Project 47: Episode 9 — Hiroshima Prefecture (Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Japan)
I rode into Hiroshima expecting a great ride — and ended up finding one of the best motorcycle prefectures in Japan. From coastal roads and island crossings to floating shrines and hidden caves, this journey completely changed how I see this part of the country.
In this episode of Project 47, I spend three days riding deep into Hiroshima Prefecture, uncovering what most travelers never see. Beyond the city lies a motorcycle paradise: the legendary Shimanami Kaido, a breathtaking island-hopping road across the Seto Inland Sea, plus surreal stops like Kousanji Temple’s “Cave of Hell” and the massive Iron Whale submarine in Kure.
Along the way, I ride epic coastal highways, explore vintage car museums, climb inside a real submarine, and pay my respects at the Peace Park — before heading back out onto roads that feel worlds away from the city.
This is the other side of Hiroshima — and why it might be Japan’s most misunderstood prefecture.
⏱️ In this episode:
00:00 - Intro: The Side of Hiroshima You Haven't Seen
00:51 - A Rare Find: The 1943 Crosley & Fukuyama Auto Museum
04:32 - The Shimanami Kaido: Japan's Best Motorcycle Road?
06:09 - Entering the "Cave of Hell" (1,000 Buddhas at Kousanji)
09:16 - The Shimanami Kaido: Camping in a storm!
11:32 - Sake Street, Not what I expected to find!
13:29 - Finding a Giant Submarine in the Street (Kure)
20:05 - Local recommendation: Hiroshima Okonomiyaki! (Michelin )
21:37 - The Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Park
23:56 - Miyajima: Can I Stealth Camp here?
27:06 - Miyajima: The Island of Gods & The Floating Gate
🇯🇵 About Project 47
Project 47 is a solo motorcycle documentary series covering all 47 prefectures of Japan. This Japan road trip explores the real country beyond the tourist trail. From motocamping spots to hidden rural shrines, this series captures the essence of solo travel in Japan. If you enjoy cinematic motovlogs, Japan travel guides, or long-format motorcycle road trips (like Long Way Round or Itchy Boots), welcome to the journey.
Watch the full Project 47 playlist — my ride through all 47 prefectures of Japan: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmfZhaoecyj7cmIPW3d5RVHgljlKch4H
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RideThruJapan/
SUPPORT THE RIDE
Join Team Riders (¥140 / $1 per month):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7QUavyzNZwmN69oLfZxsUQ/join
📍 Locations in this video:
Hiroshima Prefecture, Chugoku Region (Fukuyama Auto Museum, Kousanji Temple, Shimanami Kaido, Kure Maritime Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima)
🏍️ The Bike:
Triumph Scrambler 400x
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