Local Customs & Etiquette in Hiroshima, Japan

All Topics about Hiroshima All Cities in Japan

1. Peace Memorial Park Etiquette

Respect the silence and solemn atmosphere of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Avoid loud noises and keep a quiet demeanor.

Solemn Environment: Understand the historical significance of the site
Respect for Silence: Preserve the peaceful atmosphere for visitors and survivors alike
Awareness of Behavior: Ensure your actions do not disturb others or detract from the memorial experience

At Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, remove your shoes before entering the main hall and pray with the correct form.

Proper Shrine Etiquette: Understand and follow the customs of traditional Japanese shrines
Shoe Removal: Respect the sanctity of the shrine by removing shoes before entry
Correct Prayer Form: Learn the proper way to pray in a Japanese shrine

When visiting an onsen (hot spring), remember to wash your body before entering the bath.

Proper Bathing Habits: Understand and follow Japanese bathing customs
Washing Before Entering: Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the communal bathing area
Modesty and Decorum: Respect local customs by covering any tattoos (which may be associated with gangs) and avoiding loud or boisterous behavior

During the Obon festival in August, many Hiroshima residents visit their ancestors' graves and clean them meticulously.

Ancestor Respect: Comprehend the importance of honoring one's ancestors during Obon
Grave Cleaning: Participate in the tradition of cleaning and decorating graves during Obon
Community Bonding: Engage with locals as they honor their ancestors together

At Hiroshima's Mazda Stadium, fans show great enthusiasm and camaraderie during baseball games. The team mascot, Hiro-chan, is a beloved figure.

Team Spirit: Experience the passionate support for the local baseball team
Hiro-chan the Mascot: Meet and interact with the beloved Hiroshima Carp mascot, Hiro-chan
Baseball Culture: Immerse yourself in Japanese baseball culture and traditions

When making okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), it's customary to let each diner prepare their own.

DIY Okonomiyaki: Participate in the fun of creating your own okonomiyaki
Freedom to Choose: Customize your okonomiyaki with your preferred ingredients
Culinary Bonding: Experience the joy of cooking and sharing food with others

At the Tsunami Kinetic Sculpture, visitors should respect the memorial by maintaining a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.

Respectful Atmosphere: Preserve the solemn mood of the Tsunami Kinetic Sculpture
Quiet Reflection: Contemplate the tragedy and resilience represented by the sculpture
Historical Significance: Understand the importance of the Tsunami Kinetic Sculpture as a symbol of hope and recovery

At Hiroshima Castle, visitors are encouraged to be courteous and respectful towards the castle's history.

Historical Respect: Comprehend the significance of Hiroshima Castle in Japanese history
Silent Reflection: Appreciate the castle's historical value through quiet reflection
Proper Behavior: Maintain proper behavior and etiquette while visiting the castle

Visitors to the Genbaku Domu should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while exploring the site.

Respect for History: Comprehend the significance of the Atomic Bomb Dome as a symbol of peace
Quiet Reflection: Appreciate the site's historical value through quiet reflection
Proper Behavior: Maintain proper behavior and etiquette while visiting the site

During a shukubo temple stay, visitors are expected to adhere to Zen Buddhist principles and maintain silence.

Zen Philosophy: Experience the tranquility of Zen Buddhism through a temple stay
Silence and Meditation: Practice meditation and silence as part of the temple stay experience
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture during your temple stay

During the Hiroshima Festival, visitors should be aware of the vibrant and energetic atmosphere, as well as the traditional dance performances.

Festival Spirit: Participate in the lively atmosphere of the Hiroshima Festival
Traditional Dances: Witness the captivating traditional dance performances
Community Bonding: Engage with locals as they celebrate their culture and traditions

In the Hiroshima Botanical Garden, visitors should remain on designated paths and respect the flora and fauna.

Respect for Nature: Understand the importance of preserving the garden's natural beauty
Designated Paths: Stay on marked paths to protect the garden's ecosystem
Quiet Reflection: Appreciate the beauty of the botanical garden through quiet reflection

During the Hiroshima Flower Festival, visitors should appreciate the stunning displays of flowers while being mindful of others.

Appreciation for Beauty: Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Hiroshima Flower Festival
Mindfulness: Respect others by being mindful of your actions and surroundings
Community Bonding: Engage with locals as they celebrate the beauty of their city

At the Hiroshima Museum of Art, visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while viewing the exhibits.

Respect for Art: Comprehend the importance of preserving and appreciating art
Quiet Reflection: Appreciate the art through quiet reflection
Proper Behavior: Maintain proper behavior and etiquette while visiting the museum

At the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while viewing the exhibits.

Respect for Art: Comprehend the importance of preserving and appreciating contemporary art
Quiet Reflection: Appreciate the art through quiet reflection
Proper Behavior: Maintain proper behavior and etiquette while visiting the museum