Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hiroshima is a vibrant city located in the west of Honshu Island, known for its history and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, 1 USD ≈ 140 JPY |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include MUFG, SMBC, and Shinsei Bank; international services like TransferWise accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses such as Airbnb and local ryokans. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouse websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Hiro and K’s House Hiroshima offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Naka Ward, near Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and shopping areas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Minami Ward and Naka Ward are popular with a variety of amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hiroshima Soko is well-rated among freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tsubaki offers good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups listed on Japan Startups Facebook group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | International community meetups at cafes can be found through Meetup.com. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | LINE Taxi is a popular service in Hiroshima. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hiroshima has bike-sharing systems like HIRORO and rentals at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nakao Beach, around 30 minutes by train from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines provides international service to many destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Sanyo Expressway and other major routes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hiroshima Station is the primary rail hub connecting to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Hiroshima Electric Railway passes available for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shinkansen (bullet train) connects to other major cities like Osaka and Kyoto. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hiroshima University Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hiroshima Yoga Centre has various classes available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold’s Gym and Anytime Fitness are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Suwa Wash and several laundromats are available citywide. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Okonomiyaki - a savory pancake that is a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mame to Baku and Tofu Café offers plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kakigori Tei serves flavorful shaved ice desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hiroshima Don Quijote has a variety of groceries and household items. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Yahoo! Shopping offers grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nagarekawa district is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hiroshima Beer offers local brews, brewery tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Winery Café in Naka Ward has a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls near Hiroshima Peace Memorial are popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer Korean BBQ, Chinese, and Western foods. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art features local and international works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle reflect Japan's heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine and other shrines are significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hiroshima Flower Festival every May draws large crowds. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Hiroshima has a lively arts scene and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hiroshima Morning Market is popular for fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like Club Quattro. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is prevalent in the downtown area, adding to the city’s vibe. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Naka Ward offers classes focusing on Japanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Alley Gallery features local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Major buildings like the Hiroshima Bank are significant historic sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's resilience and hope are symbolized in its architecture and memorials. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiroshima's Shimanami Kaido offers breathtaking cycling trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sandankyo Gorge is about 1 hour from the city, great for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Riverside paths offer scenic walks and cycling options. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Hiji offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hiroshima Bay provides habitats for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Hiroshima city allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides efficient parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Yamada Denki offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports centers in Hiroshima have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Hiroshima Language School offers Japanese language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hiroshima City Central Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community spaces like Hiroshima Community Center are available for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like Game On are popular among locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Japan does not have casinos, but there are gaming establishments. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥20,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥27,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥21,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥32,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Japan has CFC rules for taxing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are levied based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for real estate transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives may apply for foreign residents under certain conditions. |