Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25–50 | $60–130 |
| Food | $10–20 | $25–50 |
| Transport | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $2–10 | $15–40 |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $10–20 |
| Daily Total | $44–95 | $120–265 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa-free entry for most Western nationalities (up to 90 days)
- Japan requires completing a Visit Japan Web form before arrival for immigration and customs
- Carry your passport at all times — it is a legal requirement for foreign visitors in Japan
Health & Safety
- Hiroshima is extremely safe with very low crime rates — comfortable for solo travellers at all hours
- The Peace Museum content is emotionally intense — take breaks and walk along the river if you need to decompress
- Summer heat and humidity (July–August) are extreme — stay hydrated and use the shaded arcades for relief
Getting Around
- Hiroshima's streetcar (tram) network covers the entire city centre — flat fare of 220 yen per ride
- Shinkansen from Osaka (80 min), Kyoto (90 min), or Tokyo (4 hours) — covered by Japan Rail Pass (Sakura/Hikari)
- Miyajima Island: JR train to Miyajimaguchi (25 min) then JR ferry (10 min) — both covered by JR Pass
Connectivity
- Rent a pocket WiFi or buy an eSIM at the airport — essential for maps, translation, and tide times for Miyajima
- Free WiFi is available on the streetcar, at JR stations, and in most cafés and accommodation
- Download Google Translate's Japanese language pack and offline maps before arriving in Hiroshima
Money
- Currency: JPY (Yen). Cash is essential for okonomiyaki stalls, streetcars, and small shops
- 7-Eleven and Post Office ATMs accept international cards. Carry at least 5,000 yen in cash at all times
- Tipping is not practised in Japan — it can cause confusion. A sincere thank you is always appropriate
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will cover significant distance across Peace Park, Miyajima, and the city centre
- A compact umbrella is essential year-round — Hiroshima receives heavy rain, especially during the June tsuyu season
- Bring tissues and a handkerchief — public restrooms may not have paper, and the museum can be emotional
Cultural tips
Respect at Peace Park
Peace Memorial Park is a place of remembrance for over 140,000 people. Speak quietly, do not pose casually for photos at the memorials, and approach the cenotaph and Dome with the solemnity they deserve.
Fold a Paper Crane
The paper crane (orizuru) is Hiroshima's symbol of peace, inspired by Sadako Sasaki. Fold one at Orizuru Tower or bring your own to leave at the Children's Peace Monument — it is a meaningful gesture recognised by the city.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed in Peace Park and at the Dome. Inside the museum, check each gallery — some restrict photography. On Miyajima, photograph the torii and shrine freely but respect worshippers at active prayer areas.
Language & Communication
Learn basic Japanese: sumimasen (excuse me), arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), oishii (delicious — useful at okonomiyaki counters). Peace Park has excellent English signage; elsewhere, a translation app helps.
Support Local Recovery
Hiroshima rebuilt itself from total destruction through community resilience. Support local businesses — eat at family-run okonomiyaki counters, buy from local craft shops, and spend time understanding the city beyond the memorials.
Allow Time to Process
The Peace Museum and memorials are emotionally heavy. Do not rush through — sit by the river, walk slowly, and give yourself space to absorb what you learn. Hiroshima asks you to witness and remember.
