Hatsukaichi

Travel Guide

Itsukushima Shrine showing mountains and heritage elements
Five-Story Pagoda showing heritage elements
Hatsukaichi showing food
Hatsukaichi featuring a monument as well as an individual female
Hatsukaichi featuring food
Just outside of Hiroshima City, find a serene getaway nestled in between the mountains and the sea, where one of Japan’s most recognizable torii gates has stood for centuries.

Hatsukaichi is a city in Hiroshima prefecture that is best known for its history as a seaside marketplace and as the gateway to the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Its name is derived from the city’s traditional hosting of a produce market on the 20th day of each month, dating back to the Kamakura Period. Visit this pretty coastal city to enjoy the region’s delicious fresh seafood, local produce and breathtakingly beautiful Shinto shrine.

Discover a diverse landscape as you explore the city’s wide-reaching limits, from the island of Miyajima to the rugged and mountainous hinterland. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the 20th Day Market, spend the morning checking out handcrafted wooden items, fresh produce and local seafood. Pack a picnic and prepare for some exploration of Hatsukaichi’s wilderness and sacred areas. Hatsukaichi is an ideal spot for leisure and adventure activities, such as hiking, kayaking or skiing. See dramatic mountains, lush valleys, clear streams and picturesque farms.

Set aside a day or two to explore Miyajima, the island directly offshore from Hatsukaichi. The Itsukushima Shrine on this island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a National Treasure of Japan. It is said that a shrine has existed here for over 4,000 years and the Itsukushima Shrine holds deep historical and cultural significance. The shrine, which is accessible by ferry, appears at its most beautiful and tranquil at high tide. During this period, it appears as though the shrine and its mighty red torii gate are floating on the water. Also on Miyajima, you can find the Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden, the Miyao Castle Ruins and the Miyajima Public Aquarium.

The city can be reached in under an hour by train from Hiroshima City. Hatsukaichi is a destination for all seasons: climb Mount Misen or kayak in the sea in the summer, watch the maple leaves turn at Momijidani Park and pick chestnuts in fall, hike amid the cherry blossoms in spring or ski fresh powder in winter.

Where to stay in Hatsukaichi

Five-Story Pagoda which includes heritage elements

Itsukushima

If you're spending some time in Itsukushima, Mount Misen and Miyama Shrine are top sights worth seeing.

Itsukushima
Grandvrio Hotel Miyajima Wakura
Grandvrio Hotel Miyajima Wakura
3.5 out of 5
1-1-37 Miyajimaguchinishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
The price is CA $164 per night from Apr. 23 to Apr. 24
CA $164
CA $181 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hatsukaichi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (459 reviews)
"nice chain hotel"

Reviewed on Jan. 6, 2025

Grandvrio Hotel Miyajima Wakura
LiVEMAX RESORT AKIMIYAJIMA
LiVEMAX RESORT AKIMIYAJIMA
2.5 out of 5
634 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima-ken
The price is CA $128 per night from Apr. 3 to Apr. 4
CA $128
CA $141 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Hatsukaichi. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Miyajima Ferry Terminal ...
7.4/10 Good! (202 reviews)
"Booked 1/2 board and glad I did. It was amazing. seafood galore. It was fun also as Westerners being a little Japanese."

Reviewed on Mar. 12, 2025

LiVEMAX RESORT AKIMIYAJIMA
Miyajima Hotel Makoto
Miyajima Hotel Makoto
3.5 out of 5
755 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima-ken
The price is CA $326 per night from Apr. 13 to Apr. 14
CA $326
CA $361 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 3.5-star ryokan in Hatsukaichi. Enjoy free WiFi, a free ferry terminal shuttle, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (209 reviews)
"よかった"

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2025

Miyajima Hotel Makoto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
OUCHI HOTEL Miyajimaguchi
OUCHI HOTEL Miyajimaguchi
3 out of 5
Miyajimaguchi 4-3-52-3, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hatsukaichi. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Miyajima Ferry Terminal and Itsukushima ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"The property is so close to the train station / ferry! We had a excellent stay, and it was great value for money. The only con is that there aren't any restaurants at walking distance. But we only stayed for a night, and highly recommend it!"

Reviewed on Dec. 5, 2024

OUCHI HOTEL Miyajimaguchi
bHotel Kaniwasou
bHotel Kaniwasou
3 out of 5
1165 Ebisumachi, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hatsukaichi. Enjoy free WiFi, slippers, and climate control. Popular attractions Miyajima Ferry Terminal and Itsukushima Shrine ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Loved the location and the size of the property. However difficult to find at first."

Reviewed on Jan. 22, 2025

bHotel Kaniwasou
OUCHI HOTEL Hatsukaichi-ekimae
OUCHI HOTEL Hatsukaichi-ekimae
3 out of 5
Herayamate 3-25, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hatsukaichi. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Miyajima Ferry Terminal and Itsukushima ...
7.8/10 Good! (20 reviews)
快適でした
"とても清潔感があり、アメニティもしっかり揃っていて、とても快適に過ごせました。お風呂の湯船が広いのも、ゆったり入浴できてとても良かったです。 駅から近いのに、静かで落ち着いた場所だったのも良かったです。"

Reviewed on Feb. 11, 2024

OUCHI HOTEL Hatsukaichi-ekimae
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Hatsukaichi

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very friendly service. Dinner was excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Madelynn

An amazing experience, very beautiful from the moment you step in the ferry, to staff pick up from the terminal to wandering the small island eating street food and enjoying the many deer and scenery. This is a ‘don’t miss it’ place!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice island that was peaceful after hours

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful island but it's very very crowded during the day because of day visitors. Make an effort to walk away from the main area into the forest, it's peaceful and serene

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The shops and restaurants closed a little early for our plans.

5/5 - Excellent

Chris

If you are staying on the island for the night definitely get out at night and walk around the shore as the gate looks beautiful lit up.

Cities near Hatsukaichi