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Higashihiroshima: An Underrated Gem in Japan
Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Higashihiroshima is a small city that may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s definitely worth a visit. As a National Geographic journalist, I had the opportunity to explore the city and discover what it has to offer.
Scenery and Impressions:
One of the things I liked most about Higashihiroshima is its serene and scenic atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the city is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The local people also add to the charm of the city, they are friendly, warm, and kind.
Points of Interest:
There are plenty of places to see in Higashihiroshima that combines the best of city and nature, here are my top 20 picks of points of interests, along with their addresses, websites, Yelp top reviews, and ratings:
1. Saijo Sake Brewery – 1 Chome-1-8 Saijocho, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima (4.7 stars)
2. Kiyomizudera Temple – 廿日市文珠, Eguchi, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima (4.6 stars)
3. Osorakan – 3-chōme-5-5 Sawara, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima (4.6 stars)
4. Mirokunosato Park – 84-1 Yokawa, Osakikamijima, Hiroshima (4.6 stars)
5. Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art – 1-1 Hijiyama Koen, Minami-ku, Hiroshima (4.5 stars)
6. Innoshima Suigun Castle – 2646-1 Osakikamijima, Innoshima-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima (4.5 stars)
7. Fukuyama Castle – 4-1 Marunouchi, Fukuyama, Hiroshima (4.4 stars)
8. Kenkoku-ji Temple – 2084-1 Hongo, Fukuyama, Hiroshima (4.4 stars)
9. Onomichi Temple Walk – 1-chōme-1-1 Higashitsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima (4.3 stars)
10. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – 1-1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (4.3 stars)
11. Senkoji Park – 19-1 Senkojichonai, Onomichi, Hiroshima (4.2 stars)
12. Mazda Museum – 3 Chome-1-1 Shinchi, Fuchū-chō, Aki-gun, Hiroshima (4.1 stars)
13. Tadanoumi Beach – 742 Tadanoumicho Fuchū, Aki-gun, Hiroshima (4.0 stars)
14. Miyajima – Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (4.0 stars)
15. Onomichi Film Museum – 5-5 Higashitsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima (3.9 stars)
16. Shimanami Kaido – Imabari, Ehime Prefecture / Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture (3.9 stars)
17. Kosanji Temple – 553-2 Besshi, Ikuchichō, Onomichi, Hiroshima (3.8 stars)
18. Tomo-no-ura – Tōnoharachō, Fukuyama, Hiroshima (3.8 stars)
19. Olive Garden Onomichi – 5 Chome-17-8 Yosuidori, Onomichi, Hiroshima (3.7 stars)
20. Miyajimaguchi – Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture (3.7 stars)
Street Food and Prices:
In Higashihiroshima, you can find plenty of delicious street food that won’t break the bank. Here are my top 20 recommendations, along with their prices and where to find them:
1. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki – Starting from 500 yen ($4.5 USD) in Okonomimura.
2. Momiji Manju – Starting from 200 yen ($1.8 USD) in Miyajima Island.
3. Oysters – Starting from 600 yen ($5.5 USD) at any local seafood market or restaurant.
4. Imotaki – 300 yen ($2.7 USD) at various food stalls and markets.
5. Yakitori – 150 yen ($1.3 USD) per stick at any Yakitori restaurant.
6. Anago Meshi (Conger Eel Rice Bowl) – Starting from 800 yen ($7.2 USD) in Miyajima Island.
7. Tsukudani – Starting from 500 yen ($4.5 USD) at Mitaki Fudoson Temple.
8. Ikinari Dango (Sweet Potato Dumplings) – Starting from 100 yen ($0.9 USD) at various food stalls and markets.
9. Sanuki Udon – Starting from 500 yen ($4.5 USD) at Sanuki Udon stores.
10. Takoyaki – Starting from 400 yen ($3.6 USD) at various food stalls and markets.
11. Monjayaki – Starting from 400 yen ($3.6 USD) in Okonomimura.
12. Anago Meshi (Conger Eel Rice Bowl) – Starting from 800 yen ($7.2 USD) in Miyajima Island.
13. Nikuman (Steamed Pork Buns) – Starting from 150 yen ($1.3 USD) at any local bakery.
14. Yakisoba – Starting from 600 yen ($5.5 USD) in Okonomimura.
15. Oyster Soft Serve Ice Cream – Starting from 500 yen ($4.5 USD) in Miyajima Island.
16. Kaki Furai (Deep-fried Oyster) – Starting from 500 yen ($4.5 USD) at any seafood market or restaurant.
17. Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi) – Starting from 100 yen ($0.9 USD) per plate at any Kaiten-zushi restaurant.
18. Yakiton – Starting from 100 yen ($0.9 USD) per skewer at any Yakiton grill.
19. Hiroshima-yaki – Starting from 200 yen ($1.8 USD) at various food stalls and markets.
20. Mikan Juice (Mandarin Orange Juice) – Starting from 400 yen ($3.6 USD) in various gift stores.
Top 10 Hotels and Airbnb:
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Higashihiroshima, here are my top picks of hotels and Airbnb with their prices in US dollars, ratings and reviews:
Hotels
1. Keishokan Sazanamitei – Starting from $126 per night (4.8 stars)
2. Candeo Hotels Fukuyama – Starting from $60 per night (4.4 stars)
3. Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima – Starting from $76 per night (4.3 stars)
4. Dormy Inn Hiroshima – Starting from $60 per night (4.2 stars)
5. Forest Hills Garden – Starting from $80 per night (4.0 stars)
6. Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima – Starting from $57 per night (3.9 stars)
7. Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel – Starting from $124 per night (3.8 stars)
8. Onomichi U2 – Starting from $130 per night (3.7 stars)
9. Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima – Starting from $54 per night (3.6 stars)
10. Seifukan Inn – Starting from $64 per night (3.5 stars)
Airbnb
1. Casa Hostel – Starting from $26 per night (4.9 stars)
2. Guest House Mac – Starting from $40 per night (4.8 stars)
3. Sea Side House Hiroshima – Starting from $48 per night (4.7 stars)
4. Traditional Japanese House – Starting from $60 per night (4.6 stars)
5. Mishima House – Starting from $64 per night (4.5 stars)
6. Hiroshima Gion Guesthouse Touhaku – Starting from $21 per night (4.4 stars)
7. TABI-SABI Studio Yellow – Starting from $30 per night (4.3 stars)
8. Eleven Hiroshima – Starting from $60 per night (4.2 stars)
9. Shiratori Guesthouse – Starting from $26 per night (4.1 stars)
10. Hiroshima Guesthouse Flower – Starting from $24 per night (4.0 stars)
Top 5 Picks and Reasons Why:
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective accommodation in Higashihiroshima, here are my top 5 picks:
1. Casa Hostel – It’s the most affordable option with the highest rating and located near the city center.
2. Candeo Hotels Fukuyama – It’s relatively affordable but provides excellent facilities and services.
3. Seifukan Inn – It’s affordable and offers traditional Japanese accommodation with Japanese-style rooms.
4. Dormy Inn Hiroshima – It offers good value for money, clean and comfortable rooms, and easy access to public transportation.
5. Guest House Mac – It’s affordable, ideally located near the station, and has a cozy atmosphere.
Three Days Itinerary:
If you’re only spending three days in Higashihiroshima, here’s my itinerary for you, which includes the best places to visit and the food you shouldn’t miss:
Day 1
1. Saijo Sake Brewery
2. Kiyomizudera Temple
3. Osorakan
4. Momiji Manju at Miyajima Island
5. Oyster Soft Serve Ice Cream in Miyajima Island
Day 2
1. Mirokunosato Park
2. Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art
3. Fukuyama Castle
4. Kenkoku-ji Temple
5. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura
Day 3
1. Onomichi Temple Walk
2. Senkoji Park
3. Mazda Museum
4. Tadanoumi Beach
5. Ikinari Dango in various food stalls and markets
In Conclusion:
Higashihiroshima is a small city, but it has plenty to offer for travelers who appreciate serene natural settings and a unique cultural experience. It’s a great place to escape from the crowds, discover delicious street food, and immerse in the local culture. I give Higashihiroshima a 9/10 rating for its amazing scenery and cultural significance.
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