Wi-Fi and Travel Information in Hiroshima, Japan: Your Ultimate Guide

Hiroshima is a place where tourists from Japan and abroad visit because of its two World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. There is no need to worry about Internet access in cities and tourist spots, as public free Wi-Fi is available.

In this article, we will explain the situation of free Wi-Fi in Hiroshima and our recommendation of a convenient Wi-Fi rental service, WiFiBOX.

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Free Public Wi-Fi Available in Hiroshima

Photo provided by "Hiroshima Tourism Association"

The City of Hiroshima, in collaboration with neighboring cities and towns, offers a free public wireless LAN service called "HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi (nicknamed "Hirofuri")". This free Wi-Fi service aims to increase the convenience and satisfaction of international visitors and promote "Omotenashi (hospitality) tourism" in Hiroshima City.

Hiroshima City is taking the lead in the development of this system, but Higashi-Hiroshima City and Kure City are also involved, making the number of internet access points to expand around major tourist spots in the prefecture.

SSID for "HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi"

The following two are the SSID (network name) for HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi in Hiroshima.

• HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi: 30 minutes per connection and can be used as many times a day as you like
• HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi Plus: 30 minutes per connection and can be used as many times a day as you like
• HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi Lite: 15 minutes per connection, 4 times a day for a total of 60 minutes

Once you register to use HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi or HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi Plus, you can use it without re-registration for up to 365 days.

Free Wi-Fi is available in a wide range of locations, including main tourist facilities such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and Miyajima, main terminals, and shopping areas.

How to Login To "HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi"

HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi can be used either by registering with an e-mail address, social media account authentication, or by downloading the "Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi App". This application allows Wi-Fi access at many locations throughout Japan.

Registration for use via email authentication is as follows.

• Turn on the Wi-Fi in the area around the access point.
• Select "Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi" from the list of Wi-Fi networks.
• Enter your "Name" and "E-mail address"

Other Free Wi-Fi Available in Hiroshima

In Hiroshima, free Wi-Fi is available in a variety of locations, including cafes and hotels.
By connecting to the Internet, you can always search the information on transportation and travel spots, and you can also smoothly search for maps to check your destination.

We have researched the places offering free Wi-Fi in Hiroshima just for you.

Cafes

Hiroshima has a large number of cafes with free Wi-Fi access, mainly in the area around Hiroshima Station and on the main street. The following chain cafes, which also operate nationwide, are often found in Hiroshima, making them convenient when you want to use the Internet.

• Doutor Coffee
• Starbucks
• Tully's Coffee
• Hoshino Coffee

Free Wi-Fi is also available at other famous cafes that are only available in Hiroshima.

sofa HIROSHIMA, directly connected to Kencho-mae Station, is a book café with a collection of about 20,000 books, and free Wi-Fi is available. With the concept of "living room during the day and dining room at night," the cafe offers a full lunch and dinner menu. It is a café where you can spend a relaxing time in a stylish atmosphere.

Hachidorisha, located near Tsuchihashi Station, has a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable chairs and bookshelves made of local wood in Hiroshima. It is open until 11 PM on weekday evenings and 12 AM on weekends and holidays, making it a great place to stop by for a late night snack.

Hotels

There are many hotels around Hiroshima Station, and many of them have their own free Wi-Fi. However, some hotels do not have Wi-Fi or they charge a fee for it, so when making a reservation, it is a good idea to check if free Wi-Fi is available.

The following steps are the primary way to use the hotel's free Wi-Fi.

1. Turn on "Settings" -> "Wi-Fi" and select the access point of the hotel
2. When the login screen appears, enter the ID and password provided by the hotel

Stations

You can connect to HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi at the following stations in Hiroshima.

• Hiroshima Station (General Information Center, South Exit Underground Plaza Information Center, South Exit Plaza)
• Takehara Station Tourist Information Center
• Fukuyama Station Tourist Information Center
• Onomichi Station Tourist Information Center
• Higashi-Hiroshima Station Tourist Information Center

JR's public wireless LAN service is also available at concourses, ticket gates and platforms in some JR West Japan stations. In Hiroshima, these stations are Fukuyama, Shin-Omichi, Mihara, Higashi-Hiroshima, and Hiroshima stations on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line.

Hondori FREE Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Arcade. By entering your password, you can use the service without the need for authentication.

• SSID: Hiroshima_Hondori
• Password: stage577
• Accountable time: 10:00-20:00

Here is how to connect to Wi-Fi

1. Select "Hiroshima_Hondori" on the Wi-Fi settings screen.
2. Enter the password "stage577"
3. Read the Terms of Use and click the button at the bottom of the page to enter the Hondori TOP page.

Each connection lasts for 60 minutes and can be used as many times as you wish by reconnecting again.

The Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Street is a wide-area shopping street representing the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, and is commonly known as "Hondori" in Hiroshima. It is a large shopping street, with an average of about 100,000 people visiting the area each day. It is located next to the Hiroshima Kinza-gai shopping street on the east side and Peace Memorial Park on the west side.

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How About Renting Wi-Fi in Hiroshima? We Recommend: WiFiBOX

There are many free Wi-Fi spots in Hiroshima, but you can only connect to the internet around those spots. Also, since communication via free Wi-Fi is not encrypted, there are risks such as unauthorized access and virus infection.
If you want to use the internet safely and comfortably, why not use "WiFiBOX", a leading Wi-Fi rental service in Japan? This convenient service allows users to secure a Wi-Fi environment easily and quickly, with all procedures such as reservation, pickup, and return all done without any human contact.
Let's take a look at the flow of using and setting up WiFiBOX, and where to pick up and return the Wi-Fi unit.

Flow of usage and setting

The flow of using and setting up WiFiBOX is as follows:

1. On the official site of WiFiBOX (https://wifibox.telecomsquare.co.jp/en), select your travel destination ("Japan", if you are going to use it in Hiroshima), select the desired usage period and plan, and tap "Proceed to checkout".
2. If you are using WiFiBOX for the first time, create a new account. Log in if you already have one.
3. Complete the payment procedure with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express) or a debit card.
4. After reserving, you will receive an email with the subject "How to Pick Up Your Wi-Fi Unit". When you are in front of the rental machine, open the "QR code (*) scanning page" from the email, and scan the QR code at the top right of the display on the rental machine.
   (* "QR Code" is a registered trademark of Denso Wave)
5. Tap "Pick-up" on your smartphone, and pull out the Wi-Fi unit from the slot to receive it.
6. Turn on the power of the unit , then on the Wi-Fi setting screen of your device, select the SSID written on the back of the unit, and enter the password to.

Please refer to the following for more detailed usage procedures:
(Link to WiFiBOX quick guide)
https://wifibox.telecomsquare.co.jp/en/pages/guide

Wi-Fi router pickup/return location

As of April 2023, WiFiBOX rental machines are installed at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport, Chubu International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Tokyo Station etc. It is also now available in Shinjuku and Shibuya Station area.
We recommend you to pick up your Wi-Fi unit at the airport or station you plan to pass when traveling to Hiroshima.
Please check the following for details on the locations of WiFiBOX

Please check the following for details on the locations of WiFiBOX
WiFiBOX Location List

What Kind of City is Hiroshima?

Photo provided by "Hiroshima Tourism Association"

Hiroshima is located in the Chugoku region and is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea and mountains. The climate differs between the southern and northern parts of the prefecture. The southern part of the prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea, has a mild climate with high temperatures throughout the year. The northern part of the prefecture, which is at a higher elevation, has cooler temperatures and more rainfall throughout the year. Especially in the mountainous areas, winters are cold and snowfall is common.

Hiroshima suffered the enormous damage of the atomic bombing in 1945. After the war, reconstruction was undertaken, and the heavy industries of shipbuilding, steel, and automobiles took the center stage.

Hiroshima has two World Heritage sites, one is the Atomic Bomb Dome, which has been permanently preserved to convey the horror of the atomic bombing; it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1996. The Atomic Bomb Dome was originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, a building that exhibited the products of Hiroshima Prefecture.

The bomb exploded 160 meters of the A-Bomb Dome. Because the structure was almost directly above the building and had many windows, the blast blew through the windows, and although the building itself was completely destroyed, the dome portion of the building escaped total destruction. It is one of the few buildings close to the hypocenter that survived the blast.

Hiroshima has many other tourist spots and some hidden places to visit in Onomichi and Kure. From its rich nature to its famous cuisine, Hiroshima is a city with many attractions for travelers .

Specialty foods include oyster dishes, anagohan (rice with red beans), and Onomichi ramen. However, the most famous food in Hiroshima is okonomiyaki. It is said to be the soul food of Hiroshima residents, and is made by cooking a thin dough topped with lots of cabbage, eggs, and noodles.
There are about 800 okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima City, and one of the most popular is "Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten" located in Hacchobori. There is always a long line of customers waiting and the restaurant is very popular among tourists as well.

Places to Visit in Hiroshima

The second World Heritage Site is the Itsukushima Jinja. There are many places to visit, including the Peace Memorial Park. The summit of Mt. Yayama, a primeval forest surrounding Itsukushima Jinja, offers a panoramic view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. You should not miss the scenic spots that offer spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, such as the Shimanami Kaido.

Here we will introduce some of Hiroshima's most famous sights, including Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Jinja.

Peace Memorial Park

Photo provided by "Hiroshima Tourism Association"

Peace Memorial Park is a city park established to commemorate those who passed away from the atomic bomb and to pray for the permanent peace of the world. It was built because of its location in the heart of Hiroshima City and its close to the hypocenter. This location was the central downtown area of Hiroshima City during the Edo period, up until the early Showa period, but was destroyed in an instant by the atomic bombing.

Within the park are the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb victims. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was opened in 1955 as a facility to convey the devastation of the atomic bombing to future generations. The museum exhibits artifacts and documents of those who died in the atomic bombing.

There are Other monuments and memorials in the Peace Memorial Park such as "Children of the Atomic Bomb (Tower of a Thousand Paper Cranes)", the "Light of Peace, "and the "Peace Bell."

Opening hours	Museum ・March-November 8:30 AM - 6 PM (August: until 7 PM) ・December - February: 8:30 AM - 5 PM Information Resource Room 8:30AM - 5 PM (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) (Admission is until 30 minutes before closing time.)
Address	1 Nakajimacho 1 and 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Miroku no Sato (Miroku Village)

Miroku Villageis a theme park where people of all ages can enjoy. Inside the park, there are many attractions to choose from, such as a 50-meter diameter Ferris wheel and an 800-meter long roller coaster. They also have a walk-through type attraction where numerous dinosaurs await, that will certainly bring excitement for both adults and children.

Moreover, there is this streetscape called "The Road Once Traveled," that is faithfully recreated from the 1930s Showa era. You can travel back in time to the post-war era of Japan during its early stages of economic development.

You can enjoy the pool during summer, and experience the illumination during winter, making it a leisure spot with events all year round.

Business Hours	Different business hours on different days. Check the official website for details.
Closed Days	Tuesday, Wednesday (but stays open during holiday and peak season). Might have off-business periods as well during winter
Address	638-1 Fujiecho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima

Misen

Misen (Mt. Misen), located on Miyajima Island at an elevation of about 535 meters, has long been revered as the object of mountain worship. From the observatory at the top of the mountain, you can see the islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

The primeval forest of Mt. Misen is considered a component of Itsukushima Jinja, a World Heritage Site. The view from the observatory is spectacular and has been rated three stars by the "Michelin Green Guide Japan".

Miyajima Ropeway Operation Hours	Check the website
Address	Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

The Setouchi Shimanami-Kaido Expressway

Photo provided by "本州四国連絡高速道路㈱"

It is a 60-km-long road connecting Onomichi City of Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari City of Ehime Prefecture. Seven bridges connecting islands in the Seto Inland Sea allow cyclists to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Among the seven bridges, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge has attracted attention as the world's first triple suspension bridge, and is also known as a sanctuary for cyclists. International cycling competitions are also often held here.

Along the line, there are many tourist attractions such as the Kirosan Observatory, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea, and Hakata Island, where you can interact with dolphins.

Address

Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

To Summarize: Information on Internet & Wi-Fi in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has a well-developed free Wi-Fi access for tourists, which is available in a wide range of areas such as tourist spots, train stations, and shopping streets. However, the Internet connection is not available everywhere, as it often goes out of range when you leave the urban area.

For those who want to have a comfortable Internet environment at all times while, WiFiBOX is the best choice.

WiFiBOX is a Wi-Fi rental service with affordable prices and a super simple process from reservation to return. If you are planning to visit Hiroshima, be sure to give this service a try!