Where to Stay in Hiroshima: Station, Downtown or Peace Park? (A Local’s Area Guide)

Quick answer: Stay near Hiroshima Station if you’re moving on by Shinkansen or doing day trips. Stay in Hatchobori / Kamiyacho for food and nightlife. Stay near the Peace Park to walk to the museum early. All three are linked by streetcar in 10–20 minutes. For a special night, add a ryokan on Miyajima.

My family is from Hiroshima and I’m back several times a year, so I know the city’s neighbourhoods well. Hiroshima is compact, and you can’t go badly wrong — but the right area makes your stay easier.

The three main areas

Hiroshima Station: the practical choice

This is where I’d stay if you’re moving around a lot. The new station building opened in 2025, and since August 2025 streetcars run right into its 2nd floor, making the trip downtown a few minutes faster. The airport bus stops here (about 50 minutes, ¥1,500), and trains go to Miyajima, Kure, Onomichi and Saijo. See my Hiroshima Station guide.

Hotels here include Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate (inside the new station building), Hotel Granvia Hiroshima and the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima, plus plenty of business hotels.

Hatchobori / Kamiyacho: for food and nights out

If eating and walking around in the evening matters most, stay downtown. Hondori arcade, the department stores of Hatchobori and the bus centre at Kamiyacho are all here, along with okonomiyaki, tsukemen and oyster restaurants. It’s lively at night, and the Peace Park is within walking distance — Hondori arcade leads straight to it. The airport bus also stops at the Hiroshima Bus Center in Kamiyacho.

The RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima stands in this area, alongside many mid-range and business hotels. See Hiroshima Day 2 for where to eat.

Peace Park area: for early starts

Staying near the park means you can walk to the Peace Memorial Museum for the first time slot, and see the A-Bomb Dome lit up at night. Hilton Hiroshima (opened 2022) is on Peace Boulevard, within walking distance of the park. Evenings are quieter than downtown.

Miyajima and Miyajimaguchi

For a special night, stay in a ryokan on Miyajima and see the island after the day-trippers leave. Remember the island’s ¥100 visitor tax. See Staying Overnight on Miyajima.

When to book early

Hiroshima hotels fill up and prices rise around:

• 6 August (Peace Memorial Ceremony) and Obon in mid-August
• Golden Week and the Flower Festival (3–5 May)
• Carp home games, especially weekends (see Carp game guide)

Book these dates as early as you can.

FAQ

Is Hiroshima Station or downtown better?
Station for convenience and day trips; downtown for food and atmosphere.

How do I get from the airport?
Airport buses go to Hiroshima Station (about 50 minutes) and the Bus Center (about 55 minutes), ¥1,500. See Hiroshima Airport to the City and Miyajima.

Should I stay on Miyajima?
For one night, yes, if your budget allows.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.