Hiroshima Overview
Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. As of June 1, 2019, the city had an estimated population of 1,199,391. The gross domestic product (GDP) in Greater Hiroshima, Hiroshima Urban Employment Area, was US$61.3 billion as of 2010. Kazumi Matsui has been the city's mayor since April 2011. The Hiroshima metropolitan area is the second largest urban area in the Chugoku Region of Japan, following the Okayama metropolitan area.
Hiroshima Key Statistics
Population1198021
Area905 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés282 / 25 / 97
Practical Essentials for Hiroshima
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Hiroshima.
Visit ↗Getting Around Hiroshima
Hiroshima Main Station & Rail Lines
新白島 (Shin-Hakushima)
Train Travel to Hiroshima
Hiroshima is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Hiroshima
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Hiroshima
Cover Your Trip to Hiroshima
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Hiroshima
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Hiroshima downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Hiroshima.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Hiroshima Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Hiroshima.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Hiroshima.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Hiroshima
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Hiroshima
¥5,200,000*est
Median household income / year
95*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Hiroshima
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Hiroshima
When was Hiroshima founded?
Hiroshima was founded on 1589.
How old is Hiroshima?
Hiroshima is roughly 437 years old.
What is the population of Hiroshima?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 1,198,021.
What is the land area of Hiroshima?
Hiroshima covers roughly 905 km².
What is the main railway station in Hiroshima?
The primary hub is 新白島 (Shin-Hakushima).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Hiroshima?
The city has roughly 282 parks, 25 museums and 97 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Hiroshima expensive to live?
Hiroshima is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Hiroshima?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Hiroshima?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Hiroshima has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Hiroshima?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Hiroshima?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Hiroshima?
Hiroshima hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Hiroshima?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Hiroshima?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Hiroshima?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Hiroshima?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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