Where To Stay In Hiroshima

After almost eight decades, Hiroshima is still synonymous with the atomic bomb that ended WWII in Asia that struck on 6 August 1945. There are reminders of that in this port city that sits on the western coast of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Today, it is a city of 1.2 million people, and its vibrant atmosphere is testimony of how a place can recover from such a disaster. It is fairly compact making Hiroshima a walkable city but with also good public transport infrastructure. Among its highlights are Hiroshima Castle and the lovely Shukkelen Japanese Garden. There are several green spaces, parks and art museums. Each year, the Peace Memorial Ceremony takes place and if you head to Hiroshima at that time, you will experience a very moving event.

Hiroshima is worth a few days of your time and it is also a great base for day trips to other interesting places in this part of Japan. There is accommodation for every budget but you will not find traditional Japanese Inns, ryokans, probably because of the devastation caused by the bomb. In general terms, you will find Hiroshima cheaper than cities like Tokyo or Kyoto for similar standard places to stay. When you read on, you will learn more about the neighbourhoods to consider for your base when you pay Hiroshima a visit. Downtown is very popular, especially for people visiting Hiroshima for the first time yet there are other alternatives.

Where To Stay in Hiroshima

Downtown Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s main sights and attractions are largely within walking distance of Downtown, and as a result it has become the most popular neighbourhood in which first time visitors make a base.

As well as being close to many of the city’s highlights that you may have on your itinerary, you will be close to a concentration of bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife venues.

You can ignore public transport timetables if you select Downtown as your base.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum of which more later is the main attraction of Hiroshima with the Park bearing the same name is located between two rivers.

The Atomic Bome Dome remains as a shell where the bomb’s epicentre is found. The city castle however had to be completely rebuilt after the war.

Head to Okonomimura where you can sample Hiroshima’s speciality, okonomiyaki or Hiroshima-yaki, a type of Japanese pancake.

There are more than 20 stalls spread on three levels serving their version of it.

The impressive Shukkeien Garden as well as Hiroshima Museum of Art are both in Downtown.

You can expect this neighbourhood to be permanently crowded so you need to be prepared for that, particularly at weekends and during the main holiday season.

The covered Hondori Shopping Arcade is one of Hiroshima’s main commercial districts, a shopping street with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Nagarekawa District is the place for a vibrant nightlife.

If you want panoramic views of Hiroshima, go to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower.

Hotels In Hiroshima

Hilton Hiroshima

Hilton Hiroshima is 5-star accommodation near Myoei-ji Temple and Hiroshima City Minami Ward Community Cultural Centre.

There is a 24-hour front desk with a currency exchange.

There is a restaurant and room service, spa, fitness centre and indoor pool.

A wide range of rooms is available, all with separate bathrooms with shower/tub, TV, desk and chairs.

THE KNOT Hiroshima

THE KNOT Hiroshima is 4-star boutique hotel close to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Myoei-ji Temple.

Each room has air-con and free Wi-Fi.

It has a restaurant on site while its comfortable rooms each have private bathroom.

The views from the 13th floor over the city are impressive.

Smile Hotel Hiroshima

Smile Hotel Hiroshima is a 3-star hotel close to the train stations, as well as Downtown’s main attractions.

You can enjoy air-con and Wi-Fi throughout.

The hotel offers excellent value with each room having desk, TV and free toiletries.

Hiroshima Station

JR Hiroshima Station is the main transport hub of the city and a neighbourhood in which there are a number of Hiroshima’s attractions, notably Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Prefectural Museum.

A shopping mall, restaurants, cafes and bars are there so there is little need to travel for many of the daily activities a tourist would undertake.

The north entrance is the one where passengers can access the Shinkansen (bullet train) while there is also a second entrance.

You can access plenty of shopping via a pedestrian tunnel.

There is also the sightseeing bus stop for those wanting an introduction to the city’s main highlights via a hop on hop off vehicle.

You might already be thinking that if you make your base in the city close to the station, you are ideally placed.

Many visitors to the city actually first arrive there at the station and it is obviously convenient to have your hotel close by on arrival.

Shukkeien Garden is there, a 400 years old Japanese garden is a very short walk from the station itself.

While the cherry blossom season is spring, arguably the best time to visit this garden is in the autumn when the leaves off colours ranging from red to orange and yellow.

The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum has around 4,500 art exhibits and you can easily explore it before or after visiting Shukkelen.

While nightlife is limited in the neighbourhood, other than bars and restaurants, the transport infrastructure allows for easy movement to other places, especially Downtown.

Accommodation is available from budget right up to luxury.

Hotel in Hiroshima Station

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is 5-star just a minute from Hiroshima Station and hence ideal for convenient trave, around and in and out of the city.

Features include a fitness centre, pool, a 24-hour front desk, laundry service and luggage storage.

There are comfortable rooms including a few suites that are furnished and equipped to the highest of standards.

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is a 3-star rated hotel next to the JR Hiroshima Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Station.

Rooms and their bathrooms are a good size while the dining alternatives are impressive.

The breakfast is a great way to start the day.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout, a fitness centre and great views over the city.

The hotel is disabled friendly.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima is another 3-star hotel close to the station.

This value for money accommodation has a spa and pool, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Facilities include laundry, luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk. En-suite rooms are comfortable and well equipped and furnished.

Peace Memorial Park

The immediate area around the Peace Memorial Park can be regarded as a district in its own right.

The story of the atomic bomb can be the sole reason for some visitors to the city so being a short walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum makes sense.

The Park’s significance is to promote peace while also remembering those who died.

Over 1 million visit the Park annually to remember those who died; directly or indirectly up to 140,000.

The location was once the real heart of the city’s commercial activities therefore staying close by still puts visitors in the heart of Hiroshima.

It was created in what was largely an open field area post-War yet what became the Atomic Bomb Zone was an industrial hall before the War.

It was built in 1915 and made from stone and steel, it survived the bomb. Post-war, it became the preserved ruin memorial of the destruction caused by the bomb within the Memorial Park created between 1950 and 1964.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is quite rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will not find luxury hotels here but, nevertheless, you have some good alternatives if you would like to stay near the Memorial Park.

Hotel In Peace Memorial Park

Grand Base Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Grand Base Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a brand new 4-star hotel a short distance from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome.

It is close to the river and has a wide range of rooms, all comfortable and well-equipped.

There is a kitchenette and bathroom with bath and shower head.

Hiroshima City Bunka Koryu Kaikan

Hiroshima City Bunka Koryu Kaikan, 10 mins walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is 3-star accommodation with a restaurant.

Hiroshima Train Station is a 20-minute bus ride away.

Rooms have flat screen TV and bathrooms have tubs/shower, bidet and toiletries.

Hostel Mallika

Hostel Mallika is excellent value, a hostel just a short walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and International Conference Centre.

Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi while guests have bedside lights, mini table and they share a bathroom.

Hiroshima Castle

The historic Hiroshima Castle is fairly central within Hiroshima and set within lovely grounds, with cherry blossoms blooming in the spring.

If you want to learn more about the feudal history of Japan, you must visit this reconstructed castle which houses a museum.

The original castle dates back to the mid-16th Century yet the atomic bomb largely destroyed it.

Work to reconstruct it began in the 1950s with the main keep now a museum.

It was originally of stone, plater and wood though the reconstruction uses concrete and steel in addition.

It is a very imposing building, a great sight to see as you begin each day.

There are a few choices for accommodation if you make the Castle area as your base including ryokan which you will not find closer to Hiroshima’s centre.

Hotel In Hiroshima Castle

Candeo Hotels Hiroshima Hatchobori

Candeo Hotels Hiroshima Hatchobori is 4-star accommodation within walking distance of Hiroshima Castle.

There are plenty of good cafes and restaurants nearby while it is easy to get to the boat that heads to Miyajima Island.

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is 4-star and just a walk to the local attraction; Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Museum of Art, and Hiroshima Castle.

Hiroshima no Yado Aioi

Hiroshima no Yado Aioi, is a family-friendly ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), near to attractions like the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Myoei-ji Temple.

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima)

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Island) offers a unique atmosphere, both serene and picturesque.

Its shrine and the “floating” torii gate are the two main attractions beyond just enjoying the island itself.

Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic “floating” torii gate.

At high tide, it seems to be actually standing in the water as the shrine is built on stilts providing a stunning sight.

If you are feeing active, you should hike up Mount Misen, regarded as a sacred mountain, from where you will get some wonderful panoramas.

On the summit there is an observatory and a little shrine.

A population of wild deer roaming freely live on the island.

They are friendly and used to people.

They are the symbol of the island and considered sacred.

In the autumn, the colours of Momijidani Park are wonderful as the maple trees shed their leaves, by then in shades of red, orange and yellow.

Daisho-in Temple, a Buddhist temple, has numerous unique statues, including plenty of small Jizo statues, which represent the souls of unborn children.

The temple is within lovely garden where there are many walking paths to follow.

While there you must try the street food with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) a real favourite.

Also look out for oysters and the sweet filled buns known as manju.

There is limited accommodation and at times it can be more expensive than within the city itself but it is an area where you will find ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).

Hotel In Miyajima Island (Itsukushima)

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto close to Itsukushima Shrine, is 4-star with comfortable, well-equipped rooms.

It offers a free shuttle to and from Miyajima Pier.

Pagoda Goju-no-To and Hokoku Shrine (Senjokaku Hall) are nearby.

Miyajima Seaside Hotel

Miyajima Seaside Hotel is on the beachfront accommodation and also provides a free shuttle service.

Daisho-in Temple and Itsukushima Shinto Shrine are both a short drive away.

Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya

Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya has Japanese-style rooms and a small garden.

This is excellent, clean accommodation for travellers on a budget.

Onomichi

If you are looking for a quiet district, it is worth looking at Onomichi which is a place rich in history.

It is a short train ride from the heart of the city and offers a rural Japanese experience.

It is charming with alleys and hilly streets from which you will get great views.

The Temple Walk and the Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi) are where you will find traditional buildings, shops, and cafes.

Onomichi Ramen is the local speciality, a soy-based broth with thin noodles and a variety of toppings typically pork and green onions.

Several famous Japanese authors, including Shiga Naoya and Hayashi Fumiko were born here and you will find a number of literary references to them, including within museums.

Onomichi is also a regularly used location in the Japanese film business.

Senko-ji is in the hills overlooking Onomichi is a famous Buddhist temple from where you will get impressive panoramas.

The City Museum of Art has a collection of modern and contemporary art and is found near Senko-ji Temple.

The Shimanami Kaido, a famous cycling route through several islands in the Seto Sea starts in Onomichi and you can rent a bike to cycle some of it.

Hotel In Onomichi

Onomichi Guest House Miharashi-tei

Onomichi Guest House Miharashi-tei, is 2-star accommodation, a short distance from Senkoji Temple.

There are Japanese-style rooms, a café serving alcohol on site, laundry facilities and tremendous views from this traditional building.

Singai Cabin

Singai Cabin, is a guest house near MOU Onomichi City University Art Museum, as well as the Jodoji Temple, Saikokuji Temple, and the History Museum.

Clean and comfortable, there is Wi-Fi throughout with a bar that serves food and a great shared lounge.

SIMA inn

SIMA inn, near Onomichi History Museum, Senkoji Temple, and Oogamiyama Omoto Shrine is ideal for families.

It is just a single star yet is in true Japanese style, with free Wi-Fi, shower, bath tub and terrace.

There is a range of rooms available.

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