve got a JR Pass, you can ride the JR ferry for free.

Must-See Attractions Within a Day Trip

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Since cruise ships only give you about 8-10 hours in port, you’ve gotta be picky about what you see in Hiroshima. Head straight to Peace Memorial Park and check out the Atomic Bomb Dome (it’s UNESCO-protected for a reason). Don’t skip the Cenotaph – it’s pretty moving with names of over 300,000 victims.

Got extra time? Jump on the ferry to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine with its famous “floating” torii gate – try to catch it at high tide for the best photos. Before heading back to your ship, grab lunch at Okonomimura where you can try the real-deal Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki from one of the many food stalls. Trust me, this savory pancake thing is worth hunting down!

Shore Excursion Highlights and Recommendations

While in Hiroshima, you’ll come across plenty of guided tours that mix historical sites with cultural experiences. Don’t miss the UNESCO sites – the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park tell a powerful story, and Miyajima’s floating torii gate is pretty much the postcard image everyone wants to see.

If you can swing it, grab a private English-speaking guide. They’ll customize your day to include both Hiroshima’s resilient past and Miyajima’s spiritual spots. Love food? Try an okonomiyaki cooking class – it’s Hiroshima’s specialty! Or jump into a tea ceremony or kimono experience if that’s more your thing.

Pro tip: Get an early start (before 10AM) and don’t be shy about hopping in taxis between sights. Port time flies by, and you’ll want to make the most of it!

See what’s on offer from the Port of Kyoto (Osaka) for a different Japan Cruise destination.

Essential Tips for Cruise Visitors

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Heading to Hiroshima on your cruise stop? Grab some coins for the trams – they don’t take cards! Pin Ujina Foreign Trade Wharf on your phone so you won’t get lost heading back.

Hit the Peace Memorial Museum right when it opens at 8:30AM to beat the tourist rush. If you’re checking out Miyajima, double-check those ferry times – they change with the tides!

No need to tip anyone – seriously, they don’t do that here. Bring shoes you can slip off easily for temples, and get Google Translate on your phone for chatting with locals. And don’t forget the most crucial bit – know when that last shuttle heads back to your ship (usually 90 minutes before sail time).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hiroshima Safe to Visit Considering Its Atomic Bomb History?

Hiroshima is totally safe to visit these days. There’s zero radiation risk – that stuff went back to normal way back in the 1940s. It’s actually a super peaceful place with hardly any crime, and locals are really welcoming to visitors who want to check out the Peace Memorial and other historical sites. Nothing to worry about!

What Seasonal Events or Festivals Occur Near the Cruise Port?

During your port stay, you can catch gorgeous cherry blossoms if you’re here in spring. Don’t miss the colorful Flower Festival in May or the fun Toukasan Yukata Festival in June where locals rock traditional summer kimono. Winter visitors can pig out at the Oyster Festivals nearby – the seafood is ridiculously fresh! You can easily walk or grab a quick ride to these events from your ship.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at Hiroshima Port?

Need to stash your stuff at Hiroshima Port? No problem! The Ujina Terminal has coin lockers on the 1st floor that’ll only set you back ¥300-400. You can leave your bags there for up to 3 days. Got something bigger? Just head to the service counter where they’ll hold it for ¥500.

Can Visitors With Mobility Issues Navigate Miyajima Island Comfortably?

Miyajima’s somewhat wheelchair-friendly, with ramps at the main attractions and you can borrow wheelchairs for free at the ferry terminal. Just know that you’ll run into some tricky spots – those gravel paths and hills can be rough going. Grab an accessibility map from the info center to plot out your best route before setting off.

What Are the Best Local Souvenirs Unique to Hiroshima?

Looking for cool Hiroshima keepsakes? Snag some momiji manju (those maple-shaped cakes locals go crazy for), handmade Kumano brushes, or gorgeous wood carvings from Miyajima. If you’re into drinks, the local sake is killer, and Sakurao gin is worth cramming in your suitcase. Baseball fan or not, Carp team swag makes for a fun souvenir that screams “I’ve been to Hiroshima!”

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Nagasaki Cruise Ship Port.