20 Museums in Hiroshima worth your time

This museum showcases Kure's shipbuilding history and modernization, featuring a large model of the battleship Yamato.

What it is

• Kure Maritime Museum, opened in 2005.
• Also known as the Yamato Museum.
• Showcases Kure’s history and military shipbuilding advancements.
• Dedicated to the battleship Yamato and importance of peace.

What to see

• Detailed one-tenth-scale reproduction of battleship Yamato (26.3 meters long).
• Windows behind Yamato model look out on Kure’s harbor.
• “History of Kure” exhibit with ship models and Yamato blueprints.
• Actual A6M Zero fighters and Type-10 Kaiten manned torpedoes.
• Midget submarines and disarmed artillery shells, including Yamato's.
• Hands-on “Shipbuilding Technology” zone with a test tank.

When to go

• Video showcasing technological advancement plays every 20 minutes.

Address

広島県呉市宝町5-20 Map

Official site

yamato-museum.com

Read more about Yamato Museum

See modern Japanese prints and regional art at Higashihiroshima's municipal art museum.

What it is

• A municipal art museum in Higashihiroshima City.
• Opened in 1979 in Hachihommatsu Minami.
• Moved to Saijo Sakaemachi in November 2020.
• The oldest municipal art museum in Hiroshima Prefecture.

What to see

• Collection of modern and contemporary Japanese prints.
• Works by contemporary ceramists from the Chugoku region.
• Artworks by artists associated with the region.
• Exhibition area 2.5 times larger than the old building.

When to go

• Summer for the Picture Book Artists Original Art Exhibition.
• Winter for the Contemporary Art: Life & Art exhibition.
• Two to three collection exhibitions are held annually.

Address

〒739-0015 広島県東広島市西条栄町9番1号 Map

Official site

hhmoa.jp

Read more about Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art

See Chinese art from ancient ceramics to modern paintings, including a miniature Tiananmen Gate.

What it is

• A museum in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
• Opened in 1989, housing Kenzō Nakagawa's private collection.
• Dedicated to Chinese contemporary art and cultural artifacts.
• Supports contemporary Chinese artists.

What to see

• A miniature Tiananmen Gate on the premises.
• Exhibits of Chinese contemporary paintings.
• Chinese ceramics from the Han dynasty to modern times.
• Displays of inkstones, calligraphy, and bronze chariots.
• A painting by Deng Lin, featured on a postage stamp.

When to go

• Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Read more about Nakagawa Museum of Art

Umi-Mori Art Museum showcases Japanese art and perfume bottles, offering a unique cultural experience.

What it is

• Art museum established in 1981 by Byododaiekai.
• Exhibits collections of Reikiyo Umemoto.
• Formerly known as Oshajo Art Museum.
• Renovated and renamed in 2005.

What to see

• Japanese art from medieval to modern times.
• Modern Japanese paintings by Seiho Takeuchi and pupils.
• Thousands of Seiho Takeuchi related materials.
• Ukiyo-e prints, including Hiroshige's flower-and-bird prints.
• Collection of perfume bottles from ancient to modern times.

Getting there

• About a 10-minute taxi ride from Miyajimaguchi Station.

Address

〒739-0481　広島県廿日市市大野亀ヶ岡10701 Map

Official site

www.umam.jp

Read more about Umi-Mori Art Museum

A brush-themed museum in Kumano, showcasing traditional brush making and history.

What it is

• A brush-themed museum in Kumano-cho.
• Established in 1994 by the town of Kumano.
• Kumano brushes account for 80% of domestic production.
• Kumano brushes designated a traditional craft in 1975.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition on brush history and culture.
• Demonstrations of brush making by craftsmen.
• World's largest brush, 3.7m long and 400kg.
• Kimura Yozan Collection of about 1000 brushes.
• Kumano brush select shop.

When to go

• Open from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Official site

fude.or.jp

Read more about Fudenosato Kōbō

This large art museum next to Shukkeien Garden displays diverse art, including works by Hiroshima artists.

What it is

• One of western Japan’s largest dedicated art museums.
• Founded in 1968, rebuilt in 1996.
• Houses a collection of over 5,000 works.

What to see

• Sleek, contemporary museum design.
• Rotating themed special exhibitions.
• Works by twentieth-century masters like Magritte and Escher.
• Japanese Nihonga painting and Asian arts and crafts.
• Art by Hiroshima artists Hirayama Ikuo and Entsuba Katsuzo.
• Views of Shukkeien Garden from restaurant and tearoom.

Getting there

• Located next to Shukkeien Garden.

Address

〒730-0014　広島県広島市中区上幟町2-22 Map

Official site

www1.hpam-unet.ocn.ne.jp

Read more about Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

Japan's first public film and music archive, with a screening room and local history exhibits.

What it is

• A film archive facility in Hiroshima City.
• Opened May 1, 1982.
• First local government facility to collect and preserve films.
• First local government facility to collect and preserve music materials.

What to see

• A 169-seat screening room.
• Exhibits from Hiroshima Municipal Central Library.
• Exhibits from Hiroshima City Local History Museum Satellite.

When to go

• After April 1, 2026, for the new location.

Getting there

• Located in Aile-Aile A Building in Minami Ward.

Official site

www.cf.city.hiroshima.jp

Read more about Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library

Explore a modern castle museum dedicated to the Innoshima Murakami clan's naval history.

What it is

• A museum in a castle-style building.
• Opened in 1983, not a historical castle.
• Dedicated to the Innoshima Murakami clan.
• Located on Katagari-yama hill.

What to see

• Main keep with Murakami clan materials.
• Second bailey with recreated naval meeting.
• Corner turrets for observation and displays.
• Castle grounds are part of Kinrenji Temple.

When to go

• Closed Thursdays.
• Closed December 29 to January 1.

Getting there

• About a 6-minute drive from Innoshima Kita IC.

Official site

kanko-innoshima.jp

Read more about Innoshima Suigun Castle

This art museum in Senkoji Park offers city views and modernist architecture by Ando Tadao.

What it is

• City art museum in Senkoji Park.
• First opened in 1980, redesigned in 2003.
• Redesigned by architect Ando Tadao.

What to see

• Ando Tadao's annex with glass panels and concrete.
• Main building with traditional tiled roof.
• Bay windows on second floor with city views.
• Eclectic art by local and international artists.
• Collection of modernist furniture by Eames and Nelson.
• Raw concrete wall with knots and ridges in annex.

Getting there

• Accessible on foot.
• Accessible via Senkoji Ropeway.

Address

〒722-0032 広島県尾道市西土堂町17-19 Map

Official site

www.onomichi-museum.jp

Read more about Onomichi City Museum of Art

This art museum in Central Park offers European and Japanese paintings in a unique building.

What it is

• Art museum in Hiroshima's Central Park.
• Houses works by celebrated artists.
• Motto 'For Love and Peace' for bomb victims.

What to see

• Circular, minimalist contemporary architecture.
• Dome-ceilinged main hall, like the A-bomb Dome.
• Modern European painting, French Impressionists.
• Japanese oil painting from Meiji era onwards.
• Special exhibitions in adjacent annex.
• Cafe Jardin with views of grounds and sculptures.

Getting there

• Located within Central Park, south of Hiroshima Castle.

Address

〒730-0011　広島県広島市中区基町3-2 Map

Official site

www.hiroshima-museum.jp

Read more about Hiroshima Museum of Art

This museum details the 1945 atomic bomb event and its effects, offering a harrowing but essential experience.

What it is

• Largest venue in Hiroshima related to the atomic bomb.
• Opened in 1955, designed by Tange Kenzo.
• Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2006.

What to see

• Two expansive, adjacent structures within Peace Memorial Park.
• Main building for first-time visitors, with countless artifacts.
• East building focuses on peace education.
• Peace clock in the main building lobby.
• Dimly lit hallway with huge monochrome photographs.
• Heat-twisted tricycle and a section of bank building with a victim's shadow.

Address

1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku Map

Official site

www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp

Read more about Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

See unique dolls by Jusaburo Tsujimura in a historic bank building.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to doll artist Jusaburo Tsujimura.
• Opened in October 2013 by Miyoshi City.
• Only permanent exhibition for Jusaburo dolls.
• Promotes works of the doll artist.

What to see

• Former Miyoshi Bank head office building.
• Building is a registered tangible cultural property.
• Exhibits of Jusaburo Tsujimura's dolls.
• Second floor exhibits Miyoshi's history and folklore.

When to go

• Two special exhibitions are held annually.
• Gallery talks are held on the third Sunday monthly.

Read more about Jusaburo Tsujimura Doll Museum

Japan's first public contemporary art museum, it offers art and city views from Hijiyama Park.

What it is

• City’s foremost venue for modern artistic expression.
• Japan’s first public museum dedicated to contemporary art.
• Opened in 1989.

What to see

• Striking building by architect Kurokawa Kisho.
• Sweeping views out over the city.
• Themed displays from permanent collection.
• Diverse lineup of special exhibitions.
• Works by Andy Warhol, Sugimoto Hiroshi, Yves Klein.
• Permanent installation “Earth Call Hiroshima” by Okamoto Atsuo.

Getting there

• Located atop hillside Hijiyama Park.

Address

〒732-0815　広島県広島市南区比治山公園1-1 Map

Official site

www.hiroshima-moca.jp

Read more about Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore the life of Rai San'yō and the impact of the atomic bomb at this historic site.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Rai San'yō and his family.
• Opened in 1995, owned by the prefecture.
• Includes the national historic site 'Rai San'yō Kyoshitsu'.

What to see

• Exhibits on Rai San'yō and the Rai family.
• RC structure exhibition room and a tea room.
• Gate, stone pavement, and wall are atomic bomb relics.
• Kurogane Mochi tree in the garden survived the atomic bomb.
• Photos from before and after the atomic bombing.

Getting there

• Located in Fukuro-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City.

Address

広島県広島市中区袋町5-15 Map

Official site

www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp

Read more about Rai San'yō Historic Site Museum

Kure's art museum, celebrating local talent and housing European masterpieces, is worth visiting for its unique architecture.

What it is

• Opened in August 1982, commemorating Kure City's 80th anniversary.
• Built to house and display art, including works by local artists.

What to see

• Main building has two floors above ground and one basement.
• Annex has one floor above ground, built in 1993.
• Architecture imitates Western-style buildings from the Meiji period.
• Approach road, "Museum Street," is one of Japan's 100 Best Roads.
• View "Heracles the Archer" by Antoine Bourdelle.
• See "Girl with a Straw Hat" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Address

〒737-0028 広島県呉市幸町入船山公園内 Map

Official site

www.kure-bi.jp

Read more about Kure Municipal Museum of Art

See classic cars, clocks, and airplanes, and even sit inside some exhibits.

What it is

• A museum in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
• Opened on July 4, 1989.
• Operated by the Noso Cultural Foundation.
• Exhibits classic cars, clocks, and small airplanes.

What to see

• Collection of classic cars and clocks.
• Small airplanes and wax figures.
• Vintage fire engines.
• Many preserved cars are self-propelled.
• Vehicles that have appeared in movies.

What to do

• Freely photograph exhibits.
• Enter some vehicle interiors.
• Pets are allowed inside the museum.

Address

広島県福山市北吉津町3-1-22 Map

Official site

www.facm.net

Read more about Fukuyama Auto & Clock Museum

A museum dedicated to Honinbo Shusaku, a Go master, on the 'Island of Go'.

What it is

• A Go museum in Innoshima, Onomichi City.
• Dedicated to Go master Honinbo Shusaku.
• Opened in 2008 as a merger commemorative project.
• Innoshima is known as the 'Island of Go'.

What to see

• Permanent and special exhibition rooms.
• Shusaku's reconstructed birthplace next to the museum.
• Birthplace is a wooden, single-story building.
• Honinbo Shusaku Monument within shrine grounds.
• Shusaku's grave at Jizo-in Temple, uphill.

When to go

• Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Official site

honinbo.shusaku.in

Read more about Honinbo Shusaku Game of Go Memorial

Explore a real submarine and learn about Japan's maritime defense history and minesweeping efforts.

What it is

• Museum established in 2007.
• Educates public on submarine and coastal-minesweeping activities.
• Also called the “Whale of Iron Museum”.

What to see

• Akishio SS-579, a decommissioned submarine you can enter.
• First floor: JMSDF development and Kure's naval port history.
• Second floor: Minesweeping activities, tools, and robots.
• Third floor: Submarine construction, life, and rescue operations.
• Exhibit on different types of mines.
• JMSDF Café serving authentic navy curry.

Address

5-32 Takaramachi [[Kure]] Map

Official site

www.jmsdf-kure-museum.go.jp

Read more about JMSDF Kure Museum

Explore Fukuyama's literary heritage, especially Ibuse Masuji, in a unique building.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to local literary figures.
• Opened in April 1999.
• Building design based on Ibuse Masuji's birthplace.

What to see

• Special exhibition room on the first floor.
• Library and AV corner on the first floor.
• Permanent exhibition rooms on the second floor.
• Exhibits on Ibuse Masuji's life and works.
• Recreation of Ibuse Masuji's study.
• Reproduction of a salamander's岩屋 from his work.

Getting there

• Located in Fukuyama Castle Park.

Address

〒720-0061　広島県福山市丸之内1-9-9 Map

Official site

www.city.fukuyama.hiroshima.jp

Read more about Fukuyama Museum of Literature

Explore Fuchū's history from ancient times in a preserved Meiji-era Western-style building.

What it is

• A museum preserving Fuchū City's history and folklore.
• Uses the former Ashina County Office building.
• Building completed in 1903, moved in 1975.
• Designated an Important Cultural Property in 1977.

What to see

• Exterior maintains its original 1903 appearance.
• Pseudo-Western style building from the late Meiji period.
• First room: Jomon to Kofun period artifacts.
• Second room: Nara to Heian period artifacts.
• Exhibits include artifacts from buried cultural properties.

Official site

www.city.fuchu.hiroshima.jp

Read more about Fuchū City History and Folklore Museum