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Hiroshima City is on the east coast of Japan. But more important than this geographical feature is its location at the mouth of a delta. The majestic Ohta River meanders down from higher elevations and branches out-sometimes only to converge again-across the city, before eventually spilling into Hiroshima Harbor, resulting in distinctly divided sections of the city.
The area that visitors first become familiar with is the Hiroshima Station area, a bit northeast of the city center, even though the addresses of many of the businesses here indicate "south ward." As you might imagine, this busy area features many businesses intended for tourists and travelers-hotels and shopping centers with many eateries interspersed between them. Directly in front of the station is a tram, the primary form of transportation to the center of the city.
Hiroshima's geographical center is comprised of five districts. The first, Nagerakawa, is neon central. Here the signs of bars, restaurants of all classes and sundry entertainment establishments set the swarming streets aglow. During the day, shoppers may be out in throngs, particularly around Mitsukoshi Department Store and Midorii Tenmaya. Hondori is the district due west of here, and just south of the tram stops for Kamiyacho, Tate-machi and Hacchobori. Actually, Hondori is the name of the arcade that runs through this section, leading you to correctly assume that there are many shopping opportunities to be had here. But apart from the PARCO and Fukuya shopping centers that act as anchors for smaller shops-Iena, Spick and Span, St. James and Hybryds to name a few-there are also a number of swank drinking spots-qoo, for example.
Hacchobori and Nobori-machi form the district just north of the tram stops listed above, as well as the Ebisu-cho and Kanayama tram stops. Since you are still in Hiroshima central, the area is busy, but not quite as fast paced as those previously mentioned. Tokyu Hands is the major shopping center here, though an abundance of restaurants is the area's main draw. South of Hondori arcade lies the district formed by Fukuro-machi and Naka-machi. This region is host to a number of hotels, including the famed ANA Hotel. It is also replete with stylish clothing shops, such as Stereo Type and Factory, as well as small restaurants and miscellaneous shops. To the immediate south is the famed Peace Boulevard that leads to Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. The final district of Hiroshima central is Kamiyacho, just west of the other four, where shopping opportunities are innumerable. With Sun Mall, SOGO Department Store and others ready to serve you here, you hardly need to go anywhere else.
Concentrically surrounding these central districts are less busy, but certainly no less important areas. Slightly north of the Kamiyacho and Hacchobori region lies Hakushima and Kamihacchobori. There are a few hotels here-Hacchobori Shanty and Sun Hotel Hiroshima, to name but two-but the main attraction is the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, adjacent to Shukkeien Garden. About a block west from here is the small but distinctive Hiroshima "Carp" Castle. Another area worth exploring is Hijiyama. Located southeast of Hiroshima central and south of Hiroshima station, it is famous for the park of the same name that occupies its center. Others come for the shopping opportunities, made possible in large part by Saty, and the revitalized feel of the area. Even farther south from this area, and located along the harbor itself, is Ujina. Couples frequent this area, which offers places to stroll and numerous dinner cruises that depart from the docks.
West of the central district, Nishihiroshima begins to shed a little of the ultra-urban feel. Here you will find dozens of miscellaneous and family-run stores, as well as the charming Hiroshima Kannon Marina. The characteristics of Tokaichi and Funairi, located just west of Peace Park but east of Nishihiroshima, are somewhat similar in that the pace is slower than that of central Hiroshima, even though the area is nevertheless quite active and busy at times. This is due in no small part to the tram line that runs through it, directly north to Yokogawa Station, a stopping point on the JR Line just west of Hiroshima Station. This area is, as you might imagine, a cluster of activity and business. There are no hotels here, but the eating and shopping opportunities may bring you to this part of the city for a day. Continue following the JR Line west from Yokogawa and, after passing numerous other stations, you will arrive at Itsukaichi, the western extreme of Hiroshima City. In the West Ward, Alpark shopping center is perhaps the biggest attraction, a shopping complex with many specialty stores, its own restaurants and drive-in movie theater. Moreover, the more relaxed atmosphere gives a feeling of relief from the downtown area.
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