The Best Places to Stay in Hiroshima
Like anywhere, deciding where to stay can make or break your trip. After doing plenty of research and exploring the city ourselves, here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Hiroshima, depending on your travel style and itinerary.
Best Areas to Stay in Hiroshima
Deciding where to stay can make or break your trip, especially when visiting a city for the first time. Hiroshima has several great areas to choose from, whether you want to be close to the city’s main attractions, have easy access to public transport, or enjoy the best restaurants and nightlife.
After doing plenty of research and exploring Hiroshima ourselves, we have put together this guide to the best areas to stay in Hiroshima to help you choose the perfect base for your trip.
Hiroshima City Centre: Best for First-Time Visitors
For first-time visitors to Hiroshima, the city centre is one of the best areas to stay. Located close to many of Hiroshima’s main attractions, it offers a convenient base for exploring the city on foot or by public transport.
Staying in central Hiroshima puts you within easy reach of popular attractions such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle and the bustling Hondori Shopping Street. The area is also home to plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops and bars, making it easy to find somewhere to eat after a day of sightseeing.
For us, staying in central Hiroshima was the perfect choice as it allowed us to explore the main sights easily while also having plenty of restaurants and amenities close by.
We stayed at EN HOTEL Hiroshima, which offered a bright and modern feel in a central location. It was ideally situated for accessing Hiroshima’s main attractions, while still being just a 10-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, making it a convenient base for exploring the city and taking day trips. (Image courtesy of Booking.com)
Hiroshima Station: Best for Transport and Convenience
If you are planning to take day trips from Hiroshima, staying near Hiroshima Station is one of the most convenient options. The station is a major transport hub, with regular trains and connections to destinations across the region.
This area is particularly useful if you are planning to visit Miyajima, as you can easily catch a train towards Miyajimaguchi before continuing on to the island by ferry. Hiroshima Station also offers plenty of restaurants, shops and accommodation options, making it a convenient base for exploring both Hiroshima and the surrounding area.
While it is slightly further from some of Hiroshima’s main attractions than the city centre, the excellent transport connections make it a great choice for travellers prioritising convenience.
Hondori and Downtown Hiroshima: Best for Restaurants and Nightlife
For those who want to be close to Hiroshima’s best restaurants, bars and nightlife, Hondori and the wider downtown area are excellent places to stay. This lively part of the city is centred around Hondori Shopping Street, a covered pedestrianised arcade filled with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The area is also within walking distance of popular attractions, including the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, making it a convenient base for sightseeing during the day and enjoying Hiroshima’s vibrant atmosphere in the evening.
With plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and entertainment nearby, Hondori and Downtown Hiroshima are ideal for travellers who want everything close by.
Peace Memorial Park: Best for Sightseeing and History
For those visiting Hiroshima to learn more about the city’s history, staying near Peace Memorial Park offers an ideal base. This area is home to some of Hiroshima’s most important historical landmarks, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Children’s Peace Monument.
Staying nearby means you can easily explore these significant sites, often without needing to rely on public transport. The area is also within walking distance of central Hiroshima, allowing you to enjoy the city’s restaurants, shops and other attractions while staying in a quieter and more peaceful setting.
This is a particularly good area for first-time visitors who want to be close to Hiroshima’s most important sights and make the most of their time exploring the city’s history.
Miyajima: Best for a Unique Overnight Stay
For a truly unique experience, consider staying overnight on Miyajima Island. Located just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima is one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations and is famous for its iconic floating torii gate, beautiful temples and scenic surroundings.
While many visitors explore Miyajima as a day trip from Hiroshima, staying overnight allows you to experience the island at a much quieter and more peaceful pace once the day-trippers have left. You can enjoy wandering through the traditional streets, exploring the island’s attractions and taking in the beautiful scenery without the same crowds.
Miyajima is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a more traditional and memorable experience, with a range of traditional Japanese ryokans and hotels available.
If you have read my Miyajima blog you will know this was one of my favourite days ever and my only regret is not arranging an overnight stay,
How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in Hiroshima
Choosing the best area to stay in Hiroshima will depend on your travel plans, budget and the type of experience you are looking for. The city is relatively easy to explore, but choosing the right location can make getting around and visiting the main attractions much more convenient.
If you are visiting Hiroshima for the first time, staying in the city centre is a great option, as you will be close to many of the main attractions, restaurants and shops. For those planning several day trips, Hiroshima Station offers excellent transport connections. Meanwhile, Miyajima is perfect if you want to experience a more peaceful and traditional side of Japan.
Before booking your accommodation, consider the following:
- For first-time visitors: Stay in Hiroshima City Centre or near Hondori.
- For transport and day trips: Stay near Hiroshima Station.
- For history and sightseeing: Stay near Peace Memorial Park.
- For nightlife and restaurants: Choose Hondori and Downtown Hiroshima.
- For a unique overnight experience: Stay on Miyajima.
- For a quieter, traditional experience: Choose accommodation on Miyajima.
Ultimately, the best area to stay in Hiroshima will depend on your itinerary, but with excellent public transport and many attractions within walking distance, most areas make a convenient base for exploring the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Hiroshima
What is the best area to stay in Hiroshima for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, Hiroshima City Centre is one of the best areas to stay. You will be close to many of the city’s main attractions, including the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, while also having easy access to restaurants, shops and public transport.
Is it better to stay near Hiroshima Station or in the city centre?
This depends on your itinerary. Hiroshima Station is ideal if you are planning day trips or prioritising transport connections, while the city centre is better for being close to the main attractions, restaurants and nightlife.
How many nights should you stay in Hiroshima?
We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Hiroshima. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions and visit Miyajima. If you have more time, staying for 3 nights allows you to explore the area at a more relaxed pace.
Is Miyajima a good place to stay overnight?
Yes! While many visitors visit Miyajima as a day trip from Hiroshima, staying overnight offers a more peaceful experience once the day-trippers have left. It is a great option for those looking for a unique and traditional Japanese experience.
What is the best area to stay in Hiroshima for nightlife?
Hondori and Downtown Hiroshima are the best areas for nightlife. This area is home to plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes and entertainment options, making it a lively place to stay in the evenings.
Where should you stay in Hiroshima for easy access to Miyajima?
Staying near Hiroshima Station offers convenient transport connections to Miyajima. However, you can also stay in the city centre and easily travel to Miyajima by public transport.
Is Hiroshima an expensive city to stay in?
Hiroshima offers accommodation for a range of budgets, from affordable hostels and budget hotels to mid-range and luxury accommodation. Booking in advance can help you find better prices, particularly during busy travel periods.
