Hiroshima, as the gateway to the Setouchi Sea, is becoming an important base for island hopping tours. The ryokans here are not just accommodations but strategic bases for exploring the Setouchi art island group. From Miyajima's thousand-year shrine to Naoshima's contemporary art, from Osakikamijima's shipbuilding craftsmanship to Innoshima's cycling paths, Hiroshima's ryokan operators deeply understand the essence of island culture, integrating the serene aesthetics of the Setouchi Sea into their hospitality.
The Unique Charm of Setouchi Atmosphere
The ryokan experience in Hiroshima is distinctly different from other regions. Most operators here possess rich knowledge of island culture and can plan in-depth island itineraries for guests. The kaiseki cuisine at these ryokans centers on seasonal Setouchi seafood—sakura snapper in spring, octopus in summer, and Hiroshima oysters in autumn and winter—each dish reflecting the rhythm of the tides. More importantly, these ryokans often have established partnerships with local ferry operators, providing professional advice on island transportation for guests.
With the rising international reputation of the Setouchi International Art Festival, boutique ryokan bookings in the Hiroshima area have increased by over 40% during the art festival period. Many ryokans have started offering art guide services, perfectly combining traditional Japanese hospitality with modern cultural experiences.
Selected Island Hopping Base Ryokans
Modern Japanese-Style Ryokan Near Heiwa Avenue
〒730-0011 A boutique ryokan in the Motomachi area of Hiroshima's Naka Ward is a top choice for island hoppers due to its convenient transportation location. It's only a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Port, with frequent ferry services to Miyajima. The ryokan design blends modern minimalism with traditional Japanese style, and the Setouchi Sea-themed artwork in the guest rooms is mostly created by local artists. The oyster cuisine at dinner is exceptional—using fresh oysters caught that same day from Miyajima waters, presented in the traditional sake-steamed method to preserve the ocean's original flavor.
Hiroshima Bay View Hot Spring Ryokan
Located in the Miyajimaguchi area of Hatsukaichi City, 〒739-0411, this ocean-view ryokan offers excellent views of Itsukushima Shrine. The open-air hot spring offers views of the floating torii gate during high tide, hailed as a "mobile World Heritage viewing platform." The ryokan's special feature is providing private yacht services, departing from the ryokan's pier to explore surrounding uninhabited islands. During the spring cherry blossom season, the ryokan arranges evening cherry blossom viewing boat trips, allowing guests to view Miyajima's night cherries from the sea.
Onomichi Renovated Old Folk House Ryokan
〒722-0033 A slope-side ryokan group in Onomichi's Higashikando Town, renovated from century-old folk houses. This is the starting point of the famous Cat's Alley and an important base for trips to Innoshima and Ikuchijima. The ryokan retains Showa-era architectural features, with tatami guest rooms overlooking the ships passing through Onomichi Waterway. The operators specialize in arranging Shimanami Sea Route cycling tours, providing professional-grade bicycle rentals and luggage transport services. The breakfast features local lemons and small Setouchi fish, light and elegant.
Kure Naval Culture Theme Ryokan
〒737-0029 A historical theme ryokan in the Takara-cho area of Kure City, with naval culture as its design core. Guest rooms display historical materials of Yamato-class battleships, and the garden design mimics the geometric aesthetics of ship decks. This is an ideal base for exploring Osakikamijima's shipbuilding culture—the ryokan collaborates with local shipyards to offer exclusive shipbuilding craftsmanship observation tours. The naval curry at dinner recreates the Showa-era flavor, paired with fresh Setouchi seafood for a unique taste.
Takahara Town Nishi-Ko Street Ryokan
〒725-0022 A traditional merchant ryokan in Takehara City's Honmachi, located in the historic district of "Little Kyoto" Takehara. The building dates back to the Edo era, renovated from a former sake merchant's mansion. The ryokan preserves the complete tsuchikura-style architecture, and the classical furniture in the guest rooms are all genuine antiques. The operator is a local historian and can provide in-depth explanations of Takehara's salt-making history and Okunojima's rabbit island ecology. The ryokan's sake tasting experience uses local premium sake, paired with grilled Setouchi sardines, presenting the most authentic Hiroshima flavor.
Practical Accommodation Information
Transportation:
Hiroshima Station is the main gateway, accessible by shinkansen from Tokyo in 3 hours 40 minutes and from Osaka in 1 hour 20 minutes. Hiroshima Port has high-speed boats to various Setouchi islands, and most ryokans offer port pickup services. Hiroshima Tram connects city attractions, with a day pass at ¥840, suitable for moving between ryokans.
Accommodation Costs:
Island hopping base ryokan room rates are ¥18,000-¥65,000/night (including tax and two meals), with ocean view and hot spring rooms at higher prices. During the art festival period (held every three years), bookings should be made 6 months in advance, with room rates increasing 20-30%.
Business Hours:
Check-in is available after 3:00 PM at most ryokans, with checkout before 11:00 AM the next morning. Hot spring hours are typically 6:00-10:00 AM and 3:00 PM-Midnight, with some offering 24-hour open reservation-only baths.
Island Hopping Travel Tips
The biggest advantage of choosing Hiroshima as your island hopping base is transportation convenience. It is recommended to purchase the "Setouchi Island Pass" at ¥3,200, which allows unlimited ferry rides within the region for 3 days. Spring and autumn are the best travel seasons—not only is the climate comfortable, but ferry schedules between islands are also more frequent.
When booking ryokans, it is recommended to directly inquire about island hopping itinerary recommendations—most operators are local experts who can share hidden gems not found in official travel guides. Some ryokans offer luggage forwarding services, allowing you to send luggage directly to your next island's accommodation, making your island hopping journey more relaxed.
Special attention should be paid to ferry schedules between islands during meal times to avoid missing the last boat. Dinner times at ryokans can usually be adjusted flexibly, but advance notice is required. Carrying a waterproof camera is essential—the sunsets and island silhouettes of the Setouchi Sea are worth preserving forever.
