Outdoor Trip Ideas for the Adventurous in Hiroshima

Sep 28, 2022

Outdoor Trip Ideas for the Adventurous in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an ideal destination for anyone who loves adventurous sports and the great outdoors. There are a variety of activities to try, whether you’re looking for a way to spend a few hours or a full day.

Shower Climbing

Yuki-cho is a small village outside of Hiroshima, famous for its scarecrows. The river here is ideal for shower climbing, which is a form of trekking through a river. You’ll have the chance to jump into the river at various points, climb waterfalls, and slide down rocks. There’s an introductory course that starts with slow currents and moves into the fast-flowing area of the river or is an intermediate option for those who have been river trekking before. Either way, they will equip you with a wet suit, helmet, and life jacket.

Cycling Tours

There’s no better way to explore Hiroshima than on a bicycle. You can rent one through the Community Cycle system and then head anywhere you like. With a one-day pass, you’ll have use of the bicycle until midnight.

Alternatively, you could join a tour to learn about the city as you ride (tours with electric bicycles are also available). As well as riding around the mainland, there are tours across the Setouchi Islands run by local guides familiar with all the best spots for views.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another great way to visit some of the islands around Hiroshima. If you’re an experienced kayaker, you could take a full-day tour and see all the islands that interest you. Alternatively, shorter tours are available, including a one-hour tour past the famous Itsukushima Shrine and a half-day tour to the port town of Tomonoura. You could even head out on the water at night. This is ideal in June and July to see the fireflies along the Takechi River.

Standup Paddleboarding

A final way to practice water sports in Hiroshima is standup paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll see a completely different side of the city with a guided tour down one of the rivers. You don’t need to have any experience as you’ll receive a lesson before you head out. Another option is to go out on the sea to explore some of the islands.

Hiking Mount Futaba

Sometimes, all you need is your own two feet. A top opportunity for hiking in Hiroshima is Mount Futaba. The hike from Hiroshima Shinkansen Station is about 2 kilometers and takes less than an hour. The route will take you through dense forest and past interesting sites, including shrines, the rock of the sun, and the ruins of some World War II gun batteries that were destroyed by the atomic bomb blast. At the peak, you’ll reach the Peace Pagoda and be rewarded with stunning views of the city below. Guided tours are available, with most starting in the morning to allow you to enjoy the hike when everything is still quiet.

Even trying all these activities will only scratch the surface of what Hiroshima has to offer. Since there’s so much to see and do, it’s worth spending as much time as possible in Hiroshima.

User:Mattes, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons