Don’t make the same mistakes as most tourists by trying to see all of Hiroshima in one day, trust me, it really isn’t long enough. Stay at least two or three days to discover the best the city has to offer! Also if you’re in the Hiroshima area check out my articles on planning a trip to Japan’s rabbit island and Asia’s most scenic cycling route across the Seto Inland Sea!
Article Contents:
– Hiroshima Hotels Near Train Station |
– Best Hotels in Downtown Hiroshima |
– Ryokan in Hiroshima |
– Capsule Hotels in Hiroshima |
– Hotels in Miyajima |
– Hiroshima Itinerary Ideas |
Best Area to Stay in Hiroshima
It’s really down to your personal preferences, but there are generally three main locations you will find the majority of hotels in Hiroshima. These areas include:
- Hotels near Hiroshima Station
- Hotels in Hiroshima’s downtown area
- Hotels on Miyajima island
Hiroshima Hotels Near Train Station
The advantage of staying near Hiroshima station is that you will be close to the city’s main transportation hub with excellent train, bus, and tram connections. Also, if you take the bullet train from Tokyo to Hiroshima station, staying nearby is convenient because you won’t have to haul luggage around. Here are a few recommendations of places to stay:
Budget Hotels Near Hiroshima Station
- Hiroshima Base Hotel – Just 5 minutes’ walk from Hiroshima station, this hotel is modern and all of the bedrooms have tatami mats for a traditional Japanese feel. Rooms come with free WiFi and are like mini apartments equipped with kitchenettes. For a small additional cost, there is a coin laundry on-site and gym guests can use. Check prices here.
- Ark Hotel Hiroshima – South of Hiroshima station, the Ark Hotel is another solid budget option. The rooms are a little dated but clean and free WiFi is available. There is also a public hot spring bath and jacuzzi on the 10th floor. Check prices here.
- Aki Guesthouse – Located 3 minutes from Hiroshima Station, this modern guesthouse and cafe has a mix of dorm rooms with bunk beds and private bedrooms available to stay in. The cafe is a popular breakfast spot and features vegan and gluten-free menu options which are rare in Japan. Check prices here.
Mid-Range Hotels Near Hiroshima Station
- Granvia Hotel Hiroshima – Connected directly to Hiroshima station makes it one of the most conveniently located hotels in the area, the Granvia has a currency exchange centre on-site, several restaurants, and a fitness room. The bedrooms are quite spacious by Japanese standards and they have quadruple rooms available for families. Check prices here.
- APA Hotel Hiroshima – APA is one of Japan’s biggest hotel chains so you can expect a certain standard of accommodation here, and they have a reputation for generally being good value for money. Check prices here.
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima – 5 minutes north of the station, the Daiwa Roynet has an on-site fitness room and coin laundry, and the spacious bedrooms come equipped with free WiFi and mini-fridges. Check prices here.
Luxury Hotels Near Hiroshima Station
Hiroshima doesn’t have too many options when it comes to high-end accommodation, but the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima near Hiroshima station is probably the closest to luxury you will find. The rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows whilst the hotel facilities include a spa and indoor swimming pool. The hotel’s buffet restaurant is also said to have one of the best western-style breakfast buffets in the city. Check prices here.
Best Hotels in Hiroshima – Downtown
Hiroshima’s Naka Ward is considered the city’s downtown area where you will find many of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and shopping. It is also where the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Park and Museum are located. Here are some hotel recommendations in downtown Hiroshima:
Budget Hotels in Downtown Hiroshima
- Nest Hotel – One of the city’s latest openings, the Nest Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome and is great value for money. Rooms are cozy in size and minimalist in design, and best of all a free breakfast is included in the room rate! Check prices here.
- WeBase Hostel – A contemporary hostel in the heart of the city with Brooklyn inspired decor, this hostel offers a range of dormitories and private rooms, a spacious communal lounge, and free Wi-Fi. Check prices here.
- Hotel Park Side – Located beside the Hiroshima Peace Park, this budget hotel is a bit dated in terms of the room decor, but you can’t fault the location as you can reach the park and entertainment districts within a few minutes on foot. Check prices here.
Mid-Range Hotels in Downtown Hiroshima
- Dormy Inn – I’ve stayed in a few Dormy Inns around Japan and have always been happy with them. This is a solid mid-range option in an excellent location that comes with public hot-spring baths and saunas. Check prices here.
- KIRO Hotel – Located close to the city’s nightlife district of Nagarekawa, the KIRO Hotel has a modern minimalist design creating an elegant atmosphere, whilst a former indoor swimming pool has been converted into a bright and airy breakfast cafe. With its trendy bar and takeout coffee stand staffed by some of the city’s best baristas, this is the hipster’s hotel of choice! Check prices here.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel – Another of Japan’s reputable chains, Mitsui Garden Hotel has some of the most spacious bedrooms in the city, a self-service cafe selling cheap espresso and lattes, and a breakfast buffet on the 25th floor with panoramic views of the city. Check prices here.
Luxury Hotels in Downtown Hiroshima
Downtown one of the more luxurious properties is the ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima with good service, spacious rooms, gym and swimming pool.
Ryokan in Hiroshima
Staying in a ryokan is a quintessential Japanese experience which you should definitely try if your budget allows it. Most of the ryokans in Hiroshima are located on Miyajima island. Alternatively, there are some nice options towards the east of the prefecture, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea around two hours from Hiroshima city. However, if you are looking for a ryokan closer to the city here are a couple of options:
- Aioi Ryokan – If you’re searching for a ryokan downtown, Aioi’s location can’t be beaten. Situated a couple of minutes from the Atomic Bomb Dome, all of the rooms are a traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and futon bedding. Check prices here.
- Sekitei Ryokan – Located between Hiroshima city and Miyajima, this luxurious property has ten rooms, a beautiful landscaped zen garden and outdoor hot spring baths. A wonderful choice if you are looking for some relaxation. Check prices here.
Capsule Hotels
Another “only in Japan” experience and a good option if you are on a budget and are just staying for one or two nights is to book yourself into a capsule hotel.
- Capsule Hotel Cube – Located in Hiroshima’s downtown area, this capsule hotel features a combination of capsules and single rooms, with separate floors for men and women. Check prices here.
- Hiroshima no Oyado – Situated close to the train station, the capsules at this hotel feature flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Check prices here.
Hotels in Miyajima
Miyajima is a must-do day trip when you’re in Hiroshima, but if you want to stay overnight on the island you need to be aware that 90% of the shops and restaurants close after 5pm, leaving you with limited dining options. However, if you decide to stay overnight, a good option would be to stay in a traditional ryokan, of which there are several on the island, and book the dinner inclusive plan so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to eat out.
Miyajima Ryokans
- Iwaso – Probably one of the most luxurious (and expensive) ryokans on the island, Iwaso was founded in 1854, and in addition to the regular rooms they have some private detached cottages. There are open-air hot spring baths too, and the location is less than 5 minutes’ from Itsukushima Shrine. Check prices here.
- Kinsuikan – A modern ryokan and hotel, Kinsuikan has indoor and outdoor hot springs, along with a private family bath that can be reserved, a good choice for couples or those not brave enough to enter the public baths. Check prices here.
- Kikunoya – This ryokan has a mix of Japanese and Western-style rooms with sea views, hot-spring footbaths, and often organises Japanese cultural events such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons. Check prices here.
Itinerary Suggestions
If your itinerary allows it, I highly recommend spending a few days in the Hiroshima area. You can spend a day exploring the city, one day in Miyajima, one day on Japan’s rabbit island Okunoshima, followed by a couple of days cycling across the stunning Shimanami Kaido, a series of suspension bridges crossing the Seto Inland Sea.
Within the city, there is so much to see and do aside from the Peace Park and Museum. Have a night out in the entertainment district of Nagarekawa exploring the mazes of streets lined with restaurants and bars, go sake brewery hopping in Saijo, watch a baseball game, and go on a mission to discover the city’s best okonomiyaki!
Have you been to Hiroshima before? What were your highlights? Let me know in the comments below!
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