Hiroshima, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hiroshima is a vibrant city located in western Japan, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 110 JPY; ATMs widely available, often accept foreign cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include NTT DoCoMo, SoftBank, and au. Easy to find in stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Shinsei Bank, Mizuho Bank, and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, guesthouses, to serviced apartments available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted, but cash is still used in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local agencies, rates start from around ¥6,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Hiroshima offers dormitory beds starting from ¥2,500. |
| 🏙️ City | Hiroshima is a city on the western part of Honshu Island in Japan, known for its historical significance and modern development. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 100 Mbps (fiber-optic available) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD (2024 rate), major cards accepted widely |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | SoftBank, AU, and NTT Docomo offer good prepaid options |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Japan Post Bank, Shinsei Bank, and transfer services like Wise are accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and serviced apartments in downtown areas. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Hostel Hiroshima, approximately ¥2,000/night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hiroshima Co-working Space, located in Naka Ward, offers flexible plans and a good community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bloom is known for its quiet atmosphere and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Hiroshima Meetup holds various events for tech and expat communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Hiroshima Expat Community on Facebook offers regular meet-ups. |
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hiroshima Coworking, located in the city center with competitive rates. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Jolly: Friendly atmosphere with Wi-Fi and power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized through the Hiroshima International Center, often seasonal. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Hiroshima Expat Community on Facebook organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Didi are popular choices. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hiroshima City offers public bike rental through 'Hiroshima Bicycle' scheme. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nomi Island Beach, about 25 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA and Japan Airlines offer flights to nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines operate international flights from Hiroshima Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E2 and E54 expressways connect Hiroshima to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hiroshima Station serves as the main transit hub for Shinkansen and local trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Hiroshima Electric Railway offers IC cards and day passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to nearby cities like Miyajima and Okayama. |
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi and JapanTaxi apps are popular for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hiroshima City operates a bike-sharing program called 'Hiroshima Cycle Network.' |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nishihama Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA and JAL offer regional flights from Hiroshima Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Sanyo Expressway and Hiroshima Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hiroshima Station, offering Shinkansen services and local trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Hiroshima Electric Railway Pass, available for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Way to nearby cities like Okayama and Kurashiki via train. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hiroshima University Hospital is a major facility with English-speaking staff. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hiroshima Yoga and Wellness Center offers classes in English. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Hiroshima located in Naka Ward provides a range of equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are common; look for 'コインランドリー' signs. |
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hiroshima University Hospital, known for excellent healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hiroshima Yoga Studio offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold’s Gym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundry services available in local neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) is a must-try specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Natu Cafe offers a vegan menu in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Rikyu Parlor, known for its matcha desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hiroshima Center Gai offers various budget food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon Supermarkets offer delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Naka Ward has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially around the Peace Memorial Park. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hiroshima's Kizakura Brewery offers beer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Louvet is a cozy spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Fukuromachi is known for its street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options are available including Italian and Chinese restaurants. |
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake unique to the area. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan restaurant 'Saiboku' offers a range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mitsuya Sweets serves traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hondori Shopping Street for local snacks and eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan and Rakuten are widely used. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Hondori and Nagarekawa are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hiroshima Beer, located near the Peace Memorial Park. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a cozy wine-tasting experience. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Okaido food stalls serve a variety of snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Indian restaurants are abundantly available. |
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 offers rotating exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Shukkeien Garden is a historical landscape garden. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mitaki-dera Temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hiroshima Flower Festival takes place in May each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hondori Shopping Street is great for shopping and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hiroshima Culture Exchange Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hiroshima Asaichi Market is popular for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs and live venues in Naka Ward host local and international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Yasuda's Art Park features murals and urban art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Hiroshima Cooking School offers classes in Japanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hiroshima City Museum of Modern Art features Japanese and international art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall is a notable historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki reflects the culture and food heritage. |
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum are crucial to understand the city's history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Shukkeien Garden and various shrines around the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hiroshima Flower Festival in May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Higashi Ward for traditional tea houses and arts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hiroshima Arts & Culture Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hiroshima Asaichi Market for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music venues can be found in Nagarekawa. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals in the central shopping districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Hiroshima Cooking School offers classes in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Hiroshima Castle and local temples. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich cultural heritage surrounding the peace movement and recovery. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shimanami Kaido offers scenic bike routes through islands and coastlines. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Setonaikai National Park is easily accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the riverside is great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Futabayama viewpoint offers stunning views of Hiroshima. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Yasuda Shrine is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shimanami Kaido bike route, connecting Hiroshima to Shikoku over bridges. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Setonaikai National Park, known for its beautiful islands. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the riverside paths in the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Misen on Miyajima Island for stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Miyajima Island, home to various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Miyajima Island. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bic Camera has tech repair counter for electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various public parks have outdoor table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Hiroshima Language Center offers Japanese classes catered for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hiroshima City Central Library has quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Hiroshima International Center hosts community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Niconico Game Lounge is popular among gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Though gambling is limited, there are Pachinko parlors across the city. |
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport and Japan Post for efficient shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center for phone and device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks and local clubs offer table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Hiroshima Language School offers classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hiroshima City Central Library for quiet studies. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Hiroshima International Center for cultural exchange. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes available in urban areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Legal gambling options are limited, but slots can be found in certain arcades. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥12,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥9,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥21,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥15,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥320,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥25,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥220,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥17,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japanese tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, determined annually based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% for property transactions. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥14,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥11,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥18,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥15,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥290,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥23,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥240,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥19,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% standard corporate tax rate in Japan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive taxation based on residence and income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxation based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for residential properties. |