Hiroshima, Japan: Safety Tips Every Traveller Should Know
Hiroshima is one of Japan's most profound and beautiful destinations — a city that rose from unimaginable tragedy to become a vibrant, welcoming metropolis full of history, culture, and incredible food. Whether you're drawn by the Peace Memorial Park, the serene island of Miyajima, or simply the legendary oysters, knowing a few smart travel tips before you arrive will make your trip smoother, safer, and far more memorable.
Overview
Hiroshima sits on the southwestern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island, in the Chugoku region. With a population of around 1.2 million, it is a mid-sized city that punches well above its weight in terms of cultural significance and tourism appeal. Visitors come from all over the world to pay their respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, explore the iconic A-Bomb Dome, and take the short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Hiroshima is widely considered one of the safest cities in Japan — and Japan itself consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for travellers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and tourists generally feel comfortable walking around at any hour. That said, a few practical precautions always go a long way.
Essential Information
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Budget around $80–$150 USD per day for a comfortable mid-range trip including meals, transport, and entry fees.
- Language: Japanese is the official language. English signage is common in tourist areas, and translation apps like Google Translate work well for menus and maps.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 110 | Ambulance and Fire: 119. Many operators now have basic English support.
- Health: Tap water is completely safe to drink. No vaccinations are specifically required for Japan, but ensure your routine jabs are up to date.
- Scams: Hiroshima is largely scam-free. Be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers near major tourist spots — always use metered cabs or verified apps like GO Taxi.
- Natural hazards: Japan is seismically active. Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety procedures — your hotel should have emergency information posted on the back of the door.
Practical Tips
- Get a Suica or ICOCA card — a rechargeable IC card that works on trams, buses, and even convenience store purchases across the city. It removes the headache of buying individual tickets.
- Hiroshima's tram network (streetcar) is the easiest way to get around the city centre. A single ride costs around $1.50 USD, and a day pass is roughly $5 USD — excellent value.
- Stay aware in busy areas like Hondori shopping arcade and around Hiroshima Station. Pickpocketing is uncommon but not unheard of in crowded spaces — keep bags zipped and in front of you.
- Respect local customs: Speak quietly on public transport, carry cash for smaller restaurants and family-run shops, and remove shoes when entering traditional spaces.
- Miyajima day trip safety: The island's friendly deer are wild animals. Do not feed them, and keep food securely stored — they have been known to snatch bags and maps.
- Neighbourhoods to explore: Naka-ku hosts most of the main attractions and is very tourist-friendly. Ujina and the port area are quieter and authentic but have fewer English-language signs, so download an offline map before heading out.
Getting There
Hiroshima is served by Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), located approximately 30 miles east of the city centre. Direct international flights are limited, so most travellers connect through Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), or Osaka Kansai (KIX). Airlines including Japan Airlines, ANA, and All Nippon Airways offer regular domestic connections. Return flights from major US cities typically range from $700–$1,400 USD depending on the season, with spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn being the priciest periods.
Alternatively, the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka takes just under 90 minutes and is a fantastic option if you are already in Japan. A one-way ticket costs approximately $60–$70 USD, and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you have purchased one.
Accommodation Options
Hiroshima offers excellent accommodation across all budgets, with most options conveniently clustered near the Peace Park or Hiroshima Station.
- Budget ($30–$70/night): K's House Hiroshima is a well-regarded hostel with private and dormitory rooms, a social atmosphere, and staff who genuinely love helping travellers explore the city.
- Mid-range ($80–$150/night): The Iroha Grand Hotel and Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima both offer clean, comfortable rooms with excellent locations and helpful bilingual staff.
- Luxury ($180+/night): The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima, connected directly to the Shinkansen station, delivers polished service, spacious rooms, and stunning city views — ideal if you want a seamless, premium experience.
Plan your trip to Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a destination that deserves more than a day trip — it rewards those who slow down, stay a while, and let the city's extraordinary resilience sink in. Ready to start planning your visit? Book your flights and accommodation early, especially if you're travelling during cherry blossom