Hiroshima

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Temporary Accommodation

Sections

Types of Temporary Accommodation in Hiroshima

  1. Hotels

    • Types: Ranges from luxury hotels to budget business hotels.
    • Average Costs:
      • Luxury hotels: ยฅ15,000โ€“ยฅ30,000 per night.
      • Mid-range hotels: ยฅ8,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 per night.
      • Budget/business hotels: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per night.
    • Features:
      • Business hotels often have compact rooms with essential amenities like Wi-Fi, a desk, and a private bathroom.
      • Luxury hotels may offer larger rooms, on-site restaurants, spas, and concierge services.
    • Booking Procedures:
      • Book online through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Rakuten Travel.
      • Direct booking via hotel websites is also common and may offer discounts.
    • Nearby Amenities:
      • Hotels in central Hiroshima (e.g., near Hiroshima Station or Hondori Street) are close to public transport, restaurants, and shopping areas.

  2. Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns)

    • Average Costs: ยฅ8,000โ€“ยฅ25,000 per night (includes meals in many cases).
    • Features:
      • Traditional tatami mat rooms, futon bedding, and communal baths (onsen or sento).
      • Often include breakfast and/or dinner featuring local cuisine.
    • Booking Procedures:
      • Book through travel platforms or directly with the ryokan.
      • Some ryokan may have limited English-speaking staff, so using a booking platform with translation features can be helpful.
    • Cultural Considerations:
      • Follow etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering the room and wearing provided yukata (casual kimono) in common areas.

  3. Guesthouses and Hostels

    • Average Costs: ยฅ2,500โ€“ยฅ5,000 per night.
    • Features:
      • Dormitory-style rooms or private rooms.
      • Shared facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges.
      • Great for meeting other travelers.
    • Booking Procedures:
      • Use platforms like Hostelworld or Airbnb.
    • Nearby Amenities:
      • Many guesthouses are located near tourist attractions like the Peace Memorial Park or Miyajima ferry terminal.
    • Cultural Considerations:
      • Respect quiet hours and shared spaces.

  4. Serviced Apartments

    • Average Costs: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ12,000 per night (discounts for longer stays).
    • Features:
      • Fully furnished apartments with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi.
      • Ideal for families or those staying for a few weeks.
    • Booking Procedures:
      • Book through platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or local real estate agencies specializing in short-term rentals.
    • Nearby Amenities:
      • Often located in residential areas with supermarkets, convenience stores, and public transport nearby.

  5. Capsule Hotels

    • Average Costs: ยฅ2,500โ€“ยฅ4,500 per night.
    • Features:
      • Compact sleeping pods with shared bathrooms and lounges.
      • Best for solo travelers or short stays.
    • Booking Procedures:
      • Book online or walk in (availability may vary during peak seasons).
    • Cultural Considerations:
      • Quietness is expected in sleeping areas.

  6. Minpaku (Private Home Rentals)

    • Average Costs: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per night.
    • Features:
      • Private homes or apartments rented out by locals.
      • Offers a more authentic experience of living in Hiroshima.
    • Booking Procedures:
      • Use platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
    • Cultural Considerations:
      • Follow house rules, such as separating trash for recycling and keeping noise levels low.

Booking Procedures and Tips

  • Online Booking: Use reputable platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Rakuten Travel, or Airbnb. These platforms often provide reviews, photos, and detailed descriptions in multiple languages.
  • Direct Booking: Some accommodations offer discounts for direct bookings via their official websites.
  • Peak Seasons: Hiroshima can get busy during cherry blossom season (Marchโ€“April), autumn foliage season (Octoberโ€“November), and around August 6th (anniversary of the atomic bombing). Book well in advance during these times.
  • Cancellation Policies: Check cancellation policies carefully, as some accommodations may charge fees for last-minute changes.

Nearby Amenities

  • Convenience Stores: 24-hour stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are ubiquitous and offer snacks, meals, and basic necessities.
  • Supermarkets: Larger stores like AEON or YouMe Town are ideal for groceries and household items.
  • Public Transport: Hiroshima has an efficient tram system, buses, and JR trains. Staying near Hiroshima Station or tram lines is convenient for getting around.
  • Restaurants: Hiroshima is famous for its okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and fresh seafood. Many accommodations are within walking distance of local eateries.

Cultural and Local Considerations

  1. Shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering traditional accommodations like ryokan or private homes.
  2. Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in shared accommodations like hostels or guesthouses.
  3. Trash Separation: Japan has strict recycling rules. Follow the instructions provided by your accommodation for separating trash.
  4. Language: While many hotels and hostels have English-speaking staff, smaller establishments may not. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
  5. Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, but smaller guesthouses or ryokan may require cash. ATMs in convenience stores accept international cards.

Recommendations

  • For a short stay, consider a centrally located business hotel or capsule hotel for convenience and affordability.
  • For a cultural experience, try a ryokan or minpaku.
  • For families or longer stays, serviced apartments offer the best balance of comfort and cost.

By understanding the options and cultural nuances, you can find the perfect temporary accommodation in Hiroshima to suit your needs. Enjoy your stay!