At Iwaso Ryokan, you’re staying deep within Momijidani Valley, where rooms – some in century-old wooden cottages – blend into forest. Each space is slightly different, shaped by traditional craftsmanship and framed by nature (you might even spot deer passing through). Wake to the sound of water, soak in the bath overlooking greenery, and let the streamside setting work its magic. 

At Uluru, daytime drinking is very much the point – open from 9am to 5pm, it’s ideal for a mid-afternoon stop. Counter seating only, with a relaxed, drop-in feel. The menu is impressively vegetable-forward (many dishes naturally gluten free), paired with a strong natural wine list. Order the Uluru-yaki – loaded with kale and finished with a heavy dusting of parmesan. Stay for one, maybe two, then move on. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum presents the impact of the atomic bombing through personal stories, artefacts and carefully structured exhibits. It’s direct and often confronting with recreations and artefacts from the time. Allow at least a couple of hours and take breaks where needed as the content gets heavy. Pair it with a walk through the nearby Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims for proper reflection.

Archive Coffee Roasters Hiroshima is a relaxed, modern café with an unfussy vibe – nothing over stylised but with a sense of calm and plenty of seating if you want to linger. Coffee is well balanced and straightforward, with cakes and special treats on the menu like kasiki ice cream, a Tokyo-based ice cream and wine shop that specialises in fruit and tea flavours.