Daily costs per person in US dollars. Hiroshima is one of Japan's most affordable cities for travellers — the Peace Museum costs just 200 yen and many key sites are free.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: JPY (Yen) (Cash preferred at local restaurants and shops)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25–50 | $60–130 | $160+ | Hostels → business hotels → boutique hotels |
| Food | $10–20 | $25–50 | $60+ | Okonomiyaki counters → local restaurants → kaiseki |
| Transport | $5–10 | $10–25 | $40+ | Walking & streetcar → JR trains → Shinkansen & taxi |
| Activities | $2–10 | $15–40 | $50+ | Peace Park free → museums → guided tours |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $10–20 | $25–40 | Most sites are free or very cheap |
| Daily Total | $44–95 | $120–265 | $335+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Japan Rail Pass for Shinkansen
If travelling between cities, the JR Pass covers the Shinkansen to and from Hiroshima plus the JR ferry to Miyajima. A single Hiroshima–Tokyo round trip nearly pays for a 7-day pass.
Free Peace Park & memorials
Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome, and the Cenotaph are all free to visit. The Peace Museum charges only 200 yen (about $1.50 USD) — one of Japan's best cultural experiences for almost nothing.
Okonomiyaki over restaurants
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at local counters costs 800–1,200 yen for a filling meal. Okonomimura and local neighbourhood teppan shops are always cheaper than sit-down restaurants for the same quality.
Ferry to Miyajima with JR Pass
The JR Miyajima ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, saving the 360-yen round trip. The competing Matsudai ferry is not covered — check which pier you're departing from.
Convenience store breakfasts
Japanese convenience stores serve excellent coffee, onigiri, and pastries from 100–300 yen each. A full breakfast for under 500 yen is easy and genuinely good quality.
Walk the compact centre
Hiroshima's main attractions — Peace Park, Castle, Shukkeien, and Hondori — are all within walking distance. The streetcar (tram) costs 220 yen flat fare if your legs need a rest.
