Hiroshima might be famous for its history and peace memorials, but it’s also an excellent destination for those who love outdoor adventures and trekking experiences. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, these hikes take you through lush forests, up mountain trails, and into places where you can connect deeply with nature — and even enjoy a traditional tea ceremony on a mountaintop. Some tours, like the Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour & Open-air Tea Ceremony, combine cultural insights with active exploration, offering a unique way to experience this city’s surroundings. Whether you’re after a gentle forest walk, a challenging mountain trek, or a spiritual retreat, Hiroshima has options that fit different tastes and fitness levels.
In our list, you’ll find a variety of guided hikes, some including forest bathing, viewpoints overlooking Miyajima, or even temple stays that blend trekking with Zen meditation. These tours are perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they seek meaningful encounters with nature, history, and local culture. For those interested in a mix of outdoor activity and culture, options like the Hiking and a Temple Retreat in the Mountains of Hiroshima stand out. Ready to explore Hiroshima’s natural beauty? Let’s dive into the best options.
1. Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour&Open-air Tea Ceremony
This highly-rated tour (5.0/5 from 199 reviews) offers a three-hour guided hike through the Futaba Mountains, combined with a memorable Nodate tea ceremony. For around $118 per person, you’ll explore forest trails, visit historical shrines, and enjoy spectacular views from the Futabayama Peace Pagoda. The hike covers stops at Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, Kinko Inari Shrine, and Futabayama Peace Pagoda, where you’ll learn about Hiroshima’s cultural heritage and local spiritual practices.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of nature exploration with cultural storytelling. Your guide, who is well-versed in Hiroshima’s history and Shinto traditions, shares insights as you walk. The highlight is the mountaintop Nodate tea ceremony, performed outdoors with a panoramic view of the city and Seto Inland Sea — an authentic and serene experience. The early start gives you the rest of the day free, perfect for further sightseeing or relaxing. The tour’s value for money is evident, especially given the inclusion of admission tickets and a personal guide. Reviewers praise the easy/moderate hike and the warmth of the guide, with comments like, “Michi made the experience special with stories and a welcoming attitude.”
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts wanting an authentic, cultural outing with manageable hiking and an unforgettable tea ceremony.
2. Hiroshima: Morning Hiking Tour with Open-air Tea Ceremony
For about $111, this tour offers a morning trek up Futaba Mountain with the bonus of an open-air tea ceremony at the summit. It’s a shorter, more relaxed option that emphasizes experiencing Japan’s hospitality and natural beauty. During this outing, you’ll enjoy forest bathing and mountain views while learning about the area’s cultural sites, including the Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine.
This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a gentle introduction to Hiroshima’s outdoor scenery without a long day of hiking. The focus on outdoor tea and mountain views makes it ideal for those seeking a peaceful, immersive experience. Reviews note the true Japanese hospitality and the beautiful architecture of the shrine. The guided experience allows you to appreciate the flora and fauna along the trail, and the early start gets you back by late morning, leaving plenty of time to explore Hiroshima afterwards.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers after a relaxed, cultural hike with scenic views and an authentic tea experience, ideal for those new to hiking or with limited time.
3. Hike up Mt. Omine and enjoy the view of Miyajima
This approximately three-hour trek ($85) takes you to the summit of Mt. Omine, a mountain once famous for its breathtaking vistas. From the top, you’ll see the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima Island, and lush Japanese forests — perfect for landscape lovers. The trail offers a moderate climb, with the reward of 360-degree views and the chance to enjoy local snacks and coffee while soaking in the scenery.
What makes this hike stand out is the combination of nature and food. You’ll enjoy local snacks, or even original coffee, with a spectacular backdrop. The trail is suitable for those with some hiking experience but isn’t overly strenuous. While there are no reviews listed, the distinctive panoramic views and emphasis on nature and local tastes make this a compelling option for nature lovers and photographers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a moderate mountain trek with scenic rewards and a taste of local food, especially if you appreciate views of Miyajima.
$84.94 per person
4. Hiking and a Temple Retreat in the Mountains of Hiroshima
This six-hour experience (costing around $447) combines trekking with spiritual reflection. You’ll explore the open grassy landscapes of Mt. Ungetsu, shaped by traditional controlled burning practices that keep the scenery pristine. The walk takes about 1.5 hours and highlights nature’s resilience and the humans’ role in preserving the landscape.
After the hike, you’ll visit the Jokenji Temple, where a monk-led recitation and sharing of Buddhist teachings foster a sense of calm and mindfulness. The tour includes a seasonal vegetarian meal (shojin ryori) and matcha tea, adding a culinary dimension to the spiritual experience. The peaceful atmosphere and the chance to participate in temple rituals make this ideal for travelers interested in Buddhism, meditation, or nature, particularly those seeking more than just hiking.
While there are no reviews, the combination of landscape and spiritual retreat offers a deep, meaningful experience. The tour’s longer duration makes it suited for meditative-minded travelers and those wanting a full-day culture.
Bottom Line: A good fit for spiritually inclined travelers and those wanting a longer, introspective outing blending nature with Buddhist practice.
$446.84 per person
5. Hiroshima: Zen Hike & Matcha with a Monk in Nature
Spanning around 8 hours and costing $360, this full-day Zen-inspired hike is led by a monk who guides you through mountain trails and shares insights into Buddhist principles. The experience includes a serene sermon at a 400-year-old temple, sutra recitation, and a wholesome vegetable obento lunch at the mountain peak.
This tour is perfect for those interested in spirituality, self-discovery, and deep cultural insights. The guided hike through lush meadows is complemented by learning about Buddhist teachings from someone with deep spiritual knowledge. The full-day structure makes it suitable for travelers with ample time and a serious interest in meditation and Zen practices.
Review-wise, there are no comments yet, but the combination of hiking, meditation, and culture promises a transformative experience. It’s appropriate for those looking for a profound connection with Japan’s spiritual traditions and nature.
Bottom Line: Best suited for spiritually curious travelers willing to dedicate a full day to inner reflection and mountain hiking.
$360.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Hiroshima Hiking Tour
Picking among these options depends on your interests, fitness level, and schedule. If you’re after an authentic cultural experience with a manageable hike, Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour & Open-air Tea Ceremony offers a great balance. For a lighter, scenic walk with cultural highlights, the Morning Hiking Tour with Open-air Tea Ceremony is ideal. If panoramic mountain views or food matter most, consider Mt. Omine or the spiritual retreat for a deeper, more reflective experience.
Also, think about your time commitment: the full-day Hiking and a Temple Retreat suits those with extra time and interest in Buddhist practice. Always book early, especially for popular tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Hiroshima offers a surprising variety of outdoor adventures that can enrich your visit beyond the city’s well-known sights. Whether you prefer a short forest walk with tea, a mountain summit view, or a spiritual retreat, there’s a tour tailored to your interest. For a balanced mix of nature, culture, and mindfulness, the Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour & Open-air Tea Ceremony stands out, especially given its high ratings and unique combination of experiences.
Travelers who want a more meditative or spiritual experience might find the Zen Hike & Matcha with a Monk perfect, while those seeking scenic views and local snacks will enjoy the Hike up Mt. Omine. Whatever your style, Hiroshima’s outdoor tours promise a refreshing way to see Japan’s fourth-largest island—so consider booking early to ensure your place on these memorable journeys.