Where To Stay In Hiroshima – A Guide To The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Hiroshima is an intriguing city to visit for its beauty, history, culture. There are many wonderful places to stay in Hiroshima, so getting a great night’s sleep is never a problem. Then, you will be well-rested to commemorate the city’s past while exploring the city’s bright present and future. Hiroshima is divided into eight neighborhoods, with each one offering unique experiences.

When you are wondering where to stay in Hiroshima, you can find a wide range of places to stay, from boutique hotels in Hiroshima to cheap hotels in Hiroshima. This is why we have created this guide to help you choose the best hotels in Hiroshima based on your traveling criteria.

Table of Contents

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Where to Stay in Hiroshima

In this guide, you will find the best places to stay in Hiroshima, based on your travel style, budget and needs.

The Main Hiroshima Neighborhoods

1. Asaminami– Located on the northern outskirts of the city, this is a lush green area, and it has an extensive transportation system.
2. Minami-ku– This family-friendly ward features quiet and tranquility.
3. Naka-ku,– This city-central ward is the most visited by tourists as it contains many popular attractions.
4. Higashihiroshima– Located on the east side of Hiroshima, this ward sits on the delta of the Ota River.
5. Nishi– This ward on the west side of Hiroshima sits on the water.
6. Aki-ku– This ward contains the second oldest naval shipyard in Japan, and it is the home to the Mazda factory.

Hiroshima Quick Tips

How to Get Around

Hiroshima is an easy city to navigate. JR trains make it easy to visit outlying areas. Streetcars are a convenient way to get around the main parts of Hiroshima, you will need to know which streetcar number you need to reach your destination. Get on the right car through the door marked entrance. Then, once you exit the streetcar, then you will pay your fare.

There are streetcars with attendants and those without personnel. Pushing the red button near your seat’s windows will stop the streetcar at the next stop for those that have no driver. If a driver is onboard, then you need to move to the exit shortly before your stop so that the driver knows you want off. You can pay a set fee for each ride or purchase an all-day ticket.

Buses are another convenient way to get around Hiroshima, there are nine different bus companies that operate buses, so it is vital to know which bus you need. firstly, take a ticket as you enter the bus through the middle doors, secondly push the button when you want to get off. The last step is to pay after you have exited the bus.

There are many taxis in Hiroshima. While you can simply wave down a cab, you can also find taxi stands in front of most of Hiroshima’s train stations.

If needed, you can also call the taxi company or use an app. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so you may want to pull the address up on your phone and show it to the driver when you get in. While many taxis will take credit cards, they often charge an add-on fee, so consider paying for your taxi ride with cash.

If you are going to a location near one of the rivers, then you may want to take a river taxi. You can catch these river taxis at steps on the river’s edge throughout Hiroshima.

Neighborhood Map

Look at this Hiroshima map to get an idea of different areas you may want to visit.

Plan Your Trip

• Data roaming– Travelers from the United States may be able to use their phones, but you will not be able to tether, and you will find extremely slow speeds. Travelers from the United Kingdom and other locations may want to consider traveler plans.
• Plug adapters– Electricity in Hiroshima is 100 volts, and most electrical plug-ins are Type A, The plug is identical on both sides, so you do not need to worry about which way you plug something into the socket.
• Currency-The currency is based on the yen. Coins are available in one yen, five yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations while bills are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.
• Buying a travel guide-While we have attempted to create a comprehensive guide to Hiroshima, you may still want to buy a travel guide. You can find them from many different publishers.
• What to pack-You will want to pack for a dry and cold winter with cold northwest winds often blowing strong. Summers are sweltering and humid, and you should be sure to bring along your raingear.

1. Asaminami

What’s There and Why Visit

Devastated by a landslide in August 2014, this area is home to a national transportation museum. The museum is worthwhile visiting because of the collection of old trams located there, this is including one of the few to survive the dropping of the atomic bomb while behind the museum is a fun area with all types of unique bikes that you can attempt to ride.

While visiting Asaminami, try to dine on their Chinese cabbage, which is called hiroshimana. This pickled loose-leaf cabbage dish is a specialty across Hiroshima, but this is the main area where the cabbage is grown.

Suggested Hotels Near Asaminami

Things to See Near Asaminami

Numaji Transportation Museum– First, you need to visit the first floor of this transportation museum to see fun hands-on exhibits for the whole family before heading outside to play with the unique bicycles. Adults and older students will love the historical exhibits contained on the second, third, and fourth floors.

Getting There

Numaji Transportation Museum– Get off at the Chorakuji Station and head southwest for about 450 meters, and you will see the museum.

Suggested Activities in Asaminami

Bar Hopping Food Tour – Go on a bar-hopping food tour to get a taste of many cultural foods and drinks, including hiroshimana.

Customize Private Tour in Hiroshima area – Fully customize your Hiroshima experience on this eight-hour tour.

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2. Minami-ku

What’s There and Why Visit

You will love the quiet of this neighborhood and the quiet makes it a great place to get away from crowds and enjoy a natural environment.

You will also want to see artistic works in this area. Head specifically to the contemporary art museum. You will find yourself amazed at the beauty of this unique building and the artwork it contains.

Your visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to the magnificent library where you will find more than 100,000 Japanese graphic books, these books are called magnas.

The Buddhist temple here is beautiful and it's a great representation of many Buddhist temples across Japan

Suggested Hotels Near Minami-ku

Things to See Near Minami-ku

Hijiyama Park– This park contains more than 1,300 cherry trees. Grab a picnic and take to this park and eat it while enjoying scenic views of Hiroshima City and the Seto Inland Sea. You'll want to stroll around this park to see its many modern statues and take in the paths this park offers, It has many wonderful places to run or take a walk.
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art– When this Kisho Kurokawa- designed building opened in 1989, it became the first modern art museum in Japan. The permanent collection contains more than 1,400 artworks. Spend time outside enjoying the panoramic views of Hiroshima City and the water.
Hiroshima City Manga Library-See the enormous collection of Japanese comic books contained at this public library. Pay particular attention to the corner where special mangas featuring Hiroshima are located because this library often hosts special speakers on mangas.

Getting There

Hijiyama Park – Get off at the Hijiyama-shita Station and walk about 400 meters.
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art – Get off at the Hijiyama-shita Station and walk about 450 meters.
Hiroshima City Manga Library– Take the #5 streetcar bound for Hiroshima Port and get off at the Hijiyama-shita stop. Approximately 800m to the library.

Suggested Activities in Minami-ku

Comic-learning experience – MANGA illustration workshop! in Hiroshima city – Learn to color your own Japanese cartoons at this workshop hosted by two professional manga writers.
Osaka Off the Beaten Path Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide – Hire a guide to accompany you for six hours on your visit to this neighborhood and get a deeper appreciation of the culture.

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3. Naka-ku

What’s There and Why Visit

The most popular tourist district in Hiroshima, this neighborhood offers numerous attractions you will want to see. You will find great places to reflect on the damage that the atomic bomb did to this city.

You will also find fabulous places to shop, especially along Motomachi Shopping Streets. Grab a new designer outfit and head out to one of the fabulous restaurants or bars in this area.

Scattered between historical sites and modern commercial sites, you will also find some of this prefecture's most famous temples and shrines. You will also find green spaces to rest and reflect on all you see in Hiroshima.

Suggested Hotels Near Naka-ku

Things to See Near Naka-ku

Hiroshima Castle– Originally constructed in 1598, this castle is a replica of the one destroyed by the atomic bomb. It is filled with history from the area before the start of World War II. Many of the structures surrounding the main castle were reconstructed using replica building materials and techniques.

Peace Memorial Park– This park, which once was the heart of Hiroshima’s downtown area, is dedicated to the 220,000 people who died when the atomic bomb was dropped or as a result from the radiation of its dropping. The park contains the A-dome, which is the only part of the downtown area left standing, the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims where each of the names of those lost is listed in a locked trunk, and the Peace Memorial Museum showcasing the personal stories of those lost on that fateful day.

Hiroshima Hondori Shotengai – This pedestrian street starting at Peace Memorial Park and running to Sun Mall features a variety of shops and diners. It can be a great place to buy souvenirs. Many of the shops feature locally made products.

Hiroshima Museum of Art– Divided into five different galleries, this museum offers you the chance to walk through Japan’s art history in chronological order.

Central Park – This 104-acre park located across the street from Hiroshima Castle contains a youth center, swimming pool, children’s museum, central library, a sports complex, and Yuhua Garden.

Gates of Peace – These 10 large glass plates are said to represent Dante's nine circles of Hell, plus one for Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. The statue contains the word “peace” in 49 different languages.

Ueno Gakuen Hall – Officially called the Hiroshima Prefectural Culture and Arts Hall, this facility hosts conferences, exhibitions, and shows.

Shukkei-en– This garden is one of the oldest in Japan as Asano Clan originally started it as a place for reflection.

Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum– This museum contains more than 4,500 pieces, including pieces by Salvador Dali. A special section of the museum features works about Hiroshima.

Getting There

Hiroshima Castle– 10- minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-Higashi tram stops.
Peace Memorial Park – From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 2 or 6 to the Genbaku-Domu Mae stop
Hiroshima Hondori Shotengai – Take tram lines 1, 2 or 6 to Hiroshima Station and walk about 20 minutes west.
Hiroshima Museum of Art– About a five-minute walk from Hiroshima Bus Center.
Central Park– A 10-minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-Higashi tram stops.
Gates of Peace – Take #2 streetcar for Miyajima-guchi or #6 for Eba and get off at Genbaku Dome-mae., and you need to walk for about five minutes.
Ueno Gakuen Hall – From the JR Hiroshima station, take the JR Sanyo Main Line outbound train and get off at Shin-hakushima. Then, walk for 10 minutes.
Shukkei-en: Get off the streetcar at the Shukkeien-mae Station and look up..
Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum – Get off the streetcar at the Shukkeien-mae Station and look up.

Suggested Activities in Naka-ku

Hiroshima Cycling Peace Tour with Local Guide – Three-hour bike tour with a guide from Hiroshima around Central Park.
Best of Hiroshima Food Tour– This three-hour tour will introduce you to iconic foods in this city.

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4. Higashihiroshima

What’s There and Why Visit

This neighborhood has a very young vibe because it is home to Hiroshima University. This is one of the highest respected universities in Japan.
Higashihiroshima is also known for its sake. As a result, you will find an entire road dedicated to the breweries that make it, and you will want to sample it when visiting here.

This area is also one of the most beautiful in Hiroshima, with many buildings having white-lattice fences and red roofs. You may also want to take a walking tour around this neighborhood as many of the homes have beautiful gardens.

Suggested Hotels Near Higashihiroshima

Things to See Near Higashihiroshima

Saijo – Go on a sake tour to explore all the different options available. Try to time your trip to coincide with this neighborhood’s Sake Festival, and you will want to come back often to taste sake from different seasons.

Kagamiyama Park– This park has a large children’s playground and places for grilling. After the playground, you can take a hike to the pond filled with koi fish or climb the hill to see a castle’s foundation.

Senseki Garden – This garden features many large rocks, a traditional Japanese garden, and a geological museum.

Higashihiroshima City Museum– See works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and other Japanese artists at this museum that also has a bookstore and a restaurant.

Higashi-Hiroshima Sports Park– This large sports park has baseball, tennis, basketball, and other sports fields.

Getting There

Saijo-Take the bus to the Hiroshima University campus Saijo stop to start your tour.
Kagamiyama Park– Take the bus to the Hiroshima University campus Saijo stop and walk 1.5 kilometers northeast to the park.
Senseki Garden – From the Nishi-Takaya train station, walk 3.2 kilometers north until you reach this destination.
Higashihiroshima City Museum – Take the bus to the
Hachihommatsu Station and walk about 900 meters southeast.
Higashi-Hiroshima Sports Park – Take the bus to the Sanjobara stop and walk about four minutes northwest.

Suggested Activities in Higashihiroshima

Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima – Dine on a hot-pot dish while tasting sake from four-to-six historic breweries on this walking tour.
A Guided Tour around Saijo Sake Brewery Street in Higashi Hiroshima– Take a tour of Sake Brewery Street with a guide who will teach you the cultural importance of this Japanese drink.

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5.Nishi

What’s There and Why Visit

If you love being near the water, then you will adore this neighborhood with its many marinas. This neighborhood’s aquarium with a restaurant and a souvenir shop make a great stop

You can start at the marina and take a water tour of this city. You will enjoy seeing the sea, and the city is home to six rivers, and this is where the city’s nickname, City of Water came from.

The Hiroshima-Nisha Airport offers a great way to see surrounding areas as they offer many helicopter flights within the country. There are also several places where you can watch their helicopters take off and land.

Suggested Hotels Near Nishi

Things to See Near Nishi

Mariho Aquarium – This aquarium is filled with tanks of fish with most being native to the area. This facility, including the tanks, are often decorated for holidays.

Hiroshima Kanon Marina– This marina offers berths to the public, which can be a fun way to explore all that the area offers. There is also a good Italian restaurant with great views of the water.

Hiroshima Marina Hop This large outlet mall is great for shopping, and it has 12 restaurants along with an indoor and outdoor amusement park with the largest Ferris wheel in Hiroshima. You can also often see Kagura performances at this mall.

Getting There

Mariho Aquarium– From Hiroshima Station take the Hiroden bus route No. 3 as it ends at the Marina Hop.
Hiroshima Kanon Marina– Take the Hiroden bus route No.8 from Yokogawa station and give off at the marina.
Hiroshima Marina Hop – From Hiroshima Station take the Hiroden bus route No.3 as it ends at the Marina Hop.

Suggested Activities in Nishi

Private cruising around Miyajima on the Sense 50 by BENETEAU – Take this three-hour cruise leaving from the marina and see Miyajima along with secluded natural islands.

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6. Aki-ku

What’s There and Why Visit

This beautiful part of an interesting conglomeration of many different places to visit, so if you want to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds then it's a great place to visit.

This neighborhood is home to several museums. You can visit art, culture, and history museums. The fact that they are relatively close together helps you make the most of your time in Hiroshima.

Many of the oldest ships in Japan were built in this port, and numerous places pay tribute to this neighborhood’s shipbuilding history.

Suggested Hotels Near Aki-ku

Things to See Near Aki-ku

Kure Municipal Museum of Art and Museum Avenue – The street in front of this museum features over 100 works of art, and it has been named one of the prettiest streets in the world. Once inside, see rotating and regular exhibits featuring the Kure area throughout time.

Irifuneyama Memorial Museum– See the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the former Kure Naval Station, a clock tower, powder-magazine building, and a local history museum.

Ondo Seto Park– At this park overlooking Keto Bay, approximately 2,300 cherry blossoms bloom in March followed by about 300 azaleas.

Rantokaku Art Museum – Many of the exhibits here cover the nautical history of the area while others cover home life. In addition, see many works of art created over a long period by artists inspired by this area ornate beauty.

Kurahashi-cho Nagato Museum of Shipbuilding History– This museum houses a replica of a 27-meter-long boat that would have sailed to Korea and Tang Dynasty China, from 618 to 907. Learn through models and pictures about other boats that were built during the Nara and Edo periods.

Kurahashi Historical Folk Custom Museum– See early fishing and agricultural equipment. You can also view three boats used during the Kangensai Festival that occurs on July 24 near Miyajima.

Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Kure Museum – Head to this museum to see the diesel-electric submarine Akishio along with minesweeping equipment. Learn about how submarine operations impacted World War II.

Yamato Museum – The first thing you are likely to notice at this museum is the scale model Battleship Yamato that is 26.3 meters long. Other exhibits include cannons, anchors, and tools used by navy personnel. You will also be introduced to some of the stories of men who served aboard the Yamato.

Getting There

Kure Municipal Museum of Art and Museum AvenueFrom the JR Railway Kure train station, take the road that runs between the Hankyu Hiroshima Hotel and the train station, cross under the JR underpass and turn left at the traffic light to reach the museum.
Irifuneyama Memorial Museum-Take the JR Railway to the Kure Station. Look up, and you will see this collection of buildings.
Ondo Seto Park – Take the Hiroden Bus Agaoto-no-Seto Line or the Kurekurabashijima Line For Ondo-no-Seto, get off at the Onto-tofuneguchi bus stop, and walk for about a 10-minute walk
Rantokaku Art Museum – Take the Tobishima Liner bus to the Sannose bus stop and walk about three minutes.
Kurahashi-cho Nagato Museum of Shipbuilding History – Take the bus from Kure Point to reach this museum.
Kurahashi Historical Folk Custom Museum– Take the bus from Kure Point to reach this museum located near the shipbuilding museum.
Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Kure Museum – Take the JR Railway to Kure Station and walk southeast for about seven minutes.
Yamato Museum – Take the JR Railway to Kure Station and walk southeast for about five minutes.

Suggested Activities in Aki-ku

SETOUCHI CYCLING Tobishima Kaido – Take a 40-kilometer bike ride starting in Kobe along the seacoast.
Full-Day Tour on Your Arrangement – You choose the activities that you want to do for seven-to-eight hours, and the host will translate and interpret for you.

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Frequently asked questions

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I hope this guide featuring the best hotels and things to do in Hiroshima will help you plan the best trip possible! Drop me a line below with any tips you may have about staying in Hiroshima.