8 Best Things to Do in Hiroshima in September: Fruit Picking, Traditional Craft Experience, Cycling Spots

If you’re planning to go sightseeing, including seasonal activities unique to that time of year in your itinerary is ideal. In this issue, we introduce essential travel information for September in Hiroshima, including weather, appropriate fashion, key events, and recommended spots, catering to those interested in experiencing the uniqueness of the season.

To learn more about Hiroshima in autumn, check here!

Hiroshima in September

Weather

The early part of September in Hiroshima will be a transitional period as the weather gradually turns toward autumn, but will continue to experience lingering heat. The heat will gradually ease in late September, but temperatures will still fluctuate between about 25° and 30°C (77° and 86°F). Cooler clothing will be best, especially during the daytime hours, as it will still be hot.

Events

Although it can still be hot, once the extreme heat eases, the weather becomes more pleasant and it is a great time to get out and about. Autumn is considered the best season to concentrate on something, as it is neither as hot as summer nor as cold as winter. In Japan, there is a culture of enjoying various cultural activities, sports, and seasonal gourmet foods in autumn, so much so that the expressions “autumn for the arts,” “autumn for reading,” “autumn for the appetite,” and “autumn for sports” are often used. Fruit picking, experiencing crafts, and enjoying sports to the fullest are recommended in the Japanese style of autumn.

Travel

September is one of the best months to visit Hiroshima, as the peak tourist season in August has passed and there are relatively few tourists, so you can take your time and enjoy the sights. We recommend experiencing the beautiful nature, exploring delicious gourmet food, and experiencing crafts that will leave you with lasting memories.

September Fashion

In Hiroshima in September, the days are warm and the mornings and evenings can be a bit chilly, so a layered style is recommended: wear a T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt with a light cardigan or jacket. It is also a good idea to carry a folding umbrella, as it may rain on some days.

3 Spots for Fruit-Picking Experience

Here are some spots where you can experience harvesting and enjoy freshly picked fruits in September! Fruit picking activities are popular in Japan for families with children, outings with friends, and as date spots for couples as well. Enjoy the delicious fruits of Japan.

*Reservations are required for some locations and fruit picking plans. Please check the official page of each spot for details.

SMILE-LABO HIROSHIMA

SMILE-LABO HIROSHIMA is a fruit farm located in Mihara City. Visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit picking, including pears, grapes, and apples during the month of September There is also a store and a restaurant, so you can spend the whole day enjoying yourself.

The park also features a winery, and offers the opportunity to feed goats.

Official website: https://www.smilelabohiroshima.com/

Hirata Tourist Farm (平田観光農園)

Located at the top of a mountain 500 meters above sea level in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, this 15-hectare farm offers seasonal fruit picking throughout the year, including Delaware and Pione grapes, pears, and apples in September. In addition to fruit picking, there are many other activities for children and adults to enjoy, from petting ponies, goats, and cows to outdoor activities such as barbecues and Dutch oven cooking.

The park’s café also sells sweets made with plenty of fruit. “Fruit curry” is also recommended. In Japan, apples are commonly used as a secret ingredient in curry. At this fruit farm, you can savor a unique curry enriched with an abundance of apples. If you’re interested, please give it a try.

Official website: https://marumero.com/whatishiratafarm1

Sera Taiho Farm (世羅大豊農園)

Sera Taiho Farm is a farm that grows fruits, mainly pears and grapes, in a 45-hectare garden spread out at an altitude of 450 meters. The fruits here are cultivated without bagging, which enhances their natural sweetness and freshness. Enjoy the delicious taste of fresh pears and sweet grapes, ripened to perfection under the sun. Please enjoy pear and grape picking.

Official website: https://www.taiho-farm.com/

2 Traditional Crafts/ Sweets Making Experiences

We recommend experiencing crafts to create memories of your trip while learning about traditional Japanese techniques and culture.

*Reservations are required for the experience. Please check the official website for details.

Miyajima-Bori Making Experience at Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center

At the Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center, visitors can experience carving and coloring their own designs on 15 cm round trays under the guidance of a traditional craftsman. You can take the tray home with you, making it a great souvenir of your trip.

Momiji Manju Making Experience at Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center

Momiji-manju is a popular sweet on Miyajima, a popular tourist destination in Hiroshima Prefecture. Momiji-manju is a bun shaped like an autumn leaf (momiji), and is a Japanese confectionery made of sponge cake dough filled with red bean paste or chocolate. At the Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center, you can experience making your own momiji-manju.

Official website: https://miyajimazaiku.com/mtcc/

3 Spots for Cycling

Enjoy cycling in a spot surrounded by nature in a pleasant climate! Here are some recommended outdoor destinations equipped with a wide variety of facilities!

Central Forest Park (中央森林公園)

Central Forest Park is a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, ground golf, and barbecue, as well as a cycling course. The grass plaza in the middle of the cycling course is right next to the airport runway, where you can watch airplanes take off and land up close.

Mominoki Shinrin Koen (県立もみのき森林公園)

This leisure facility with vast grounds reopened in April 2024. Visitors can enjoy cycling while enjoying nature in each of the four seasons. Cycling while being bathed in negative ions is an exhilarating experience. In addition to the cycling path, the facility is well equipped with a barbecue plaza, accommodations, hiking trails, and other facilities that make it impossible to play all out in a single day.

Haji Dam Cycling Terminal (土師ダムサイクリングターミナル)

Editor’s Comment

Please make wonderful memories at Hiroshima’s attractive spots, such as fruit picking and traditional craft experiences!

For those who want to know more about Hiroshima