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
Start your day with a visit to the Saijo Sake Brewery District. Here, you can sample local sake and learn about its brewing process.
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.
End your day with a traditionalJapanese dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the tranquility and the delightful flavors of regional dishes.
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.
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.
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!
Explore this beautiful Shinto shrine known for its vibrant torii gates and serene atmosphere.
Enjoy scenic views and a refreshing hike up this picturesque mountain, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
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.
A historic garden offering stunning views and photo opportunities of traditional Japanese landscapes, including ponds, bridges, and tea houses.
A picturesque temple with beautiful gardens and cherry blossoms, providing great photo opportunities, especially during the spring season.
Known for its beautiful foliage in autumn, this temple offers stunning views and photo opportunities of vibrant fall colors and historical architecture.
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 Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
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, 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.
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
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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).
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.
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
Tipping in Higashi-Hiroshima
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Best time to see cherry blossoms in full bloom and experience mild temperatures.
Warm and humid weather, with occasional rainy days. Festivals and beach activities are popular during this time.
Mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, making it a great time for outdoor activities and scenic views.
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall, providing opportunities for winter sports and enjoying hot springs.
Higashi-Hiroshima at Night
Hiking in Higashi-Hiroshima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, located around 50 km from Higashi-Hiroshima, operates both domestic and international flights, serving the Hiroshima region.
Approximately 60 km from Higashi-Hiroshima, Okayama Airport is another option for international and domestic travel, servicing the Okayama area.
Fukuoka Airport is about 130 km from Higashi-Hiroshima and is a major hub in Kyushu, providing a range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Higashi-Hiroshima, comprising the vast majority of the population.
A notable minority group in Japan, including residents with Japanese nationality and those with Korean ancestry.
Another significant minority group in Higashi-Hiroshima, consisting of both long-term residents and recent immigrants.
Includes individuals from various countries, often engaged in industries such as manufacturing and agriculture.
A growing demographic, particularly from various Asian countries, studying at local educational institutions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
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 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 is widely played in schools and clubs throughout Higashi-Hiroshima, and the sport has a growing fan base, attracting both players and spectators.
Volleyball is a common sport in Higashi-Hiroshima, played at both school and community levels, contributing to physical fitness and teamwork.
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
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashi-Hiroshima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
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.