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Prefecture Guide  ·  Chugoku Region
広島県

Hiroshima

A prefecture of peace, islands and sea roads, where Hiroshima City, Miyajima, Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea sit beside okonomiyaki grills, oyster beds and island cycling routes.

The prefecture

Peace, islands and the Inland Sea

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A wooden pagoda above the hillside rooftops of Onomichi
Fishing boats moored in the old harbour of Tomonoura

Hiroshima sits on the Seto Inland Sea in western Honshu, with a compact city centre, island scenery, deep historical memory and some of the best food travel in the Chugoku region. Hiroshima City is the emotional and transport hub, centred on the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Shukkei-en Garden and the streetcar network that still shapes everyday movement.

Beyond the city, the prefecture opens into very different trips. Miyajima combines Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen and evening island stillness. Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido lead cyclists across bridges and citrus islands toward Shikoku. Fukuyama and Tomonoura add port town atmosphere, while the northern mountains hold gorges, ski areas and quieter rural routes. It works as a two night classic stop, but it becomes much richer when you give it time.

The four seasons

Explore Hiroshima by season

Hiroshima is easy year round, but the best timing depends on whether you want blossoms, island walks, cycling weather, oysters, autumn maples or calmer winter sightseeing.

Hiroshima Castle in spring
春 Spring · Late March to early April

Cherry blossoms around Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle and Miyajima, comfortable walking weather and a gentle start to Shimanami cycling season.

Spring in Chugoku
Kurushima Strait bridges on the Shimanami Kaido
夏 Summer · July to August

Long island days, Seto Inland Sea views, ferry trips, fireworks, citrus islands and hot city weather best balanced with Miyajima forests or coastal stays.

Summer in Chugoku
Autumn leaves on Miyajima
秋 Autumn · Late October to November

Crisp air, red maples on Miyajima, excellent cycling on the Shimanami Kaido and the start of Hiroshima's oyster season along the coast.

Autumn in Chugoku
Hiroshima oysters on the shell
冬 Winter · December to February

Oysters, quieter Peace Park mornings, clear sea views, warm okonomiyaki counters and fewer crowds on Miyajima outside the holiday peaks.

Winter in Chugoku
Experiences

Highlights in Hiroshima

Start with Hiroshima City and Miyajima, then add Onomichi, Shimanami cycling, Tomonoura or the northern gorges depending on how much time you have.

Transport

Getting to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is one of western Japan's easiest prefectures to add to a route. The Sanyo Shinkansen links it directly with Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka, while Hiroshima Airport, highway buses and Seto Inland Sea ferries cover slower or more regional approaches.

A Hiroshima streetcar at dusk
Hiroshima Station is the main gateway, with streetcars, JR lines and buses radiating into the city, Miyajima and the wider prefecture.

Most visitors arrive at Hiroshima Station by shinkansen. The station is east of the Peace Park area, but streetcars, buses and taxis make the connection simple. Hiroshima Airport sits inland near Mihara and is linked to Hiroshima City, Fukuyama and Onomichi by limousine buses. For Miyajima, you normally continue by JR or tram to Miyajimaguchi, then cross by ferry.

Tokyo to Hiroshima

By rail

The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is the standard route, direct from Tokyo to Hiroshima in about four hours on the fastest services. It is smooth and city centre to city centre, but if you are using a nationwide JR Pass, check which train types your pass allows before planning around Nozomi services.

By air

Flights from Haneda to Hiroshima Airport are quicker in the air, but the airport bus into the city adds roughly an hour. Flying can still make sense when fares are low, when you are starting near Haneda, or when your first stop is Onomichi or Fukuyama.

By bus

Overnight buses run between Tokyo and Hiroshima, taking most of the night. They are the budget option and can save a hotel night, but the shinkansen is far easier if time matters.

Osaka and Kyoto to Hiroshima

By rail

This is the easiest approach. From Shin-Osaka, the Sanyo Shinkansen reaches Hiroshima in around 1h 20m on the fastest services. From Kyoto, change at Shin-Osaka or board a through service when available. It is simple enough for a long day trip, though Hiroshima deserves at least one night.

By bus

Highway buses from Osaka and Kyoto are cheaper than the train and often take five to seven hours. Use them when saving money matters more than time.

By car

Driving across the Sanyo Expressway is possible, but tolls, city parking and the ease of the shinkansen mean a car usually only makes sense if you are touring rural Hiroshima, the Seto islands or the Chugoku mountains afterward.

Nagoya to Hiroshima

By rail

The shinkansen runs west via Kyoto and Shin-Osaka, reaching Hiroshima in roughly two and a quarter to three hours depending on service and transfers. It is much more practical than flying for most travellers.

By bus

Overnight buses connect Nagoya and Hiroshima for budget travellers. Expect a long ride, so it works best when you are comfortable sleeping on buses.

By air

Flying usually requires less convenient timings and airport transfers, so the shinkansen is normally the better call from central Japan.

Fukuoka to Hiroshima

By rail

The Sanyo Shinkansen runs directly from Hakata to Hiroshima in about an hour on the fastest services, making Hiroshima one of the easiest additions from Kyushu.

By bus

Highway buses are cheaper but slower, usually taking several hours. They are useful for late departures or tight budgets.

By car

Driving is possible along the Sanyo corridor, but the shinkansen is usually faster and simpler unless you are linking smaller towns or carrying luggage between rural stops.

Matsuyama and Shikoku to Hiroshima

By ferry

Ferries and high speed boats link Matsuyama with Hiroshima or Kure across the Seto Inland Sea. This is the scenic route from Shikoku and pairs naturally with island or cycling trips.

By cycling route

If you are cycling the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari, you finish on the Hiroshima side at Onomichi. From there, JR trains run west toward Hiroshima City.

By road

Drivers can use the bridges through the Shimanami Kaido or other Honshu-Shikoku connections. It is slower than a ferry to Hiroshima City but ideal if your route is island focused.

Ferry on the Miyajima route
Ferry on the Miyajima route
Transport

Getting around Hiroshima

Hiroshima City is easy without a car, Miyajima is ferry based, Onomichi works by train and bike, while Tomonoura, Sandankyo and the rural north benefit from buses or driving.

Hiroshima streetcar on a city street
Hiroshima streetcar on a city street

In Hiroshima City, use the streetcars, buses and local trains. The tram is slower than the subway systems in bigger cities, but it is simple, scenic and useful for Hiroshima Station, Hatchobori, Hondori, Peace Memorial Park and the Miyajima-guchi direction. Taxis are plentiful in the centre, and walking works well between the Peace Park, Hondori, okonomiyaki areas and Shukkei-en.

For Miyajima, take the JR Sanyo Line or Hiroden tram to Miyajimaguchi, then the ferry. The JR ferry and Matsudai ferry both cross to the island, and boats from the Peace Park area are convenient if you want a direct city to island experience without returning to Hiroshima Station first.

Onomichi is best reached by JR train from Hiroshima or Fukuyama. Once there, the town is walkable but hilly, and the Shimanami Kaido cycling route starts near the waterfront. Rent bikes in Onomichi for a short island ride or a full crossing to Imabari.

Fukuyama is on the shinkansen and is the gateway to Tomonoura by bus. Kure, Saijo and Mihara are practical by JR lines, while Sandankyo Gorge and the northern mountains are easier by car or seasonal bus. If you plan rural gorges, island detours or multiple coastal towns, a rental car saves time.

IC cards work on many JR and city transport services, but small ferries, rural buses and older local operators may still need cash. For busy periods, book Miyajima hotels and Shimanami cycling accommodation early.

Accommodation

Where to stay

Choose your base by route. Pick Hiroshima City for Peace Park and easy transport, Miyajima for a special island night, Onomichi for the Shimanami Kaido, or Fukuyama and Tomonoura for eastern Hiroshima and the old port town coast.

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Hiroshima City & Peace Park
HotelMid-range
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Best for: Rail travellers, first time visitors, early departures
At Hiroshima Station Multiple dining options Easy luggage base
A hotel attached to the station that makes arrivals, departures, Miyajima trains and shinkansen day trips simple, especially when the route is more important than a boutique mood.
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HotelMid-range
RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Best for: Peace Park, castle, city views
Central city Tall tower views Walkable sightseeing
A large central hotel near Hiroshima Castle, the museum area and downtown shopping, useful for travellers who want a classic city base rather than the station area.
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HotelLuxury
Hilton Hiroshima
Best for: Modern comfort, families, longer stays
Pool facilities Modern rooms Hotel dining
A polished modern hotel south of the main downtown core, good when you want larger rooms, reliable facilities and a calmer base after sightseeing.
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HotelBudget
Dormy Inn Hiroshima Annex
Best for: Value, bath facilities, city food nights
Bath facilities Late-night noodles Good value
A reliable value choice with Dormy Inn bath and noodle comforts, handy for travellers who will spend evenings around Hondori, Nagarekawa and okonomiyaki areas.
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Miyajima & Miyajimaguchi
RyokanLuxury
Iwaso
Best for: Special stay, Miyajima after dark, tradition
Miyajima setting Onsen atmosphere Momijidani area
A classic Miyajima ryokan in the Momijidani area, best when you want the island at night and early morning after the day crowds leave.
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RyokanLuxury
Miyajima Kinsuikan
Best for: Couples, food, easy shrine access
Island waterfront Ryokan meals Near shrine area
A refined island ryokan close to the main walking route, useful when you want comfort, meals and easy access to Itsukushima Shrine.
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RyokanLuxury
Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
Best for: Families, comfort, shrine focused stay
Near Itsukushima Shrine Large property Kaiseki meals
A well known Miyajima hotel ryokan near the shrine side of the island, practical for families and travellers who want a more spacious stay.
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HotelMid-range
Hotel Miyajima Villa
Best for: Ferry convenience, modern rooms, easy island base
Near ferry pier Modern rooms Relaxed stay
A modern hotel close to the ferry terminal, a good compromise when you want to stay on Miyajima without a full traditional ryokan plan.
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Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido
HotelLuxury
LOG
Best for: Design travellers, Onomichi atmosphere, slow stays
Renovated hillside building Cafe mood Town views
A design focused hillside stay in Onomichi, best for travellers who want the town itself to be the experience rather than only a cycling start point.
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HotelMid-range
ONOMICHI U2 Hotel Cycle
Best for: Cyclists, Shimanami Kaido, waterfront stays
Cyclist friendly Waterfront complex Restaurant and cafe
A converted waterfront warehouse with hotel, bike services, cafe and restaurant, one of the easiest bases before or after the Shimanami Kaido.
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HotelMid-range
Green Hill Hotel Onomichi
Best for: Station access, waterfront, practical stays
Near station Harbour side Easy base
A simple hotel by Onomichi Station and the waterfront, useful for one night stays, cycling logistics and train connections.
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RyokanMid-range
Suminoe Ryokan
Best for: Setoda, island atmosphere, cyclists
Shimanami route Island stay Local meals
A traditional inn on Ikuchijima, useful if you want to split the Shimanami Kaido over two days and stay among the citrus islands.
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Fukuyama, Tomonoura & Eastern Hiroshima
HotelMid-range
Fukuyama New Castle Hotel
Best for: Fukuyama Station, Tomonoura access, rail travellers
By Fukuyama Station Castle area Tomonoura buses
A practical station side base for Fukuyama Castle, Tomonoura buses and eastern Hiroshima routes, especially when moving by shinkansen.
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RyokanLuxury
Hotel Ofutei
Best for: Tomonoura, sea views, onsen mood
Seto Inland Sea views Bath facilities Seafood meals
A Tomonoura coast stay for travellers who want sea views and a slower night on the Inland Sea rather than returning to Hiroshima City.
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HotelBudget
Vessel Hotel Fukuyama
Best for: Value, drivers, family rooms
Budget friendly Driving routes Family practical
A simple value hotel in Fukuyama that works for road trips, late arrivals and travellers using eastern Hiroshima as a practical stop.
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HotelLuxury
NIPPONIA Tomo Port Town
Best for: Historic town stay, couples, slow travel
Historic buildings Port town Walkable lanes
A heritage style stay in Tomonoura, good when you want the old port town to be more than a quick afternoon side trip.
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Food

Where to eat

Hiroshima food is direct, local and easy to plan around, with layered okonomiyaki, oysters, anago-meshi, momiji manju, Onomichi ramen, Saijo sake, lemons and citrus sweets from the Seto islands.

Hiroshima style okonomiyaki with noodles
Hiroshima City

Layered Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, oyster bars and downtown counters around Hondori, Hatchobori, Otemachi and Nagarekawa.

Okonomiyaki counters and city classics
Okonomimura
お好み村

An okonomiyaki village over several floors in Shintenchi, useful when you want choice, counter atmosphere and an easy downtown food stop.

Entrance to Okonomimura
5-13 Shintenchi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0034
Okonomiyaki Nagata-ya
お好み焼 長田屋

A popular okonomiyaki restaurant near the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park, good for a classic Hiroshima style plate after sightseeing.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki
1-7-19 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051
Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori
みっちゃん総本店 八丁堀本店

A long running Hiroshima okonomiyaki name in Hatchobori, suited to travellers who want a classic central city grill counter.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki
6-7 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0013
Oyster cooking over a grill
Miyajima & Miyajimaguchi

The shrine island and ferry port area are where anago-meshi, oysters, momiji manju and easy walking snacks become part of the sightseeing route.

Anago-meshi, oysters and Miyajima sweets
Anagomeshi Ueno
あなごめし うえの

The famous Miyajimaguchi conger eel rice shop, ideal before or after the ferry crossing when you want a proper local meal.

Grilled conger eel over rice
1-5-11 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0411
Kakiya
牡蠣屋

A Miyajima oyster restaurant on the Omotesando shopping street, good for grilled oysters, fried oysters and oyster sets near the shrine route.

Fried oysters, illustrative dish
539 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0558
Momijido Main Store
紅葉堂本店

A long running momiji manju shop on Miyajima, especially known for age-momiji, the deep fried version of the maple leaf sweet.

Momiji manju
448-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588
A bowl of ramen
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido

Onomichi is ramen, port town cafes, cyclist friendly waterfront food and citrus island snacks along the Shimanami Kaido.

Onomichi ramen, port cafes and citrus island snacks
Onomichi Ramen Tani
尾道ラーメン たに

A convenient station side Onomichi ramen stop for the local soy based soup with pork back fat, useful before a town walk or cycle departure.

Onomichi ramen with pork back fat
1-7 Higashigoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0036
Tsutafuji
つたふじ

A compact old school Onomichi ramen shop in the Tsuchido area, suited to travellers who want a more local ramen counter.

Onomichi ramen
2-10-17 Tsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0035
The RESTAURANT / ONOMICHI U2
ザ・レストラン 尾道U2

A waterfront restaurant inside the ONOMICHI U2 complex, useful for cyclists, harbour views and a more relaxed meal before or after the Shimanami route.

The waterfront deck at ONOMICHI U2
ONOMICHI U2, 5-11 Nishigoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0037
Sake breweries in Saijo
Saijo, Fukuyama & the Seto islands

Eastern Hiroshima adds sake brewery streets, Tomonoura sea bream, Fukuyama stops and citrus sweets from the Shimanami islands.

Sake towns, sea bream and citrus sweets
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery
賀茂鶴酒造

A major Saijo sake brewery stop for tasting, shopping and understanding why Higashihiroshima is one of Japan's notable sake towns.

Kamotsuru brewery chimney, Saijo
4-31 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0011
Tai-meshi Chitose
鯛めし 千とせ

A Tomonoura restaurant for sea bream dishes such as tai-meshi and sea bream somen, matching the old port town's coastal food identity.

Sea bream rice
552-7 Tomo, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201
Hassakuya
はっさく屋

An Innoshima shop known for hassaku daifuku, the citrus filled sweet tied closely to the Shimanami islands and local fruit culture.

Hassaku daifuku
246-1 Innoshima Ohamacho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2101
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Explore more of Chugoku

Pair Hiroshima with Shimane, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Tottori or a full Seto Inland Sea route.

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