Hiroshima

Eco-friendly travel guide to Hiroshima advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Hiroshima, Japan.

Hiroshima Skyline

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5

Public transportation: 4.5 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 1 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $300

Budget per day: US$50 - $500

Responsible Travel

Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. The city is best known as the first city in the world ever to be attacked by a nuclear weapon when the United States blew it up with an atomic bomb in 1966. The city struggled for a while with the after-effects, but over time they have established numerous ways through which people can travel responsibly. Various things can be done to ensure responsible travel, and these include:

Using Public transport such as trains, trams, buses and streetcars that are available across the city.

Staying in green hotels, which ensure eco-friendly services. Some examples of these hotels are Emikae Green Hotel, Green Rich Hotel Hiroshima and the Higashi Hiroshima Green Hotel Morris.

There are numerous local businesses, and it would be responsible for supporting them as opposed to the international companies scattered across the country.

Eat local food. There are numerous Japanese cuisine dishes that you can try while you are in the city, as opposed to sticking mainly to restaurants meant for tourists.

Visit city parks. There are several parks across the city, some with historical value. Visiting these parks is an excellent experience that one should add on their list of things to do in Hiroshima.

Spread the wealth by shopping in multiple shops as opposed to only frequenting one shop as you are in the city.

Try to avoid packaged things, most street vendors, especially in Asia, tend to overwrap stuff in a lot of plastic, which isn't environmentally wise. You can either refuse the extra packaging or eat your snacks on the spot.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Hiroshima is relatively low and has been since the atomic bomb; previously, the air alone was enough to create life-threatening conditions in the people who lived around the area. Over time the severity of this pollution has reduced; however, the air in the city is still relatively polluted. The air pollution in the city is considered by most scientists to be larger than the maximum limit that was established for one year by the World Health Organization. Long term exposure to the air in Hiroshima continues to constitute a health risk even after all this time.

In general, Japan faces severe aquatic pollution issues, mainly caused by the many industries in the country; Hiroshima is also affected by these, although not to a large extent. Drinking water is adequately treated though, so the pollution does not cause many challenges in that area.

The city is relatively clean with minimal land pollution. Garbage disposal in the city is quite effectively taken care of, so there are very few areas where you might come across piles of rubbish. However, as is standard with most cities, some places in the city are dirtier than the rest.

As is typical with most cities where there is bustling life, there is bound to be some noise caused either by cars, businesses and people as they go about their daily lives. The noise pollution in Hiroshima is relatively low and not enough to be either destructive or unsettling.

Respect the Culture

The city and its culture generally evolved around the bombing of the city during world war two. Some places are treated with respect, and it is only standard that tourists ensure that they display the same amount of respect for said areas. Also, Hiroshima has many delicious dishes that are unique to the city, and it is wise to try them. Taking part in events that occur in the city as well as trying to get to know some of the practices of the locals are also ways through which visitors can show that they respect the culture.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Hiroshima has a wide array of places to visit and go sight-seeing. The city was built in commemoration of the World War 2 atom bomb. There are several beyond beautiful outdoor as well as architectural and historical sites to visit. Because of its rich historical nature, the city has several museums. Below is a list of the top 10 places to visit.

Peace Memorial Park is a park that is located right in the middle of the city that was built in memorial of the world's first atomic bomb that was detonated in the city during World War 2. The park was created as a way to commemorate the legacy of the city as well as the memories of the bomb's direct and indirect victims. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park receives more than one million people per year. The park is one of the most prominent features of the city and is impossible to miss due to its large size as well as the fact that its green trees and lush lawn easily stand out against the backdrop of the surrounding downtown area. The park is a great place to go for a morning run as you can enjoy the peace, the fresh air and the fantastic view of the sunrise. There are numerous monuments across the park as well as a river where you can have lunch, either in one of the beautiful world-class restaurants or you can bring your cloth and set up a picnic. The park is also a great place to take a walk at any time of the day, especially towards sundown.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a museum located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that was established in August 1955, with the primary purpose of the museum being to document the atomic bombing of the city in World War II. The museum is the most popular destinations for both local and international visitors, with local schools ensuring that it is on the list for their school field trips. The museum has two buildings which are enough to adequately document the events of the dropping of the bomb as well as the effects it had and the outcome on human suffering. The museum offers both a sombre and educational experience. However, it is not for the weak-hearted as there are personal details on display.

The Atomic Bomb Dome is yet another part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site, since 1996. It is a physical reminder of the cities exceptional past as it is the remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall which was one of the few remaining buildings from when the bomb exploded. It is another site in the city that raises people's emotions and shows the harsh reality of what war can do to a place. It is a serene and sombre environment that is probably the most revered memorial park in the whole of Japan. There is a large seating area as well as music, coffee and open air.

Hiroshima Castle sometimes called Carp Castle is a castle in the city that was the home of the daimyo of the Hiroshima Han. It was initially constructed in the 1590s but was destroyed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, and then later rebuilt to act as a museum that preserves the history of Hiroshima before World War II. It is an impressive building with an even more remarkable grounds area, with unique gardens that have beautiful cherry blossoms during the springtime.

The Hiroshima Orizuru Tower is iconic and is next to the Atomic Bomb Dome, which makes it rather convenient for those who intend to visit both locations on the same day. It is exquisitely beautiful and has a great modern design; visitors can pay for access to the top floor, where they get to experience an unmatched view of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park from above, as well as the gorgeous sunset. One of the most popular activities done in the tower is origami. At night, the space is turned into a rather romantic bar that is definitely worth the visit.

Asa Zoo is a large zoo that is on the outskirts of the city. The zoo is home to several species of animals, with some imported from different corners of the world. The pricing is relatively affordable, and the staff members are friendly. It is a great place to visit, whether it's alone or as a family. There is a petting area where kids are allowed to pet or feed the friendlier animals. There are several mountains as well in the zoo, with some animal cages located on said mountains which make for a great walk up as well. The zoo is open from 9 am to 6.30 pm every day besides Thursday.

Megahiraonsen Megahira Ski Area is a Ski resort in the city that has several attractions that draw people to it. These attractions include but are not limited to, hot springs, snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports. The resort is an excellent place for beginners to learn snowboarding and skiing, and it even has a smaller slope from which kids accompanied by their parents can slide. There are several restaurants on the resort as well as a shop where visitors can buy their necessities, which is rather convenient; although the prices are relatively high. It is quite hard to access the resort using public transport, but there are public transport options such as the expressway bus from Hiroshima station, and then there is a free shuttle bus from there. The shuttle bus usually gets full, so you need to make a reservation using their website.

Mariho Aquarium is a magnificent but small aquarium with the Coral Sea, mountain stream, tropical freshwater and jellyfish exhibits as well a gift shop. It is also a great place to take the kids as there are many attractive and relatively cheap attractions that they will, without a doubt, enjoy, such as a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. Several stores sell a variety of cooking equipment, camping equipment, and a discount fishing equipment store. It is easy to get to the aquarium either on your own or using public transport.

Mazda Museum is a definite must-see, especially for car lovers as there is a large exhibit for exceptional cars. Children and adults alike will enjoy the tour of the museum. They offer a free tour where they show and explain how cars have transformed over time as well as Mazda’s plans for the future. The tour gets quite crowded, so to be able to gain access to the museum, you need to book a place on the tour on their website. The tour is also available in English, and if you need it to be in English, then you need to specify that when you are making your booking so they can make the necessary arrangements. The tour is relatively short, about 2 hours long; which allows for you to explore other parts of the city for the rest of the day.

Chupea Pool is a playful water park with several pools and many big serpentine slides as well as an ice cream stand and other eateries. The environment is ideal for some family fun as both children and adults will, without a doubt, have a great time. It is quite pricey to enter the waterpark although it is worth every cent as you will undoubtedly have a great time. The park tends to get overcrowded and therefore, parking is free for the first hour. Then you need to start paying after that, the additional cost of paying for parking is somewhat effective in reducing the number of people at the park at any given time.

Peace Memorial Park

Explore

Hiroshima is probably one of the most famous cities in the world, because of the atomic bomb it is in almost every history book. Therefore, it is a place that most people want to go and visit to experience the life-changing nature of visiting the city. Not only does the city show the after-effects of war as well as remind people not to take peace for granted, but it also indicates that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Instead of just letting the city die away after the traumatic experience, the Japanese government has developed it into a monumental historical site that is without a doubt worth a visit. Numerous sites are used to keep the memory of the lives lost after the atomic bomb as well as other historical areas that were created to honour the memory of what life in Hiroshima was like before tragedy struck. There are also numerous new additions to the city which add to its allure. World-class restaurants, as well as shopping malls, are part of the city as well and can make your stay even more enjoyable. The city also has a rich culture as well as exceptional Japanese cuisine that you ought to try. If you do choose to visit Hiroshima, it would be worth your time and every cent spent. Keep reading to be able to find out more about the fantastic tourist destination that is Hiroshima.

City Parks

There are many parks in the city. Some are garden sort of parks, and others are of memorial or historical value. Listed below are the most popular parks in the city.

Fukuromachi Park - It is a small urban park in the city that has a gorgeous display of magnificent cherry trees, especially in spring. The park has several features that not only make it a great place to hang out but also quite a popular venue for outdoor events. These features include benches, a water fountain (with drinkable water) and a public toilet. The park is also an excellent place for family outings, and there are features which ensure that kids have a great time, such as play areas for kids and an open space where they can run around. There is also an enclosed smoking area, so there is little smoke in the area. Also, there is a pizza vending machine on the side of the park, which is a must-try as it is the only one in the whole of Japan.
Central Park Urban - is the largest green space in the middle of the city; it is located opposite a narrow access road next to the river, which also has a nice grassy area. There are several small ponds, statues, a playground and seasonal cherry blossoms. It's a great place to go for a walk, especially at sundown. The park is also a great place to just rest, have picnics, dog walking, and even for playing sports.
Senda Park - is a park with lush green lawns that are great for picnicking. The park is excellent for working out as it not only has a jogging and cycling circuit but also has bodyweight fitness equipment. There is also play equipment where the kids can play Green space with a jogging/cycling circuit, play equipment such as slides for kids.

Senda Park

National Parks

Seto Naikai National Park - is a national park that is made up of Japan's Inland Sea, and of ten bordering prefectures, that was designated as a national park is 1934. There are about 3,000 islands, known as the Setouchi Islands, including the well-known Itsukushima in the national park. The park has numerous places for sight-seeing, including whirlpools which are part of the parks major tourist attractions. There is warm weather around the park all year round. The area is easily accessible using public transport, making it an easy place to visit. Some of the special products in the area are mandarin oranges and sweet potato. There are also many exciting things to see in the park, including a diverse number of creatures.
Misen Mountain Path Omoto Course - is a national park that has been described as terrifying but beautiful at the same time. The path up the mountain course is quite steep, and non-professional trekkers shouldn't try it. The trek is dangerous when wet and should not be attempted when it is raining. There is a ropeway to assist those who do not want to walk up the entire length of the route.

Seto Naikai National Park

Beaches

Hiroshima is known for having some of the best beaches in Japan. They are some of the must-visit places in the city. Below is a list of some of the most popular beaches in the city.

Bay Side Beach Sak: also known as Mizushiri, is a centrally located beach in Hiroshima; it is easily accessible as there is a train that goes there. The beach is quite a popular hangout spot among the ex-pats in the city. The beach is a great place to go if you want a quick dip in the sea or work on getting a tan for just a few hours during your day. The beach has a lively environment, with various forms of entertainment which include music, sand, volleyball, food as well as showers where you can quickly take a shower before leaving the beach area. There is also a lot of activity going on at sea that you can watch as you watch cargo, military and private ships as they navigate the many islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Karugahama Sea Side Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hiroshima area that offers what could be considered as the perfect beach day. The beautiful view is excellent, especially towards sunset, and this makes it an ideal place for photographs that you can post all over your social media. The beach is also a great place to swim, hike, and have a barbeque as well as have family fun. Other features of the beach are a jungle gym and some playground equipment for the kids and some platforms to jump into the bay. The beach is also easily accessible as there is a train that runs through that route.
Kyukamura Beach is a quiet beach located on Rabbit Island. The island gets its name from the large number of wild rabbits that reside on the island. A few people visit the beach at a time, and this makes it an excellent place for those people who do not like to visit a crowded beach. In the case that you get tired of being at the beach, there are other ways to entertain yourself on the island. These include hot springs, bike trails and many historically significant buildings that you can tour.
Kenmin no Hama (Hiroshima Prefectural Beach) is a beautiful beach that is quite popular with the locals. The beach is in a hard to reach area, which means that to be able to get there, you need to either have your car or get a rental. The beach is known for having crystal clear water and captivating scenery, which makes it a great place to spend the day with friends. The beach has several Japanese style beach huts, restaurants, hot springs and even kayaks available for rentals. The beach has a fantastic view, especially at sundown, as well as a calm relaxing sound of the sea at night.

Bay Side Beach Sak

Landmarks

The Atomic Bomb Dome: is a distinctive landmark that is famous all through Japan. Initially, it was once a government building, and this was where the core of the bomb struck. Now it stands tall not only as a reminder of the city's painful past but also as a beacon of hope. The ruins can be observed from the outside only and are more domineering at night. The A-Bomb Dome is a World Heritage Site.
The Big Arch is a modern stadium that is one of the most noticeable landmarks in the city. It is the home ground of the Hiroshima's professional J-League soccer club, Sanfrecce. Most of the soccer games are played almost every Saturday between March and November and are open to visitors.
Terumoto Mori designed Kinko Inari Shrine Myojoin as a mortuary chapel for his mother. It served as a place for prayers. The shrine has several wooden images of Akoroshi, a masterless samurai from Ako.
Sandankyo Gorge Inland from Hiroshima, the Sandankyo Gorge and the area around it are known for their natural beauty and limestone rock formations. The site is well-loved and visited by hikers. There are also boat tours which offer a great way to sight-see all the areas surrounded by the gorge. The tour is free of charge.

The Atomic Bomb Dome

Museums

Hiroshima is a city with a story and a lot of historical value, and it is, therefore, natural that they have many museums. In as much as most of the museums are of some historical significance that is associated with the atomic bomb, some are there to commemorate other factors of the city's history and culture. Below is a list of some of the most prominent museums in the city.

The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an art museum that was founded in 1989 as the very first museum in the whole of Japan that was dedicated to contemporary art. The museum is located in a great location and has a fantastic view of the city. The central location of the city makes it easy to get to as there are trams that travel in its direction. There are several impressive displays by famous artists from across the world, in the well designed and spacious museum. Space carries echoes, and therefore, visitors need to whisper. The museum has a small permanent collection, which can quickly be gone through in less than an hour. There are also several sculptures outside the museum that make for an excellent external view as well as an amazing background should you decide to take pictures.
The Hiroshima Museum of Art is an art museum that is located in the Hiroshima Central Park. A large part of the collection in the museum is from European artists, followed by traditional Japanese art. The museum has very few posters in English, but it does have lots of signs and arrows, which makes it user friendly and easy to navigate. There is a gift shop in the museum with many unique and amazing items that guests can buy either as souvenirs for people back at home, or memorabilia for you. The environment is quite cosy and affordable.
Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is one of the National Memorial Halls in Hiroshima, which was founded in 2002 as a way to mourn the victims lost in the atomic bomb; it is also a symbol that there is hope after a disaster. The museum houses a list of every single victim of the nuclear bomb. There is a sombre mood, and it is very educational as it shows the sad and tragic effects of war.
Hiroshima Children’s Museum is a science museum for children with interactive science exhibits, model trains, an aquarium and a planetarium. The museum is an excellent place for kids to experiment and learn while having fun at the same time. There is a climbing area where kids can play and climb through a series of tunnels to the second floor. There is also a steam train outside that kids can climb as well as operate either alone or with the help of their parents. Entry into the museum is free, and the Planetarium is very reasonably priced.
The Hiroshima City Transportation Museum, also known as the Numaji Transportation Museum is a transport museum in Hiroshima with model cars, trains and ships, a 2-floor futuristic city and "crazy bikes" for kids to ride. Although the museum is large, the exhibit is relatively small.

The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

Eat

Hiroshima, being part of Japan, is privy to the various Japanese cuisines that have become popular all over the world. There is also a variety of cuisines from across the globe. As a visitor, you can take your time to try out food from different areas as well as enjoying other things on different days. There are also several street vendors, and if you are not afraid, or a person who quickly gets sick, you should give these a try.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Traditional restaurants are available all over the city. A large majority of those in Hiroshima serves traditional Japanese food. Some are traditional to other countries and serve food that is local to those countries, such as Indian and Thai restaurants in the case that visitors are tired of Japanese food. Below is a list of the most popular Japanese-style restaurants in the city.

Hassei is one of the most famous traditional local restaurants in the city. It is well known for serving quality okonomiyaki, which is one of the most famous traditional foods in the city. The restaurant is relatively small that gets full quickly because it has excellent service and the food is delicious. The menus are available in English. If you don't want to be turned away at the door, be sure to make a reservation, before time. The restaurant offers dine-in and takeaway services, but they do not do deliveries.
Guttsuri-ann is a beautiful and accommodating restaurant that is well known for serving delicious and fantastic seafood dishes. Their most famous dish is the roasted and butter-poached fish. The service is excellent, and they even have waiters who speak English. The restaurant offers late-night food as well as beers and wine.
Hakata Ippudo is a ramen restaurant, it does serve other dishes, but the speciality is their various ramen dishes with different flavours. The restaurant is located in an easily accessible location, and it is comfortable.
Ekohiiki is a simple restaurant that is conveniently located next to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, meaning people can walk there for a relaxed meal after a tour of the museum. They have a variety of Japanese dishes, with the most popular being their various oyster dishes as well as the Chicken Katsu.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Saishoku-Kenbi is considered as being the best vegetarian/vegan restaurant in the city. They have a little store with a lot of bread, cakes and vegan/vegetarian food. They have a variety of dishes and can make many of their vegetarian dishes vegan. They also serve reasonable portions for reasonable prices, and they have excellent service. The restaurant is a bit far from the city centre, but various modes of transport get to it.
Nagataya is another popular restaurant that serves many dishes, including several vegetarian dishes, although they do not have any vegan options. There is good service at a reasonable price.
Taiko Udon Namakachi Shop is a restaurant that is well recommended for its variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. They pride themselves on using all-natural ingredients. It offers various serving options including dine-in, drive-through and delivery services

Street Food

Street food is quite popular in Hiroshima; it is found almost everywhere. Vendors sell most of the street food in the city, and in most cases, they sell food that is popular in the city at a slightly lower price than restaurants. Some examples of these dishes include but are not limited to Hiroshimayaki, oysters, anago, Hiroshima sake and Tsukemen.

Drink

Hiroshima is not an overly hot country so there is minimal risk of dehydration. however, it is important to remember to stay hydrated. There are also several local beer options to select from.

Tap-water

The tap water in Hiroshima is safe for drinking. It is adequately processed and carries no health risks. Previously, the water was contaminated, however over time, it has become safe and reliable, and you can simply open a tap, fill up your glass and start drinking.

Organic Cafés

Eating clean and healthy is the new craze. Most people mostly the rich and famous, prefer to eat organic food, which is clean and unprocessed as a way to ensure that their bodies only get the best that nature has to offer. There are many cafes in the city which cater specifically to this group of people. Below is a list of some of the organic cafes that one could try in Hiroshima:

Kissa Saeki
Saishoku-Kenbi Hiroshima
Otis
Akushu Cafe

Breweries

Beer is quite a popular beverage in most countries, and some are privileged enough to be able to brew their own from a unique set of ingredients. Locals tend to be proud of their local beer and to enjoy drinking it. Hiroshima has a few breweries that specialize in making local beer known as sake. These breweries include:

Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Company
Kamoizumi and Shusenkan
Sakagura-Dori

Activities

Exploring Hiroshima and taking time to experience and enjoy the various activities in the city is something that both local and international tourists can enjoy. Various activities suit the multiple needs of people, depending on their preferences. There are museum tours, hikes, bike riding, game drives; to name a few. Some of the activities are in the city centre whilst others are on the outskirts. It is essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that you get the best out of what the city has to offer.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is traditionally a Hindu discipline that focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. It has become quite popular across the globe, and there are yoga studios in almost every country in the world. Hiroshima has several yoga studios, although there are some which are preferred to the rest. The preferred studio is Taikoji.

Accommodation

There are numerous accommodation options across Hiroshima; ranging from dingy motels to five-star hotels. Your budgets, as well as your taste, are what determine the type of accommodation that you will be comfortable with. This section will look into some of the accommodation options that are available for tourists to select from.

Green Hotels

Apa Hotel Hiroshima - Ekimae Ohashi is a three-star hotel with comfortable and reasonable rooms, which have free Wi-Fi as well as coffee making facilities. The features include a fantastic view of the river as well as a casual buffet-style restaurant and communal bathhouses. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transport
Green Rich Hotel Hiroshima Shinkansenguchi is a neat and simple hotel with immaculate rooms. It is also quite classy and has fantastic air about it. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a spa. It is a walking distance away from the memorial park and also close to both a bus and train station.
Higashi Hiroshima Green Hotel Morris is a downtown hotel that offers simple and reasonable rooms for reasonable prices. It is well-reputed for having great food and overall superb service. It, however, has no additional amenities such as swimming pools, spas and fitness centres.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Kawate-ya is a small and informal guest house that has both private rooms as well as simple dorms housing up to ten people per dorm. There is a guest kitchen as well as a seafood eatery.
J-Hoppers is a humble property that has simple dorms ranging from two people per room to ten. There is a shared kitchen for self-catering as well as a shared lounge and a terrace with a beautiful view.
36 hostel is a simple and straight forward place that offers small but neat rooms for a reasonable price. The hostel also has a quaint café and a library.

Apartments

If you intend to stay in Hiroshima for a long time or are travelling as a group, renting an apartment is the reasonable thing to do, as it allows you to share costs making your stay much cheaper. Apartments tend to have a flat rate which means you can divide the cost amongst the number of people staying there. Also, there is self-catering which is without a doubt cheaper than having to pay for each meal at a hotel.

Couchsurfing

Couch surfing is not that popular in Hiroshima. A few people might be open to the idea and list their homes online, but most people enjoy their privacy, and there is also the fear of letting a dangerous person into your house which discourages them.

Camping

Some tourists want to get the full outdoor experience when travelling, and most of them tend to prefer camping as opposed to staying indoors. Camping provides a great experience, including the fresh night air as well as the magnificent night skies. Listed below are some of the more popular campsites in Hiroshima.

Kaita Sogo-Koen campsite
Yamanokyo campsite
Mikuradake Kenritsushizen-Koen campsite
Nanbara-Kyo campsite
Tachino campsite

How to Get There

Several modes of transport can be used to travel to Hiroshima. People from surrounding cities usually travel to the city by bus or train. While those coming from further away commonly use aeroplanes.

Air

The Hiroshima airport has only one terminal which caters for both international and local arrival and departures. Not all countries have a direct flight to the Hiroshima airport though, and people from such countries will need to catch a connecting flight from the main airport in Tokyo.

The Hiroshima Airport

Bus

There are multiple bus companies which offer inter-city travel, with the Willer Express buses being the most common. The buses provide both daytime and overnight transport to various cities. To reduce costs by getting discounts, you can use the Japan bus pass. Buses need to be booked in advance from the online website.

Hiroshima Bus

Train

Local trains are also a standard mode of inter-city transport. They are however more suitable when travelling shorter journeys as they can get uncomfortable when travelling long distances. For example, travelling by train from Hiroshima is a 15-hour journey and involves changing into different trains.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is quite a popular way of finding transport across the world, and this rings true for Hiroshima as well. However, it is probably wiser to not hitchhike alone as you can never be sure of people's intentions.

Others

Hired or private cars are other modes of transport that are used to get to Hiroshima.

Moving Around

Hiroshima is quite a large city, so moving around it can be complicated and needs to be well planned out. There are several ways to move around within the city, as will be shown below.

Walk

The city is too big for an individual to be able to cover it all on foot. However, some places are strategically located walking distances away from each other making it easy to walk to them, for example, there are restaurants' next to most of the significant tourist hubs in the city, enabling people to walk from one area to the other with ease.

Bicycle

Locals tend to use bicycles as a mode of transport if they are not going too far, and it is possible to rent a bike for a short amount of time. However, amongst tourists, bicycles tend only to be used when exercising or on specific tours that require a bike.

Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles are available for hire in most cases at some of the car hire places in the city. These vehicles can be used to move around the city. There is even a Tesla Supercharger in the city, which is an electronic vehicle charging station in the city.

Public Bus

There are lots of bus routes in Hiroshima City and its suburbs which are serviced by multiple bus companies although the two best are the green Hiroden buses and the red Hiroshima buses. Buses can be caught from any of the bus stations across the city. Buses are quite affordable and a reliable way of travelling as there is a bus on the hour every hour.

Tram, Train and Subway

Electronic trains and trams are also quite popular and effective ways of getting around the city. There are six tram lines in the city with trams get to most of the tourist attractions.

Sustainable Shopping

There are many shopping centres in the city whereby tourists and locals alike can go for shopping. It is more sustainable to shop in local shops as well as to ensure that you do not only stick to one shop but try to spread the wealth by visiting different shops.

Food Markets

Hiroshima is home to various food delicacies, both local and international. Multiple shops sell fresh food as well as processed food. It is up to the individual which one of these shops they prefer. Such shops include:

Hiroshimauo Market which is mainly a seafood market.
South-East Asia Convenience Foods and Halal Food Shop
Okonomimura

Flea Markets

In Hiroshima, when people talk about flea markets, they could mean a variety of things from the housewives selling from boxes in the street to corner shops with classic and unique pieces such as jewellery. These markets are known for their reasonable prices and offering a chance to interact with locals. Some of these flea markets are:

Senda Wasshoi Matsuri Flea Market
Kure Port Pier Park
Daisho-in's Tsuitachi-Ichi and Okagesama-Ichi

Second Hand Stores

The trend of second-hand stores has caught the world by storm; numerous stores have opened where people can buy things they wouldn't usually afford for less than half the price. The most common ones in Hiroshima are:

Book-off Super Bazaar Hiroshima Otemachi Store
Komehyo
2nd Street
Lashinbang Hiroshima Shop
Yellow

Eco-Fashion

People have become more cautious about how their actions and choices affect the environment and have started doing things to ensure that they reduce their carbon footprint. One of the things that are now being taken seriously is wearing clothes that are made from eco-friendly material. The most common eco-friendly material in Hiroshima is organic cotton. There are multiple shops with clothing made from organic cotton, including:

Celine
Uniqlo
People Tree

Recycling

Japan, in general, has one of the highest plastic usage rates in the world, and in an attempt to keep the environment clean, recycling is taken seriously across the country. Things like metals and cardboard are also recycled in the city. There are specific trash days, as well as colour-coordinated bags to help you separate recyclable waste from the rest.

Waste

Waste disposal in Hiroshima can be a bit confusing, as there are different days for collecting different types of waste. There are guides and pictures in most city halls to help you understand your trash schedule and sorting. It is essential to put your trash in the correct colour bag to avoid it being left behind.

Work and Study Abroad

Hiroshima is home to several ex-pats who moved to the city for work, finding a job is quite challenging but not impossible; it all depends on your qualifications, skills and luck. Teaching English in Japan is one job that is easy to get if you are from a native-English speaking country. There are several universities in the city, meaning there are a substantial number of international students as well.

Exchange Student

The University of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Jogakuin University have a student exchange program that accepts ten students per year. The languages of instruction are both Japanese and English to allow said students to experience the culture entirely. These programs are not open to every country, and you should check if your county is eligible.

Au Pair

The concept of Au pairs has become quite popular in Hiroshima, although it is only open to citizens of specific countries such as Australia, Austria, Denmark, to name a few. There are several other requirements that one needs to fulfil to qualify as an au pair. These include:

Must be above 18 years of age and less than 30
Must be unmarried and have no children
Must intent to stay with the host family for at least a year
Must not be related to the host family etc.

Volunteering

Volunteer work is always available in Hiroshima; it can either be for disadvantaged communities or merely working for companies that cannot afford to pay you for your services. Most volunteer opportunities are in guest houses and come with accommodation and food.