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Hiroshima Travel Guide
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Hiroshima Travel Guide

Advantages of Traveling to HiroshimaA guide to the charms of Hiroshima, featuring rich local food, historic landmarks, and convenient public transportation.

1. Attractive Sights and History

1) Visit Two World Heritage Sites at Once

Within a single city, you can explore two World Heritage Sites with completely different styles.

  • The Floating Torii Gate: Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island features a giant red gate standing directly in the sea. It offers a unique view that changes with the high and low tides.
  • A Place of Historic Lessons: The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome) sits in the city center, serving as a reminder of the tragedy of war and the importance of peace.

2) Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere

Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, Hiroshima is not overly crowded or hectic. The entire city is clean and well-organized, with scenic rivers and coastal views that make it a perfect place for relaxing walks.

2. Delicious Food and Convenient Transportation

1) Unique Food Culture of Hiroshima

Hiroshima offers a wide range of delicious, local specialties that attract food lovers from all over Japan.

  • Layered Okonomiyaki: This style is different from the Osaka style, where all ingredients are mixed together. In Hiroshima, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork belly, and noodles are layered one by one on a thin batter crepe, creating a rich texture.
  • Fresh Oyster Dishes: Hiroshima is one of the top oyster-producing regions in Japan. You can enjoy large, plump grilled or deep-fried oysters at very reasonable prices.

2) Romantic Streetcars and Transit Network

The public transportation network connecting the city center to surrounding regions is highly efficient.

  • Streetcars in the City: You can easily ride the streetcars (Hiroden) running along the city streets. Fares are low and the routes pass most major attractions, making it very easy for first-time visitors to navigate.
  • Easy Day Trips: By taking a train or Shinkansen, you can quickly reach nearby destinations like Okunoshima (famous as Rabbit Island) or Onomichi, a beautiful port town.
Hiroshima Tourism Association

Exclusive TourCast Tips!

How to Travel Between Hiroshima and Matsuyama

By taking a high-speed boat or ferry from Hiroshima Port, you can easily travel to Matsuyama, a charming small city in the Shikoku region. You can choose the best boat option based on your budget and time.

  • High-Speed Boat: Recommended for travelers who want to save time. It costs about 8,800 JPY one-way and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  • Standard Ferry: Great for travelers who want to enjoy the sea views and save money. It costs about 5,800 JPY one-way and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

If your schedule permits, using these boats allows you to enjoy both Hiroshima and Matsuyama in one trip. Booking an open-jaw flight ticket (arriving at one airport and departing from another) can save you a significant amount of travel time and transit effort.

Since the routes pass through the calm Inland Sea, waves are generally low, so seasickness is rarely an issue. However, it is always best to check the official website for weather alerts or schedule updates before heading out. (If a boat is canceled due to bad weather, you may need to take a long-distance bus or train instead.)

Ishizaki Kisen WebsiteSetonaikai Kisen Website

How to Get to the City and Nearby Areas from Hiroshima AirportA guide on taking buses from Hiroshima Airport to the city center and surrounding regional destinations.

1. Traveling to Hiroshima City Center

If you are not renting a car at Hiroshima Airport, you must take the airport limousine bus to get into the city. Buses to the city run on two main routes, so choose the one that matches your hotel location or destination.

1) Bound for Hiroshima Bus Center

  • Features: Convenient for heading straight to the downtown city center (Kamiya-cho and Hondori areas), where department stores, malls, and major shops are located. It is also close to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle.

2) Bound for Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Entrance)

  • Features: Best for travelers who need to transfer immediately to a Shinkansen or JR train to visit other regions, or those who booked accommodations around Hiroshima Station.

2. Regional Bus Routes and Itinerary Planning Tips

Hiroshima Airport operates various direct bus routes not only to the city center but also to several charming nearby towns.

1) Convenient Regional Network

  • Buses run directly to Fukuyama, Mihara, Tadanoumi (the ferry port for Rabbit Island), Onomichi, and Saijo Station.
  • There is also a direct bus to Miyajimaguchi Station, which is the gateway ferry terminal for Miyajima Island.

2) Tips for an Efficient Itinerary

With so many direct routes from the airport, you can plan your travel path flexibly based on your preferences.

  • City First, Suburbs Later: Take the airport limousine bus straight to downtown Hiroshima for sightseeing first, and explore regional spots later in your trip.
  • Suburbs First, City Later: Head straight to Miyajima or Onomichi right after landing to start your trip, and move into downtown Hiroshima at the end. This reverse route can save you time and make your itinerary highly efficient.
Hiroshima Airport Bus Routes & Timetables Airport Bus Stop Guide