Hiroshima Souvenirs & Reflections: My Final Thoughts on a Solo Trip

Read the Japanese version here（日本語版はこちら）.

This is the ninth and final post in my solo trip series to Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Mt. Misen.

If you’re new to this series, feel free to check out Part 1, where I share some recommended spots in Hiroshima.

I can’t believe we’ve finally reached the end.

As a solo female traveler, I’d like to share this trip from my perspective.

In this final chapter, I’ll be sharing the souvenirs I picked up along the way, along with a reflection on my journey.

I hope you’ll stay with me until the very end and enjoy these memories together.

You can also check the previous part here.

Souvenirs I Bought in Hiroshima

Fresh Momiji Manju, Setouchi Lemon Pie, and Okonomiyaki Sauce

“Nishikido” Fresh Momiji Manju

Have you heard of this before?

It’s basically a softer, more moist version of the classic momiji manju.

I bought it at the souvenir shop inside Orizuru Tower.

Compared to the regular version, it feels more filling and satisfying—definitely something I’d recommend.

It also makes a great gift.

“FURUTA” Setouchi Lemon Pie

I bought this as a classic “bring-to-the-office” souvenir.

Honestly, I decided just because it had “Setouchi Lemon” in the name.

I have to admit, I laughed at myself for that.

The Setouchi region has a warm climate and is well known for its lemons, so you’ll find a lot of lemon-flavored products in Hiroshima.

That’s probably part of what drew me to it, too.

“Carp” Okonomiyaki Sauce

Hiroshima is famous for Otafuku okonomiyaki sauce, but I wanted to try something a little different.

I also noticed many shops selling “okonomiyaki kits” with flour, spatulas, and sauce all included.

It felt like such a “Hiroshima-style” souvenir.

This sauce was really good too.

Lemosco, Mikan Mochi, and Lemon Snacks

“Setouchi Lemon Farm” Lemosco

Basically… lemon Tabasco.

It was my first time seeing it, so I bought it instantly.

It has a great balance of sourness and spice.

I used it on pasta and salads—it was delicious.

Especially on pasta. I finished it so quickly.

Mikan Mochi

I bought this as small gifts for family and friends.

It was very affordable and perfect for sharing.

The mochi had a subtle mandarin orange flavor and tasted great.

Momiji Manju Caramel

To be honest, I couldn’t really tell if it tasted like momiji manju,

but since it’s something you can only get here, people really liked it.

Setouchi Lemon Snacks

I mentioned these in another post, but they’re really good.

They have a slightly tangy flavor, which I personally love.

Perfect as souvenirs too.

Fortune Maneki-neko Strap

I bought this at a souvenir shop filled with lucky cats near the exit of Itsukushima Shrine.

Maneki-neko are traditional Japanese cat figurines believed to bring good luck and fortune.

They had one for every single birthday—366 in total.

Each one was handmade, and every face was different.

It also came with a fortune sheet based on your birth date…

But mine wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, so I threw it away pretty quickly.

It wasn’t the cheapest souvenir, but it felt special.

I also bought one for a friend, and she really liked it.

Lacquered Bento Box

I bought this at a shop called “Kimura Hoteido” on Miyajima’s Omotesando shopping street.

At first, I just picked up a small deer-themed item, but the elderly woman at the shop was so kind.

That made me want to look around more—and I ended up buying this on impulse.

I’d always wanted a bento box like this.

Sometimes, when the shop staff are nice, you just end up buying more than you planned.

Kumano Brush (Face Brush)

I bought this at the Orizuru Tower souvenir shop.

I had no intention of buying it at all.

But once I started looking… I really wanted it.

It’s something you can only really get in Hiroshima, so after a lot of hesitation, I decided to treat myself.

Kumano brushes are traditional crafts made in the Kumano area of Hiroshima.

They are mostly handcrafted using animal hair, with techniques that have been passed down for over 400 years.

They’re known for their incredibly soft texture and careful finishing, which makes them popular among professional makeup artists and calligraphers both in Japan and abroad.

While I was choosing, a young man next to me was asking the staff:

“I’d like to buy a gift for an older woman I know…”

The staff replied, “I think she’ll really love it.”

And I was listening the whole time, thinking—

I wanted to jump in and say:

“I’m sure she’ll LOVE it!!!”

I couldn’t help laughing at how invested I was.

In the end, he bought what looked like a pretty expensive set.

Honestly… I was a little jealous.

Whoever receives that is so lucky.

Choosing Kumano brushes as a gift? That’s such good taste.

I want one too.

I even started wondering…

Is he interested in her? Or is it for his girlfriend?

If it’s for a girlfriend, it’s a wonderful gift.

But if not… I wonder how that would feel.
If it’s just someone who has feelings for you, a gift like that might actually feel a little heavy.

Gifts between men and women can be surprisingly complicated.

……Even though it had absolutely nothing to do with me, I couldn’t help overthinking it—completely unnecessary, I know.

But still—I was jealous!

By the way, the one I bought is pink, and the tip is shaped like a heart, which makes it even cuter.

It wasn’t cheap, but honestly, this might be my favorite purchase from the whole trip.

It’s so precious that I still haven’t used it.

Something I Bought on the Trip (Bonus)

EDWIN Shoes

This has nothing to do with Hiroshima souvenirs at all, but—

when you buy shoes during a trip, it somehow feels like they’ll take you on your next journey.

These shoes are really light and comfortable.

I found them on sale, and it felt like such a great deal.

A Few Things I Wish I Had Done

There wasn’t anything I’d call a “mistake,” but there were a few things I wish I had done.

Hiking Mt. Misen on Foot

This time, I took the ropeway partway up.

The view was amazing, of course—but next time, I’d love to hike all the way from the bottom.

Slowly, taking my time.

Of course, the view from the ropeway was amazing too

Visiting Misen’s “Miyama Shrine”

On Mt. Misen in Miyajima, there’s a shrine near Reikado Hall that’s known as a spiritual power spot.

I only found out about it after I got home.

I was honestly a bit disappointed.

I definitely want to visit next time.

Staying on Miyajima Island

This time, I stayed on the mainland.

Next time, I’d love to stay on the island itself.

That way, I could explore early in the morning and spend more time with the deer.

The only problem is the budget.

Visiting the Peace Memorial Museum

This one couldn’t be helped—it was closed due to COVID.

Next time, I want to take my time and really explore it properly.

Things I’m Glad I Did on This Trip

Looking back, here are some things I’m really glad I experienced—and would recommend to others.

Walking the Uguisu Path in Miyajima

There was a shorter route to the ropeway station, but I chose to take the longer “Uguisu Path.”

It took more time, but I got to see deer along the way and enjoy the fresh air.

It was such a peaceful and meaningful experience.

Walking along while spotting wild deer was a really lovely memory

Climbing Mt. Misen

If you visit Miyajima, I truly recommend going up Mt. Misen.

The view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea is absolutely breathtaking.

For me, this was the highlight of Miyajima.

The view from the summit is absolutely breathtaking

Drinking Water at Reikado Hall

Guidebooks say that the water boiled from the “eternal flame” here can cure all illnesses.

I went there fully intending to drink it—

but no one else was drinking it.

Still, I gathered my courage and asked a monk:

“Is it okay if I drink this?”

He said yes.

So I drank several cups.

I’m really glad I had the courage to ask.

The sacred “eternal flame” that has been burning since Kobo Daishi performed a ritual here over 1,200 years ago

Walking Through Peace Memorial Park at Dusk

As I mentioned in the previous post,

there are things you can only understand when you actually stand there yourself.

That’s one of the best parts of traveling.

Walking through the park in the calm, peaceful atmosphere of dusk—

it was such a gentle, quiet moment.

In our busy daily lives, it’s hard to find time like that.

It was a truly fulfilling and peaceful experience.

It also made me deeply feel, in a very real way, just how precious peace truly is.

There was a sense of peace that could only be felt here

Final Thoughts on My Hiroshima Trip

And so, this brings my nine-part Hiroshima travel series to an end.

I didn’t expect it to become this long—but how was it?

I tried my best to recall everything, even as my memories slowly faded, using photos to help.

This trip itself took place during a time when traveling was difficult due to COVID, which made the experience feel even more special and unforgettable.

Even while writing this, I found myself wondering whether it was the right time to share a travel story like this.

But someday, things will return to normal.

And when that time comes, I hope this series can help someone.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan or Hiroshima—or even just dreaming about going someday—
I’d be really happy if this could be of some help.

Travel really is something special.

I want to keep exploring new places and seeing landscapes I’ve never seen before.

And for that day to come sooner—

I truly hope the world becomes a place where we can travel freely again.

And until then…

I need to start saving money again!!!

I’ll do my best.

Thank you so much for reading this long travel series.

Read the Japanese version here（日本語版はこちら）.

If you’d like to see the full series from this trip, you can check out the complete guide here.