Hiroshima

Tuesday Tips: 6 SUGGESTIONS on HOW to PLAN Your NEXT SAKURA TRIP

Planning a Sakura trip can be stressful. For one, no one knows the exact date of the Sakura trees’ full bloom in each city until at least a week before. Secondly, everything — from plane tickets to hotel accommodations — gets expensive due to high demand from both locals and tourists.

Last year, my friends and I went on a 20-day Sakura trip. We started our journey in the cold and snowy Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Then, we went to Osaka to relax and work for a few days. Afterward, we continued our journey south to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, using the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass. We used the same pass to return to Osaka, where we based ourselves and took day trips to Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. We spent a few days in Kyoto before finishing our trip in Nagoya and Inuyama.

Months before our trip, we had planned our schedule to coincide with the forecasted Sakura full blooms in Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and even Nagoya. However, the colder-than-expected weather delayed the Sakura full bloom by almost a week or two. Believe it or not, we only managed to witness the full bloom in Nagoya towards the end of the trip.

In today’s Tuesday Tips post, I will share some suggestions on how you can plan your next Sakura trip. While I cannot guarantee that you’ll catch the full bloom, I can offer tips on how to save money and make the most of your trip. These suggestions are based on our experiences from last year.

Plan Trip Dates Ahead

First things first: plan your trip dates in advance. Historically, the Sakura trees are best viewed in famous cities during the last week of March through the first two weeks of April. If you can schedule your trip to include these weeks, it would be ideal.

Book Plane Tickets and Accommodations Ahead

Once you have an idea of when the Sakura trees are best viewed, you can start looking for affordable plane tickets and accommodations ahead of time.

My friends and I booked our Manila to Nagoya plane tickets as early as July the year before for a trip in late March. We waited for the return flight forecasts and purchased our tickets four months in advance. The ticket to Nagoya only cost us a little over ₱3,000, including baggage. The return ticket, however, cost almost ₱11,000 due to the late booking and baggage fees. If only we had booked everything earlier, we could have gotten a much cheaper return ticket.

95% of our accommodations (see photos below) were booked up to nine months in advance. My friends and I took advantage of credit card promotions with Agoda and Booking.com. We also made sure to book places with free cancellation and a pay-later option. Even during peak times like this, accommodations are cheaper when booked months in advance. Plus, you get access to the best options since others have not started planning yet.

Having our plane tickets and accommodations settled early gave us plenty of time to research and plan our itinerary.

Stay Longer and Base in Selected Cities

As mentioned above, no one knows the exact date of the Sakura full bloom. Everyone depends on forecasts made by the Japanese authorities. Staying longer in your selected cities gives you the time and flexibility to adjust according to these forecasts.

It is also ideal to choose one or two cities as your base while chasing Sakura. In our case, we based ourselves in cities like Osaka and Kyoto, which are within reach of many other cities like Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. Staying longer in these cities also gave us more time to wait for or chase the Sakura, depending on where it was best viewed during our visit.

Monitor Sakura Forecasts

I suggest that you continuously monitor the official Sakura forecasts released by the Japanese authorities. These forecasts are available as early as January and are updated every few weeks. However, I do not recommend planning your trip solely around these forecasts, as they are always subject to change.

These forecasts will give you an idea of where to go during your selected trip dates and which day trips you can take from your chosen bases.

Keep Itinerary and Schedule Flexible

I do not recommend Sakura trips for first-time visitors to Japan. Ideally, when chasing Sakura, you should have already visited the usual attractions in Japan. This allows you to focus entirely on chasing Sakura and doing nothing else. You will not have to worry about missing out on a temple or a particular site because you have already seen it before.

There are thousands of places, parks, and areas where Sakura can be viewed during this season. Keeping your itinerary flexible gives you the freedom to visit wherever Sakura is in bloom.

Last year, on our few days in Osaka, we had not seen any Sakura trees in full bloom. Fortunately, I came across a random Instagram post showing that a small park (Nakaoe Park) near Osaka Castle had Sakura trees in full bloom. Since we had no plans after visiting Osaka Castle, my friends and I decided to go to this park and were able to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms.

On another occasion, it was a random day in Kyoto when I saw online that the Sakura trees were starting to bloom along the Philosopher’s Path. My friends and I immediately went to the area that afternoon, and we were treated to stunning views of cherry blossoms lining the long, beautiful path by the river.

Purchase Passes Perfect for Your Final Itinerary

Lastly, Japan offers hundreds of visitor passes that might be perfect for your plans or itinerary. Be sure to check if one fits your needs for additional savings.

In our case last year, my friends and I took advantage of the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass. We used this pass to take the Shinkansen to and from Hiroshima from Osaka, as well as for the trains and ferry rides to and from Miyajima Island, the train to Nara, and the Shinkansen rides to Kobe, Himeji, and back to Osaka. We only paid ¥17,000 for the pass, but we got ¥33,000 worth of Shinkansen, local train, and ferry rides out of it.

I hope these suggestions help you plan your next Sakura trip. It might be too late to use them for this year, but hopefully, they will come in handy for your next trip. Sakura season in Japan is truly magical, and with a bit of planning, you can really enjoy it without the stress. Keep these tips in mind, and take your time to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Best of luck with your future trips — I hope you catch the perfect bloom and have an unforgettable experience!

Have you been to Japan during Sakura, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Tuesday Tips post. Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

JR KANSAI-HIROSHIMA AREA PASS Review – Is It Worth It?

Early last year, my friends and I purchased the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass for our trip around Hiroshima and the Kansai Region. We used this pass to travel to Hiroshima, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji from our base in Osaka.

Today, I will give you an in-depth look at this area pass and whether it’s worth purchasing. Read on below to learn more.

JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass

The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is an unlimited rail (and bus) pass offered to foreign tourists who wish to travel around the Kansai Region and Hiroshima for five consecutive days. The pass includes unlimited Shinkansen (bullet train) rides between Osaka and Hiroshima.

Price & Inclusions

The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass costs ¥17,000 for adults (12 years and older) and ¥8,500 for children (6 to 11 years old). The pass is valid for five consecutive days from the date of the first trip/ride.

According to the West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) website, the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass covers the following:

Unlimited use of the Sanyo Shinkansen (including Nozomi and Mizuho) between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima, including the Hello Kitty Shinkansen
Unlimited Shinkansen seat reservations on ordinary cars
Unlimited use of local, rapid, and limited express JR trains in the JR-West coverage area
Unlimited use of the JR Ferry to and from Miyajima Island (Itsukushima)
Unlimited use of Kyoto Tango Railway going to Amanohashidate
Unlimited use of Wakayama Electric Railway
Unlimited use of local JR buses around Hiroshima, Kyoto and other West Japan JR buses within the covered areas
Free bicycle rental at Ekirin Kun outlets in the designated areas

Limitations

This area pass also comes with certain limitations. First, the pass is only available to foreign visitors/tourists (with valid landing permits) in Japan. It is not available for purchase by locals or residents of Japan. Second, the pass can only be used by a single person. It is tied to the person’s passport details, so it is not transferable. Additionally, the pass holder must always carry their passport.

Third, the pass does not cover the Tōkaidō Shinkansen route between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. It also cannot be used on any other Shinkansen routes outside the Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima route. Fourth, Shinkansen seat reservations via ticket machines can only be made up to six times. Any seat reservations beyond the 6th must be made at the offices.

Where To Buy

The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is available for purchase on the West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) website. It is also available through accredited local travel agencies worldwide. You can find the list of accredited travel agencies here. The area pass is also available for purchase on online travel platforms such as Klook and KKDay.

Please note that the pass must be exchanged within 3 months from the date of purchase.

How To Use It

Each purchased pass must be exchanged at designated JR-West ticket offices or selected JR-West stations for physical tickets. These passes can also be exchanged at green ticket machines labeled e5489. The machine will require the customer to present the reservation number, e-ticket QR code, and a foreign passport with an IC chip. Seat reservations can also be made at these green ticket machines.

The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass works like any other single-journey ticket. The ticket holder must insert the JR Pass along with the seat reservation ticket (if applicable) at every station checkpoint and retrieve them after passing through.

Japan Rail Pass Fare Calculator

Websites in Japan have created JR Pass fare calculators to help determine whether purchasing a particular pass is worth it, depending on your itinerary.

The JR Pass and Japan Travel websites offer fare calculators for the standard 7 to 21-day passes. The Japan Guide website provides a more detailed fare calculator that includes all available regional passes.

Where Did We Use

My friends and I purchased our JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass from Klook. We paid ₱6,346.00 each and exchanged our pass vouchers at a green ticket machine located at Osaka Station.

We used our passes for 5 consecutive days and traveled the following route: Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima via the Nozomi bullet train, Hiroshima to Miyajima Island (Itsukushima) via train and ferry (round trip), Hiroshima Meipuru-pu sightseeing bus to our accommodation, Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka via the Nozomi bullet train, JR line from Shin-Imamiya Station to JR Nara Station and back, Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe, Shin-Kobe to Himeji both via the Nozomi bullet train, Himeji to Shin-Osaka via the Hikari bullet train, and Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Station and back.

We used the pass to visit Hiroshima, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and Kyoto all within 5 days. We didn’t use it for our trip to Kyoto (because we found a faster and more convenient option), but we did use it for the return train service from Kyoto to Arashiyama.

Was It Worth Purchasing?

Was the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass worth the purchase given our route above? The answer is YES. With the help of Google Maps, I manually checked every ride we took. The total fare cost of everything listed above without the pass was around ¥33,000 per person.

The pass only cost us ¥17,000 per person. Including all bus and local train rides, it saved us around ¥16,000 per person. That is almost double the original pass cost! What a steal.

At the end of the day, the pass will only be worth it if you carefully plan your itinerary and make sure to maximize its inclusions within the 5-day usage period. While it may not be the most affordable option for visiting the Kansai Region and Hiroshima, it can become a valuable investment with proper planning and usage. If you plan to stay solely within the Kansai Region, you can consider these cheaper alternatives: the JR Kansai Area Pass and the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass.

What do you think of the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass? Is it something that suits your travel style? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Do you have any questions about the pass? In addition to posting below, you can also send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s pass review. In case you missed it, my friends and I flew to Japan for 20 days to experience the cherry blossom season from March to April 2024. You can find all posts related to this trip under the Sakura 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Sakura 2024: HIROSHIMA – 48 Hours Around Japan’s Peace Memorial City [March 2024]

From Osaka, my friends and I took the bullet train to Hiroshima, where we met up with two other friends and explored the Peace Memorial City for 48 hours. We had planned to be in Hiroshima during the forecasted Sakura full bloom period, but to our surprise, the bloom was delayed by a little over a week due to colder-than-usual temperatures.

Despite the delayed Sakura bloom, we still enjoyed the city’s beautiful and vibrant atmosphere. We visited many interesting places, devoured the local okonomiyaki, and even experienced some nature at one of the city’s famous spots, Miyajima Island. Allow me to share the details of our 48-hour visit to Hiroshima below—it was definitely worth the Shinkansen trip!

I had been to Hiroshima back in 2016 when I spent 13 days traveling around Nagoya, the Kansai Region, and Hiroshima. You can check out my 2016 Going Solo in Hiroshima blog post here.

Hiroshima is the most famous city in Hiroshima Prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island. The city is known for being the site where the first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II. The explosion caused unimaginable destruction to the city’s structures and had devastating effects on its citizens.

Many years later, the city has been rebuilt and modernized. It has educated people around the world about the destructive power of nuclear weapons and their impact on lives and the environment. At the same time, Hiroshima has become a symbol of hope and peace, showing that a city can rebuild itself from scratch after such massive destruction.

Flights to Japan

There are no direct flights between the Philippines and Hiroshima, Japan. The nearest airports are in either Osaka or Fukuoka. My friends and I did not fly in and out of these two airports; instead, we started and ended our Japan journey in Nagoya.

We flew with Cebu Pacific Air to and from Chubu International Airport in Nagoya. I’ve written about our inbound and outbound flights, and I hope you can check them out here: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5038 – Manila to Nagoya – Perfectly-Timed Low-Cost Flight to Central Japan & Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5039 – Nagoya to Manila – Unexpected Inflight Treats on our Expensive Flight Back to Manila.

A few years ago, I wrote about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa. Click here to learn more about getting one for yourself.

Osaka to Hiroshima

My friends and I purchased the JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass specifically for this leg of the trip. The pass costs ¥17,000 per person and includes unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen (including Nozomi and Mizuho) between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. It also covers unlimited use of local, rapid, and limited express JR trains in the coverage area, the JR Ferry to Miyajima, local JR buses around Kyoto and Hiroshima, seat reservations via machines (for the first 6 reservations) and JR offices, and a few local trains to Wakayama and Amanohashidate.

We were already in Osaka prior to this side trip. We took the Nozomi 271 bullet train from Shin-Osaka and arrived in Hiroshima at 8:36 a.m. On the way back, we took the Nozomi 120 bullet train, which left Hiroshima Station at 9:12 a.m. and arrived at Shin-Osaka at 10:37 a.m.

I took an in-depth look at the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass and evaluated whether it was worth purchasing. I hope you can check out my review of the area pass here.

Accommodation

We stayed in Hiroshima for 2 nights at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima. We chose this no-frills hostel because we only needed a comfortable place to sleep after spending most of the day exploring.

I stayed in the mixed dormitory room for 2 nights and paid ₱1,342.09 after discounts. My friends stayed in the twin room for 2 nights and paid ₱5,660.43 (for 2 people) after discounts.

I wrote about our stay at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima in one of the Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check out the feature here.

Going Around Hiroshima

Hiroshima has all the best possible means of transportation. The city is connected by trains, trams, and even local buses.

We used the JR line and ferry to and from Miyajima Island, the JR bus to our accommodation, and our IC cards for tram rides. Alternatively, unlimited tourist day passes are available for purchase, which include train and tram rides.

Places Visited in Hiroshima

ITSUKUSHIMA

Itsukushima, commonly known as Miyajima Island, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, about an hour away from the city center. The island is a popular day-trip destination from Hiroshima and is famous for its torii gate, which is submerged in water during high tide. This torii gate marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine.

The island is home to various temples and forest walking trails, with freely wandering deer and monkeys. It also offers restaurants, artisan shops, and food booths that visitors can explore during their visit.

My friends and I spent a considerable amount of time on the island, walking along paths lined with Sakura trees and enjoying the beautiful views of the shrine.

How to get to Itsukushima from Hiroshima Station:

JR Pass Route: Take the Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (around 20 minutes for ¥420), then take a short walk to the port. Board the JR Ferry (around 10 minutes for ¥200) to Miyajima Island. This route is recommended and free for all JR Pass holders.

Tram Route: Take Tram Line 2 from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (around 45 minutes for ¥270), then walk to the port. Board the Matsudai Ferry (around 10 minutes for ¥200) to Miyajima Island.

Direct Ferry Route: Take the direct ferry from Hiroshima Port or Prince Hotel Port directly to Miyajima Island. The ferry trip takes around 30 minutes and costs ¥2,100 per person each way. Please check the schedule and availability, as this route only runs on specific days of the week.

Note: As of October 1, 2023, tourists visiting Itsukushima must pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax of ¥100 per person. This tax can be paid before entering the port terminal.

HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum showcases what happened to the city during the atomic bomb explosion in August 1945, the effects of the explosion on the city and its people, and many artifacts and belongings left by the victims.

Entry to the museum costs ¥200 per person. This museum is a must-visit when in the city.

HIROSHIMA VICTIMS MEMORIAL CENOTAPH

The memorial cenotaph is an arched tomb dedicated to those who died during the atomic bomb explosion and those who perished due to its aftereffects. Beneath the tomb is a stone chest containing the names of all these victims.

CHILDREN’S PEACE MONUMENT

The Children’s Peace Monument is a symbol of hope that commemorates the death of thousands of children during and after the radiation effects of the atomic bomb. It also features a statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died as a result of the bomb’s radiation effects.

GENBAKU DŌMU / ATOMIC BOMB DOME

The Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the remaining structures of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was damaged when the bomb exploded in August 1945. The dome is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

SHUKKEIEN GARDEN

Shukkeien Garden is a historic Japanese landscape garden located in the heart of Hiroshima City. The garden features scenic ponds, beautiful tea houses, pavilions, and a rainbow bridge.

Entry to the garden costs ¥260 per person.

OKONOMIMURA / OKONOMIYAKI VILLAGE

Hiroshima is famous for okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) to the point where there is a building filled with okonomiyaki restaurants. My friends and I visited Okonomimura and had a really good lunch at one of the restaurants there. Apologies, but I forgot the name of the restaurant where we ate.

HONDORI SHOPPING ARCADE

This is Hiroshima’s pedestrian arcade street, shotengai. It has everything a shopper needs and wants, from clothing stores and artisan and trendy shops to drugstores, entertainment venues (like karaoke), cafes, and restaurants.

In just 48 hours, Hiroshima captivated us with its history, beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. Despite the delayed Sakura bloom, we made the most of our time, exploring its landmarks, gardens, and vibrant culture. Hiroshima is a city of resilience and hope, offering something for every traveler. I cannot wait to visit again!

Have you been to Hiroshima, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hiroshima blog post. In case you missed it, my friends and I flew to Japan for 20 days to experience the cherry blossom season from March to April 2024. You can find all posts related to this trip under the Sakura 2024 category. You can also check out our Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Osaka visits.

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: SANTIAGO GUESTHOUSE HIROSHIMA – Fully-Booked Budget-Friendly Hostel During Peak Sakura Season

My friends and I flew to Japan for last year’s Sakura season. We spent the first few days in Takayama and Osaka, then traveled to Hiroshima during the forecasted “full bloom” period. To our surprise, the full bloom was delayed by a little over a week due to colder-than-usual temperatures. We spent two days and two nights in Hiroshima and enjoyed the historical city, despite the large crowds.

We stayed at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima for our two nights in the city. This property will be featured as today’s Hostel of the Day. Read on below to find out if this type of backpacker accommodation is something you would consider for your upcoming trip to Hiroshima.

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima is a budget-friendly accommodation located in the heart of the city. The property occupies the 3rd to 6th floors of a six-story mixed-use building. It offers 89 private and dormitory rooms across four floors, with the reception, communal dining, and kitchen areas located on the 6th floor.

Planning to get a Japan tourist visa soon? I got your covered. I wrote about the 4 easy steps in securing your next Japan tourist visa.

Location & Access

The property is located at 4-18 Nakamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0037, Japan. It is situated in a quiet commercial neighborhood filled with shops, offices, cafes, and restaurants.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum is 700 meters away on foot, while the Atomic Bomb Dome site is 850 meters from Santiago Guesthouse. JR Hiroshima Station is just over 2 kilometers away, accessible by both tram and bus. Hiroshima’s Hondori Shopping Street is only 5 minutes on foot (300 meters) from the hostel’s entrance.

Santiago Guesthouse is 50 kilometers from Hiroshima Airport, but it is close to important establishments such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart convenience stores. The property’s location is perfect, especially for those who want to base themselves in the city for a few days while exploring.

Room Options & Cost

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima offers both private and dormitory rooms. The private rooms are available in the following configurations: twin room with shared bathroom, twin bunk room with shared bathroom, double room with bunk bed and shared bathroom, family room for 4 adults, family room for 5 adults, and another family room for 5 adults. These private rooms feature air conditioning, a heating system, comfortable bedding, a clothes rack, a table and chair, and a lamp.

On the other hand, the air-conditioned dormitory rooms offer the following bed arrangements: 8-bed mixed dormitory, female dormitory, and mixed dormitory rooms, all with access to shared bathrooms on the 4th floor. The dormitory beds feature Japanese-style bedding, individual reading lights, power sockets, lockers, and privacy curtains. Room or dormitory bed rates per night vary depending on the season and booking platform.

My friends and I booked our stay about 6 months in advance. I stayed in the mixed dormitory room for 2 nights and paid ₱1,342.09 after discounts. My friends stayed in the twin room for 2 nights and paid ₱5,660.43 (for 2 people) after discounts. Accommodations in Hiroshima are relatively affordable, even during the peak season. Be sure to book early to get the best possible rate.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Guests staying at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima can enjoy the following facilities and amenities:

Free Fast Wi-Fi – Guests have access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout their stay.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – The guesthouse features a shared kitchen and dining area near the reception.

Communal Lounge Area – Guests can relax and meet fellow travelers in the communal lounge area, located just beside the reception.

Clean Shared Shower & Toilet Facilities – The guesthouse offers clean shared toilet and shower facilities. The toilets are located on each floor, while all shower facilities are on the 4th floor. Each shower cubicle is equipped with bottles of shampoo and liquid soap.

Towel Hire – The hostel offers towel rentals for guests who do not have bath towels. The rental fee is ¥200 per towel.

Air Conditioning & Heating System – The entire hostel building is equipped with air conditioning and heating, which are used depending on the season and current weather conditions.

Drink Vending Machine – Guests can purchase drinks from the vending machine located on the 4th floor.

Tour Desk / Tourist Corner – The property offers tours and activities. Feel free to approach the reception if you would like to book one.

Lockers & Safe Boxes – Lockers and safe boxes are available for rent near the reception.

Coin-Operated Laundry & Dryer – The hostel has a coin-operated laundry and dryer, which guests can use during their stay.

Luggage Storage – Complimentary luggage storage is available for incoming guests on check-in day and for outgoing guests on check-out day.

Limited Reception Hours – Reception is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Guests arriving outside these hours should contact reception in advance to arrange their check-in.

Multi-Lingual & Friendly Staff – The property has friendly staff members who speak multiple languages.

Secured Hostel & Room Access – Access to the hostel and rooms is restricted to guests only. The main door is locked and can only be opened using a code.

Lift Access – The hostel has a lift that serves all floors. Guests with large luggage do not need to carry it up the stairs.

Hostel Experience

My stay at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima was just alright. It was not exceptional, but it wasn’t bad either.

The property excels in the following aspects. First, Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima’s rates were affordable. My friends and I booked our stay 6 months in advance and got a good deal for both the dormitory bed and the private room. Second, the hostel’s location is quiet yet central enough to walk to Hondori Shopping Street, Peace Memorial Museum, and Atomic Bomb Dome site.

Third, the hostel staff were friendly and accommodating. The staff member who checked us in, Rilly, even gave us slippers to use during our stay. Fourth, the hostel’s communal shower areas were kept clean and tidy throughout the day. Lastly, despite the limited space, the hostel managed to fit in a communal lounge area, as well as shared kitchen and dining areas, which guests can use during their stay.

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima also has its flaws. First, my friends and I visited during the peak season. This meant that all rooms and dormitory beds were booked, leading to messy and smelly rooms. The staff struggled to keep the dormitory rooms tidy, given the number of luggage and bags inside.

Second, the communal areas were crowded at night, which meant that at times, guests’ noise reached our dormitory room on the 6th floor. Lastly, the property’s check-in time is at 4:00 p.m., one of the latest I have ever encountered in my years of traveling. I do not mean to suggest they change it, but I find it a bit unusual.

Nevertheless, it was still a good stay at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima. My friends and I got a good deal for the price we paid, and we would not hesitate to go back. I suggest you check them out during the off-peak season and avoid booking during peak times.

If you have any questions about the hostel or a potential upcoming stay, please feel free to reach out to them through the following channels:

Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima
Address: 4-18 Nakamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan, 730-0037
Phone Number: +81 82 545 8477
Email: hiroshima@sansansantiago.com
Website: www.sansansantiago.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/santiagoguesthousehiroshima

This ends up my post about Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima. What do you think of the hostel? Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, and Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Going Solo in Japan Series: HIROSHIMA

Four weeks ago, I started the Going Solo in Japan Series & talked about my 3-day stay in Nagoya. I’ve been to beautiful parks & gardens & enjoyed the peak of autumn in a laid-back & chill city.

After spending 3 awersome days in Nagoya, I headed down south to Hiroshima. I took a 3-hour Willer Express bus ride to Osaka, then another 6-hour night bus to Hiroshima. I had a 3-hour layover in between trips but I just stayed in the bus terminal. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, I went straight to the only fast food restaurant open at 6:0 am – McDonalds to have breakfast. It was also the same time when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Fukushima Prefecture. I was so relieved I was 1,000+ kilometers away from the epicenter.

With my friend Michiko in Shukkeien Garden

Michiko, a good friend of mine, decided to join me in my 2-day trip around Hiroshima. She is currently working somewhere in Fukuyama (about 1.5 hours away from Hiroshima). I waited for her to arrive in the train station before we headed to the hostel to drop off our things.

We only had limited time in Hiroshima but we made sure we’ve done as much as we can. Let me give you the details on where we stayed, what we went & what not to miss in Hiroshima.

Accommodation

As mentioned in my Going Solo in Japan summary blog post, I stayed in Hana Hostels / J-Hoppers Hostels because of excellent reviews & also to avail their discount every 3-night stay. I only had 1 night in Hiroshima so I decided to stay in Hiroshima Hana Hostel. [Update: Hiroshima Hana Hostel has ceased operations.]

Hiroshima Hana Hostel is a well-rated backpackers hostel located a few minutes walk from the JR Hiroshima Station. I stayed in a 4-bed male dormitory room while Michiko stayed in a 4-bed female dormitory room. Each hostel bed has it’s own reading light, pillow & sheets, curtains (for privacy) & universal plug. I paid ¥2,800 for a night’s stay. Affordable, right?

Hiroshima Hana Hostel’s 5th floor common area

The hostel features common lounge, kitchen & dining facilities. There is also a common rooftop terrace (with laundry facilities) where you can hangout & drink with other guests. Since there were only a few guests during my stay, I had my solo drinking session in the rooftop (Michiko fell asleep! Haha).

Note that the hostel is located near the main train station in Hiroshima; you will hear every train that arrives & leaves the station. Good news is the hostel reception provides free ear plugs for guests who wish not to be disturbed by the train noise. I would recommend staying in Hiroshima Hana Hostel; it is centrally-located & it has everything you need.

Hiroshima 3-Day Tourist Pass

This is how the tourist pass looks like

Michiko & I went to the tourist information center to ask for a map & to ask for the best way around Hiroshima for 2 days. I ended up getting the 3-day Hiroshima Tourist Pass (Small Area) for only ¥1,000. The pass includes unlimited rides to city buses, trams & a round-trip ferry ride to Miyajima Island. Good deal, right? Make sure to have your passports (Michiko forgot hers!) with you because the pass is only sold to foreigners.

One of the modern trams in Hiroshima!

Places We Visited

Just like any other city, there are lot places to see in Hiroshima. Michiko & I decided to go to start with the farthest then to those just within the city. We went to the following places:

Itsukushima

Itsukushima, more popularly known as Miyajima Island, is a famous small island in Hiroshima Bay, about an hour away from the city. It is famous for the torii gate which is submerged in water during high tide. This structure also marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine.

Itsukushima Shrine “submerged” in water

The island has different temples & forest walking trails. It also has freely wandering deers & monkeys. The best way to explore the island is by foot. We spent around 5 hours walking around the island.

How to go to Miyajima Island:

Fast route: Take the Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (around 20 minutes for ¥410) then take a short walk to the port. Board the JR Ferry (around 10 minutes for ¥180) to Miyajima Island. This route is recommended & free for all JR Pass holders.

Slow route: Take Tram Line 2 from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (around 45 minutes for ¥260) then walk to the port. Board the Matsudai Ferry (around 10 minutes for ¥180) to Miyajima Island.

Enjoyed the autumn colors while walking around the island 😍

If you are not in a hurry, I recommend taking the slow route just like what we did. We passed by different Hiroshima sightings along the way plus the tram experience was nice.

Genbaku Dōmu / Atomic Bomb Dome

The Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall when the bomb exploded in August 1945. The dome is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome from the Motoyasu River side

Access: From Hiroshima Station, take Tram Line 2 or 6 & get off at Genbaku-Domu Mae Station. A one way ride costs ¥160 & takes about 15 minutes.

Hiroshima Dreamination (only from mid November to early January)

Hiroshima Dreamination is a decorative street feature along Peace Boulevard where trees are decorated with colorful illuminations & giant monuments & characters. The bulbs are lighted from 5:30 pm to little past 10:00 pm every night.

One of the very few photos I took when we went to see the dreamination

Access: The dreamination structures are a short walk from the Peace Memorial Park. It is something you check out when you are in Hiroshima during autumn & winter. (No entrance fee required)

Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien Garden is a historic Japanese garden located in the middle of Hiroshima City. The garden features scenic ponds, beautiful tea places, pavilions & a rainbow bridge.

Spent a few hours walking around the peaceful Shukkeien Garden 😍

Access: The garden is a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Alternatively, you can take Trams 1, 2 or 6 to Hacchobori station then transfer to Tram 9 to Shukkeien-mae station. The garden has an entrance fee of ¥260 per person.

Hiroshima Castle

Also known as the Carp Castle, the Hiroshima Castle is one of the few castles built literally in the middle of a city & not on top of a hill. The original castle was destroyed during the atomic bomb explosion in 1945 but was eventually rebuilt in 1958. What I like about this castle is its simple design & its wooden exteriors.

Outside Hiroshima council – its wooden exteriors made it look beautiful 😍

Access: Hiroshima Castle is 10 minutes by foot from the Shukkeien Garden. Entrance to the castle grounds is free but entrance to the castle building costs ¥370 per person.

What Not To Miss In Hiroshima

I ate some really good food / snacks in Hiroshima which you must not miss when you visit the city. Check them below:

Momiji Manju

Momijis everywhere in Miyajima Island; you can buy per piece or per box.

Momiji manju is a Japanese maple-leaf shaped steamed bun that originates in Miyajima Island. It features different fillings like green tea, cream cheese, custard, red bean, chestnut, chocolate, etc. My favorite fillings are custard & cream cheese. Please take note that these steamed buns should be consumed 5 days from the time it was bought. Too bad I wasn’t able to bring some back home.

Okonomiyaki

Reichan’s Okonomiyaki – Yum!~

Okonomiyaki is one you should not miss in Hiroshima. It is the famous pan fried food made of cabbage, batter & anything you want in it. We tried Reichan, located in the 2nd floor of the JR Hiroshima Station.

Meiji Green Tea Ice Cream (!!!!!!)

Literally freaked out when I saw this in Lawson. Wish we have this here in PH! 😋

In my recent 2-week trip in Japan, I only saw this Meiji Green Tea Ice Cream in Hiroshima. I found it in Lawson convenience store near JR Hiroshima Station. The last time I saw this was in a 7-Eleven Convenience Store somewhere in Taitō, Tokyo. It’s a must try in Japan! I wish we have this here in the Philippines.

How I wish I stayed longer in Hiroshima but I had leave for Kyoto to meet another friend who is travelling in Japan. I would love to go back & explore more of what the city has to offer.

Hiroshima is a city one should not miss when visiting Japan. It may not be as busy as Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka but it is definitely as beautiful as any other Japanese city.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or send me an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. You can also send me a message on Facebook, drop a comment on Instagram or send me a tweet on Twitter.

Thank you for reading! 😊

PS. All photos above were shot using my HTC Re & HTC One M8.