Where to Stay in Hiroshima: Best Areas & Hotels for First-Time Visitors

One of the first questions you will probably have while planning your trip to Hiroshima is: where should I stay? I know I had the same question!

Compared to Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo, it felt harder to find clear information about where to stay in Hiroshima, so I wanted to put this guide together to help.

Hiroshima is relatively compact and easy to get around, so you don’t have to stress as much about picking the “perfect” spot like you might in Tokyo or Kyoto. That said, choosing the right area can still make your trip a lot easier, especially if it’s your first visit time visiting.

When I visited for two days (3 nights), we stayed near Peace Memorial Park and ended up walking almost everywhere. Being close to the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum made sightseeing super convenient, and I would definitely stay in that area again. You can see exactly what we did in my Two Days in Hiroshima itinerary.

Below, I’m sharing recommendations on where to stay in Hiroshima and which areas are a good fit depending on what you want to see and do.

Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Hiroshima

If it’s your first time visiting Hiroshima, I would recommend staying near Peace Memorial Park. It’s walkable and puts you close to the main sights. This is where I stayed!

If you’re planning multiple day trips or continuing on to Kyoto or Osaka, staying near Hiroshima Station can be more convenient for getting around.

And if you want a unique experience, spending a night on Miyajima Island is definitely worth considering. I would recommend at least one night in Hiroshima and one night on Miyajima Island if your itinerary allows.

To make it easier to see which area might work best for you, here is a quick overview of where to stay in Hiroshima, highlighting the main areas and and why you might choose to stay there.

Area	Best For	Why Stay Here	Hotel Recommendation
Peace Park / Downtown	First-time visitors & sightseeing	Walk to the top attractions	Hilton Hiroshima
Hiroshima Station	Day trips & convenience	Easy access to trains and transport	Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
Miyajima Island	Scenic views & unique stay	Quiet mornings and evenings after crowds leave	Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

💡P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!

Where to Stay in Hiroshima

Now let’s break down the three main areas to stay in Hiroshima. I will share the best hotels in each area, what you can do nearby, and who each area is best for depending on your travel style.

1. Peace Memorial Park / Downtown Hiroshima

Best for: First-time visitors, walking everywhere, easy sightseeing
Vibe: Lively but not overwhelming, with plenty of restaurants. I noticed the crowds were much smaller than in Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo, which made it a nice change of pace.

This is the area I stayed in, and I loved it. We could walk to Peace Memorial Park in just a few minutes, which made sightseeing super convenient.

If you want to spend most of your time exploring Hiroshima’s history, this is the easiest area to base yourself.

👉 More details about my trip here: Two Days in Hiroshima itinerary

Things to Do Nearby:

Peace Memorial Park – A moving park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, with several memorials to visit including the Children’s Peace Monument, the Flame of Peace, and the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph.
Atomic Bomb Dome – UNESCO World Heritage Site that was almost directly under the blast and still partially stands today. As you walk around, there are plaques sharing what happened here on August 6, 1945. It’s emotional to read but an important reminder of the lives lost.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – One of the most powerful museums I have ever visited, with exhibits that share personal stories and belongings from victims of the bombing. It’s emotional but a must-visit. We spent around 3 hours here.
Okonomimura – Multi-floor food hall famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. We went to the first stall we saw after heading up the stairs, and it was delicious. They only take cash, so make sure you bring some yen with you.
Hondori Shopping Street – Covered street full of shops and food spots. I got a delicious strawberry glazed donut from Mister Donut here!

💡You can easily visit everything on your own, but if you want to learn more about the history of Hiroshima from a local guide, there is a walking tour on Get Your Guide that gets great reviews. You can book it here or below.

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan in June, with surrounding modern buildings and trees reflecting in the Motoyasu River on a cloudy day — **Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima**

The fllowers laid before the monument memorializing the victims lives who were lost during the Hiroshima bombing. — **Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph**

Hotels I Recommend:

Hilton Hiroshima – A really nice, modern hotel with spacious rooms and great views. It is close to Peace Memorial Park and a bunch of restaurants, so it is easy to explore on foot. It is less than 1 mile from Peace Memorial Park.
ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima – ANA is a popular and well-known Japanese hotel chain. It is within walking distance Peace Memorial Park, the museum, and plenty of dining spots.
Hiroshima Washington Hotel – Right in the Hondori shopping area, which is one of the best places to stay for food and shopping. You will have everything right outside your door.

We stayed at The Knot Hiroshima for 3 nights, and I personally wouldn’t stay there again. It wasn’t terrible, but the room felt outdated and not as clean as I prefer. The bed was clean and comfortable, but there were noticeable stains on the carpet and walls.

On the positive side, it was very affordable. We paid $277.15 for three nights, and the hotel has a nice rooftop bar. They also give you a few free drink and snack tokens at check-in, which was nice.

Check out this interactive map below for more options on where to stay in Hiroshima!

💡Staying in the Peace Memorial Park / Downtown Hiroshima area is perfect if you want to walk everywhere and stay in the most convenient spot for sightseeing. I highly recommend staying in this area.

2. Hiroshima Station Area

Best for: If you’re going on multiple day trips
Vibe: Busy and extremely convenient

If you’re taking the train to or from Kyoto, Osaka, or Miyajima Island, staying near Hiroshima Station makes travel super easy.

The area is full of restaurants and stores right inside or next to the station.

It’s not as close to Peace Memorial Park, but the public transit in Hiroshima is efficient and easy to use.

Things to Do Nearby:

Shukkeien Garden – Peaceful Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and walking paths. It’s a nice spot to take a quiet break from sightseeing.
Hiroshima Castle – Reconstructed historic castle with a small museum inside that covers Hiroshima’s history. You can walk around the grounds for free and visit the top for city views.

Hotels I Recommend:

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima – Directly connected to Hiroshima Station, so it is super convenient for trains and public transit.
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima – Right next to the station with more spacious rooms than your typical Japanese hotel room.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae – Easy walk to the station and good value for the price.
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Hiroshima – Budget-friendly but has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Rooms are small, which is normal in Japan, and the location near the station is very convenient.

💡Hiroshima Station is the perfect area to stay if you want quick access to trains or are planning several day trips outside of Hiroshima.

3. Miyajima Island

Best for: A unique experience and a memorable overnight stay
Vibe: Scenic, traditional, and calm, especially when the crowds leave

Miyajima Island is not technically part of Hiroshima. It is about a 45-minute train and ferry ride from the city, but it is close enough to easily include as a day trip or overnight stay.

We only did a day trip, but it ended up being one of my favorite days of our 2.5 weeks in Japan. We hiked up Mount Misen via the Daisho-in Trail and took the scenic ropeway down and saw the famous floating torii gate.

If you have the chance to stay overnight, I recommend it. Mornings and evenings are much quieter and more peaceful once the day crowds leave.

➡️You can see my full experience here: Things to Do on Miyajima Island

Things to Do on Miyajima Island:

Itsukushima Shrine and Floating Torii Gate – One of the most famous sights in Japan, known for its bright red torii gate that looks like it is floating in the water at high tide. The shrine is beautiful to see up close and offers great views of the torii gate from different angles.
Mount Misen Ropeway – A scenic cable car ride up Mount Misen with panoramic views of Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea. We hiked up via the Daisho-in trail and took the ropeway down, which was a perfect way to enjoy the views without the climb on the way down.
Omotesando Shopping Street – Main street leading up to Itsukushima Shrine, full of souvenir shops, good food, and small cafés.

The misty shroud of fog over the mountains and the view of the orange iconic floating torii gate on Miyajima Island in the rain. — **Floating Torii Gate**

The views of the flowing creek running over the rocks creating tiny waterfalls which is one of the views you will see while hiking the Daishoin trail to Mt Misen on Miyajima Island. — **Daisho-in Trail to Mt Misen**

Hotels I Recommend:

Miyajima Seaside Hotel – Traditional-style Japanese ryokan rooms with ocean views. Further from the main area.
Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto – Great location near Itsukushima Shrine and the shopping street, so it is easy to explore on foot.
Iwaso – A traditional ryokan experience with tatami rooms.
Hotel Miyajima Villa – Convenient location right by the ferry

💡Miyajima Island is perfect for a one-night stay if you want to spend a relaxing night surrounded by nature and have a different experience from the rest of your Japan trip.

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

Getting from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island

Getting to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima is really easy and can be done completely with public transportation.

I used Google Maps for directions the entire time I was in Japan, and it worked great. It’s much more accurate than Apple Maps for transit routes and easier to follow.

Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
From Miyajimaguchi Station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Miyajima Ferry Port. Just follow the signs that direct you there.
Then take the ferry to Miyajima Island, which only takes about 10 minutes. You can tap your Suica card to pay, which makes it super easy.
There’s seating both inside and on the upper deck. I recommend sitting outside or on the upper level for the best views as you approach the island.

Once you arrive on the island, everything is very walkable, and you can explore the streets, shops, and sights like Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate.

Getting Around Hiroshima

Hiroshima is super easy to get around using public transit. We mainly used buses, and Google Maps made it really simple to figure out the best routes.

I added my Suica Card to my Apple Wallet so I could just tap to pay for buses and trams.

Since we stayed in the Peace Memorial Park area, we never really used public transit besides getting to Miyajima Island and to get to and from Hiroshima station. Everything else we did was within walking distance for us!

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Hiroshima?

Deciding how long to stay in Hiroshima really depends on what you want to see and how much time you have .

1 night: You can do a quick visit to Hiroshima and fit in a Miyajima day trip, but it will be a bit rushed. You would likely only have time for the highlights like Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the ferry to Miyajima.
2 nights: This is ideal for most travelers. You will have a full day to explore Hiroshima’s main sights and a separate day to enjoy Miyajima at a more relaxed pace.
3 nights: Perfect if you want extra time to explore Hiroshima beyond the top attractions and just want some more built in time to relax and not feel rushed.

We spent three nights in Hiroshima, and that felt perfect for us. We arrived in the late afternoon on our first day, spent the next day exploring Hiroshima’s history and main sights, and used our third day for a day trip to Miyajima Island. It was a good balance without feeling rushed.

➡️You can see exactly what we did in my Two Days in Hiroshima itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Hiroshima

The best time to visit Hiroshima depends on what kind of weather and experience you want.

I would try to avoid visiting in July or August if you can because the heat and humidity can be pretty intense. But if that’s the only time that works for you, I would still go to Japan. It is absolutely worth it!

Here is a breakdown by season:

March–April: This is cherry blossom season, and the trees around Peace Memorial Park and along the rivers make the city feel especially beautiful. It can get busy with tourists, but the mild spring weather makes walking around really enjoyable.
October–November: Fall colors are stunning in Hiroshima. Temperatures are comfortable, making it a perfect time to explore the city!
December–February: Winter is quieter, with fewer crowds and lower hotel prices. It can be chilly, but it’s still a good time to visit if you want a calmer experience and don’t mind bundling up.
Summer (June–August): Summers can be hot and humid, but it’s also lively. The long daylight hours give you more time to explore. Just be prepared for the heat and humidity if you’re walking around during the day.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hiroshima

If it’s your first time in Hiroshima, I would stay near Peace Memorial Park. It gives you the most stress-free sightseeing experience and puts you right where you will spend most of your time.

But if you’re continuing on by Shinkansen or planning multiple day trips, Hiroshima Station is a great alternative.

And if you have extra time, a night on Miyajima Island makes your trip feel a little more special. Visiting Miyajima Island was one of my favorite parts of our entire Japan trip, and I would love to go back to spend the night there.

No matter where you stay, Hiroshima is absolutely worth adding to your trip. It was one of the most meaningful places we visited in Japan.

Check out my other Japan blog posts to help you plan your Japan itinerary!