Hatsukaichi City, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, is the gateway to the famous Miyajima Island as well as many other local attractions. The city stretches from the coast along the Seto Inland Sea to the mountains of Saeki and Yoshiwa, offering several very different travel experiences.

Miyajima Area

Miyajima is the most famous destination in Hatsukaichi. From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Main Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 20 minutes). From there, ferries depart regularly for Miyajima Island.

The Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) tram also connects Hiroshima City to Miyajimaguchi and offers a scenic route along the coast.

Hatsukaichi Area (JR Line)

Between Hiroshima and Miyajimaguchi are several JR stations that connect small neighborhoods, restaurants, cafés, and local shops. Getting off at one of these stations can reveal everyday life in the region.

Hatsukaichi Station Area

One of the easiest places to experience this everyday side of Hatsukaichi is along the JR Sanyo Line between Hiroshima and Miyajimaguchi. Several stations connect neighborhoods filled with casual restaurants, cafés, and local shops.

JR Hatsukaichi Station is a good place to start. Around the station you’ll find neighborhood eateries, cafés, a kendama specialty shop that connects players from around the world, and even a local distillery producing gin and whisky.

▶ Watch our short video exploring the Hatsukaichi Station area

Saeki & Yoshiwa (Mountain Area)

Further inland, the Saeki and Yoshiwa districts stretch into the mountains of Hiroshima. These areas are known for forests, farms, rivers, and a quieter pace of life.

Travel usually involves taking a JR train and transferring to local buses such as the Sakura Bus.

▶ Watch our guide to traveling to Saeki and Yoshiwa

For a full guide to transportation in Hatsukaichi, see our guide Easy Access to Hatsukaichi.