Is Hiroshima Safe for Travel in 2024?

Hiroshima, Japan
Safety Score
74

Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. As of June 1, 2019, the city had an estimated population of 1,199,391. The gross domestic product (GDP) in Greater Hiroshima, Hiroshima Urban Employment Area, was US$61.3 billion as of 2010. Kazumi Matsui has been the city’s mayor since April 2011.

Warnings & Dangers in Hiroshima

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : LOW

Hiroshima is considered one of the safest cities in the region. The crime rate is low here. You should beware of the outskirts of the city and watch your belongings, especially during the holidays.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is well-developed and safe. Taxis are convenient for getting around, but sometimes drivers can rip off tourists at exorbitant prices. Make sure the cab has a taximeter.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is not common, but since Hiroshima is a popular tourist destination, this kind of thing happens here. Keep track of your belongings, do not leave your phone unattended, keep essential documents in the hotel's safe.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Hiroshima is located in a seismically dangerous region and is prone to earthquakes. Check the weather conditions before your trip here.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : LOW

The risk of severe robbery and armed attack in Hiroshima is shallow. Avoid communicating with suspicious individuals and do not walk late at night in areas remote from the city center.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Hiroshima. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to the international position of the city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

The most common scam in Hiroshima involves fundraising or signing petitions. Under the guise of good intentions, scammers are deceiving tourists and collecting donations in their pockets.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel relatively safe in this city. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Hiroshima for Tourists?

Hiroshima is one of the safest places in Japan.

The crime rate is meager here.

The main problems are related to petty fraud.

As with most places in Japan, petty theft is virtually non-existent.

Nagarekawa, the nightlife area, does have its fair share of prostitutes, sex clubs, and robbery bars, but not more so than Tokyo or Osaka.

This area is best avoided when traveling here. It is also better not to stay in hotels here.

Several surprise police raids on bars offer dancing after 1 am, by a little-known local social immorality law that Hiroshima sometimes feels compelled to enforce – probably to catch people illegally in the country.

Otherwise, this city is safe and comfortable to travel to.

Use common sense, keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings.

Avoid those who ask or offer you help.

During your stay in Hiroshima, you should always have your passport with you and do not be alarmed if the police ask you to show your ID.

This is a common practice and even improves your safety in this city.

Another thing to know about this country is that Japan has zero-tolerance for drug-related crimes and harsh penalties.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Hiroshima?

Visitors to Japan must obtain a visa from one of the Japanese diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. The Government of Japan currently allows citizens of 68 countries/territories to travel to Japan for tourism or business without obtaining a visa.

Which Currency Is Used in Hiroshima?

The Japanese currency is the yen.  One yen corresponds to 100 sen; however, sen has no longer been used in everyday life, except in stock market prices.

How's the Weather like in Hiroshima?

In Hiroshima, the summers are short, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy, and the winters are icy and clear. The best times of year to visit Hiroshima for warm-weather activities are from late May to mid-June and from early September to mid-October.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Hiroshima?

Hiroshima Airport is an airport in the city of Mihara, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Located 50 km east of Hiroshima, it is the largest airport in the Chūgoku region.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a modern city located on the largest island of the Japanese archipelago Honshu and was almost destroyed during the atomic bombing in 1945 at the final stage of World War II. In memory of this tragedy, the Peace Memorial Park was opened in the city with the ruins of the “Gembaku Dome” – one of the few buildings that survived near the explosion’s epicenter. Also, it is worth visiting the Japanese walking-type Shukkeien garden and Hiroshima Castle in the town, surrounded by a moat and a park.

Is the Water in Hiroshima Safe to Drink?

In general, the water may be safe to drink in Hiroshima.

Is Uber Safe in Hiroshima?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a cab from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.

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