Hiroshima's Botanical Gardens

A visit to Hiroshima city in Spring or Summer should include a stop by the Botanical Gardens in Saiki-ku, only a 30 minute drive from Hiroshima city center or a 40 minute bus ride from the bus center (inside Sogo department store).

It is an easy stop-off on the way to or from one of Hiroshima's top two most famous World Heritage sites- Miyajima Island: http://gethiroshima.com/tag/miyajima/page/2/

Here is a video guide in English we made from a recent trip in May, 2015 when the Rose festival was happening:
<iframe width="360" height="115" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NEXv-HXl9DY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

It's a great time to visit at any time of year in any type of weather as there is a Begonia enclosure and a large greenhouse to explore as well as the outdoor gardens.

There are festivals and events featuring different blossoms, plants and trees throughout the year. You can see upcoming events on the GetHiroshima event listings: http://gethiroshima.com/events/

To get to the Botanical gardens by car, follow signs along Route 2 and then on the Nishihiroshima bypass to Itsukaichi (Miyajima is further along that same road). Then exit at Itsukaichi (on the left). The sign for the first turn is unfortunately only in Japanese at the turn 植物公園 but you will see a big, bright yellow Ramen shop and "Yellow hat" tires on the right side. Follow on that road until you see the Nissan dealership and a sign for the Botanical Gardens in English on the left side of the road. You will then head up the hill and turn right to the Gardens.

You can follow GPS to:
Hiroshima Botanical Gardens 731-5156 Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken, Saeki-ku, Kurashige 3-chome - 495 Tel: 082-922-3600 Fax: 082-923-6100 Address in Japanese: 広島市植物公園 〒731-5156 広島市佐伯区倉重三丁目495番地

Read more about the Botanical Gardens in Hiroshima here: http://gethiroshima.com/museums-attractions/hiroshima-botanical-gardens/