Where to Stay in Hiroshima

Helen Foster
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Hiroshima is a great place to stay for a few days. Doing so allows you to make the most of the city’s history, enjoy beautiful Miyajima, and maybe even take some day trips. So, where should you base yourself if you do decide to stay a few nights?

View of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

While hotels are spread all over Hiroshima, in my opinion, there are three good areas to stay in Hiroshima – close to the station, in the midst of the downtown hubbub, and in the area near the Peace Museum. I’ll explain why in the rest of the post and also suggest some good hotels to consider.

One thing to remember about Hiroshima is that much of it was destroyed on August 11 1945, so there isn’t a cute old town in which to base yourself – most of the areas are full of modern buildings, but this doesn’t mean you won’t find any atmosphere.

Staying Near Hiroshima Station

Best for day trippers, easy transport options

This is where I chose to base myself in the city, as I was taking a lot of day trips from Hiroshima during my stay, and so wanted to be close to the trains. The trams that travel around the city are also on your doorstep here.

Admittedly, on my first night, I doubted my decision. Hiroshima Station is huge, and I found it hard to get around it to where I wanted to go, but as I got my bearings, I liked it more, and I definitely appreciated the proximity to the station. For this reason, even though there are plenty of hotels north of the station, I would suggest staying south so you’re not constantly trying to divert around or through the station to see the main sights.

Lanterns and restaurant signs in an alley near Hiroshima Station

There are lots of small restaurants around here – the cute dining alley above is just steps away from the front door, and it’s also within walking distance of one of Hiroshima’s main drinking and dining areas, Ekinishi.

Where I Stayed in Hiroshima – Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima

This is my normal brand of choice and, once again, they didn’t let me down. The hotel is located on a busy intersection, with the station less than five minutes away and a tram stop about three minutes away. Despite this, my room was on a low floor (you can actually see it in the picture below – I was right above the Family Mart), but there was very little noise.

There are a lot of local bars and restaurants right by the hotel (see some suggestions in my guide on where I ate in Hiroshima), and a very handy convenience store underneath the hotel.

As with all business hotels, the rooms are small, but for one person or a couple, it’s great.

Other Options -Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate

If the idea of handy station access appeals to you, you won’t get much closer than this – it’s literally on top of the station!

The basic rooms start at 20 square metres, which is good for Japan, but they also offer much larger options with twin beds.

It’s also a relatively new hotel opening in March 2025.

Despite the larger room size, this branch of the Granvia doesn’t have rooms for families; however, its sister property nearby, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, does offer rooms with multiple beds.

Randor Hotel Hiroshima Prestige

Fantastic for families or larger groups, this has rooms that can sleep six.

The rooms have kitchens, washing machines and plenty of space.

The King Suite even has an open-air bathtub on the balcony!

They also offer a Disabled Access room category, but check the facilities closely to ensure they meet your needs.

Before you rush to book, the Randor only opens booking six months out – so, don’t worry if it says totally sold out before this. Come back within the six-month window.

Staying in Downtown Hiroshima

Good for being in the middle of everything

The best of all the worlds. All the sights you want to see are within walking distance, the station is just a 15-minute tram ride away, you’re close to shops, a gazillion bars, restaurants and Hiroshima’s main nightlife area.

Staying here means you’ll be right in the middle of the thriving modern city that Hiroshima is today.

There are also a lot of different hotel options here – from large rooms for families to super-budget chains like Smile.

The downside is – it’s busy out there. If you want a quiet respite after long days of sightseeing, this might not be the best choice for you – check out our next spot instead.

Hotels to Consider

My Pick: KIRO Hiroshima by the Share

This stylish, modern hotel offers a mix of Western rooms and Japanese-influenced options with tatami mat flooring.

There are also rooms with bunk beds or twin beds, and futons if you’re travelling as a family. The fun ‘capsule’ style ‘family room’ can even sleep up to six.

We Base Hiroshima

If you’re travelling on a budget, We Base is a chain of hostels that you’ll find all over Japan, but this one also offers private rooms with private bathrooms at a great price.

Most rooms sleep one or two, but they do offer some quadruple rooms. They have two sets of bunk beds, but, compared to the prices of most of the family accommodation in Japan, this is a steal.

A fun thing about these hotels is that they use Kenji Yanobe’s cat sculptures as a common motif.

Staying Near the Peace Park

Perfect for sightseeing, ferries to Miyajima, a bit more local

There is a cluster of hotels close just south of Peace Boulevard. This is a great location for access to the Peace Museum, with the hustle and bustle of downtown just a 10-minute walk away.

Coloured cranes in glass display boxes as the Children's Monument in Hiroshima

There are also plenty of small restaurants lining the streets near here so, if you’re tired from all the sightseeing and want dining on your doorstep, you won’t have to go far. I really liked Okkundou Mazeman.

If you want to go to Miyajima, the direct Aquanet ferry from the Peace Park is nearby, and there is a handy tram stop, Chuden-Mae. It’s not the best choice if you’re doing a lot of day trips, though, as the station is a 20-minute tram ride away.

Hotels Near the Peace Park

My Choice: The Knot

Good for couples or solos, the standard rooms at The Knot are small, but stylish – go up a category to a King Room, however, and you’ll have 25 sq metres at your disposal.

There’s a pretty rooftop area to relax in with amazing views – and other communal areas are also flooded with light and great views over the city.

There is also an on-site laundry.

Hotel Mystays Hiroshima

If you’re looking for a good, family-friendly option that won’t (completely) break the bank, the Mystays chain is always a good option – and their Hiroshima hotel is no exception.

Rooms can sleep up to four, and in some configurations, everyone gets their own bed.

They also have some disability access rooms

There is a coin laundry on site.

What About Staying in Miyajima?

While I wouldn’t stay in Miyajima if your main focus is the sights of Hiroshima, but if you’re also visiting the island, staying here can give you a welcome break from Japan’s cities – the peace, quiet and beautiful water views are great for a relaxing overnight.

You’ll also get to see the island without the day trippers.

See more in our guide to staying overnight in Miyajima.


Who Writes This Blog?

My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.

I’ve traveled to Japan eight times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 25 towns and cities. My last visit was November 2024 so, everything here is pretty up to date.


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