Cover image via SAYS
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Most Malaysians fly into Japan and beeline straight for the big cities, such as Tokyo for the neon lights and shopping or Osaka for the takoyaki and Universal Studios Japan
But if you want something quieter, more cultural, or just a bit different from the usual itinerary, Hiroshima and neighbouring Fukuyama have plenty to offer.
Here are a few gems worth putting on your itinerary:
1. Hiroshima Castle
Nicknamed Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle was originally built in the 1500s but reconstructed after WWII. From the outside, it's a picture-perfect Japanese castle with its black-and-white facade and surrounding moat.
Inside, you'll find a museum that tells the story of Hiroshima's history, samurai culture, and the city's post-war rebuilding.
One thing though — Japan's summers can be brutal.
The castle interiors aren't big on air-conditioning, so bring water and pace yourself if you're climbing to the top for the panoramic city view.
Get tickets here.
If you're lucky, you might even bump into the castle's mascot who often makes an appearance in full costume:
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
This isn't a selfie kind of place, but it's one of the most important stops in Hiroshima.
The park commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb, with memorials, museums, and exhibits that explain the city's darkest chapter.
Expect to see real artefacts, survivor stories, and even videos with English subtitles.
It's a sobering experience, but also a meaningful reminder of why peace matters.
Get tickets here.
Click to watch the video below:
3. Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
Right next to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, this modern tower is dedicated to the orizuru (paper crane), a symbol of peace in Japan.
Visitors can fold their own paper cranes (don't worry, there are instructions!) and drop them into a glass wall where thousands of cranes are collected as a collective prayer for peace.
Get tickets here.
Click to see the entire glass wall of cranes where you can drop yours:
Apart from that, there's a cool rooftop observatory with a wooden deck where you can see the city and Atomic Dome from above.
And if you're tired of walking, you can literally slide down from the top floor to the bottom for funsies.
Watch the video below:
4. Fukuyama Castle
About an hour away from Hiroshima sits Fukuyama Castle, a fortress that was partly built with iron plates on one side for extra protection.
The moat is mostly gone today, but the inside has been turned into a museum showcasing samurai armour, weapons, and interactive exhibits.
It's not as busy as Osaka Castle, so you can explore at a much more relaxed pace without jostling for space.
Get tickets here.
Watch videos of some of the interactive features here:
5. Shinshoji Zen Museum
This sprawling garden and museum complex is designed for you to slow down and breathe.
As you enter, you'll be greeted by landscaped rock gardens, ponds, and peaceful pathways perfect for a meditative stroll.
The highlight, though, is KOHTEI. It's a spaceship-like pavilion covered in traditional wooden shingles.
Inside, you sit in complete darkness for about 25 minutes, watching light dance on rippling water.
It's surreal, beautiful, and honestly one of the most memorable art installations you'll ever see in Japan.
Our experience here was definitely one for the books.
Get tickets here.
KOHTEI.
Image via SAYS
6. Fukuzenji Temple
Located in the port town of Tomonoura in Fukuyama, this temple doesn't scream for attention but rewards you with a peaceful view of the Seto Inland Sea.
It's the kind of place where you can sit cross-legged on a tatami, look out at the horizon, and just zone out.
If Kyoto temples feel too crowded, this little spot will bring back the tranquillity. Small, humble, and incredibly peaceful.
Get tickets here.
Watch a video of our view here:
7. Tomonoura, Fukuyama
Tomonoura, part of Fukuyama city, is a charming seaside town that feels like it's been frozen in time.
With narrow, cobblestoned alleys, wooden houses, and fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbour, it's easy to see why Studio Ghibli's Ponyo was inspired by this place.
Beyond its cinematic connection, Tomonoura is dotted with small cafés and traditional shops overlooking the sea.
The slow pace here makes it perfect for a day trip. You can wander around, sip tea (or even a refreshing beer) by the water, and get a glimpse of everyday life in coastal Japan.
Click to watch the video below:
Wanna discover even more underrated gems like these?
Check out Klook's Kreatorverse, a global community of travel content creators who share real tips, hidden finds, and experiences you won't get in the usual guidebooks.
Find inspo for your next Japan trip (or anywhere else), plus guides from travellers who've actually been there.
And if you're always the one in your group sending the "where to makan/play/shop" links, you can even join as a Kreator to score perks, discounts, and earn from your own adventures.
This year, Klook Kreatorverse's event brought together 112 Klook Kreators from 15 countries, who spent seven days exploring Japan with a focus on experiences in Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Osaka.
Find out more about Klook's Kreatorverse programme here.
