Where to Stay in Hiroshima: 5 Best Areas to Stay

Let’s all admit it… Hiroshima wouldn’t be attractive for international tourists if not for being where the world’s deadliest atomic bomb, the Tsar Bomba, was dropped, would it? 

Along the coastline of western Honshu, the main island of Japan, Hiroshima could be found, right “on the sunny side of the mountain.” As you step out of your hotel the first morning after the night you arrived at this city, you’ll realize how the places are a reflection of the mingling of the past with the present.

Unless you want to spend so much time commuting from your accommodation to the attractions, you’d want to know where it is best to stay in this city. Here are the top picks!

Downtown Hiroshima

Downtown Hiroshima is, hands down, one of the two best of best places to stay in Hiroshima. Its proximity to the tourist spots is comparable to staying in the Tsim Sha Tsui area in Hong Kong, or at Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh. 

Whichever hotel you choose here, you’ll be near the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Aioi-Dori Avenue, Peace Boulevard, and Heiwa-Odori Street.

This area is also accessible to most bars, pubs, and karaoke joints, so it’s easy to unleash your K-Pop vibes while here in Hiroshima. Plus, every winter, Peace Boulevard is illuminated with thousands of LED light art exhibitions. 

It’s also easy to change to your desired OOTD outfit since your hotel is a short walk away, such as when preparing for your Miyajima tour. Budget hotels and luxury ones, such as Hilton Hiroshima, are here. 

ALSO READ: WHAT TO DO IN HIROSHIMA IN 2 DAYS

Hiroshima Station

Not every time that you find availability of rooms when in downtown. Unless you’ve booked via Agoda or Booking.com, there are times when the receptionist will say, “There are no rooms available.”

This is when the secondary option works, the Hiroshima Station area. This area surrounds the city’s central railway station and transport hub, JR Hiroshima Station. 

Your main advantage when staying around the area is access to public transport, especially when you need to get around the city and its surrounding areas like Miyajima Island. This station is also where the city tram and sightseeing loop bus depart and arrive. If you’re in Manila, it’s like foregoing Makati City for Manila City. 

Aside from the nearby attractions such as the Shukkeien Garden, Kyobashi River, and Hiroshima Prefectural Museum, you’ll also find easier access to shops, convenience stores, restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops.

ALSO READ: WHAT TO DO IN MIYAJIMA

More Areas to Stay in Hiroshima

Those are two of the best places to cocoon in Hiroshima. Here are more:

Near Kanayamacho Station

Other than the chances of hotels being fully-booked, if you are visiting Hiroshima for the first time or with your family, you’d want this area that’s not too noisy yet still near major attractions. 

The areas near Kanayamacho Station are perfect for those groups. Here, it’s quieter and is near the Kyobashi River, local food joints, plus lots of greenery around. However, since you’re here with your family, you cannot expect nightlife joints to be a walking distance from there.

ALSO READ: WHAT TO DO IN NAGAREKAWA

Hatchobori

Are you a traveler around Hiroshima who has other places in Japan on your itinerary, too? Say, you’ve stayed at a luxurious hotel in Tokyo. If you still can check in at a high-end hotel in Hiroshima, why not? But, chances are, you’ll cut costs at this point. 

For mid-range budget travelers and for those who still have other destinations in Japan on their travel plan, stay at Hatchobori. 

This place has a busy city atmosphere, like Shibuya, yet still peaceful and convenient. Nearby attractions are the Hondori Shopping Arcade and the Chosho-in Temple, ideal for those who wish to witness the action, but without the chaos. Let’s go. 

However, you’d have to book early as the spaces can run out fast.

ALSO READ: WHAT TO DO IN ONOMICHI

Nakamachi Near Hondori

If, for any reason, Downtown Hiroshima isn’t serving you well. See those hands raised? They’re probably from the party geeks. If you’re a party animal and want to enter the club fresh and beautiful, stay at Nakamachi near Hondori. Aside from affordable hotels for backpackers, it’s recommended for those who want to conquer Hiroshima’s nightlife scene. 

Most of the crowd here are young travelers and food lovers. The vibe is vibrant and energetic. Nearby attractions are the Hondori Shopping Arcade and Chosho-in Temple, just like the Hatchobori area. Cons: the atmosphere could get noisy at night and there are fewer green spaces, like Bui Vien. 

Sometimes, your choice of accommodation determines your travel experience. So, as you prepare your travel itinerary in Hiroshima, also think of the best areas to stay.

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