Hiroshima Corporate Traveller Guide

Staying in Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima is a city located on Honshu Island, situated west of Japan. Located between the Kansai and Kyushu economic zones and offering a network of expressways, Hiroshima benefits from a steady industrial flow of both people and goods. With a wealth of industrial possibilities, it’s clear why Hiroshima is often referred as the ‘backbone’ of manufacturing. If you are planning a trip or have been assigned to a project in the city, read on for our corporate traveller guide to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Key Information

Weather in Hiroshima

Weather in Hiroshima can be categorised as humid subtropical, experiencing cool to mild winters and hot summers. In August, the hottest month of the year, temperatures in Hiroshima typically range from 25°C to 32°C, whilst in the coldest month of January, it ranges from 1°C to 8°C. Precipitation occurs year-round, although winter is the driest season.

Currency in Hiroshima

Japanese Yen (JPY) 

The Japanese currency is the yen. One yen amounts to 100 sen; however, sen is not used in everyday life anymore, except in stock market prices.

Cash is still a very popular payment method, and large bills are readily used and accepted. Mobile payment such as Apple Pay is becoming increasingly accepted - note that Apple Pay will only work if you have an iPhone 8 or later with a Suica card registered with it. It’s worth bearing in mind that Google Pay won't work on most phones sold outside of Japan because they don't support the global FeliCa standard needed for making payments.

Health & Well-being in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is situated on the Ōta River delta, on Hiroshima Bay, facing the Seto Inland Sea on its south side - meaning there are several running routes along Hiroshima’s river paths to enjoy.

Data in Hiroshima

The country has several restrictions on local SIM cards for foreign visitors, however, those who are visiting Japan for tourism will easily be able to purchase one. This type of SIM will only offer access to the internet rather than phone calls and text messages and travellers must register their passport to set up their tourist SIM.

Plug Type: Types A & B

Cuisine in Hiroshima

Local Hiroshima cuisine consists largely of noodles, fresh vegetables, seafood and is packed with flavour. Top dishes to try include Okonomiyaki (savourypancake layered with pork, cheese, and noodles), Momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped caked filled with red bean paste), and Anago (saltwater eel).

Language in Hiroshima

While Japanese is the primary language spoken in Hiroshima, many locals also speak English as it is taught in schools as a second language. Japanese is a tricky language to learn, speak and write, but start with trying a few simple phrases and learn from those around you during you stay!

Konnichiwa (こんにちは) = Hello

Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) = Good morning

Konbanwa (こんばんは) = Good evening

Ogenki desu ka? (お元気ですか) = How are you?

Genki desu (元気です) = I’m good/I’ve been doing well, thanks

Kore nanbo (これなんぼ) ?  = How much is this?

Transport in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a popular extension to the main Golden Route of Tokyo and Kyoto, with many travellers arriving by bullet train direct from Himeji (1 hr) or Osaka (1 hr 30 min).

Hiroshima City is known for its efficient tram network, which is constructed of seven main lines that run through Hiroshima City and a simple flat-rate fare of 190 yen allows you to travel anywhere.

Culture in Hiroshima

There are several cultural expectations to be aware of when travelling to Hiroshima.

What to do: Slurp your noodles! It’s considered a way to give compliments to the chef.

What not to do: Leave a tip at or count your change in a restaurant - leaving coins behind in Japan can be considered insulting.

Be aware: Cars, motorcycles and bicycles keep to the left. Pedestrians walk on the right and have the right of way at crosswalks.

Cultural norms: It’s customary to be quiet on public transport - save your business calls for later. It is also important to come to business meetings five to ten minutes earlier than the actual start time.

Hiroshima Map

Now that you’ve brushed up on all the basics for your next business trip to Hiroshima, get in touch today for your corporate serviced accommodation requirements.