Hiroshima Station 2026 Complete Guide: Access, Shopping at Minamoa & Ekie, Restaurants & Tourist Spots
Hiroshima is one of the few cities in the world to have experienced an atomic bombing. While that fact often draws the most attention, the city has many other attractions as well.
I personally visit Hiroshima at least once a year, and each time I explore its shrines and temples and enjoy its outstanding local cuisine, discovering something new with every visit.
If you want to make your upcoming trip to Hiroshima even more memorable, I recommend being guided by a local. Hiroshima is home to many fascinating spots known mainly to residents.
In addition, places related to peace and history—such as the city’s peace memorial sites and its centuries-old shrines and temples—can be far more meaningful when explored with explanations from a local guide.
That's exactly why I want you to explore the city with locals who know the real Hiroshima. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor's The Best of The Best in both 2024 and 2025—you can make that happen.
For those interested in Hiroshima’s peace-related sites, the “Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites” is highly recommended. Listening to a local guide makes visits to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park much more meaningful.
If you plan to explore Miyajima, another symbol of Hiroshima, choose the “Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour.” To fully appreciate sights such as Itsukushima Shrine, which offers scenery found nowhere else in Japan, having a local guide is a big plus.
And of course, Hiroshima’s local food should not be missed. If you want to enjoy Hiroshima cuisine—just as appealing as Osaka’s—at restaurants loved by locals, the “Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour” is an excellent choice.
Introduction
Hiroshima is known as a city of peace and history, famous for world heritage sites such as the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine.
The city's beloved local cuisine — including okonomiyaki and oysters — is another major draw. In March 2025, a new station building called "Minamoa" opened, and Hiroshima Station has evolved further into a hub for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
This Hiroshima Station Guide 2026 covers everything you need to know, from how to get here to the top tourist attractions in the area.
Hiroshima Station: The Most Convenient Gateway to Hiroshima
Hiroshima Station is the largest terminal station in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, served by Shinkansen, trams, and buses, and serves as the gateway to sightseeing in Hiroshima.
The commercial facilities "Minamoa" and "Ekie," directly connected to the station, house approximately 350 shops, allowing visitors to enjoy local specialties like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, regional sweets, and souvenir shopping without ever leaving the station.
From August 2025, trams began operating inside the station building, making access to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima even more convenient.
Whether you are waiting before check-in or killing time before your return train, this station offers plenty to keep you occupied.
Access to Hiroshima Station
Hiroshima Station can be reached by a variety of transportation options. Below, we introduce three methods — Shinkansen, highway bus, and airplane — with details on travel times and fares from major cities.
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
The Shinkansen is the most recommended way to travel, combining comfort with speed. Operating at a maximum speed of 285 km/h, Japan's high-speed rail network allows passengers on the "Nozomi" service to reach Hiroshima Station from major cities without transferring.
With 3 to 6 trains running per hour, it is easy to find a departure time that fits your schedule.
| From | Time Required | Cost | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3h50m | Around ¥19,000 | ☆☆☆ |
| Nagoya | 2h15m | Around ¥15,000 | ☆☆☆ |
| Osaka | 1h20m | Around ¥11,000 | ☆☆☆ |
Please note that the Shinkansen station in Osaka is "Shin-Osaka Station" — be careful not to mix it up. Traveling from Kyoto takes approximately 15 minutes longer compared to boarding from Shin-Osaka Station.
By Bus
Highway buses are recommended for those looking to keep costs down. Overnight buses allow you to sleep during the journey, which also helps save on accommodation expenses.
| From | Time Required | Cost | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 12 hours | ¥6,000〜¥12,000 | ☆ |
| Nagoya | 7~8 hours | ¥5,000〜¥9,500 | ☆☆ |
| Osaka | 5~6 hours | ¥3,500〜¥10,000 | ☆☆ |
- Note: From Kyoto, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour longer than from Osaka.
Traveling from Tokyo involves a long ride, but taking an overnight bus means you can start sightseeing as soon as you arrive the next morning.
From Osaka, daytime services are also available, and the fare can be less than half the cost of the Shinkansen. An increasing number of buses offer added comfort features such as three-row independent seating and women-only sections.
This is an ideal option for travelers with flexible schedules who want to trim travel costs and put more budget toward food and souvenirs.
By Airplane
When traveling by plane, you will first fly into Hiroshima Airport and then take a limousine bus from there to Hiroshima Station.
| From | Flight Time | Cost | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 1.5h | ¥10,000〜¥35,000 | ☆☆ |
| Nagoya | 1h20m | ¥10,000〜¥30,000 | ☆ |
| Osaka | 運航なし | − | ☆ |
Including check-in procedures, the total travel time is roughly comparable to taking the Shinkansen. There are no direct flights from Osaka, so the Shinkansen is the only practical option from there.
Map of Hiroshima Station
1F
The first floor is where Ekie DINING and souvenir shops are concentrated. Popular Hiroshima okonomiyaki restaurants such as "Rei-chan" and "Mitchan Sohonten" are located here, so you can enjoy the authentic local taste right after arriving.
The floor also offers a wide range of souvenirs, including famous Hiroshima confections. It is a convenient stop when you want to handle both dining and souvenir shopping in one go.
- Rei-chan (okonomiyaki)
- Mitchan Sohonten (okonomiyaki)
- Hiroshima confection and souvenir shops
2F
The second floor is the main floor, housing the Shinkansen and local line ticket gates. From August 2025, trams began running inside the station building, improving access to the Atomic Bomb Dome.
The floor also features restaurants and shops. With a tourist information center and coin lockers on-site, it is a great floor to stop by before heading out to sightsee.
- Shinkansen and local line ticket gates
- Tram boarding area (from August 2025)
- Tourist information center
- Coin lockers
- Restaurants and shops
3F
The Shinkansen platforms are located on this floor, from which trains depart toward Tokyo and Fukuoka. The Minamoa shopping area is also here, making it convenient for last-minute shopping before your departure.
The "Minamoa DINING" on the 6th floor is one of the largest dining areas in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, with 31 restaurants, and there is also a cinema on the 7th floor. This is the ideal floor for making the most of your time while waiting for the Shinkansen.
- Shinkansen platforms (departures to Tokyo, Fukuoka, and beyond)
- Minamoa shopping area
- Minamoa DINING (6F) — 31 restaurants, largest dining area in the Chugoku-Shikoku region
- Cinema (7F)
B1F
The basement level features the local line underground ticket gate (IC card only) and the south exit underground plaza. An underground passageway connects to nearby areas, making it especially convenient on rainy days.
- Local line underground ticket gate (IC card only)
- South exit underground plaza
- Underground passageway access
Convenient and Attractive Commercial Facilities Attached to Hiroshima Station
Hiroshima Station is home to a variety of directly connected commercial facilities, making it easy to enjoy shopping and dining — and that's one of the things that makes it so appealing as part of any Hiroshima Station Guide 2026.
Minamoa: Opened in March 2025
Minamoa had its grand opening on March 24, 2025, and has quickly become a landmark commercial facility at Hiroshima Station.
It houses approximately 220 stores across basement level 1 through the 9th floor, with more than 60 brands making their first appearance in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. The facility's concept is "café on every floor," so you can take a break whenever you like between shopping sessions.
The 6th floor "Minamoa DINING" is the largest dining floor in the Chugoku-Shikoku region, bringing together 31 restaurants offering everything from Hiroshima cuisine to international fare. The café on this floor features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, making it a wonderful spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
Another personal favorite is the "Grand Staircase" connecting the 7th and 8th floors — an open, airy space where you can take in views of the city of Hiroshima at your own pace.
- Address: 2-37 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours: Retail / 10:00–20:00, Dining / 10:00–22:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 082-567-8011
- Official Website: https://www.minamoa-ekie.jp/
Ekie: Boasting the Largest Souvenir Selection in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region
Ekie is a station-connected commercial facility that opened in 2017, bringing together around 130 stores. The 2nd floor "Ekie Omiyage-kan (Souvenir Hall)" boasts the largest souvenir selection in the Chugoku-Shikoku region, stocking everything from famous Momiji Manju shops to all kinds of Hiroshima souvenirs.
Momiji Manju is Hiroshima's signature confection — a maple leaf-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. One of the fun things about visiting is being able to compare the flavors from different makers, with varieties ranging from classic red bean to chocolate, matcha, and more.
The hall is also stocked with processed oyster products and sweets made with Hiroshima lemons, offering a wonderful selection of local specialties unique to the region.
On the 1st floor, you'll find a row of popular okonomiyaki restaurants, where you can savor authentic flavors at long-established, well-loved eateries.
Conveniently located right next to the Shinkansen ticket gate, it's the perfect spot to squeeze in some shopping while waiting for your train home.
- Address: 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 10:00–21:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 082-567-8011
- Official Website: https://www.minamoa-ekie.jp/
Yale Yale A-kan: A New Pedestrian Walkway Connecting to Hiroshima Station Opens in Spring 2026
Yale Yale A-kan is a mixed-use commercial building located at the south exit of Hiroshima Station, anchored by Fukuya — a long-established, locally beloved Hiroshima department store — alongside fashion, cosmetics, and dining options.
At Fukuya, you can enjoy a refined shopping experience with a carefully curated selection and attentive service, whether you're picking out a gift or simply treating yourself.
Currently connected to the station via an underground walkway, a new second-floor-level pedestrian deck linking directly to Hiroshima Station is scheduled to open in spring 2026. This will significantly improve walkability between Minamoa and Ekie, and allow visitors to move between facilities without getting wet on rainy days.
The restaurant floor on the 11th floor offers sweeping views of the Hiroshima cityscape, making it a popular spot for dinner with a nighttime view. The basement level houses a food hall well stocked with local specialties and delicacies.
- Address: 9-1 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours:
- Yale Yale A-kan Specialty Shops (B2F): 10:30–20:00
- Fukuya (B1F–5F): 10:30–19:30
- Closed: January 1st + irregular holidays
- Phone: 082-262-9244
- Official Website: https://yaleyale.jp/
3 Restaurants at Hiroshima Station to Enjoy Exceptional Hiroshima Food
Hiroshima is famous for a wide range of local dishes, but it can be hard to try everything during a single trip.
Fortunately, Hiroshima Station is home to plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy outstanding Hiroshima food with ease — and that convenience is another highlight worth noting in any Hiroshima Station Guide 2026. Here are three recommended restaurants among them.
Rei-chan Hiroshima
Founded in 1957, this long-established okonomiyaki restaurant has over 65 years of history and is one of the most popular spots at Hiroshima Station, often drawing a line of eager customers.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is characterized by layering thin wheat flour batter, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, and noodles on the grill one at a time. Unlike Osaka-style okonomiyaki, the Hiroshima approach keeps the ingredients in layers rather than mixing them together.
What sets Rei-chan apart is its house-made dough, fermented over four hours for a chewy, satisfying texture, and the skilled technique used to bring out the full umami of every ingredient.
The cabbage is steamed as it cooks, drawing out its natural sweetness and pairing beautifully with the rich, savory sauce.
A personal top recommendation is the "Special," which includes fresh squid and fresh shrimp — a luxurious option elevated by the added depth of seafood flavor.
Counter seating lets you watch the craftsperson cook right in front of you on a teppan griddle, adding a lively, engaging atmosphere to the meal. There may be a wait during busy times, but it is absolutely worth it.
- Address: 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture / ekie 1F
- Opening Hours: 11:00–21:30
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 082-286-2382
- Official Website: https://www.o-reichan.jp/
Okonomiyaki Mitchan
Founded in 1950 and known as the "originator of Hiroshima okonomiyaki," this is a legendary restaurant with an iconic place in local history. The founder developed the okonomiyaki "sauce" in postwar Hiroshima and invented the style of adding Chinese noodles, known as "soba-iri okonomiyaki."
This creation became the foundation of what Hiroshima okonomiyaki is today. It is no exaggeration to say that without Mitchan, modern Hiroshima okonomiyaki simply would not exist.
The signature sauce is built on a base of vegetables and fruit, delivering a rich, layered flavor with a beautifully balanced sweetness and acidity.
The classic "soba nikutama" — featuring pork belly, sweet cabbage, and noodles — is a dish where all three elements come together in perfect harmony. Toppings such as oysters and squid are also available, making it fun to customize your order.
The ekie branch is directly connected to the station, making it a great option for visitors who want to dive into authentic local flavor right after arriving. This is truly the "original" restaurant for experiencing the history of Hiroshima okonomiyaki.
- Address: 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture / ekie 1F
- Opening Hours: 11:00–21:30
- Closed: Follows ekie holiday schedule
- Phone: 082-263-2217
- Official Website: https://www.okonomi.co.jp/
Ekie Dining
Located on the 1st floor of ekie, this dining area functions like a food court where you can explore a wide range of Hiroshima cuisine beyond okonomiyaki.
A particular highlight is the oyster cuisine — Hiroshima leads the nation in oyster production, and here you can enjoy them prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled oysters, fried oyster (kaki furai), and oyster rice.
Hiroshima-style tsukemen is also a crowd favorite — a dish where you dip noodles into a spicy broth, and once you try it, it's hard not to come back for more.
It's also a convenient option for those who want a quick meal during a Shinkansen layover, with many of the restaurants open until around 11:00 PM.
With a diverse range of cuisines gathered in one spot, groups can easily split up and each choose whatever they're in the mood for.
- Address: 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 11:00–23:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 082-567-8011
- Official Website: https://www.minamoa-ekie.jp/
When You Visit Hiroshima, Enjoy Authentic Hiroshima Food at Spots Loved by the Locals!
Well-known restaurants near the station are great, but if you want to go even deeper into Hiroshima's food scene, head to the hidden gems tucked away in back alleys where locals go time and again.
On Magical Trip's tours, English-speaking local guides will take you to izakayas and restaurants that can feel a little intimidating to walk into on your own as a tourist.
Even at places with Japanese-only menus and counter seats buzzing with regulars, your guide will help you order and even strike up conversations with the locals — so you can immerse yourself in Hiroshima's food culture without worrying about the language barrier.
Treat yourself to authentic okonomiyaki, oyster dishes, local sake, and more.
- Meeting point: In front of Hiroshima Fukuya Department Store, in front of the Gucci display near Hatchobori Station
- Tour area: Hatchobori Station, around Nagare-kawa
- Start time: 19:00
3 Must-See Attractions Easily Accessible from Hiroshima Station
As part of your Hiroshima Station Guide 2026, here are the unmissable sightseeing spots in Hiroshima that you can easily reach by tram from Hiroshima Station.
Atomic Bomb Dome
On August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb was used in warfare for the first time in human history, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to that tragedy.
This is the ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which stood just approximately 160 meters from the hypocenter. The building was instantly reduced to rubble by the blast and thermal rays.
Although the building was completely burned, it miraculously escaped collapse because the blast came from directly above, and the iron-framed dome section remains intact.
After the war, this building became known as the "Atomic Bomb Dome," and has been preserved as a symbol appealing to the world about the horror of nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace.
At night, the dome is illuminated, offering a fantastical appearance quite different from its daytime look.
- Address: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 082-242-7831
- Official Website: None
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes from Hiroshima Station by tram to "Genbaku Dome-mae"
Peace Memorial Park
Adjacent to the Atomic Bomb Dome, this vast park spanning approximately 120,000 square meters was established to comfort the souls of the atomic bomb victims and to pray for lasting world peace.
At the heart of the park stands the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, whose stone coffin holds the registry of more than 300,000 victims.
The Flame of Peace inside the park has been burning continuously since it was first lit in 1964, with the wish that it will keep burning until the day nuclear weapons disappear from the face of the earth.
The lush, green grounds are also perfect for a leisurely stroll, and during cherry blossom season you can enjoy beautiful blooms.
- Address: 1 Nakajima-cho and 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 082-504-2390
- Official Website: None
- Access: Approximately 17 minutes from Hiroshima Station by tram to "Heiwa Kinen Koen"
A visit to the Peace Memorial Museum is also highly recommended
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located within the park, displays personal belongings and materials left by atomic bomb survivors, allowing visitors to learn in detail about the true extent of the atomic bombing. With English support available, it communicates the message of peace to visitors from around the world.
Having visited myself, what left the deepest impression on me was a clock stopped at the exact moment the atomic bomb was dropped. It truly conveyed the terrifying power of the bomb.
There are many other exhibits that evoke deep sadness and pain, but that in itself makes you realize just how devastating the event was. Please take the time to reflect quietly on the meaning of peace.
- Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours:
- - March to July / 07:30–19:00
- - August / 07:30–20:00 ※ Until 21:00 on August 5 and August 6
- - September to November / 07:30–19:00
- - December to February / 07:30–18:00
- Closed: December 30, December 31, and 3 days in mid-February ※ The Information Resource Room is also closed on December 29, December 30, December 31, and January 1
- Phone: 082-241-4004
- Official Website: https://hpmmuseum.jp/
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes from Hiroshima Station by bus
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 and is a traditional Japanese castle that once served as the residence of the regional lord.
It is also known as "Rijo (means 'Carp Castle')," a name said to derive from the large number of carp that lived in the surrounding moat.
The name of Hiroshima's local baseball team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, also originates from this castle.
Completely destroyed by the atomic bomb, it was rebuilt in 1958 and now functions as a museum introducing the history of Hiroshima. From the observation room on the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In spring, it is also popular as a celebrated cherry blossom spot.
- Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opening Hours:
- - Main Tower:
- - March to November: 9:00–18:00
- - December to February: 9:00–17:00
- - Ninomaru:
- - April to September: 9:00–17:30
- - October to March: 9:00–16:30
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to December 31)
- Phone: 082-221-7512
- Official Website: https://hiroshimacastle.jp/
- Access: Take the "Maple Loop" bus from Hiroshima Station and walk 6 minutes from the "Hiroshima Castle" bus stop
If you want to experience Hiroshima's history and culture to the fullest, having a local guide is the way to go
Magical Trip offers tours of Hiroshima led by English-speaking local guides.
The real appeal lies in being shown episodes and hidden spots that only a locally based guide would know — the kind of insider knowledge that never makes it into guidebooks.
The lineup is rich and varied, including tours to learn about Hiroshima's history at Peace Memorial Park and tours to explore Miyajima, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine.
Even on your first trip to Hiroshima, exploring with a local guide means you can relax and enjoy every moment. As part of your Hiroshima Station guide 2026, spend your days exploring Hiroshima on a tour and your evenings savoring Hiroshima's local cuisine around Hiroshima Station.
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
