Where To Stay In Hiroshima – A 2023 Travel Guide

Hiroshima, a city in Japan rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Hiroshima, as the first city to be devastated by a nuclear attack, has a lot to offer in terms of historical and educational significance. But it’s not just history that makes it worthwhile to visit; the city has experienced a dramatic metamorphosis, and it’s now a modern, bustling city with world-class cuisine, wonderful shopping, gorgeous parks, and a thriving nightlife. Here is a list of the top places to stay in it.

Best Places To Stay In Hiroshima

Downtown Hiroshima (Naka-ku): The city’s core, bursting with vitality from commercial streets, the Peace Memorial Park, and a variety of culinary options. This is your best bet if you want to be in the heart of the activity and close to major attractions. There are a variety of accommodations available here, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Hiroshima Station Area (Minami-ku): If you plan to travel outside of the city frequently, consider lodging near its Station. This region also has a variety of lodging alternatives and convenient access to public transit.

Hiroshima Bay (Hiroshima Port region): This gorgeous waterfront location provides amazing vistas as well as a calmer mood. It’s only a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island and the famous Itsukushima Shrine, giving it an ideal location for visitors looking to explore both the city and the surrounding natural attractions.

If you want a more residential atmosphere or want to spend time at the university, try living in the University area (Higashihiroshima City). It’s calmer, but it boasts a good assortment of local eateries, stores, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).

How to Get There

It can be reached by bullet train from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, with Hiroshima Station serving as the main transit hub. If you’re flying, the nearest airport is its Airport, which is about 50 kilometers east of the city.

How to Get Around

The Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) streetcar network covers much of the city and its surroundings, making it a convenient mode of transportation. There are also regular buses and taxis, and it is possible to walk short distances. Ferries are provided for day visits to Miyajima.

What to Do and See

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum: The park honors the victims of the atomic bomb and advocates world peace. The A-Bomb Dome, the sole structure remaining near the bomb’s hypocenter, can be found within the park.

Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima Shrine: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its “floating” torii gate. The island also has wild animals, lovely forests, and Mt. Misen, which offers trekking and breathtaking vistas.

Hiroshima Castle: Also known as the Carp Castle, its main keep provides a panoramic view of Hiroshima city. It also houses a museum with exhibits on the history and culture of Hiroshima.

Shukkei-en Garden: The name translates to “shrunken-scenery garden,” and it exhibits small landscapes such as woods, valleys, and mountains.

Okonomiyaki from Hiroshima: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a delightful savoury pancake.

More Places to Stay

As mentioned in the previous comment, depending on your preferences, Naka-ku (downtown), Minami-ku ( Station region), Hiroshima Bay (Hiroshima Port area), and Higashi  City (Hiroshima University area) are all excellent choices.

Tips

Get a  Pass for unlimited bus and streetcar rides throughout the city.Prepare for hot and humid weather if visiting it between June and August.Because English proficiency varies, a translation software could be handy.

Consider what kind of experience you wish to have while deciding where to stay in it. Do you prefer seeing historical places, sampling local food, shopping, or experiencing nature? Your preferences will influence your choice of lodging.

Hiroshima Food Guide

It is a gourmet paradise for foodies. The city serves a variety of regional delicacies, the most famous of which is its style okonomiyaki. Here are some must-try foods and where you may find them:

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki: Unlike Kansai-style okonomiyaki, Hiroshima’s version is layered with cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, noodles (soba or udon), and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and green onions. This can be found in Okonomi-mura, an okonomiyaki-themed food park in Naka-ku with over 20 restaurants to select from.

Oysters: Hiroshima Bay is noted for its huge, juicy, and flavourful oysters. They can be eaten raw, grilled, deep-fried, in stews, or even on top of okonomiyaki. For the tastiest oysters, go to Kakiyasu at Minato-machi market.

Momiji Manju: When visiting it, this is a must-try dessert. These sweet maple-leaf-shaped cakes are especially popular in Miyajima and are frequently filled with sweet red bean paste. They can be found in any souvenir shop or confectionery store in Miyajima.

Tsukemen: A form of ramen that serves the noodles and soup separately. Before eating, the noodles are dipped in the soup. Visit Ganko in the Station neighborhood for a delicious bowl of tsukemen.

Sake: Be sure to try the local sake. Its Prefecture is one of Japan’s main sake producers. Kamotsuru, located in Saijo, it is a well-known sake brewery that you can visit.

Hiroshima Style Tsukemen: This is a dish in which the noodles and broth are presented separately, and the noodles are dipped into the soup before eating. Bakudanya in it’s downtown district serves an amazing bowl of tsukemen.

In addition to these, visit local markets such as the  Jogakuin Cider Kan Farmers Market or the Central Wholesale Market for fresh local vegetables and regional delicacies.

Hiroshima’s food scene will undoubtedly delight your palate, whether you’re seeking for street cuisine, casual eating, or a high-end gastronomic experience.

Conclusion

It has risen from the ashes to become a lively, modern city while maintaining and commemorating its past. It has an interesting mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Have a wonderful time in it!

Consider what kind of experience you wish to have while deciding where to stay in it. Do you prefer seeing historical places, sampling local food, shopping, or experiencing nature? Your preferences will influence your choice of lodging.

Regardless of where you stay, you’ll find it to be a welcoming city full of incredible experiences and a place that carries a tremendous message of peace and resilience. Have a wonderful time in it!