Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県)
Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県) is located in the Chugoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Hiroshima and primary transport gateway at Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen). Spanning 24 cities, towns, and villages, Hiroshima is renowned for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Miyajima's floating Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi), hillside port town of Onomichi, the 70 km Shimanami Kaido island cycling route, and Tomonoura harbor (Fukuyama).
| Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Chugoku · Capital: Hiroshima |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen) |
| Municipalities Covered | 24 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Hiroshima (広島市), Fukuyama (福山市), Kure (呉市), Higashihiroshima (東広島市), Onomichi (尾道市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki with yakisoba noodles, Miyajima grilled & fried oysters (kaki), Momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes), Onomichi soy-backfat ramen, Anago-meshi (conger eel over rice) |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Hiroshima Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Hiroshima or planning regional day trips from Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen), these top municipalities in Hiroshima Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Hiroshima (広島市) — Designated major city (pop. 1,199,391, 905.13 km²) served by Hiroshima Station (広島駅) (2.3 km); key local sights include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Atomic Bomb Dome (平和記念公園・原爆ドーム), Shukkeien Garden (縮景園), Hiroshima Castle (広島城).
- Fukuyama (福山市) — Core city (pop. 461,368, 518.07 km²) served by Fukuyama Station (福山駅) (0.4 km); key local sights include Fukuyama Castle, Fukuyama Hachimangū Shinto shrine, Kusado Sengen, a medieval town excavated in the Ashida River.
- Kure (呉市) — Core city (pop. 246,118, 353.74 km²) served by Kure Station (呉駅) (0.9 km); key local sights include Yasumi Mountain (2.4 km), Kourume-jima (4.8 km), Mitsumine Yama (3.7 km).
- Higashihiroshima (東広島市) — City (pop. 187,711, 635.32 km²) served by Saijō Station (西条駅) (0.5 km); key local sights include Kokuzō zan (7.0 km), Hora Yama (7.0 km), Mizumaru Yama (9.0 km).
- Onomichi (尾道市) — City (pop. 148,085, 284.85 km²) served by Onomichi Station (尾道駅) (1.5 km); key local sights include Senko-ji Temple & Ropeway Viewpoint (千光寺公園), Onomichi Temple Walk & Cat Alley (古寺めぐり), Shimanami Kaido Cycling Gateway (しまなみ海道).
- Hatsukaichi (廿日市市) — City (pop. 115,184, 489.36 km²) served by Hatsukaichi Station (廿日市駅) (1.1 km); key local sights include Itsukushima Shrine, Marine Plaza Miyajima, Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden.
How to get to Hiroshima Prefecture
1h 25m from Shin-Osaka, 1h 38m from Kyoto, or 3h 55m from Tokyo on the Sanyo Shinkansen. Once at Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 24 municipalities in Hiroshima. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Hiroshima
When visiting cities across Hiroshima, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki with yakisoba noodles — regional culinary specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県).
- Miyajima grilled & fried oysters (kaki) — regional culinary specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県).
- Momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes) — regional culinary specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県).
- Onomichi soy-backfat ramen — regional culinary specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県).
- Anago-meshi (conger eel over rice) — regional culinary specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県).
Best time to visit Hiroshima
Late March–April for cherry blossoms at Peace Park, Miyajima & Senko-ji (Onomichi); November for Momijidani Park autumn maples on Miyajima; spring/autumn for cycling the Shimanami Kaido.
All 24 cities & municipalities in Hiroshima Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima 広島市 | Designated major city | 1,199,391 | 905.13 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Onomichi 尾道市 | City | 148,085 | 284.85 km² | City guide → |
| Kure 呉市 | Core city | 246,118 | 353.74 km² | City guide → |
| Fukuyama 福山市 | Core city | 461,368 | 518.07 km² | City guide → |
| Mihara 三原市 | City | 103,209 | 471.03 km² | City guide → |
| Fuchū 府中市 | City | 44,212 | 195.71 km² | City guide → |
| Miyoshi 三次市 | City | 58,264 | 778.19 km² | City guide → |
| Shōbara 庄原市 | City | 41,747 | 1,246.60 km² | City guide → |
| Ōtake 大竹市 | City | 29,665 | 78.55 km² | City guide → |
| Takehara 竹原市 | City | 29,803 | 118.30 km² | City guide → |
| Higashihiroshima 東広島市 | City | 187,711 | 635.32 km² | City guide → |
| Hatsukaichi 廿日市市 | City | 115,184 | 489.36 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Akitakata 安芸高田市 | City | 32,323 | 537.79 km² | City guide → |
| Etajima 江田島市 | City | 28,601 | 100.97 km² | City guide → |
| Miyajima 宮島（厳島） | Sacred shrine island (Hatsukaichi) | 1,400 | 30.39 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Saka 坂町 | Town (町) | 13,384 | 15.69 km² | City guide → |
| Kaita 海田町 | Town (町) | 28,873 | 13.79 km² | City guide → |
| Fuchū Town 府中町 | Town (町) | 51,567 | 195.75 km² | City guide → |
| Kumano 熊野町 | Town (町) | 24,907 | 33.76 km² | City guide → |
| Jinsekikōgen 神石高原町 | Town (町) | 10,231 | 381.98 km² | City guide → |
| Sera 世羅町 | Town (町) | 17,635 | 278.14 km² | City guide → |
| Akiōta 安芸太田町 | Town (町) | 7,120 | 341.89 km² | City guide → |
| Kitahiroshima 北広島町 | Town (町) | 19,790 | 646.2 km² | City guide → |
| Ōsakikamijima 大崎上島町 | Town (町) | 8,207 | 43.11 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県)?
Top highlights across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県) in Japan's Chugoku region include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Miyajima's floating Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi), hillside port town of Onomichi, the 70 km Shimanami Kaido island cycling route, and Tomonoura harbor (Fukuyama). Major cities and sightseeing bases in Hiroshima include Hiroshima (広島市), Fukuyama (福山市), Kure (呉市), Higashihiroshima (東広島市), Onomichi (尾道市).
How do I get to Hiroshima Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Hiroshima Prefecture is Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen) (prefectural capital: Hiroshima). 1h 25m from Shin-Osaka, 1h 38m from Kyoto, or 3h 55m from Tokyo on the Sanyo Shinkansen. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Hiroshima Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県) include Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki with yakisoba noodles, Miyajima grilled & fried oysters (kaki), Momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes), Onomichi soy-backfat ramen, Anago-meshi (conger eel over rice)—served at station restaurants around Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen), local morning markets, and izakaya in Hiroshima and Fukuyama.
When is the best time of year to visit Hiroshima Prefecture?
Late March–April for cherry blossoms at Peace Park, Miyajima & Senko-ji (Onomichi); November for Momijidani Park autumn maples on Miyajima; spring/autumn for cycling the Shimanami Kaido. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.