The 10 Best Ryokans in Hiroshima

Looking for a ryokan stay in Hiroshima? You’re in the right place.

Hiroshima is best known for its moving history, but it’s also a surprisingly rewarding place to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. While the city itself has only a small number of ryokans, the wider Hiroshima area, especially nearby Miyajima Island, is home to some truly special stays. Choosing a ryokan here gives you the chance to slow down and experience a more traditional side of Japan alongside some of the country’s most meaningful sights.

From city-based ryokans near the Peace Memorial Park to classic inns on Miyajima Island, we’ve rounded up the best options to help you plan a stay that suits your travel style and budget. Let’s get into it!

Where to Find the Best Ryokans in Hiroshima

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. A ryokan stay is a lot more than just a bed for the night – it’s a chance to experience old-school hospitality. Ryokan rooms usually feature tatami floors and futon beds, and you’ll normally find onsen baths on site. But my personal favorite thing about staying in a ryokan is that it’s a chance to experience a kaiseki dinner, which is a beautifully presented multi-course meal.

Now, Hiroshima’s ryokan scene is a little different from many other Japanese cities. Much of the city’s traditional architecture was destroyed during World War II, so the historic ryokans were wiped out. While a small number of ryokans have been built since, most of Hiroshima’s best traditional stays are found just outside the city, particularly on Miyajima Island.

Miyajima has long been known as a spiritual retreat, and it’s very well preserved, which makes it an ideal place for a ryokan experience. With that said, staying in downtown Hiroshima can still be a good option if you want easy access to major sights and transport links.

• Downtown Hiroshima – Best for sights & convenience – This area is great for sightseeing because it offers easy access to the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Station. Kabukiya is a reputable ryokan that offers big family rooms.

• Miyajima Island– Best for a traditional stay – This historic island is the heart of Hiroshima’s ryokan scene, and it offers sea views and a peaceful atmosphere. Miyajima Seaside Hotel is a top-rated stay that won’t break the bank.

The Best Ryokans in Hiroshima

Downtown Hiroshima

BEST FOR SIGHTS & CONVENIENCE

Pros

• Easy access to Hiroshima’s main sights and transport hubs
• Convenient base for day trips and onward travel

Cons

• Very limited number of traditional ryokans
• Less of a classic onsen town atmosphere

Downtown Hiroshima is the best place to stay if sightseeing is your main priority. This area is compact, easy to navigate, and home to many of the city’s most important landmarks. You’ll be within walking distance or a short tram ride from the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden. Hiroshima Station is also nearby, so it’s a practical base if you’re arriving by Shinkansen or planning day trips to places like Miyajima or Onomichi.

Unlike cities such as Kyoto or Kanazawa, Hiroshima doesn’t have a large number of historic ryokans in its city centre. A lot of traditional architecture was lost during World War II, and the city was rebuilt with a more modern layout. As a result, downtown ryokan options are limited. However, the few that do exist are well located and thoughtfully run, so you can still enjoy a nice ryokan stay here if you don’t have time to spend a night or two on Miyajima Island.

We think that staying downtown is a good choice if your main focus is experiencing Hiroshima’s history. You can sightsee during the day and still enjoy the traditional ryokan atmosphere in the evening. It’s great if you’re short on time! 

Hiroshima no Yado Aioi – $$

Hiroshima no Yado Aioi is one of the most distinctive places to stay in downtown Hiroshima. It boasts an absolutely unbeatable location near the Peace Memorial Park. It actually sits right by the river and looks out towards the Atomic Bomb Dome, so it’s a fantastic choice if you’re visiting Hiroshima for its history.

Inside, the ryokan has a traditional feel, with tatami rooms and a calm, understated atmosphere. While it’s not a luxury property, it’s comfortable and well-run by friendly owners. There’s also a public bath on site, which is a nice bonus in Hiroshima because onsen-style facilities are rare in the city itself. This is a great option for travellers who want a ryokan-style stay right in the heart of the city and don’t want to rely on transport to get around.

Rooms usually cost 22,000 JPY ($145 USD) per night and up.

Kabukiya – $$

Kabukiya is a small, traditional ryokan tucked away in a quieter part of central Hiroshima. It feels low-key and local, which we think adds to its charm. The rooms follow a classic ryokan layout with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and they can sleep up to six people. In fact, this ryokan is our top pick for groups visiting Hiroshima!

Kabukiya is another excellent choice for travellers who want to experience a traditional stay while still being close to the city’s main sights. It’s especially appealing if you plan to spend most of your days exploring and just want a peaceful place to come back to in the evenings.

Prices usually start from around 20,000 JPY ($130 USD) per night.

Ikawa Ryokan – $

Ikawa Ryokan is one of the more affordable traditional stays in downtown Hiroshima and a good pick if you’re travelling on a budget. It has a very old-school feel and focuses on offering a straightforward, no-frills ryokan experience.

Rooms are simple and traditional, and while facilities are basic, everything is clean and well looked after. The location is also convenient for getting around the city, with public transport and shops close by. We think that this ryokan works well for budget-conscious travellers who want to try a traditional Japanese stay without spending too much, and its central location makes sightseeing super easy! 

Rates start from around 13,000 JPY ($85 USD) per night.

Miyajima Island

BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL STAY

Pros

• Home to Hiroshima’s best and most traditional ryokans
• Beautiful coastal scenery and a peaceful, historic atmosphere

Cons

• Requires a ferry ride from the mainland
• Can feel busy with visitors during the day

As much as we like downtown Hiroshima, Miyajima Island is hands down the best place to stay if you want a proper ryokan experience here! It’s just a short ferry ride from the mainland, but it feels worlds away from the city. In fact, with its sea views and spiritual atmosphere, it always makes me feel as though I’m stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie! 

Miyajima Island is best known for the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. It’s certainly a must-see in Hiroshima, and lots of day trippers come to snap photos of this iconic landmark, but there’s much more to the island than this one (admittedly amazing) attraction.

A quick visit to the island is fine if that’s all you have time for, but staying overnight on Miyajima allows you to experience the island at its most peaceful. The early mornings and evenings are very calm and quiet, and offer an amazing opportunity to explore the island’s shrines and scenic walking trails without the crowds. 

Miyajima Island largely escaped the destruction of the Second World War, and the island is very well-preserved. Many ryokans here have been welcoming guests for generations, so it’s the ultimate spot for a traditional stay. It’s not the cheapest area, but we think that the setting and atmosphere make it well worth it.

ITSUKUSHIMA IROHA – $$$

ITSUKUSHIMA IROHA is a beautifully designed ryokan that blends traditional Japanese hospitality with an elegant, modern aesthetic. It’s also located close to the ferry terminal and Itsukushima Shrine, so it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the island.

We love the rooms here because they’re so stylish and thoughtfully laid out, with subtle Japanese details throughout. And the dining is a major highlight here, with seasonal kaiseki meals that focus on local ingredients and careful presentation. We think that this polished, high-end property is a great fit for couples or travellers celebrating a special occasion.

Prices usually start from around 78,000 JPY ($500 USD) per night.

Jukeiso – $$$

Jukeiso is a classic ryokan perched on a hillside overlooking Miyajima, and the views here are a big part of the appeal. From many of the property’s rooms and communal areas, you’ll have sweeping views across the sea toward the island’s famous torii gate – how cool is that?

This ryokan has a traditional feel, with tatami rooms and a calm, understated atmosphere. The meals are served in a traditional Japanese style and often include local seafood, so dining here is a real treat! All in all, we think that Jukeiso is a great option if you want a traditional ryokan experience with some of the best views on the island.

Rooms usually start from around 55,000 JPY ($350 USD) per night.

Miyajima Seaside Hotel – $$

Miyajima Seaside Hotel is one of the best mid-range ryokans on the island. It’s located slightly away from the main village area, right by the water, and it has a real old-school feel! There’s even a small stretch of beach out front, which is a nice bonus. 

The staff here are incredibly sweet and will go the extra mile to make your stay feel special. This place isn’t flashy, but if you want to experience Japanese hospitality at its most authentic, we highly recommend staying here.

Prices usually start from around 35,000 JPY ($225 USD) per night, which is pretty affordable by Miyajima’s standards!

Miyajima Morinoyado – $$

Miyajima Morinoyado is set slightly inland and surrounded by trees, so it’s a great location if you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-focused stay. It’s simple and comfortable, but a little more budget-friendly than the island’s higher-end ryokans. 

Here, you’ll find traditional-style rooms and a focus on quiet evenings and good rest. There’s a large on-site bath for guests, and the overall vibe is calm and low-key. We think it’s a solid pick for travellers who want to stay overnight on Miyajima without making too big a dent in their wallet.

Prices usually start from around 30,000 JPY ($195 USD) per night.

Yamaichi Bekkan – $$

Yamaichi Bekkan is a small, family-run ryokan that offers a warm and personal stay on Miyajima Island. It has a traditional feel and a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. Best of all, it’s got a great location – just a 1-minute walk to the ferry terminal!

The rooms are simple and traditional, and the focus here is very much on hospitality. Meals are home-style Japanese dishes made with care, and the hosts are so friendly and attentive. If you’re looking for a quieter and more intimate ryokan experience on Miyajima, we think that Yamaichi Bekkan is a lovely pick!

Prices usually start from around 35,000 JPY ($225 USD) per night. This place has amazing reviews!

Sakuraya – $

Sakuraya is a budget-friendly ryokan located close to the ferry terminal, so it’s a really convenient base on Miyajima Island. It’s simple and traditional, and ideal if you want to stay overnight without spending too much on accommodation. 

The rooms here are modest but comfortable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy. While facilities are basic, the location is hard to beat. All rooms have a private toilet, but other bathroom facilities are shared to cut costs. Don’t worry – they’re kept spotlessly clean!

Prices usually start from around 14,000 JPY ($90 USD) per night.

Kikunoya – $

Kikunoya is another affordable ryokan on Miyajima that offers a straightforward traditional stay. It actually feels pretty sleek for such an affordable stay, and guests can enjoy a complimentary shuttle to and from the ferry terminal. It’s a short walk to the Itsukushima Shrine, so we love the location!

The rooms are simple, and the focus is on providing a quiet place to rest after a day of exploring the island. It’s a practical choice if you’re prioritising location and value over luxury features, but still want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality.

Prices usually start from around 22,000 JPY ($125 USD) per night.

Related Read: Need help planning the rest of your trip? See our ideal 2-day Hiroshima itinerary for our favorite activities and recommendations!

Top Activities to do in Hiroshima

Now that you have found the perfect place to stay, you can start planning your itinerary! Here are some of the top things to do in Hiroshima and our personal favorites!

• Visit Miyajima Island – We loved this full day tour to Miyajima Island because it also included seeing Hiroshima’s top sights! This is perfect if you can’t stay on the island, as Miyajima is not to be missed, and this tour makes it all seamless.

• Bicycle around Hiroshima – There is a lot of ground to cover in Hiroshima, so this morning bike tour made seeing the top sights a breeze. We learned so much from our local guide and had a ton of fun seeing the city as we pedaled by.

• Japanese cooking class – We can’t get enough Japanese food, so booking this cooking class was a no-brainer! Best of all, this was a private class, so we got one-on-one attention as we learned how to make Japanese omlets, miso, and even green tea sweets!

• Take a history tour – There’s so much history in Hiroshima that the best way to experience it is to take this guided history tour. Discover the deep roots of Japanese culture and see the moving sights that set Hiroshima apart, all while learning from your private guide.

Related Read: If you’re looking for a few more fun things to do, see our full list of Hiroshima’s best activities here!

Thanks for reading!

Staying in a traditional ryokan will make your time in Hiroshima all the more memorable! Whether you stay in downtown or on MiyajimaIsland, you can find a great ryokan that will let you settle into the authentic charm of Japan.

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, check out all of our Japan blogs. We’ve been all over the country, and love helping fellow travelers plan their adventures. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!

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Where to Stay in Hiroshima, Japan: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

The 15 Best Ryokans in Kyoto with an Onsen