Western Honshu Japan Travel Guide
Tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, and authentic Japanese multi-course dinners (Kaiseki) are typical. Many include shared or private Onsen (hot spring baths), providing a full cultural immersion. Prices vary based on luxury and meal inclusions. For options, check Booking.com or Agoda.
Mainly found in Hiroshima city, these vary from budget business hotels to mid-range and luxury international chain hotels like those from IHG Hotels. Miyajima has limited modern hotels, some traditional inns style themselves as hotels.
Simpler, family-run traditional accommodations. These are often smaller and more budget-friendly than ryokan, with fewer amenities and sometimes shared bathrooms. They are more common in Hiroshima than on Miyajima.
Found predominantly in Hiroshima city, backpackers' hostels provide dorm beds and some private rooms for budget travelers. Miyajima has very few, if any, hostels. Explore options on Hostelworld.
While less usual on Miyajima than in some other spiritual centers, some temples may offer basic lodging. This is not a key option for visitors on Miyajima.
Vacation rentals, available through platforms like Vrbo, are located in Hiroshima city. They offer more space, kitchen facilities, and someone from the area living experience. They are less common and restricted on Miyajima.
Homestays are generally organized through specific programs and are not a common walk-in option for Miyajima. Community-based tourism is more prevalent in rural areas from Japan. For unconventional stays, consider TrustedHousesitters.
No designated public camping sites exist on Miyajima island. Camping is generally not permitted.
Detailed Breakdown of Areas
Both Miyajima and Hiroshima are extremely safe. No specific neighborhoods pose significant safety concerns. All major Miyajima attractions are within walking distance of where the ferry leaves from. Hiroshima Station and Peace Memorial Park areas offer excellent transport links for city exploration.
Miyajima Island is bustling during the day, especially around Omotesando Shotengai, but becomes very quiet and peaceful in the evenings, creating a serene ambiance. Hiroshima City has typical urban noise levels in the city center, generally well-managed, with hotels typically quiet.
Sometimes, direct booking with ryokan can offer unique packages or availability not found on larger platforms.
Japanese platforms like Rakuten Travel and Jalan.net can offer more local options, but may present language barriers.
Confirm specific policies and inclusions with your chosen accommodation prior to travel.
Here are some suggestions for places to stay, categorized by budget and traveler type.
Budget: Limited. Look into lodging in Hiroshima. Basic guesthouses or minshuku are rare finds.
Budget: Youth hostels such as WeBase Hiroshima (modern, central), Capsule Hotels like Grids Hiroshima (near station).
Miyajima: Ryokan with spacious family rooms or adjoining rooms, often with a relaxed atmosphere. Iwaso Ryokan or Kinsuikan can fit families, even even though they may be pricey.
Miyajima: While ryokan are wonderful, solo travelers might find them pricey. Consider a medium-range ryokan during off-peak for an immersive cultural activity, or choose an excursion from Hiroshima.
For longer stays, like a week or more, Hiroshima city offers more options. This covers serviced apartments or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities, which are scarce on Miyajima.
Apartment rentals can offer more space and the option for self-catering, which may be budget-friendly for extended visits.
Hiroshima can serve as a central base for investigating other parts of Western Honshu.
Hotels in Hiroshima offer a broader range of facilities like gyms, pools, and business centers.
One of The land of the rising sun's most from the past and renowned ryokan. It has operated for over 160 years. Located in Momijidani Park, it offers a truly traditional and luxurious Japanese experience with exquisite cuisine.
Many other traditional ryokan on Miyajima, though less globally famous than Iwaso, offer a powerful sense of local culture and history by means of their architecture, service, and cuisine.
These establishments often feature traditional garden designs, artifacts from the past, and architectural elements from several eras.
Staying at these properties provides a genuine Japanese hospitality experience known as Omotenashi.
Many ryokan stays include dinner and breakfast, which are often elaborate and a highlight of the experience. These customary food may not suit all palates, yet present special flavors.
Ideal for deep cultural experience plus peaceful evenings. Focus on traditional ryokan. Not many options outside high-end.
A practical and flexible base. Offers a wider range of hotel types, dining, and nightlife. Excellent transportation.
Especially important for Miyajima ryokan during peak seasons to secure your preferred stay and avoid disappointment.
