Because of its geographical location, Hiroshima, Japan experiences a good, calm climate perfect for both traveling and day-to-day living. Due to the increasing number of foreigners, several support groups for different nationalities are also available. If you are planning to move to Japan, here are the reasons to choose Hiroshima.
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An Introduction to Hiroshima
The prefecture of Hiroshima (Hiroshimaken), is located on the island of Honshu – Japan’s largest island. With an area of 8,479 square kilometers, Hiroshimaken is filled with wonderful geological features, such as mountains, valleys, highlands, and plains. In fact, 73% of Hiroshima Prefecture encompasses many mountainous areas. There are also many rivers and islands, and the prefecture borders the sea.
※ Visit Hiroshima, "About Hiroshima"
History of Hiroshima, Japan
What is the first picture that comes to your mind when you hear of the place Hiroshima? Perhaps, you might recall one of the world’s historical events, World War II.
On August 6, 1945, the United States launched a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima. Little Boy, the codename of the 16-kiloton bomb, caused complete catastrophe and devastation to the city. Almost 90% of the different buildings of Hiroshima were destroyed and damaged. It is estimated that the number of people who were injured or killed in the aftermath of this attack is around 140,000.
※ The City of Hiroshima, "Outline of atomic bomb damage" ※ The City of Hiroshima, "Building damage" ※ The City of Hiroshima, "About the number of deaths"
Hiroshima slowly rebuilt itself and has become one of the biggest cities in Japan since. It is interesting to note that some people often search on the internet whether Hiroshima still has lingering radiation in its vicinity. Well, you can heave a sigh of relief as you get assured that Hiroshima, Japan is free from radiation after the years.
Statistics of Hiroshima
It is estimated that more than 2 million people are currently residing in Hiroshima Prefecture in 2020 and about 1.2 million of them are living in Hiroshima City. .
※ Hiroshima Prefecture, "Estimated Population (Current)" ※ The City of Hiroshima Population, "End of October (2020)" p.16
Writer's Pick
Living in Hiroshima
Before you go rushing in to pack and to move to Hiroshima, here are few points that you have to consider. We will be covering both Hiroshima City and Hiroshima Prefecture as a whole.
Average cost of living
The following is an estimated list of the prices of goods and services in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima-ken, Japan.
Accommodation and Meals
Consider these two things: living in the city, and outside of it. You might be able to save money if you rent an apartment outside the city, but you will also pay more for transportation if your school or workplace is in the city.
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Renting an apartment in Hiroshima City costs an average of more than 57,000 yen per month, depending on the comfortability and services provided - and of course more if you live in the city center in the business district
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Meanwhile, if you decide to choose to live outside Hiroshima City, the average rent for the entire prefecture is about 52,000 yen per month. .
Of course these averages take into account the cost of larger apartments that people may rent, so for an average size apartment for one person, the cost can be less.
※ Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan,"Housing and Land Survey / 2018 Housing and Land Survey / Basic Tabulation on Dwellings and Households Japan, Prefecture, Shi, Ku, Machi and Mura"
Cost of meals are comparable to the rest of the country. It may be more expensive and similar to Tokyo’s costs in Hiroshima City, as it’s a huge tourist attraction. However, local eateries and places outside Hiroshima City tend to be slightly cheaper on average, as well as ingredients when shopping at the supermarket.
Transportation
There are different modes of transportation available in Hiroshima, like ferries, buses, taxis, and streetcars. Streetcars will cost 180 yen for one complete ride around Hiroshima City. You can reach the suburbs of Hiroshima via the new electric transit system called "Astramline" which costs 480 yen per ride from Hondori.
Connecting to the different islands like the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku is also convenient by ferry boat.
※ Visit Hiroshima, "Transportation"
Weather and Climate
Hiroshima City experiences a good, calm climate throughout the year. In summer, June to September, the climate is hot and humid experiencing an average daily high temperature of 27°C. It also rains commonly during June and July. In winter (December to March), Hiroshima’s temperature goes as low as 1.1°C. And of course it gets even colder further up into the mountains.
The best time of the year to visit Hiroshima to enjoy outdoor activities is from late May to early June and from late August to mid-October.
Foreigner Communities
Foreigners are welcomed with open arms in Hiroshima, with foreign support establishments like the Hiroshima International Center (HIC), Hiroshima International Plaza (HIP), and Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, International Relations, and Cooperation Division. They promote exchange opportunities and provide assistance both for the locals and foreigners living in Hiroshima, including Japanese language classes for foreigners and daily living consultation services in three languages (English, Korean, and Filipino).
Other foreigner's communities in Hiroshima are the Hiroshima Canada Association (HCA) that promotes goodwill and friendship with Canadaian people such as by accepting Canadian visitors for homestay programs. Another group is The Hiroshima Filipino Association that aims to help improve the quality of lives of Filipinos in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Food and Events in Hiroshima
Of course there are plenty of tourist attractions in Hiroshima, but if you’re living there, you might avoid them to avoid the tourist crowds. Here are the perks of living in Hiroshima instead - the delicious food and events year-round.
Famous Food
Hiroshima is rich in unique cuisines, serving many ranges of food specialties, from seafood to desserts.
Hiroshima is widely renowned for its okonomiyaki, a savory mixed pancake that contains sliced cabbage, pork, egg, seafood, yakisoba noodles and batter served with sauce.
Here is a shortlist for some of the other specialties served in Hiroshima:
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Onomichi Ramen - soy sauce-based noodle soup flavored with pork, seafood, chicken or dashi
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Anago - saltwater eel either fried or simmered
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Momiji-manju - sweet Japanese dessert shaped like a maple leaf
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Kaki - Oysters
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Shiru-nashi Tantanmen - spicy Tantanmen noodles without soup often topped with spring onions and a poached egg
Famous Events in Hiroshima City to take part in
There are just some of the many events happening in Hiroshima City year-rou
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Oyster Festivals (Kaki Matsuri) – February to March
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Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hana no Mawari-Michi) – Early April
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Hiroshima Flower Festival – May
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Yukata Festival (Yukata de Kinsai) – June
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Toukasan Festival – June
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Firefly Festival in Yuki Hot Spring – Late June
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Fireworks Display at Hiroshima Port – Early July
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony – August 6
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Lantern Floating Ceremony – August 6
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Hiroshima Food Festival – Late October
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Hiroshima Dreamination – Middle November to Early January
Check out more details and other events here: Major Events
Summary
Want to live in a seaside city or mountainous prefecture full of history? If you are an explorer of knowledge that wants to broaden their horizons or perhaps demanding a change of scene from the city and a breath of fresh air but still not wanting to be too far from civilization, or just looking for a place to settle down - Hiroshima is for you! The beautiful scenery in Hiroshima and the wonderful things it has to offer - from the people, food, events, history - are all reasons why you should consider it if you’re planning to stay for good.
