5 Unique Stays in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a major tourist destination that welcomed 2.513 million international visitors in 2024, according to Hiroshima City. With many popular attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, and the Shimanami Kaido, some travelers may wonder where they should stay during their trip.

For those who want to experience Hiroshima more deeply, it is worth choosing a hotel not only based on location and facilities, but also on whether it offers a unique experience connected to the area.

In this article, we introduce five recommended hotels and accommodations where you can enjoy a memorable stay in Hiroshima. If you want your trip to Hiroshima to be more than just sightseeing, this guide will help you find a special place to stay.

Reference: Hiroshima City Tourist Visitor Numbers for 2024

What Makes Hiroshima a Special Place to Stay

Hiroshima is a region with many different attractions, including Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima Island, the Shimanami Kaido, the Seto Inland Sea, and local traditions such as Kagura. In the city center, travelers can learn about history and peace, while a short trip outside the city offers islands, the sea, mountains, and traditional local culture.

In this article, we selected hotels based on the following three points:

・Whether they allow travelers to experience Hiroshima’s unique history, culture, and nature
・Whether they offer experiences that go beyond ordinary sightseeing
・Whether they help international travelers understand the appeal of Hiroshima

Here are five hotels and accommodations where you can enjoy a special stay in Hiroshima.

Each place offers a different kind of experience, from a peace-themed hotel where you can learn about Hiroshima’s history, to a relaxing stay on Miyajima Island and a cyclist-friendly hotel for exploring the Shimanami Kaido. Choose the one that best matches the purpose of your trip.

Hotel Small World | Peace-Themed Hotel

Hotel Small World Hiroshima is a peace-themed hotel located about a 13-minute walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. It offers a unique stay for travelers who want to learn more about Hiroshima’s history and message of peace.

After visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, some travelers may want time to quietly reflect on what they saw and felt. At Hotel Small World, guests can spend time in a calm, private space and process their experience at their own pace. Each room includes books and materials about Hiroshima’s history and peace, providing an opportunity to deepen your understanding beyond ordinary sightseeing.

Rooms are also equipped with kitchen facilities, making the hotel convenient for long-term stays, backpackers, and travelers who prefer a more independent style of travel. For those who value meaningful experiences and learning, Hotel Small World is a recommended place to stay in Hiroshima.

Official Website: Hotel Small World

Kinsuikan | Luxurious Stay on Miyajima Island

When choosing a hotel for a trip to Miyajima, there are two main options: staying near Miyajimaguchi on the mainland, or staying on Miyajima Island after taking the ferry. Staying near Miyajimaguchi can be convenient if you value easy access, but if you want to experience the magical atmosphere of Miyajima at night and the quiet beauty of the island when there are fewer visitors, staying on the island is highly recommended.

Kinsuikan is a historic hotel on Miyajima Island with more than 120 years of history. Guests can enjoy Miyajima Shioyu Onsen, and there are also special rooms with semi-open-air baths, making it a good choice for travelers who want to spend a relaxing and luxurious time on Miyajima.

From the rooftop terrace, Miyajima Terrace, guests can enjoy views of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, the Great Torii Gate, Senjokaku, the Five-Storied Pagoda, and the atmospheric townscape of Miyajima.

When booking, it is recommended to check the official website, which offers a best rate guarantee.

Official Website: Kinsuikan

HOTEL CYCLE | Cyclist-Friendly Hotel on the Shimanami Kaido

HOTEL CYCLE is located inside ONOMICHI U2, a renovated warehouse complex in Onomichi, Hiroshima. ONOMICHI U2 includes a cafe, bakery, restaurant, bar, cycle shop, and other facilities.

Onomichi is a port town about 90 minutes by train from central Hiroshima. It is known as the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido and attracts many cyclists from Japan and overseas.

The Shimanami Kaido is a cycling route of about 70 kilometers that connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, and it is popular with a wide range of travelers who want to enjoy cycling while taking in beautiful islands and clear sea views.

Guest rooms at HOTEL CYCLE are equipped with cycle hangers, making it easy for travelers to stay with their bicycles. Bicycle rental is also available, so even those who do not bring their own bike can enjoy cycling casually. Visitors can also enjoy Onomichi’s local charm, including Onomichi ramen, retro shopping streets, and walks through the town.

Official Website: HOTEL CYCLE

Kagura Monzen Tojimura | Traditional Culture and Hot Springs

Kagura Monzen Tojimura is an accommodation facility in Akitakata, Hiroshima, where visitors can enjoy Kagura and hot springs. Kagura is a traditional performing art with roots in Japanese Shinto. In Akitakata, it is loved as a local folk performance, with dancers wearing colorful costumes and Kagura masks while moving to the sound of drums and flutes.

The village has a nostalgic townscape that feels like stepping back into old Japan, allowing visitors to enjoy Kagura performances, hot springs, and meals during their stay. “Toji” refers to the traditional Japanese practice of staying at a hot spring to relax and heal the body and mind, making Kagura Monzen Tojimura a good opportunity for international travelers to learn about Japanese onsen culture.

Since it is located some distance from central Hiroshima, it is recommended to visit by rental car or by highway bus from Hiroshima Bus Center.

Official Website: Kagura Monzen Tojimura

Glampispa Setouchi | Glamping Stay by the Seto Inland Sea

Glampispa Setouchi is a glamping facility located on Osakishimojima Island in Kure, Hiroshima. Hiroshima Prefecture has 171 islands, and Osakishimojima is one of them. Although the facility is located on an island, it is connected by bridges, making it relatively easy to access from central Hiroshima by rental car.

The Seto Inland Sea is known for its calm waves and peaceful atmosphere. Simply looking out over the gentle sea can help you feel relaxed. At Glampispa Setouchi, guests can stay in ocean-view rooms, making it a good choice for travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.

Marine activities such as sea kayaking and SUP are also available, making it popular with families as well.

For travelers who want to enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, the atmosphere of an island stay, and an outdoor experience all in one place, Glampispa Setouchi is a perfect glamping facility.

Official Website: Glampispa Setouchi

Recommended Hiroshima Hotels by Travel Style

When choosing a hotel in Hiroshima, it is helpful to think about the purpose of your trip. Even within Hiroshima Prefecture, the best place to stay will depend on whether you want to learn more about peace and history, enjoy Miyajima Island, cycle along the Shimanami Kaido, or experience something different.

When choosing a hotel in Hiroshima, it is important to think not only about access to sightseeing spots, but also about what kind of experience you want to have. By choosing a hotel that matches the purpose of your trip, you can make your stay in Hiroshima even more memorable.

Conclusion

Hiroshima offers many different ways to enjoy a trip, from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island to the Shimanami Kaido and the Seto Inland Sea. When choosing a hotel, considering not only access and facilities but also whether the hotel offers a unique experience connected to the place can help make your trip even more memorable.

Among these options, Hotel Small World is especially recommended for travelers who want to learn more deeply about Hiroshima’s history and peace. Located close to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the hotel also provides books and materials about Hiroshima’s history and peace in the guest rooms, allowing guests to quietly reflect on what they experienced during their trip.

If you want to make your trip to Hiroshima more special, choose a hotel that matches the purpose of your journey.