Things To Do
in Higashi-Hiroshima

Higashi-Hiroshima is a city located in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the scenic Asahi River and the picturesque Kamoike Park. The city is also home to Hiroshima University, a prestigious educational institution.

Higashi-Hiroshima offers a blend of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

  • "Arigatou" - Thank you
  • "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
  • "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Oishii" - Delicious

Prices

  • 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $120
  • 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
  • Coffee: $2 - $5
  • 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
  • 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Higashi-Hiroshima
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Saijo Sake Brewery District. Here, you can sample local sake and learn about its brewing process.

afternoon
:

After lunch, stroll through the picturesque Hanahiroba Park, enjoying the seasonal flowers and peaceful atmosphere. Don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful landscapes.

evening
:

End your day with a traditionalJapanese dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the tranquility and the delightful flavors of regional dishes.

day 2
Cultural Richness of Higashi-Hiroshima
morning
:

Visit the Higashi-Hiroshima City Museum to dive into the rich local history and culture. The exhibits provide great insights into the region's heritage.

afternoon
:

Wander around the shops in the Saijo area, where you can find unique local crafts and souvenirs. Grab a light bite at a local café to refuel.

evening
:

Attend a local event or festival in the city if there's one happening. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and community.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Scenic beauty with access to parks and natural landscapes.
  • Rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
  • Proximity to Hiroshima offers educational and recreational opportunities.
  • Community-oriented atmosphere with local festivals and events.
  • Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
  • Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
  • Less nightlife and entertainment options than larger urban areas.
  • Transportation may be less convenient for those without a car.
  • Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
  • Less international exposure and diversity compared to bigger cities.

Best Activities in Higashi-Hiroshima

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

Visiting Saijo Inari Shrine

Explore this beautiful Shinto shrine known for its vibrant torii gates and serene atmosphere.

Hiking at Mt. Fudekage

Enjoy scenic views and a refreshing hike up this picturesque mountain, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Cycling along the riverside paths

Experience the city's charm as you cycle along the scenic riverside paths, offering a relaxing and picturesque way to explore the area.

Tours

Uncover the best of Higashi-Hiroshima with these unforgettable tours.

Places to Visit in Higashi-Hiroshima

Visit one of these nice places.

Shukkeien Garden

A historic garden offering stunning views and photo opportunities of traditional Japanese landscapes, including ponds, bridges, and tea houses.

Fudoin Temple

A picturesque temple with beautiful gardens and cherry blossoms, providing great photo opportunities, especially during the spring season.

Kouzan-ji Temple

Known for its beautiful foliage in autumn, this temple offers stunning views and photo opportunities of vibrant fall colors and historical architecture.

Mount Fudekage

A hiking spot offering panoramic views of Higashi-Hiroshima and the surrounding area, perfect for capturing scenic landscapes and cityscapes.

Food in Higashi-Hiroshima

Higashi-Hiroshima, located in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan, offers a diverse and delicious culinary landscape. The cuisine here is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese flavors, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation. Visitors can expect to find a delectable array of dishes, ranging from sushi and sashimi to hearty noodle soups and savory street foods.

Higashi-Hiroshima Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

A must-try dish in Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, pork, and noodles, topped with a rich, tangy sauce and mayonnaise. Head to Okonomimura, a multi-story building with several Okonomiyaki stalls, for an authentic experience.

Must-Try!

Mikan

Higashi-Hiroshima is celebrated for its sweet and juicy mikan (mandarin oranges). These delightful fruits can be sampled and purchased at local orchards and markets, such as Fruit Park Koryu and roadside stalls.

Unique Experiences

Get to know Higashi-Hiroshima better with these unique experiences.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Saijo Sake Festival

Saijo, a district in Higashi-Hiroshima, is renowned for its sake production. The annual Saijo Sake Festival is an excellent opportunity to sample an extensive selection of sake from various local breweries, along with a tempting array of street food.

Honda Shoten

For a delightful exploration of local produce and culinary delights, visit Honda Shoten, a lively marketplace offering an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties.

Weather

The climate in this region is characterized as humid subtropical, which means it experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Precipitation during this season can be significant, contributing to lush vegetation. Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow is relatively rare but can occur in some years. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, bringing comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, along with vibrant foliage changes in fall and cherry blossoms in spring. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with a noticeable increase during the rainy season in June and July, influenced by the East Asian monsoon. Overall, the climate supports a variety of flora and fauna, making the area scenic and inviting throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

In Higashi-Hiroshima, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone, and it is polite to address people using their titles and last names, followed by the honorific 'san' (e.g., Tanaka-san).

Shoes

When entering someone's home, traditional ryokan, or certain other buildings in Higashi-Hiroshima, it is expected to remove your shoes at the genkan (entrance area) and put on the provided slippers, or go barefoot in designated areas.

Gift Giving

Bringing a small gift, such as omiyage (souvenirs) from your home country or region, is a common practice when visiting someone's home or when meeting someone for the first time in Higashi-Hiroshima.

Hidden Gems

Discover the hidden gems of Higashi-Hiroshima with these exclusive activities.

Safety

Safety in Higashi-Hiroshima is generally considered to be very good. The area benefits from Japan's overall low crime rate, which is one of the lowest in the world. Violent crime is rare, and most residents feel safe walking around, even at night. The local community and police engage in proactive measures to maintain safety, including neighborhood watch programs and community policing. The presence of educational institutions, such as Hiroshima University, contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere where safety is prioritized. Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, are a consideration in the region, and buildings are typically constructed to modern safety standards to withstand seismic activity. Emergency preparedness initiatives are in place to educate residents about how to respond to such events. Overall, Higashi-Hiroshima is seen as a safe place to live, work, and visit, with a strong sense of community support and effective emergency services.

Tipping in Higashi-Hiroshima

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is not a common practice in Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan. In fact, it is generally considered rude to tip in most situations, including restaurants, taxis, and hotels. Service charges are usually included in the bill, so there is usually no need to leave an additional tip.

Payment

In Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller local businesses. Mobile payment methods such as Suica or Pasmo cards are also becoming increasingly popular for public transportation and some retail purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring (March to May)

Best time to see cherry blossoms in full bloom and experience mild temperatures.

Summer (June to August)

Warm and humid weather, with occasional rainy days. Festivals and beach activities are popular during this time.

Autumn (September to November)

Mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, making it a great time for outdoor activities and scenic views.

Winter (December to February)

Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall, providing opportunities for winter sports and enjoying hot springs.

Higashi-Hiroshima at Night

Nightlife in Higashi-Hiroshima offers a unique and more laid-back experience compared to Japan's bustling metropolises. The city, widely known for its sake production, offers many local izakayas and sake breweries where you can sample some of the finest sake in the country. These cozy establishments provide an intimate setting for enjoying traditional Japanese bites paired with shots of sake, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture. Additionally, scattered around the city, you'll find karaoke bars where both locals and visitors alike can enjoy singing their hearts out to their favorite tunes, a quintessential part of Japanese nightlife. For those looking for a quieter evening, several tea houses and cafes remain open late, offering a relaxed atmosphere to unwind with friends or solo. During festival times, the city can come alive with street vendors, traditional music, and colorful decorations, providing a lively contrast to its usual serene evenings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night sipping sake or a more festive experience during special events, Higashi-Hiroshima offers a charming and authentic nightlife experience.

Hiking in Higashi-Hiroshima

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Misen Mountain

Located on Miyajima Island, Misen Mountain offers stunning views and various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. The most popular route takes about 90 minutes to reach the summit.

Shibukawa Valley

Shibukawa Valley is known for its beautiful natural scenery and gentle hiking trails. It's a family-friendly spot that features rivers and waterfalls along the way.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower Hiking Trail

This trail provides an urban hiking experience with views of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The trail is relatively short and can be combined with a visit to the tower.

Mount Kameyama

A moderate hike that takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for both hiking and picnicking.

Daisen-Oki National Park

A bit further out, this national park provides extensive hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers breathtaking landscapes.

Aiports

How to reach Higashi-Hiroshima by plane.

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Located approximately 80 km from Higashi-Hiroshima, Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka area and is one of the major international airports in Japan.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Hiroshima Airport, located around 50 km from Higashi-Hiroshima, operates both domestic and international flights, serving the Hiroshima region.

Okayama Airport (OKJ)

Approximately 60 km from Higashi-Hiroshima, Okayama Airport is another option for international and domestic travel, servicing the Okayama area.

Fukuoka Airport (FUK)

Fukuoka Airport is about 130 km from Higashi-Hiroshima and is a major hub in Kyushu, providing a range of international flights.

Walkability

Walkability in this city is characterized by a blend of urban and natural environments, promoting a pleasant walking experience. The layout typically features well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and clear signage, making it relatively easy for residents and visitors to navigate on foot. In various districts, you'll find amenities such as grocery stores, parks, and cafes within a short walking distance, encouraging daily walking as part of life. The presence of green spaces and scenic views also enhances the appeal of walking. Moreover, the streets are often lined with trees, contributing to a more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Additionally, local initiatives may support public transport options, which can complement walking by allowing easy access to different areas of the city. However, some parts of the city may have less pedestrian infrastructure, so experiences can vary depending on the specific neighborhood. Overall, the walkability tends to be good, fostering a community-oriented lifestyle.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Japanese

The majority ethnic group in Higashi-Hiroshima, comprising the vast majority of the population.

Korean

A notable minority group in Japan, including residents with Japanese nationality and those with Korean ancestry.

Chinese

Another significant minority group in Higashi-Hiroshima, consisting of both long-term residents and recent immigrants.

Foreign Workers

Includes individuals from various countries, often engaged in industries such as manufacturing and agriculture.

International Students

A growing demographic, particularly from various Asian countries, studying at local educational institutions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, with a strong cultural significance and a vibrant local league. Many schools and communities in Higashi-Hiroshima actively participate in baseball activities.

Soccer

Soccer has gained immense popularity in recent years in Japan, including in Higashi-Hiroshima, with many youth clubs and local teams fostering talent and participation at various levels.

Basketball

Basketball is widely played in schools and clubs throughout Higashi-Hiroshima, and the sport has a growing fan base, attracting both players and spectators.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a common sport in Higashi-Hiroshima, played at both school and community levels, contributing to physical fitness and teamwork.

Traditional Japanese Sports

Sports such as Kendo, Judo, and Sumo have cultural significance and are practiced by many residents, reflecting Japan's rich heritage in martial arts.

Traffic

Traffic in the region is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban driving conditions. The area boasts well-maintained roads and a network of urban highways, facilitating movement within the city and to neighboring regions. Despite being a smaller city, the traffic can become congested during peak hours, especially around commercial districts and during school commute times. Public transportation options, including buses, support the city's infrastructure, providing alternatives to car travel. Cyclists and pedestrians are also common, particularly in residential neighborhoods, where bike lanes and sidewalks are well integrated. Parking facilities are generally available, though finding a spot can be challenging in busier areas. Overall, while traffic can be busy at times, the city is manageable, and residents often choose various modes of transportation based on their needs.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashi-Hiroshima.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

While Higashi-Hiroshima traditionally features many meat-based dishes, some restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. It’s advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly, allowing chefs to accommodate accordingly. Additionally, establishments in tourist areas are more likely to have options catering to dietary restrictions.

Gluten-Free Choices

Locating gluten-free options may pose challenges in Higashi-Hiroshima due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients in Japanese cuisine. However, some restaurants may offer rice-based dishes or substitute ingredients to accommodate gluten-free needs. Engaging in detailed discussions with staff regarding dietary restrictions is recommended.

Healthcare

Healthcare in the region is characterized by an integrated network of services that includes hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical facilities. The local government implements policies to ensure accessibility and quality of care for residents. Local hospitals, such as Hiroshima University Hospital, offer comprehensive services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, often serving as referral centers for more complex cases. Additionally, various community clinics and private practices provide primary care and outpatient services, focusing on family medicine, pediatrics, and other specialties. Public health initiatives are active, promoting preventative care, vaccination programs, and health education to encourage healthy lifestyles among the population. The presence of healthcare professionals is robust, with a mix of trained physicians, nurses, and specialists contributing to the community's health needs. Healthcare insurance in Japan, including in this region, is typically covered by a national health insurance system, helping to reduce the financial burden on individuals and ensuring that a wide range of medical services is available to the entire population. Overall, the healthcare system is designed to provide comprehensive care while emphasizing preventive measures and community health initiatives.

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