Things To Do
in Higashi-Hiroshima

Historic brewery facades, wooden warehouses and sake barrels make for atmospheric daytime and early-evening shots; festivals add lively color.

Seasonal flowers and wide pastoral vistas provide vibrant landscape photos, especially at golden hour.

Reflective rice fields at sunrise/sunset and narrow lanes framed by rows of rice paddies are quintessential rural-Japan scenes.

Well-maintained campus green spaces and modern architecture can be good for street and portrait photography, especially during cherry blossom season.

Not a single market but a cluster of brewery tasting shops and seasonal stalls; at festivals you’ll find street-food favorites like yakitori, oden and sweet potato treats.

Small weekend markets and roadside stands sell fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade pickles—an excellent place to try seasonal specialties.

Bowing is a common greeting; be polite, use 'sumimasen' to get attention and 'arigatō gozaimasu' for thanks.

Remove shoes when entering homes, some traditional accommodations and certain restaurants—follow visible signs and host instructions.

Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces; avoid eating while walking in quiet neighborhoods and dispose of trash in designated bins or take it home.

Ask permission before photographing people up close and be mindful at religious sites and small businesses.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be confusing; excellent service is already included. Small gifts or a polite thank-you are appreciated instead.

Cash (yen) is widely used, especially in rural shops, izakaya and small markets. IC cards (ICOCA, Suica) and credit cards are accepted at many larger places but not everywhere—carry cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept many foreign cards.

Cherry blossoms bloom in late March–April in lower elevations; pleasant temperatures make it ideal for walking, brewery visits and early flower displays.

Hot and humid with a rainy season (tsuyu) in June; expect lush green landscapes and occasional festivals in July–August. Be prepared for heat and the occasional typhoon in late summer.

Cooler, comfortable weather with clear skies and colorful foliage from October to November; a great time for hiking and outdoor photography.

Winters are mild to cool with occasional light snow in higher spots; fewer tourists and lively indoor sake-tasting experiences make it a cozy season to visit.

Many residents work in agriculture, rice cultivation and related local industries; traditional lifestyles remain strong in villages.

Generations of families are involved in sake production and brewery operations centered in Saijō.

Hiroshima University and other institutions bring students and researchers, adding youthful influence and seasonal population changes.

As in many rural Japanese areas, an older demographic is present, contributing to quiet streets during daytime weekdays.