Is Hiroshima expensive to visit?
Hiroshima is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Hiroshima to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $52 (¥7,912) per day, mid-range travelers spend $122 (¥18,649) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $262 (¥40,045) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hiroshima.
Within Asia, Hiroshima is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Hiroshima is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hiroshima Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Hiroshima?
The average Hiroshima trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hiroshima travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hiroshima cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Hiroshima without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $52 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Hiroshima, such as J-Hoppers Hiroshima Guesthouse, Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima, and Guest House Roku. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Hiroshima, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Tourists visiting Hiroshima generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $122 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Hiroshima. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a good kid-friendly option, and Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Hiroshima here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $262. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Hiroshima
The range of hotel prices in Hiroshima can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $44, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $82. From $24 for budget hotels to $207 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hiroshima for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (¥19,697). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (¥9,849) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Hiroshima include:
- Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel starting at $161
- Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima starting at $50
- Hotel Miyajima Villa starting at $169
- The Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Riverside starting at $32
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima starting at $59
Thanks to Hiroshima's great public transportation, you can stay outside the city for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Many people like to wander through Hiroshima, so it's a good idea to book a place in the center. Keep in mind that this could come with an increased cost.
Transportation Budget in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is well-served by its public transit system. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town. For quick, cost-effective travel, stick to public transportation, but taxis and rideshares are always available when needed.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it here. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $9.75 (¥1,489) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hiroshima. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hiroshima is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.75
¥1,489
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport HIJ to Hiroshima City for $104 details
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port for $53 details
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) for $53 details
How much does it cost to go to Hiroshima? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Hiroshima will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Hiroshima
Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Hiroshima by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Hiroshima can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hiroshima is $51 (¥7,737) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$51
¥7,737
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hiroshima is around $51 (¥7737) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $100. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hiroshima are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $35
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Hiroshima's most famous cooking style is okonomiyaki. This translates to mean "cook it as you like it". The dish is actually a "pancake" that is made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, meet, seafood, or cheese. It's grilled in front of you and covered in okonomiyaki sauce. It's quite delicious and an experience that you must have while you're in Hiroshima.
Hiroshima is also famous for its oysters, which are available between the months of October and March. Another local specialty is Momiji Manju, which is a type of pastry filled with any number of things including red beans, cream cheese, custard, or fruit flavors.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Hiroshima. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima for $96 details
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family for $108 details
- Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour for $100 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hiroshima
It's evident that Hiroshima is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hiroshima typically cost an average of $5.41 (¥826) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5.41
¥826
Peace Memorial Park is where you'll find most of the memorials relating to the atomic bomb. This area was destroyed by the bomb and there are now more than 50 memorials, statues, and structures in the park. It's a heartbreaking place to visit, but should not be missed during your time in Hiroshima. There's also a museum that educates the visitor on the events of that day, the damage, and the long term effects. Outside of the park there are several other museums that offer information on other aspects of that day. You should consider visiting Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum, which tells of the school that was destroyed and those that lost their lives. Only one teacher and one student survived that day. Fukuro-machi Elementary School Museum is a comparable museum.
Chuo Park is a large green space in the middle of the city. In the area you'll find Hiroshima Castle, Gokoku Shrine, the Hiroshima Children's Museum, and the Hiroshima Museum of Art.
Hijiyama Park is a large park to the south of JR Hiroshima Station. In the area you'll find Hiroshima City Manga Library and they Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art.
Other sights around town include Fudoin, Hiroshima City Transportation Museum, Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art, Mazada Museum, Mitaki-dera, and Shukkeien.
There are a variety of recreational venues in Hiroshima. There are several family friendly swimming pools. Going to a baseball game is also a unique and fun experience in Hiroshima.
The city also hosts several great festivals throughout the year. These include the Flower Festival in May, the Sake Festival is in October and the Food Festival which is also in October. On the anniversary of the atomic bomb being dropped there is the Peace Memorial Ceremony that begins in the morning.
Museums and Attractions:
Hiroshima boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.
Shopping:
Shopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.
A nice way to explore destinations in Hiroshima is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima for $250 details
- Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Hiroshima City for $200 details
- Hiroshima Highlights Private Day Tour for $197 details
Nightlife Budget in Hiroshima
Hiroshima does have some nightlife activities, but it doesn't compare to the excitement found in more popular destinations. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $12 (¥1,843) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hiroshima per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
¥1,843
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Hiroshima. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- HIROSHIMA Pub Crawl for $33 details
Hiroshima, Japan
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.