Museums in Hiroshima
While the Peace Memorial Museum rightfully draws the most visitors, Hiroshima offers a surprising variety of museums covering art, local history, science, and industry. Whether you're interested in French impressionism, Japanese contemporary art, or seeing how Mazda cars are made, you'll find something worthwhile.
Peace Memorial Museum
Admission: ¥200 | Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (varies seasonally)
The essential Hiroshima museum documenting the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Renovated in 2019, the museum presents a chronological journey through that day and its aftermath, focusing on individual stories through personal belongings and testimonies.
See our complete Peace Memorial Museum guide for tickets, best times to visit, and what to expect.
Hiroshima Museum of Art
Admission: ¥1,100 | Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Closed: Mondays
Located in the beautiful Shukkeien-adjacent area, this circular building houses an impressive collection of French impressionist paintings including works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne. The building itself, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, is an architectural statement with its dome and central garden.
The permanent collection focuses on 19th and 20th century Western art, while rotating exhibitions feature Japanese and international contemporary artists. Plan 1-2 hours for a leisurely visit.
Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
Admission: ¥510 (permanent), varies for special exhibitions | Closed: Mondays
Adjacent to Shukkeien Garden, this museum features Japanese art from the Meiji period onwards, including works by local Hiroshima artists. The collection includes paintings, prints, and sculptures with rotating exhibitions.
The museum's location next to the historic garden makes it easy to combine both in a half-day cultural visit.
Mazda Museum (Factory Tour)
Admission: Free | Duration: 90 minutes | Reservation: Required
Hiroshima is the headquarters of Mazda Motor Corporation, and the company offers fascinating factory tours showcasing automobile production. You'll see the assembly line in action and learn about Mazda's history, including the development of the rotary engine.
How to Book
- Reservations must be made in advance through Mazda's website
- Tours run weekdays only, typically at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- English tours available on certain days
- Free shuttle bus from Hiroshima Station
💡 Mazda Tour Tips
- Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for English tours
- Photography not permitted on the factory floor
- The gift shop sells exclusive Mazda merchandise
- Car enthusiasts should allow extra time for the showroom
Hiroshima City Transportation Museum
Admission: ¥510 | Closed: Mondays
Dedicated to transportation history with a focus on Hiroshima's famous streetcar system. The museum displays vintage trams, trains, and automobiles, with interactive exhibits suitable for families. Learn how Hiroshima's streetcars survived the bombing and continue running today.
Hiroshima Children's Museum
Admission: Free (planetarium extra) | Best for: Families with kids
An interactive science museum designed for children with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and educational programs. English materials are limited, but most exhibits are visual and experiential.
Other Notable Museums
Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts
Covers Hiroshima's pre-war history and traditional crafts. Located in Hijiyama Park.
Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall (Miyajima)
Houses artifacts from the famous shrine including scrolls, armor, and ceremonial items.
Museum Comparison
| Museum | Price | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Memorial | ¥200 | 2-3 hours | Everyone (essential) |
| Museum of Art | ¥1,100 | 1-2 hours | Art lovers |
| Mazda Factory | Free | 90 min | Car enthusiasts |
| Transportation | ¥510 | 1-2 hours | Train fans, families |
| Children's Museum | Free | 2-3 hours | Families |