Events in Hiroshima

Where history meets fireworks, lanterns, and food festivals galore.

If Hiroshima were a drink, it would contain one part history, one part gorgeous beauty, and a dash of "let's throw a party." This city does more than just revisit the past: it also celebrates the present with an incredible calendar of festivals, parades, and cultural events. Hiroshima has you covered, whether you're a tourist trying to plan your vacation around a must-see event or a local looking to find out what's going on this weekend. From cherry blossoms to brilliant lanterns, street cuisine to solemn tributes, these events provide a front-row ticket to the city's soul.

Major Annual Events in Hiroshima

These are the flagship events that define the city's cultural calendar and have locals and visitors planning months ahead.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony

This sad but deeply affecting event recalls the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Thousands of people assemble in Peace Memorial Park for speeches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and dove releases. It's more than just an event; it's a symbol of the city's resiliency and commitment to peace.

Hiroshima Flower Festival

The Flower Festival is a kilometer-long celebration of music, dance, and food that combines a parade, a concert, and a big street party along Peace Boulevard. Expect parades, celebrity appearances, and an abundance of street food booths that will make your diet scream.

Seasonal Events in Hiroshima

Let’s break it down season by season, because Hiroshima knows how to keep the party going 365 days a year.

Spring

• Miyajima Oyster Festival

Held in early February (technically late winter but part of oyster season), this foodie heaven provides grilled, fried, and raw oysters just a short ferry trip from Hiroshima.

• Hiroshima Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Late March to early April sees the Hiroshima Castle grounds (pictured below) transformed into a pink utopia. Food booths, live entertainment, and night illuminations make this a photographer’s paradise.

Summer

• Hiroshima Minato Yume Fireworks Festival

A stunning late-July spectacle above Hiroshima Bay drew tens of thousands. Consider enormous blasts of color, music, and summer festival cuisine.

• Kangensai Festival at Itsukushima Shrine

Typically mid-July (based on the lunar calendar), this historic boat festival puts the Shinto gods out on the water, accompanied by court music and ceremonial processions. Watching lit boats drift past the renowned floating torii gate (pictured below) at dusk is a magical experience.

Autumn

• Ebisu Festival

Happening in November, this lively event celebrates Ebisu, the god of prosperity. Street stalls sell charms, food, and let’s be honest the most addictive festival snacks in the city.

• Saijo Sake Festival

Held in nearby Saijo in early October, this is Japan’s premier sake-tasting event. With over 900 varieties to sample, you’ll need a game plan (and probably a hotel nearby).

Winter

• Hiroshima Dreamination

Peace Boulevard is illuminated by millions of LED lights in imaginative shows from mid-November until early January. Ideal for Instagram overload or a romantic wintertime walk.

• New Year’s Eve at Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine (pictured below) brings in the New Year with bells, prayers, and the peaceful splendor of Miyajima beneath the stars.

Niche or Themed Events in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s event calendar goes beyond its major cultural and historical commemorations. The city also hosts a variety of niche and themed gatherings that cater to more specific interests. From international animation showcases to food festivals celebrating local flavors, these events highlight Hiroshima’s creative spirit and culinary pride while giving visitors unique ways to connect with the city.

• Hiroshima Animation Season: This Oscar-qualifying festival now takes place in August (the long-running Hiroshima International Animation Festival ended in 2020 and was replaced). It attracts filmmakers and fans worldwide for screenings, workshops, and awards in the art of animation.

• Food Festivals: From okonomiyaki cook-offs to street ramen fairs, Hiroshima’s smaller culinary events keep food lovers busy year-round.

How to Plan Your Trip to Attend Hiroshima Events

Attending events in Hiroshima is even more memorable when you plan ahead. The city welcomes large crowds during peak festivals, so securing the essentials in advance will make your trip much smoother.

Book accommodation early:

Popular events such as the Flower Festival and the Peace Memorial Ceremony draw visitors from across Japan and abroad. Hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly, especially near downtown and the station, so it pays to reserve early.

Get around with a JR Pass:

If Hiroshima is just one stop on your Japan itinerary, a JR Pass is the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel between cities. With direct Shinkansen links to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, you can fit Hiroshima’s festivals into a broader rail journey.

Stay connected with Pocket Wi-Fi:

From live-streaming parades to checking last-minute schedule updates, reliable internet access is a must. Renting a Pocket Wi-Fi ensures you can navigate easily, share experiences, and stay in touch without worrying about roaming costs. (Link to Wi-Fi product.)

Event tickets:

Many of Hiroshima’s major festivals, including cultural parades and commemorations, are free to attend. However, some niche events—like the Animation Season or culinary festivals—may require tickets that can be purchased in advance online. 

Best neighborhoods to stay:

Consider Downtown Hiroshima (Hondori area) if you want to be close to nightlife, restaurants, and the vibrant festival atmosphere. For convenience, staying near Hiroshima Station makes it easy to catch trains and buses for day trips around the region. 

Nearby Recommendations

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: A visit to the Peace Memorial Museum is one of the most powerful and educational experiences in Japan. Pairing it with the Peace Memorial Ceremony offers a full day of reflection on the city’s history, resilience, and message of peace. The museum’s exhibits, survivor stories, and preserved artifacts make it a must-see for travelers who want to connect deeply with Hiroshima’s past while understanding its role in shaping the future.

• Miyajima Island: Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima is often considered one of Japan’s most scenic spots. The island is famous for the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its “floating” red torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also hike Mt. Misen for panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea or stroll through charming shopping streets selling local souvenirs and snacks. Don’t miss trying momiji manju, maple-leaf–shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste or custard, which are unique to the region.

• Okonomimura: Food lovers should not leave Hiroshima without visiting Okonomimura, a multi-floor food hall entirely dedicated to the city’s beloved savory pancake, okonomiyaki. Each stall has its own twist on the dish, so you can sample different versions topped with noodles, seafood, or cheese. The sizzling griddles, the friendly banter of the chefs, and the chance to sit elbow-to-elbow with locals make this not just a meal but an essential cultural experience.

FAQs About Events in Hiroshima

Q: What are the biggest events in Hiroshima?

A: The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, Flower Festival, and Kangensai Festival are among the city’s largest and most famous events.

Q: Are Hiroshima events family-friendly?

A: Yes! Many festivals have activities for children, plus plenty of food and entertainment.

Q: When is the best time to visit Hiroshima for events?

A: Spring (cherry blossoms) and summer (fireworks and festivals) are the most vibrant, but winter’s Dreamination is a must-see.

Q: How do I find out about events in Hiroshima today?

A: Check local tourism websites or ask at your hotel’s front desk for up-to-date listings.

Q: Are events in Hiroshima free?

A: Many are free to attend, though food, drinks, and some niche events may have charges.

Q: What's special in Hiroshima?

A: Hiroshima is special for its powerful history, symbolized by the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, its message of peace, landscapes, cuisine, and its vibrant culture.

Q: How do we celebrate Hiroshima Day?

A: Hiroshima Day (August 6) is marked with peace memorial ceremonies, moments of silence at 8:15 AM, speeches, and the floating of paper lanterns (tōrō nagashi) on the Motoyasu River to honor victims and promote a message of peace and nuclear disarmament.

Q: Why is Hiroshima famous?

A: Hiroshima is famous as the first city in history to be targeted by an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, and for its transformation into a global symbol of peace and resilience. It's also known by its cultural treasures like Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, and unique local cuisine.

Q: What to buy in Hiroshima?

A: In Hiroshima, popular buys include:

• Momiji Manju: maple leaf–shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste or custard.

• Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki sauce: the city’s savory pancake signature flavor in a bottle.

• Oysters: fresh, smoked, or preserved, since Hiroshima is Japan’s oyster capital.

• Kumano brushes: high-quality calligraphy and makeup brushes made in nearby Kumano.

• Hiroshima Toyo Carp merchandise: gear from the city’s beloved baseball team.

• Local sake: especially from Saijō, a famous sake-brewing district.
  

Note: Dates listed are subject to change, please check the official event website.