Hiroshima to Shikoku: Ferry, Train, Bus or the Shimanami Kaido? (Matsuyama, Imabari, Takamatsu, Tokushima)
Kai
Setouchi Notes
Hiroshima Station Guide: The New minamoa Building, Souvenirs, Okonomiyaki, Lockers and Exits (2026)
Kai
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Quick answer: Hiroshima Station was rebuilt in 2025. The south side has the new minamoa building, with souvenirs on the 1st floor, restaurants on the 6th, a free rooftop on the 9th, and the streetcar stop on the 2nd floor. The north side is the Shinkansen exit, where the airport bus stops. Buy momiji manju and other souvenirs in minamoa or ekie, eat okonomiyaki at Ekimae Hiroba across the road, and leave bags in the coin lockers on the 1st and 2nd floors. The tourist information centre is open 6:00–24:00.
My family is from Hiroshima. I’ve shopped and eaten in the new minamoa building, bought souvenirs here, eaten okonomiyaki around the station, and stayed at a hotel next to it. Here’s how to find your way around.
The layout in 30 seconds
| Side | What’s there |
|---|---|
| South (city side) | minamoa building, streetcars (2F), buses, Ekimae Hiroba okonomiyaki, the way to the city centre |
| North (Shinkansen side) | Shinkansen exit, airport limousine bus (stop 5), hotels |
| Inside the station | JR gates, ekie shopping and restaurants, tourist information |
If you’re heading into the city or to the Peace Park, you want the south side.
minamoa: the new station building
minamoa opened in March 2025 on the south side of the station, with more than 200 shops and restaurants.
| Floor | What’s there | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1F | Souvenirs and food | 9:00–20:00 (souvenirs) |
| 2F | Sweets and food; streetcar stop | 10:00–20:00 |
| 3F–5F | Fashion and lifestyle | 10:00–20:00 |
| 6F | minamoa DINING — restaurant floor | 11:00–22:00 |
| 7F | Hotel lobby, cinema | — |
| 9F | Soramoa rooftop plaza (free) | 10:00–20:00 |
The 6th-floor restaurant floor is a good place for dinner on your first or last night. The rooftop is free and open to everyone.
Streetcars from the 2nd floor
Since August 2025, Hiroshima’s streetcars run right into the station building and stop on the 2nd floor, on the same level as the JR gates. No more crossing the station square in the rain. Lines 2 and 6 go to the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Park.
See the Hiroshima Streetcar Guide for fares and lines.
Souvenirs
Between minamoa (1F and 2F) and ekie (2F, inside the station, from 8:00), Hiroshima Station is a convenient place to buy souvenirs right before your train.
- Momiji manju: the maple-leaf cakes that are Hiroshima’s classic souvenir. The big makers — Nishikido, Yamadaya and Fujiya — all have shops in the station.
- Lemon sweets: Setouchi lemons from the islands appear in cakes and snacks.
- Pokémon Center Hiroshima is in ekie on the 2nd floor.
I’ve bought souvenirs here myself. For what to buy, see Hiroshima Souvenirs.
Okonomiyaki near the station
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a must. Near the station:
- Ekimae Hiroba (Okonomiyaki Monogatari): 14 okonomiyaki stalls on the 6th floor of the building directly opposite the station’s south side. Open 10:00–23:00, every day. It can get busy with school groups on some evenings.
- The minamoa and ekie restaurant floors also have okonomiyaki.
See Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Guide for how to eat it.
Practical things
- Coin lockers: minamoa 1F (east and west sides), ekie 2F and 1F, and near the JR gates.
- Luggage delivery: a Japan Post (Yu-Pack) counter in ekie 2F (8:00–20:00), and Yamato delivery at the 7-Eleven.
- Currency exchange: a machine next to the information centre (6:00–24:00).
- Tourist information: the Hiroshima Station Information Center is open 6:00–24:00, every day (tel. 082-263-5120).
- Free Wi-Fi: “minamoa_Free” inside minamoa, and JR-WEST Free Wi-Fi around the Shinkansen gates.
Staying near the station
The station area is a practical base, especially if you’re taking day trips by Shinkansen or JR. A new hotel opened inside the station building in 2025, and there are many more on both sides of the station. I’ve stayed at a hotel next to the station myself.
See Where to Stay in Hiroshima.
Getting to and from the station
- From the airport: limousine bus, about 50 minutes (¥1,500), arriving at the north exit. See Hiroshima Airport to the City and Miyajima.
- To Miyajima: JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi, about 27 minutes.
- To the Peace Park: streetcar lines 2 or 6, about 15 minutes.
FAQ
Which exit is for the city centre?
The south exit (minamoa side). The north exit is the Shinkansen side.
Where can I buy momiji manju at Hiroshima Station?
In minamoa (1F) and ekie (2F). Nishikido, Yamadaya and Fujiya all have shops.
Are there coin lockers?
Yes, in minamoa (1F), ekie (1F and 2F) and near the JR gates.
Where is the okonomiyaki near Hiroshima Station?
Ekimae Hiroba, on the 6th floor of the building opposite the south exit, has 14 stalls.
Shop hours and station facilities checked on the official minamoa/ekie, Hiroden and Hiroshima City websites on 25 October 2026.
ABOUT THE WRITER
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.
