In winter, Hiroshima attracts visitors from all over the world with its glittering illuminations and many events that allow visitors to experience Japanese year-end and New Year culture. The winter season comes with cool air and a romantic urban atmosphere.
This article details some of the highlights of Hiroshima, from what to wear for winter travel to the best places to visit in Hiroshima in winter.
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Hiroshima in Winter
Weather
Winter in Hiroshima is relatively mild, but it is still cold: the average temperature in December is about 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, and January and February are the coldest months, with average daytime temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius and sometimes dropping to nearly 0 degrees Celsius at night. Warm clothing is necessary because of the temperature differences.
Highlights
There are many attractive tourist spots in Hiroshima in winter. First, Peace Memorial Park offers a good opportunity to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum in the quiet atmosphere of winter, and to reaffirm the importance of peace. Also, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is sometimes covered with snow in winter. Since there are fewer tourists in Hiroshima in winter than in other cities and seasons, visitors can stroll around the city at a relatively leisurely pace.
Winter Fashion
In winter in Hiroshima, it is important to be well protected against the cold. A heavy coat or down jacket is essential to keep out the cold wind. Layers of sweaters and fleece can help you cope with the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Warming accessories such as scarves, gloves, and hats, as well as boots or waterproof shoes in case of rain or snow, are also a good choice. Wearing a heat-retaining inner layer such as HEATTECH will keep you even warmer.
Things to do in Hiroshima in Winter
Relax with a soak in a hot spring
If you are visiting Hiroshima in the winter, a relaxing soak in a hot spring is a must. There are a number of excellent hot spring resorts in Hiroshima Prefecture that offer a welcome respite from the cold. Particularly recommended are Miyahama Onsen and Tomonoura Onsen. The quality of the hot springs in Hiroshima is diverse, and they offer a variety of benefits such as relieving fatigue and beautifying the skin. Warm up in a hot spring because of the cold winter.
Miyahama Onsen (宮浜温泉)
Miyahama Onsen is a hot spring resort located on a small hill overlooking the sea on the opposite shore of Miyajima. From the hot spring resort, visitors can enjoy walks to waterfalls and mountains. Miyahama, where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the Seto Inland Sea, offers a wide variety of delicacies from the Seto Inland Sea, such as oysters, clams, sea cucumbers, and small fish. Please enjoy the delicious fresh seafood as well.
Tomonoura Onsen (鞆の浦温泉)
Tomonoura Onsen is located in the historic port town of Tomonoura. The area still retains its old townscape and offers a tasteful atmosphere. While soaking in the hot springs, you can relax by admiring the peaceful sea scenery and historical buildings. There are also many restaurants in the hot spring resort area where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine, allowing you to spend time filling your body and soul.
Enjoy winter oysters
Winter is the season for Hiroshima oysters. Fresh oysters can be enjoyed at oyster restaurants in the city and along the coast. Events such as oyster festivals are also held, and this is the season to enjoy a wide variety of oyster dishes. You can also enjoy delicious oyster dishes at restaurants and izakaya in Hiroshima Prefecture. In particular, oyster dote-nabe (hot pot) and oyster steamed with sake are gems that can only be enjoyed in Hiroshima in winter. We recommend enjoying them with local sake to enhance their flavor.
Kaki-goya (oyster hut)
At the oyster hut, visitors can taste oysters grilled over charcoal on the spot, filling their mouths with their plump texture and the aroma of the sea.
Oyster Festival
The Oyster Festival is a lively event where visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes made with fresh local oysters, as well as sales of local specialties. Enjoy the atmosphere of the festival and the taste of Hiroshima’s winter delicacies.
Enjoy winter sports
In northern Hiroshima Prefecture, there are several ski resorts where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding to the fullest, allowing you to enjoy winter sports. Some ski resorts offer a variety of courses for beginners and advanced skiers as well as areas for families. Some ski resorts have hot springs and lodging facilities, so you can fully enjoy everything from sports to relaxation. Enjoy winter activities and refresh yourself in nature.
Go see the illumination
In winter, Hiroshima offers a fantastic night scene as beautiful illuminations adorn the city. The glittering art of light stands out even more, and is enjoyed by many tourists and locals alike. Every year, a large-scale illumination event called “Hiroshima Dreamination” is held on Peace Boulevard, located in the center of Hiroshima City. Decorated with many LED lights, shining tunnels and light objets d’art glamorously illuminate the city. Enjoy the winter in Hiroshima with friends, family, and loved ones as you stroll through the beautiful world of lights.
Hiroshima in December
December in Hiroshima marks the beginning of winter. Average daytime temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, and the mornings and evenings are even colder. The city is enveloped in a Christmas mood and large-scale illumination events are held. This is the perfect season to enjoy shopping and dining at shopping streets and train stations decorated with gorgeous illuminations.
Check here for more information on Hiroshima in December.
Hiroshima in January
January is the coldest month in Hiroshima, but the beautiful winter scenery can be enjoyed. The average daytime temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius, and at night it can drop to nearly 0 degrees Celsius. When the New Year arrives, local people go to the shrines for Hatsumode (New Year’s visit). Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is a particularly popular Hatsumode spot, attracting many worshippers. Itsukushima Shrine and the Otorii Gate are even more mysterious and beautiful in the clear winter air.
Check here for more information on Hiroshima in January.
Hiroshima in February
February in Hiroshima is still cold. The average daytime temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius, and the nights are bitterly cold, but there are many ways to enjoy the cold weather. Valentine’s Day on February 14 is one of the biggest events in Japan, and people enjoy making chocolates by hand and gift shopping. Oysters are also in season in February, and oyster festivals are held where visitors can taste fresh oysters.
Check here for more information on Hiroshima in February.
