It’s hard to believe I’ve been living in Hiroshima for nearly 9 years. What started as my student years eventually turned into a career, and somewhere along the way, this city quietly became home.
Funny enough, my family still hasn’t visited me here (don’t worry, we’re on great terms!). Instead, it’s usually friends who fly in, telling me they “just want to see where I live.” Whenever they ask for recommendations, I don’t give them a checklist of tourist traps; I give them the route I actually enjoy taking myself.
This is a record of one of those days, starting from the airport and heading east, rediscovering a side of Hiroshima that feels familiar yet always has something new to show me.

Starting with a Sense of Freedom

After landing at Hiroshima Airport, most people instinctively head for the airport limousine bus. But if you want to travel on your own terms, renting a car is a fantastic alternative.

There are several rental counters right inside the airport, making it incredibly easy to get moving. For those looking to explore beyond the city center and dive into the quieter suburbs or coastal gems, having your own wheels offers a real sense of freedom and peace of mind.

https://www.hij.airport.jp/en/access/rentalcar.html

Okunoshima: Where Time Slows Down

From the airport, it’s a scenic drive to Tadanoumi Port. After grabbing tickets at the charming pink ferry terminal, famously known as the “Gateway to Rabbit Island”. It’s a short boat ride over to Okunoshima.

The ferry trip is brief, but the moment you leave the dock, the pace of life seems to shift. Once you land, rabbits are everywhere, some hop right up to say hello, while others just lounge in the shade. There’s no need for a strict itinerary here; just wander the island paths and let the sea breeze wash away the stress of daily life. While every season has its charm, spring is magical. Watching rabbits hop through a flurry of falling cherry blossom petals is a sight you won’t soon forget.

A Taste of Tradition: Lunch in Takehara

A short hop from the port is the town of Takehara, the perfect spot for lunch. We headed to Okonomiyaki Horikawa, tucked away in the historic district. It’s housed in a beautiful old building that fits perfectly into the traditional streetscape.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is the ultimate local soul food, and Horikawa does it beautifully. What I love most is that they offer vegetarian options as a natural part of their menu, not just as an afterthought. Their veggie okonomiyaki, packed with corn, green onions, and cabbage, is simple, honest, and incredibly satisfying. We also tried their “Hoboro-yaki,” a specialty inspired by the anime Tamayura, which features a unique chicken rice ball topping.

The Streets of Takehara: A Walk Through History

After lunch, we took a slow stroll through Takehara’s Preserved District. The atmosphere here is so calm that you naturally find yourself slowing down. You start noticing the little things, the intricate rooflines, the weathered window frames, and the texture of the old stone walls.
My personal ritual is to climb the steps of Shoren-ji Temple and then head over to the Fumon Pavilion at Saifuku-ji Temple. From the viewpoint, you can look out over the entire town. Every time I stand there, it feels like I’m quietly saying, “I’m back.”

There’s also a nearby roadside station, making it easy to browse local products and pick up souvenirs before continuing the journey. Sometimes, you even stumble upon small surprises on one visit, I found rabbit-shaped bread that was both adorable and surprisingly good. Takehara isn’t a place to check off a list; it’s a place to wander, pause, and simply be.

A Quick Pitstop: Nonta no Sakagura

Driving from Takehara toward Higashihiroshima, we made a quick stop at the Nonta no Sakagura roadside station. It’s a goldmine for local sake, sweets, and handmade crafts. I always find myself losing track of time browsing the local produce. Personally, I can’t recommend their lemon chili sauce enough; I put it on everything from pasta and pizza to fried chicken. It’s the perfect local souvenir.

Dinner in the Heart of Sake Country: Chūshingura

For dinner, we headed to Chūshingura, an izakaya near JR Saijo Station and the famous Sake Brewery Street. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming. It’s also very vegetarian-friendly, which is a huge plus when traveling in a group with different dietary needs. We shared tofu and king oyster mushroom dishes, steamed skewers, and a Bishunabe (sake-based hot pot), paired, of course, with Saijo’s world-class local sake. Dining here feels less like a tourist experience and more like sharing a slice of daily life with the locals.

Between Familiarity and Discovery

To me, Hiroshima is no longer just “the place where I live”, it’s my second home. This route is a piece of my everyday life, yet every time I show it to friends, I see it through their eyes and discover something new.
It’s about finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. And someday, I hope I’ll finally get to show my family from Taiwan around this place I now call second home.