How long does it take to walk the Hiroshima riverside route?

The full route takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. This includes time to stop for photos at the bridges and a 30-minute stroll through the Shukkeien Garden.

Is the Hiroshima riverside walk difficult?

No, it is generally considered an easy walk. The majority of the path follows flat riverside promenades, with the only significant incline being the gentle climb up Hijiyama Hill.

Can I see the A-Bomb Dome on this self-guided walk?

Yes, you get excellent views of the A-Bomb Dome from the Motoyasu Bridge and the Nishiheiwao Bridge area. The route starts right at the edge of the Peace Memorial Park.

What is the best time of day for this walking route?

Late morning is best. This allows you to visit Shukkeien Garden before it gets too crowded and ensures you have plenty of daylight to enjoy the views from Hijiyama Park.

Are there places to eat along the Ota River walk?

Yes, the Kyobashi River area is famous for its 'Open River Cafes.' There are also many dining options in the Motomachi district and near Hiroshima Station, which is close to the latter half of the walk.

Is Shukkeien Garden worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in Japan, featuring a large central pond and 'shrunken' landscapes that represent mountains and forests. It offers a peaceful contrast to the city's modern streets.

How do I get back to the city center from the end of the walk?

The walk ends near Mitaki Station. You can take a short 10-minute train ride on the JR Kabe Line back to Hiroshima Station, or use local bus services that connect the area to the downtown Naka Ward.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Hiroshima is often celebrated for its resilience and history, but its true identity is inextricably linked to the water. Known as the 'City of Water,' Hiroshima was built on the Ota River delta, where the main channel splits into seven distinct branches. This self-guided walk invites you to step away from the crowded transit lines and follow the rhythmic flow of these waterways. By traversing the promenade, you will discover how the rivers serve as both a memorial landscape and a vibrant space for modern local life. This walking route offers a unique perspective on the city, blending the somber history of the Peace Memorial area with the lush, curated beauty of traditional gardens and the panoramic views from the city's forested hills. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will encounter iconic landmarks like the Motoyasu Bridge, which offers some of the most poignant views of the A-Bomb Dome reflecting in the water. However, the route also delves into hidden gems, such as the sunken Hannover Garden and the quiet paths of the Kyobashi River. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in the play of light on the water and the contrast between ancient garden aesthetics at Shukkeien and the modern urban skyline. Whether you are interested in the flora of Hijiyama Park or the quirky charm of local animal cafes, this neighborhood stroll provides a comprehensive look at Hiroshima's natural and cultural heart. This walking tour Hiroshima experience is designed for those who prefer to explore independently, moving at a pace that allows for quiet reflection and spontaneous discovery along the riverbanks.

Highlights

Reflective views of the A-Bomb Dome from the historic Motoyasu Bridge

The 'shrunken-scenery' aesthetics of the 17th-century Shukkeien Garden

Panoramic city vistas from the forested heights of Hijiyama Park

A peaceful stroll along the willow-lined banks of the Kyobashi River

The unique sunken landscape of Hannover Garden, a tribute to sister-city ties

Hidden local gems including quirky animal cafes and urban aquariums

Tour Stops (15)

Nishiheiwao Bridge

Welcome to the start of your riverside exploration. Nishiheiwao Bridge, or the West Peace Bridge, serves as a symbolic entrance to the Peace Memorial Park. Designed by the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the bridge's railings are shaped to represent the 'sun' or the 'future.' As you stand here, notice how the Ota River begins to define the landscape. This bridge was part of the post-war reconstruction effort, intended to symbolize the city's rebirth. The smooth, concrete curves contrast with the dark history the area witnessed, setting a tone of hope and renewal that will follow you throughout this self-guided walk.

Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

Before we follow the water further, take a moment at the Memorial Cenotaph. This saddle-shaped monument frames the Peace Flame and the A-Bomb Dome in a single, direct line of sight. It holds the names of all those who lost their lives to the atomic bombing. The design is inspired by the 'Haniwa' houses found on ancient Japanese tombs, intended to protect the souls of the departed. The inscription reads, 'Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.' It is a place of profound silence amidst the city's flow.

Motoyasu Bridge

Motoyasu Bridge is perhaps the most photographed bridge in Hiroshima. From here, you get an unobstructed view of the Motoyasu River as it glides past the A-Bomb Dome. Historically, this bridge was a vital link for the city's merchants. Every August 6th, this river becomes the site of the 'Toro Nagashi' ceremony, where thousands of paper lanterns are floated downstream to guide the spirits of the ancestors. The contrast between the skeletal remains of the Dome and the shimmering water captures the dual nature of Hiroshima: a city of deep memory and vibrant life.

Cat Café MOFF SHIMINT HIROSHIMA

As you transition from the memorial area toward the Motomachi district, you'll encounter a more modern side of the city. Cat Café MOFF offers a glimpse into contemporary Japanese urban culture. In a city where many apartment buildings don't allow pets, these cafes serve as essential community living rooms. It is a place for residents to decompress and find a moment of quiet companionship. While the river outside tells a story of history, this stop tells a story of the daily lives and simple comforts of the people who call Hiroshima home today.

Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium (Aqua Alive Museum)

Located within the urban fabric of the Motomachi district, this small aquarium—often called the Aqua Alive Museum—connects the city's love for water with education. While much of Hiroshima's water story is about the rivers, this stop highlights the biodiversity of the Seto Inland Sea. It is a modest, local-favorite spot that emphasizes the delicate balance between the urban environment and the natural world. It’s a reminder that the rivers flowing through the city eventually meet the sea, linking Hiroshima to the wider world.

Hannover Garden

This unique sunken garden is a tribute to the sister-city relationship between Hiroshima and Hannover, Germany. Designed in the style of a European garden, it offers a distinct aesthetic departure from the traditional Japanese landscapes you'll see later. The garden is located near the site of the former Hiroshima Castle grounds and provides a quiet, sheltered space away from the street level. It symbolizes the international bonds formed by the city during its recovery, showing how Hiroshima has woven global connections into its own physical layout.

Owl de Base

Continuing the theme of Hiroshima’s quirky modern culture, Owl de Base is another local animal interaction spot. Much like the cat cafes, these spaces are popular for their 'iyashi' or healing effect. While owls are often associated with wisdom in the West, in Japan, they are also seen as symbols of good fortune and protection from suffering. It’s a whimsical stop that highlights the variety of experiences tucked away in the city’s riverside neighborhoods, away from the main tourist hubs.

Kodani

As you move toward the Kyobashi River, you enter the Kodani area. This part of the walk feels more residential and local. Here, the 'Seven Rivers' theme becomes tangible as the urban density thins out and the riverbanks widen. You might see locals jogging, fishing, or simply enjoying the breeze. This area represents the 'hidden-gems' aspect of the city—places that don't make the front page of guidebooks but are essential to understanding the peaceful, slow-paced quality of life that the Ota River delta provides.

Kyobashi River

The Kyobashi River is one of the most beautiful branches of the Ota delta. Its banks are lined with willow and cherry trees, making it a favorite for photography. Historically, this river was a key transportation route for goods entering the city. Today, it is known for its 'Open River Cafe' concept, where small terraces and cafes allow you to sit right by the water. The atmosphere here is sophisticated and calm, embodying the 'City of Water' moniker in its most elegant form.

Shukkeien Ticket Office

You have arrived at the entrance to one of Hiroshima's most significant cultural treasures. Shukkeien Garden dates back to 1620, commissioned by the local Daimyo. The name 'Shukkeien' translates to 'shrunken-scenery garden,' as it is designed to mimic various famous landscapes from across Japan and China in a miniature format. Though the garden was devastated in 1945, it was painstakingly restored to its former glory. This ticket office marks your transition from the modern city into a meticulously preserved Edo-period world.

Kokokyo Bridge

Inside the Shukkeien Garden, the Kokokyo Bridge is a masterpiece of traditional design. This 'rainbow bridge' arching over the central pond survived the atomic blast, though its surface was scarred. It is the heart of the garden's layout, connecting the various 'shrunken' landscapes. Crossing it is meant to be a meditative experience, forcing you to slow your steps and look down at the koi fish swimming in the clear water. It is a perfect spot for capturing the timeless beauty of Japanese garden architecture.

Shukkeien Garden

Take your time to wander the winding paths of Shukkeien. The garden is centered around the Takuei-chi pond, with various tea houses and miniature mountains dotted around the perimeter. Each turn offers a new, carefully framed view. The garden was designed to be enjoyed by walking—a 'stroll garden'—where the scenery changes with every step. In the spring, the plum and cherry blossoms are breathtaking, while the autumn maples turn the landscape into a sea of red and gold. It is a testament to the enduring Japanese art of harmonizing nature and human design.

Tsurumi Bridge

Leaving the garden, you head south toward Hijiyama. Tsurumi Bridge crosses the Kyobashi River and serves as a gateway to the city's eastern hills. From the bridge, look back at the skyline; you'll see how the greenery of the gardens and the blue of the rivers create a vibrant patchwork within the city. This area is particularly lively during the cherry blossom season, as the riverbanks are a prime location for 'hanami' or flower-viewing parties. The bridge itself offers a wide, open view of the river's curve.

Hijiyama Park

Hijiyama Park sits on a small hill overlooking the city. It is a massive green space that houses the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Manga Library. For the 'nature' theme of our walk, this is a highlight. The park’s elevated position offers a panoramic view of the 'Seven Rivers' spreading out toward the sea. It is a place where history and modernity meet; the park contains ancient burial mounds as well as cutting-edge sculpture. It’s the perfect place to see the city as a whole, nestled between the mountains and the water.

Oukatei

Our final stop takes us to Oukatei, a scenic spot that offers a different perspective of Hiroshima's northern reaches and the Ota River floodway. This area is more rugged and natural than the manicured gardens downtown. Oukatei is often associated with quiet contemplation and traditional aesthetics, providing a serene conclusion to your journey. As you look out over the water one last time, reflect on how the Ota River has shaped everything you've seen today—from the somber memorials to the flourishing gardens and the vibrant, modern neighborhoods. The river remains the lifeblood of Hiroshima, a constant flow through a city of change.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ota River Promenade walk is ideal for nature lovers. It focuses on the city's 'Seven Rivers' identity, taking you through the historic Shukkeien Garden and the forested trails of Hijiyama Park, offering a green escape from the urban center.