Where to Stay in Hiroshima & Miyajima – What You Need to Know
Hiroshima is a city in southern Japan, located on the delta of the small river Oto and on the Seto Inland Sea coast.
It is difficult to think of Hiroshima without associating it with the events of August 6, 1945, when Hiroshima became the target of the world’s first atomic bomb attack.
This bloody chapter of history would leave an indelible mark on the city. The consequences of this event can be seen even today.
However, today, Hiroshima is a place of peace, a medium-sized city with a relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The Hiroshima Peace Park attracts thousands of visitors interested in knowing the history of this city that overcame the worst of adversities and was reborn, almost literally, from its own ashes.
The city of Hiroshima has enough attractions to spend a couple of days and is also the gateway to other places in Japan, such as the island of Miyajima (Itsukushima).
Hiroshima has an efficient urban transport system made up of trains, trams, and buses that connect it from north to south and from east to west. The Hiroshima train station has local and long-distance rail services, as well as the famous Japanese Shinkansen high-speed trains. (See hotels around Hiroshima Station).
This is a guide with the best areas to stay in Hiroshima.
Accommodation Options in Hiroshima
Hotels in Hiroshima
The best hotels to stay in Hiroshima
Hostels in Hiroshima
Hostels and cheap stays in Hiroshima
Apartments in Hiroshima
Would you like independence? Book an apartment in Hiroshima
Bed & Breakfast in Hiroshima
Inns, B&Bs and guest houses in several areas around Hiroshima
The Best Areas to Stay in Hiroshima & Miyajima
1. Recommended Area: Central Hiroshima
Due to its location in the heart of the city, Central Hiroshima is the best area to stay in Hiroshima.
The central districts of Hiroshima are relatively compact in comparison with those of other large Japanese cities.
Central Hiroshima is the place where you can see the scars the atomic bomb left on the city.
This district boasts large parks and green areas, broad tree-lined avenues, and vibrant day and nightlife.
The area can be traveled around on foot without problems, although it is also possible to use the city’s extensive tram system.
Central Hiroshima has a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as shopping options.
Attractions in this area include the Peace Memorial Museum, the Peace Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Castle and Hiroshima’s Central Park.
Central Hiroshima is our recommended area to stay in Hiroshima.
What makes this the best area to stay in Hiroshima
- City center
- Best area for tourists
- Historical monuments
- Really well-connected
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickAPA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae Ohashi offers spacious public baths, a 4-minute walk from JR Hiroshima Station. All rooms have free WiFi. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle.
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Budget Option
Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi in Hiroshima, 700 meters from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. It enjoys a good location in the city center of Hiroshima and has a shared lounge.
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Midrange Option
Hotel Sunroute Hiroshima is located on Peace Boulevard, right in the center of the city, and has views of the Peace Monument and the Motoyasu River, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 2 restaurants and a bar on the top floor.
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Luxury Option
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and a 10-minute drive from the Dome of the Atomic Bomb. It houses 4 dining options, an indoor pool and a fitness center.
2. Itsukushima (Miyajima) Island
Itsukushima is an island located in Hiroshima Bay, on the Seto Inland Sea.
It is popularly known as Miyajima.
Miyajima is famous for its Itsukushima Shrine, which is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996.
The ferry service operates frequently. There are two ferry companies, JR West (JR Miyajima ferry) and the tourist boat Miyajima Matsudai, connecting the island with the Greater Hiroshima. The journey takes about ten minutes.
The island is inhabited by deer and monkeys that are free at their ease. Deer are in fact considered sacred animals by the Shinto since they are thought to be messengers of the gods.
The island is a popular tourist destination thanks to the spectacular Itsukushima Sanctuary, the Miyajima cable car, its gastronomic specialties (you should not miss the local oysters) and the wildlife that lives around the place.
While it is possible to visit the island during the day and return to Hiroshima, at night, when all the tourists have left, Miyajima has a special and almost mystical atmosphere.
What makes this the best area to stay in Hiroshima
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Great food
- Wildlife
- Miyajima cable-car
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Miyajima Coral Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Miyajima Guchi Station and offers air-conditioned rooms and self-service laundry facilities. The hotel has 2 restaurants and free WiFi in all areas.
3. Around Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a memorial park dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack and the memories of the direct and indirect victims of the bombing.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is visited by thousands of people each year.
This park is located in what was once the busiest commercial and residential district of the city. The park was built on an open field created by the explosion.
The area around the Memorial Park concentrates most of the monuments and memorials related to the events of 1945, such as the Dome of the Atomic Bomb, the Peace Museum or the Children’s Peace Monument, and also houses the Center International Convention of Hiroshima.
The surroundings of the Peace Memorial Park also concentrate a lot of light rail stations, which makes it very well-connected area to the rest of the city.
What makes this the best area to stay in Hiroshima
- Atomic Bomb monuments
- Very central
- Very well-connected
- International Convention Center
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Hotel Park Side Hiroshima Peace Park is located in the center of Hiroshima, a 3-minute walk from the Hondori Metro Station. It offers a buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi access in all areas.
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Budget Option
Simple Stay Heiwakouenmae has rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi in all areas. Fukuro-machi Station is a 10-minute walk away.
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Midrange Option
Mange Tak offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions of the property include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. Guests can have a cocktail at the bar.
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Luxury Option
ANA Crowne Plaza is a 5-minute walk from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and features a French restaurant on the 22nd floor and a wellness center with a swimming pool. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
4. Around Hiroshima Station
Hiroshima Station is located northeast of the city center.
Hiroshima station is on the JR West railway line and is an active transport hub serving western Japan.
The station itself is about 20 minutes walk from the city center or about 8 minutes by taxi.
The surroundings of the Hiroshima train station concentrate a large number of shops, office buildings, and hotels of all kinds.
A little further north of the city, a 10-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, you can find the temples of Onagatenmangu, Shojoki, and Kokuzenji and the Toshogu and Tsuruhane shrines.
Hiroshima Station is a recommended area to stay in Hiroshima, especially due to its good train connections.
What makes this the best area to stay in Hiroshima
- Very well-connected
- Very central
- Leisure and shopping areas
- Best area for business travelers
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Sumiya Spa & Hotel is a 3-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and offers modern rooms. Free WiFi is available in all areas. All rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator and desk.
5. Yokogawa
Yokogawa is located in western Hiroshima.
This area has a very different feel from the city center. It is one of the few areas in the city that has retained its township status.
In fact, before the bombing, Yokogawa used to be the central area of Hiroshima. Yokogawa station is surrounded by new stores, but a walk through its back streets reveals a wonderful mix of old-time stores and traditional places.
Most people arrive at the Yokogawa station by train (JR Sanyo or Kabe Line) or the Hiroden (tram).
Yokogawa has a relaxed atmosphere and on any given night of the week, you can find a place to hang out, eat or drink.
Yokogawa is an excellent place to stay in Hiroshima and a recommended area thanks to its transport connections and its casual atmosphere.
What makes this the best area to stay in Hiroshima
- Very well-connected
- Casual atmosphere
- Leisure and shopping
- Alternative atmosphere
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Hiroshima Peace Hotel is a 3-minute walk from JR Yokokawa Station. It has a TV room, washing machine and different types of accommodation with shared or private bathroom. Free WiFi access is available in the lobby.
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|ES| Las mejores zonas donde alojarse en Hiroshima & Miyajima.
