Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [357]
K’s House Hiroshima (568-7244; http://kshouse.jp/hiroshima-e/; 1-8-9 Matoba-chō; dm/s/d ¥2500/5500/7800; ) Opened in September 2008 near the station, this is an excellent budget option, with small dorms as well as private singles and doubles. There are internet-ready computers in common areas, along with a kitchen and rooftop terrace.
Aster Plaza International Youth House (247-8700; http://hiyh.pr.arena.ne.jp/Hp_eng/indexeng.htm; 4-17 Kako-machi Naka-ku; s/tw ¥3620/6260; ) On the top floors of a huge municipal building, this city-run hotel south of Peace Memorial Park represents excellent value for foreign travellers, who get large rooms and complimentary breakfast at the ‘peace study’ rates. There’s a midnight curfew.
Ikawa Ryokan (231-5058; fax 231-5995; ikawa1961@go.enjoy.ne.jp; 5-11 Dobashi-chō, Naka-ku; s/tw from ¥4725/8400; ) This is a friendly, family-run complex consisting of several wings with recently renovated rooms. It’s a modern hotel with Japanese- and Western-style rooms, all very clean, and meals are available in the cafeteria. There’s a computer with internet access, and some English is spoken.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Dormy Inn Hiroshima (240-1177; fax 240-1755; www.hotespa.net/hotels/hiroshima, in Japanese; 3-28 Komachi Naka-ku; s/tw from ¥6000/9000; ) Conveniently located on Heiwa-Ōdōri, the Dormy Inn has comfortable rooms and a wide range of amenities including a large onsen. There’s LAN internet in all rooms, and there are consoles in the lobby.
Hotel Active! (212-0001; fax 211-3121; www.hotel-active.com, in Japanese; 15-3 Nobori-chō Naka-ku; s/d with breakfast ¥6279/7875; ) This very chic hotel has designer couches, satiny coverlets and onsen baths. It’s right in the heart of things, within stumbling distance of the entertainment district. Free internet in the lobby.
Hiroshima Grand Intelligent Hotel (263-5111; fax 262-2403; www.intelligenthotel.co.jp, in Japanese; 1-4 Kyōbashi-chō; s/tw ¥6300/7300; ) A recently renovated business hotel–style place a short walk from the station, with a suit of armour standing to attention as you enter. Comfortable rooms have all the mod cons, including LAN internet. There are computers in the lobby, and there’s a pleasant coffee shop.
Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Ōtemachi (545-7811; fax 545-7812; www.choicehotels.com; 3-7-9 Ōtemachi Naka-ku; s/tw with buffet breakfast ¥6500/8500; ) Attractively designed, this great business hotel has internet access via the computers in the lobby.
Sera Bekkan (248-2251; fax 248-2768; www.yado.to, in Japanese; 4-20 Mikawa-chō Naka-ku; per person with/without meals ¥8400/12,600; ) A very friendly traditional ryokan near Fukurō-machi-kōen. There are large baths, and a peaceful garden on the 2nd floor.
TOP END
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (502-1121; www.rihga.com/en/hiroshima/; 6-78 Moto-machi; s/tw ¥16,170/24,255; ). Conveniently located for all the sights and nightlife, this top-class hotel is the tallest building in town, with fantastic views out over the city at night. You’ll have to cough up a surcharge if you want to use the pool or gym.
ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (241-1111; www.anacrowneplaza-hiroshima.jp/en/index.html; 7-20 Naka-machi Naka-ku; s/tw ¥16,170/23,677; ) There are large rooms at this luxury hotel in the centre of town, as well as French, Chinese and Japanese restaurants. There’s a gym and swimming pool on the 6th floor, for an additional charge.
Eating
Hiroshima is famous for oysters and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes; with vegetables and seafood or meat cooked on a griddle), served Hiroshima-style with noodles. There’s a decent selection of restaurants on the 6th floor of the Asse department store inside the station compound (all with picture menus and plastic food displays), including a couple of places to try the local oysters.
Bakudanya (245-5885; 6-13 Fujimi-chō Naka-ku;11.30am-3pm & 6pm-midnight, to 1am Fri & Sat, all day Sat & Sun) This simple street-corner stall is a good place to try another famous Hiroshima dish: tsukemen, a cold rāmen-like dish in which noodles and soup