🇯🇵 Hiroshima,
Japan
#478
Nomad Score
7.2
Coords
34.5666725, 132.7535650
Likes
👍 0 👎 0
Actions
ESSENTIALS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏙️ City | Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan |
| 👥 Population | About 1,200,000 in the city proper; the wider metro area is roughly 2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Very good urban connectivity: home fiber commonly 100–1,000 Mbps, coworking spaces often 200+ Mbps, and 4G/5G coverage is strong in central Hiroshima. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Japanese yen (JPY). Approx. 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY and 1 EUR ≈ 162 JPY in March 2026, but rates fluctuate. ATMs that work well for foreign cards include 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Japan Post Bank. Major banks: Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, Mizuho, and Hiroshima Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and high quality throughout Hiroshima. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz in Hiroshima, with Type A plugs standard; some appliances may need a voltage converter. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular options include eSIMs from Airalo, Ubigi, and Holafly, plus local providers like Rakuten Mobile, au, and SoftBank. Japan travel SIMs are widely sold at Hiroshima Station and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cards are widely accepted in hotels, chains, and larger stores, but carry cash for smaller restaurants and local shops. Revolut, Wise, Visa, and Mastercard work well; Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted. Japan Post Bank ATMs are especially useful for international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Best options for nomads include serviced apartments near Hiroshima Station, monthly mansions in Naka-ku and Minami-ku, Airbnb stays in central neighborhoods, and business hotels for short stays. Expect compact rooms but good standards. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately to highly cashless in central Hiroshima, especially at chains, transit, and hotels, but many independent eateries and neighborhood businesses still prefer cash or IC cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local monthly mansion providers are the main options. Search around Hiroshima Station, Hatchobori, and Fujinokawa for practical short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Capsule hotels and hostels such as WeBase Hiroshima, Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima, and Hostel Mallika are among the better low-cost options, often around JPY 3,000–7,500 per night depending on season. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hiroshima Station, Hatchobori, and Peace Memorial Park/Naka-ku are the best bases for sightseeing, dining, and transit access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Naka-ku and Minami-ku near Hiroshima Station are best for digital nomads: fast transit, good cafes, coworking options, supermarkets, and easy access to daily amenities. Hiroshima Station east side and Hakushima also work well for quieter longer stays. |
WORKING AND NETWORKING
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The best overall option is CotoHiroshima, near Hiroshima Station in Minami-ku, which is popular with freelancers and long-stay remote workers. Another strong choice is The Company Hiroshima in the city center area near Hondori/Hatchobori, with a more professional startup vibe. Day passes commonly range from about JPY 2,000–3,500; monthly memberships often start around JPY 15,000–30,000 depending on access. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Starbucks Hiroshima Orizuru Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, is a reliable work spot with stable Wi‑Fi and central access. For quieter laptop work, espresso-focused cafes around Hatchobori and Hondori such as the Tully’s near Hiroshima Station and select Kissaten in Naka-ku are solid choices. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for startup and freelancer events at Open Network Lab Hiroshima, The Company Hiroshima, and community meetups posted on Meetup.com and Facebook groups. Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce events and English-speaking language exchanges near Hondori are useful for making local contacts. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Hiroshima Expats and Foreign Residents groups on Facebook, international exchange events at the Hiroshima International Center, and casual language exchange nights around Naka-ku and Hiroshima Station. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum area events and university clubs also attract international residents. |
TRANSPORTATION
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Go Taxi and DiDi are the most practical ride-hailing options in Hiroshima. Street taxis are also easy to find at Hiroshima Station, Hiroshima Bus Center, and major hotels. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hiroshima’s bicycle-sharing service is Peacecle, useful around central wards and the river area. Rental bikes are also available near Hiroshima Station and Miyajima ferry terminals; e-scooter availability is more limited than in larger Japanese cities. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Miyajima’s shorelines are the easiest scenic water access, about 45–60 minutes away by train/ferry from central Hiroshima. For a true beach day, the Seto Inland Sea coastal areas around Etajima are more suitable but require more transit time. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Japan Airlines (JAL) is the strongest regional carrier from Hiroshima Airport, with good domestic connections to Tokyo, Sapporo, and Okinawa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | ANA is usually the most important full-service international-connected carrier for Hiroshima travelers, via Tokyo or Osaka transfers. For direct international access, check seasonal and regional routes from Hiroshima Airport, but most long-haul trips connect through Haneda, Narita, or Kansai. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Hiroshima is connected by the Sanyo Expressway and Route 2, with straightforward road access toward Okayama, Osaka, and Yamaguchi. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hiroshima Station is the city’s main rail hub, served by JR West Shinkansen, local JR lines, and streetcars. Hiroshima Bus Center in Naka-ku is the main long-distance bus terminal. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Hiroshima Electric Railway streetcar network is very useful, with IC card support via ICOCA, Suica, and Pasmo. Daily tram/bus passes and tourist passes are available from Hiroshima Electric Railway and local tourism offices; IC reloads are easy at stations and convenience stores. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | For nearby cities, use JR Sanyo Line and Sanyo Shinkansen for Okayama, Onomichi, and Yamaguchi-area trips. Ferries from Hiroshima Port and Miyajima-guchi make island travel simple, and highway buses run to Osaka, Fukuoka, and Shikoku destinations. |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, is the top medical center for serious care. For general urban care, Hiroshima Red Cross and Atomic-Bomb Survivors Hospital in Naka-ku is also highly regarded. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studios are concentrated in Naka-ku and around Hiroshima Station; look for studios in Hondori, Hatchobori, and Minami-ku. Many offer drop-in classes around JPY 2,000–3,500 per session. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness locations around central Hiroshima, ChocoZAP branches, and local sports clubs near Hiroshima Station are practical for nomads. Monthly memberships commonly range from about JPY 3,000 at budget chains to JPY 8,000–12,000 for full gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are widespread in residential areas and near business hotels. For convenience, search around Hiroshima Station, Naka-ku, and Minami-ku for 24-hour laundromats with wash-and-dry machines. |
FOOD AND DRINK
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is the most useful delivery app in central Hiroshima, with Wolt and Demae-can also available in some areas. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is the must-try dish: layered noodles, cabbage, batter, egg, and sauce. Top spots include Okonomimura in Naka-ku, especially for a first visit. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Hiroshima has a growing plant-based scene in Naka-ku and around Hondori. Search for vegan ramen, vegan okonomiyaki, and cafes near Peace Memorial Park; many modern cafes can adapt dishes if asked. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try Hiroshima-style momiji manju from Kogetsu or Nishikido around Miyajimaguchi and central souvenir shops, plus cakes and parfaits at department-store cafes in Hatchobori and Hiroshima Station. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Youme Town Hiroshima, Fuji Grand Hiroshima, and the underground shopping streets near Hondori are good for budget groceries, snacks, and everyday items. Local morning markets and small supermarkets around residential Naka-ku are also practical. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping are the main online retail platforms, with very reliable delivery in Hiroshima city. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Oisix, Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper, and Amazon Fresh-style delivery options are useful where available; many residents also rely on in-store pickup from AEON and local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Hatchobori, Nagarekawa, and the streets around Hondori are the main nightlife zones, with izakaya, karaoke, cocktail bars, and late-night ramen. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kure Beer and local sake breweries in the Hiroshima region are worth exploring. Within the city, many bars serve regional sake from Hiroshima prefecture, known for soft water and clean styles. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars cluster around Hatchobori and Nagarekawa; look for intimate wine bars in Naka-ku near Central Street and Hondori for by-the-glass selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Okonomimura in Naka-ku is the closest thing to a street-food hub, with multiple casual stalls under one roof. Miyajima also has excellent snack streets near Omotesando, including fried momiji manju and oysters. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian, Korean, Indian, and Thai options are easy to find in Naka-ku, Hatchobori, and near Hiroshima Station. Popular areas for international dining include Hondori and the station’s Ekie complex. |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome at 1-10 Otemachi, and Hiroshima Castle are the essential landmarks. Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate, about 30–45 minutes from the city center, are also must-sees. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Naka-ku is the most important museum. Also worth visiting are the Hiroshima Museum of Art near Central Park and the Prefectural Art Museum by Hiroshima Station. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the surviving tram lines and memorials around Peace Boulevard are key historical locations. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is the most famous nearby religious site. In the city, visit Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine near Hiroshima Castle and Mitaki-dera Temple in Nishi-ku for a quieter spiritual setting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Major annual events include the Hiroshima Flower Festival in early May, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6, and the Miyajima Water Fireworks traditions and seasonal festivals around the prefecture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hondori, Hatchobori, and the Peace Memorial Park area are the core cultural districts. For a more local residential feel, explore Tatemachi and the streets around Kamiyacho. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen HBG Hall, JMS Aster Plaza, and Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum event spaces host concerts, plays, and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hiroshima Marina Hop and the underground shopping streets near Hondori are useful for browsing, while Hiroshima Central Wholesale Market area and weekend pop-ups offer fresher local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live houses and jazz bars are concentrated around Nagarekawa, Hatchobori, and Hondori. Hiroshima Club Quattro and small jazz venues provide the best mix of local and touring acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is less dominant than in some global cities, but you’ll find murals, graffiti, and creative walls around Nagarekawa, the river promenade, and event spaces in Naka-ku. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes for Hiroshima okonomiyaki, sushi, and Japanese home cooking are available through local tourism offices, community centers, and private class hosts in Naka-ku and Miyajima. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art area, small galleries in Naka-ku, and artist-run spaces around the city center are the best places for contemporary and independent art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, and Shukkeien Garden pavilions are standout historic structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Hiroshima’s identity is shaped by peace education, postwar reconstruction, and Seto Inland Sea culture. Local symbols include the peace flame, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Carp baseball culture. |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shukkeien Garden in central Hiroshima, Mitaki-dera’s wooded grounds in Nishi-ku, and the riverbanks along the Motoyasu and Ota rivers are easy nature escapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Setonaikai National Park is the key nearby national park, accessible via Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea islands. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverside paths along the Motoyasu River, the Peace Boulevard area, and routes around Hiroshima Port are great for walking and jogging. Cycling to Miyajima-guchi is possible for experienced riders, but local bike lanes vary. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Orizuru Tower rooftop, Hiroshima Castle grounds, Shukkeien Garden viewpoints, and Miyajima’s Mount Misen ropeway area offer the best views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The estuary and wetland areas around Hiroshima Port, as well as Setonaikai coastal islands, are good for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open bonfires are generally restricted in urban Hiroshima and many parks. For permitted outdoor fire use, check official campgrounds on Miyajima or Setonaikai island campsites and obtain local permission. |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport (Kuroneko), Sagawa Express, Japan Post, and DHL are all reliable. Convenience stores also accept package pickup in many cases. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Authorized Service Providers and electronics stores near Hiroshima Station and in the EDION Hiroshima area are best for phone, laptop, and accessory repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public sports centers in Hiroshima City, university recreation facilities, and community gyms around Naka-ku and Minami-ku often have table tennis tables or bookings. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Hiroshima International Center, local community centers, and private language schools around Hiroshima Station and Hondori offer Japanese lessons from beginner to advanced levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hiroshima City Central Library in Naka-ku, Hiroshima Prefectural Library near Shukkeien, and the public spaces in Hiroshima Station are strong study options. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Hiroshima International Center, JMS Aster Plaza, and neighborhood civic centers in Naka-ku are useful for workshops, classes, and local networking. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Arcades and gaming centers are concentrated around Hondori and Hatchobori, with retro game and crane-game spots in shopping streets and entertainment complexes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Japan has no casinos in Hiroshima city. For gaming halls, pachinko parlors are common around Hondori, Hatchobori, and Hiroshima Station. |
BUSINESS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JPY 450,000–650,000 per m² in central Hiroshima (e.g., 25 m² studio = JPY 11,250,000–16,250,000), depending on age and exact location around Naka-ku or near Hiroshima Station. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JPY 280,000–420,000 per m² in outer Hiroshima wards and suburban areas (e.g., 25 m² studio = JPY 7,000,000–10,500,000), with better value in Minami-ku outskirts, Nishi-ku, and farther from transit hubs. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JPY 500,000–720,000 per m² in the city center (e.g., 40 m² 1-bedroom = JPY 20,000,000–28,800,000), especially near Hiroshima Station, Hatchobori, and Peace Memorial Park. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JPY 320,000–500,000 per m² outside the center (e.g., 40 m² 1-bedroom = JPY 12,800,000–20,000,000), with more supply in residential wards such as Nishi-ku and Asaminami-ku. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JPY 480,000–680,000 per m² in central areas (e.g., 70 m² 2-bedroom = JPY 33,600,000–47,600,000), often in newer condos around Naka-ku and Minami-ku. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JPY 300,000–450,000 per m² in suburban Hiroshima (e.g., 70 m² 2-bedroom = JPY 21,000,000–31,500,000), with the best value farther from the tram core. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 23.2% national corporate tax base rate in Japan, with effective rates varying by local enterprise taxes and company size. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Usually 20.42% for residents and non-residents in many cases, subject to treaties and special regimes. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Japan-source income, with local inhabitant taxes also applicable after residency thresholds. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% national income tax top bracket, plus local inhabitant tax and reconstruction surtax can raise the effective top rate further. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax standard rate in Japan, with reduced 8% rate for some food and non-alcoholic takeout items. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC rules for Japanese tax residents and certain foreign-controlled structures. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes. Fixed asset tax is typically 1.4% annually, plus city planning tax of up to 0.3% in designated urban areas. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate acquisition tax generally applies, plus registration and stamp taxes; effective upfront costs commonly total around 6%–10% of purchase price depending on structure and property type. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No. Japan is generally not a low-tax destination for digital nomads, and tax residency can trigger worldwide taxation, local inhabitant taxes, and compliance obligations. |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING HIROSHIMA