Home › Hiroshima › Where to stay
Where to stay in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is organized around a central grid split by the Motoyasu and Kyobashi rivers. The main transit artery, the Hiroshima Electric Railway, connects the train station to the Peace Memorial Park. Staying near the park or the central Hondori shopping arcade puts you within reach of major cultural sites, while areas closer to Hiroshima Station offer better convenience for Shinkansen travelers, though you will rely more on the streetcar network.
Kamiyacho
This is the commercial heart of the city. You are steps away from the Atomic Bomb Dome and the expansive greenery of the Peace Memorial Park. The area is dense with department stores and underground malls. You can walk to the Orizuru Tower in five minutes, and the streetcar lines converge here, making it the most efficient hub for sightseeing.
Nagarekawa
This is where the city comes alive after dark. It is a high-energy district packed with narrow alleys, neon signs, and intimate eating spots. While not a residential neighborhood, it is highly walkable to the Hondori covered shopping street. Expect noise and crowds until the early morning hours, but it is the place to be for nightlife.
Hiroshima Station Area
Staying near the station provides seamless access to the Shinkansen and local JR lines. While the immediate surroundings are dominated by modern station malls like Ekie, you are a short streetcar ride from the city center. It is functional, clean, and ideal if you value proximity to regional transport over being in the historic core.
Rent a car in Hiroshima
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in HiroshimaOne thing to think about
Avoid staying too far north of Hiroshima Station, as the area becomes primarily residential with few dining options. You will find yourself constantly commuting back to the center for dinner. Also, ignore suggestions to stay on Miyajima Island unless you have a high budget; it becomes isolated once the last ferry departs.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Hiroshima are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Hiroshima
Common questions
Do I need a local transit pass?
The Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass is valuable if you plan to visit Miyajima and use the streetcars extensively. However, if you only stay in the city center, individual streetcar fares or an IC card like Suica or Pasmo are sufficient and much easier to manage for short trips.
How do I get around the city most effectively?
The Hiroshima Electric Railway, known as the 'Hiroden,' is the heartbeat of the city. It is slow but reaches every major point of interest. It is much more practical than the limited subway lines. Always enter through the back door and pay at the front when exiting the tram.
Is it better to stay near the station or the park?
If you want to walk to the Peace Memorial Park for sunrise or sunset, stay in Kamiyacho. If you have heavy luggage and plan to use the Shinkansen for day trips to nearby cities like Himeji or Okayama, the station area is significantly more convenient for your arrival and departure.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.