Weather | Hiroshima's climate is generally mild with some extremes. Summers are usually warm and winters with snow.
Hiroshima summers are hot and humid. Winters are dry, cold and many times temperature drops below zero.
Usually, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Hiroshima. |
Clothes & Shoes | If visiting in winter, bring a good jacket as it can get cold. Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot in Hiroshima.
Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men. Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Hiroshima if your size is outside these parameters. |
Heavy Luggage Transportation | As most people use trains/subway/metro to commute, it is common in Japan that anything bigger and heaver than your carry-on luggage is transferred by luggage delivery or transporation system (locally called as takuhaibin) for a small fee operated by sepcialized companies to your hotel or destination address . These companies have counters at all major Airports and also pick-up service from home or hotel for delivery to Airport or other destination addesses in Japan. |
Attractions Closed day | Many Hiroshima tourist attractions are closed on Monday, so plan accordingly. |
Local transportation | Tourist attractions are well connected by the Hiroshima Electric Railway (streetcar) network and/or bus system
The streetcar system and public buses are inexpensive, organized, efficient, and the fastest way for local commute in Hiroshima and surrounding areas.
Hiroshima's Taxi cabs are efficient and affordable; make sure to have destination address written in Japanese in case your driver does not speak your language. |
Hiroshima Electric Railway (Streetcars) | Hiroshima Electric Railway
The streetcars are frequent, travels to most attractions, organized and fairly inexpensive. The streetcars are easy and efficient once you get a hang of its network & transfer stations between different routes.
For your convenience get a 1-Day Trip Card or IC Card from the Hiroshima Station Streetcar Information Desk, from drivers and conductors on the streetcars, or at Major Hotels in Hiroshima city. It saves the time of purchasing new tickets every time you go on the streetcar.
You will pay as you leave the streetcar. The streetcar has a change machine on the bus, make change before paying for you fare.
You can find out detailed information about Hiroshima Electric Railway from the following link
https://www.hiroden.co.jp/en/s-routemap.html |
Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus | If you have a JR pass, this loop bus is included in your pass fee! It takes you to 11 major tourist stops in Hiroshima.
You can get on and off the as many times as you wish. For more details click on the following link
https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/teikan/meipurupu/en/ |
JR Rail Pass | JR rail passes are worth purchasing if you plan to travel to many cities in Japan in specific time frame. You must buy a JR rail pass outside of Japan. You cannot purchase these JR Rail passes in Japan.
If you plan on going only to one or two cities buy roundtrip tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet) train. Make sure to get reserved seats if possible for any train. Japanese trains are fast, roomy, clean, comfortable, and efficient. |
Eating | Japanese love good food- simply prepared but always elegantly presented. There are many local restaurants and cafes serving Okonomiyaki, Yakitori, various Soba noodles, Taokoki, or very fresh Sashimi/ Sushi at reasonable prices. Most local restaurants have English menus and usually located in alleys along the main streets. FYI: Lines for restaurants can be long so be patient- most are worth the wait.
Many local restaurants are tiny so try to eat earlier or later, especially if you have a large group/family. Another affordable option for meals are Bento boxes. They are sold in trains stations and in the food section of large department stores.
Some restaurants have ticketing machines for meals. Simply select and pay for your meal choice, and go into the restaurant with your meal ticket/token. After a few minutes you will be served!
Japan has many bakery shops. Eat at a bakery. Get a tray and sample any of the delicious, fresh, and affordable breads and sweets for a nice snack or breakfast! |
Restaurant Tipping | Tip is not expected and will be refused if you offer in most places in Japan. In most local restaurants after finishing a meal go straight to the counter and place your money on the money tray next to the front entry door to pay your bill. |
Safety | People are friendly and always ready to help strangers.
Although Hiroshima is safe, it is a big city and you should consider these safety tips:
Be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded subways or buses.
Don't walk around by yourself late at night. Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave. |
Language | English, Korean, and Chinese are spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurant, and tourist places. However, languages other than Japanese are not widely spoke.
Japanese is the most commonly spoken language.
Remember to carry your hotel card and/or a map in case you need to ask directions. Many big hotels have maps of Japanese attractions in English, Korean, and Chinese and to make visitors life easy.
Downloading a language translator on your smartphone can be helpful in communicating with others in Japanese. |
Electronic Japanese Toilets | You will encounter toilets with electronic features all over Japan. The multiple buttons can be confusing initally, however are easy to use. They are basically automated bidets. Hotel have toilet paper in the bathroom as well. |
Electricity (Power) | If visiting from outside, 100 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply. |
Culture Corner | Rule for Queques: Don't try to cut a queque. Japan is a very orderly and polite society and taking your turn is a big rule to keep.
Money/ credit cards are never directly given from hand to hand. This is considered impolite. Put your cash or credit card on the money tray provided and pick up any change/ receipt from the tray. |
