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Hiroshima is one of Japan's most livable mid-sized cities, offering big-city convenience without Tokyo-level costs, a compact streetcar network, and quick access to both nature and the Seto Inland Sea.
This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to Hiroshima in 2026, from the real cost of living and healthcare options to visa requirements and international schools.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and regulations, so you always have accurate information at your fingertips.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Hiroshima.
Is Hiroshima a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Hiroshima is slightly improving, mainly because the city combines the advantages of a major urban center with lower housing costs than Tokyo or Osaka, meaning rising prices have hurt residents less than in bigger metros.
The most noticeable improvement over the past two to three years in Hiroshima has been the ongoing redevelopment around Hiroshima Station in Minami-ku, which has modernized the city's transport hub and made daily commuting even more convenient for residents in the central wards.
The persistent challenge in Hiroshima remains the limited number of English-first services and jobs compared to larger cities, which means expats feel the language barrier more quickly than they would in Tokyo, although the city's foreign-resident support services help offset this.
Are hospitals good in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Hiroshima are generally of high quality by global standards, with care levels comparable to Western Europe or North America thanks to Japan's standardized national fee schedule and well-trained medical staff.
The hospitals that expats most commonly recommend in Hiroshima are Hiroshima University Hospital for complex care and international patient support, and large city general hospitals in central Hiroshima for specialist referrals and routine outpatient care.
A standard doctor consultation in Hiroshima typically costs between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000 (around $19 to $32 USD or €16 to €27 EUR) at a local clinic if you're enrolled in Japan's public health insurance, while specialist or hospital outpatient visits can run ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 (around $32 to $63 USD or €27 to €55 EUR) depending on tests.
Private health insurance is not strictly necessary for expats properly enrolled in Japan's public health insurance system (either Employees' Health Insurance or National Health Insurance), but it can help with cashflow benefits, English-language concierge services, or personal gap coverage preferences.
Are there any good international schools in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, Hiroshima has a small but quality selection of international schools, with about two main English-medium options that offer globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB).
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Hiroshima are Hiroshima International School (HIS), which offers the full IB program from early years through the Diploma, and AIC World College Hiroshima (AICJ), which provides IB programs and bilingual education for secondary students.
Typical annual tuition fees at international schools in Hiroshima range from approximately ¥1,400,000 to ¥2,300,000 (around $8,900 to $14,500 USD or €7,600 to €12,500 EUR) depending on the grade level, with additional fees for enrollment, materials, and transport on top.
Waitlists at Hiroshima's international schools can form quickly simply because capacity is limited compared to Tokyo or Osaka, so contacting admissions 6 to 12 months in advance is wise, and public schools can be a viable alternative for families if the child can adapt to Japanese-language instruction with support from the city's foreign-resident consultation services.
Is Hiroshima a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Hiroshima is very safe by global standards and falls within Japan's normal safety band, with low crime rates across most categories that make it one of the safer cities in the developed world.
The most common safety concerns expats should know about in Hiroshima are bicycle theft and opportunistic petty crime, which appear frequently in police open-data categories, rather than violent crime or serious personal safety issues.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Hiroshima are generally the central wards like Naka-ku (especially around Hondori, Kamiya-cho, and Hatchobori), which are busy, well-lit, and served by the streetcar network, as well as Minami-ku near Hiroshima Station for those who want easy Shinkansen and transit access.
Women can generally live alone safely in Hiroshima, and the city's compact layout and streetcar network help avoid long isolated walks, though standard Japan precautions apply such as choosing higher floors in apartment buildings, ensuring good locks, and staying alert during late-night transit.
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How much does everyday life cost in Hiroshima in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Hiroshima on a monthly budget of approximately ¥270,000 to ¥320,000 (around $1,700 to $2,000 USD or €1,470 to €1,740 EUR), which covers rent in a central ward, utilities, groceries, eating out occasionally, transport, and a savings buffer.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Hiroshima, a single person can manage on roughly ¥230,000 to ¥260,000 per month (around $1,450 to $1,650 USD or €1,250 to €1,420 EUR), covering a smaller apartment in an outer ward, basic groceries, minimal dining out, and public transport.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Hiroshima requires approximately ¥380,000 to ¥450,000 per month (around $2,400 to $2,850 USD or €2,070 to €2,450 EUR) for a single person, allowing for a larger apartment in Naka-ku, frequent dining out, private health services, and domestic travel.
The expense category that typically takes the largest share of a monthly budget in Hiroshima is housing, but Hiroshima's advantage over Tokyo is that rent for a 1K or 1LDK apartment in central wards like Naka-ku averages only ¥48,000 to ¥64,000 (around $300 to $400 USD or €260 to €350 EUR), leaving more room for food and lifestyle spending.
What is the average income tax rate in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Hiroshima (earning around ¥5,000,000 to ¥7,000,000 gross per year) faces an effective total tax burden of approximately 20% to 33%, which includes national income tax, local inhabitant tax (around 10%), and employee social insurance contributions.
Japan's income tax brackets for 2026 range from 5% for taxable income up to ¥1,950,000 to 45% for income over ¥40,000,000, with most working expats in Hiroshima falling into the 10% to 23% national income tax brackets before adding the standard 10% local inhabitant tax.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Japan versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Hiroshima in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of foreign residents in Hiroshima typically come from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines, reflecting both the manufacturing supply chain around Mazda and the broader patterns of Asian immigration to Japan.
Hiroshima Prefecture has approximately 55,000 to 60,000 registered foreign residents, representing around 2% of the prefecture's total population, which is lower than the national average but has been growing steadily since the post-pandemic recovery.
The main reason expats from these top origin countries are drawn to Hiroshima is the employment opportunities in manufacturing, particularly the automotive sector centered on Mazda's headquarters and factories, along with healthcare, hospitality, and education roles.
The expat population in Hiroshima is predominantly working professionals and their families, with a smaller segment of international students at local universities, and relatively few retirees or digital nomads compared to destinations like Tokyo or Okinawa.
Where do most expats live in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, most expats in Hiroshima concentrate in the central areas of Naka-ku (especially around Hondori, Kamiya-cho, and Hatchobori), Minami-ku (near Hiroshima Station and Matoba-cho), and parts of Nishi-ku (around Yokogawa Station) where daily life is easiest without a car.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Hiroshima is the combination of walkability, excellent streetcar and Astram Line connections, proximity to international-friendly services, and access to shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities that cater to diverse needs.
Emerging neighborhoods that are starting to attract more expats in Hiroshima include parts of Asaminami-ku along the Astram Line (such as Omachi and Nishihara), which offer more space and lower rents while still providing reliable transit to the city center.
Are expats moving in or leaving Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, the trend for expat migration in Hiroshima appears to be a net inflow or stable, consistent with Japan's broader post-pandemic rebound in foreign residents and continued labor demand in manufacturing and services.
The main factor driving expats to move to Hiroshima right now is the combination of affordable living costs compared to Tokyo, strong employment opportunities in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, and the city's high quality of life with easy access to nature and cultural attractions.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Hiroshima is the smaller pool of English-first jobs and services compared to larger cities, which can limit career growth for those who don't develop Japanese language skills.
Compared to similar regional cities in Japan like Fukuoka or Sendai, Hiroshima's expat population growth is moderate but steady, benefiting from its unique position as an international peace city with established foreign-resident support infrastructure.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Hiroshima in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Hiroshima are the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa (the standard professional work visa), the Student visa (for university or language school enrollment), and the Dependent visa (for spouses and children of working residents).
The main eligibility requirements for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, which is the most commonly used work visa in Hiroshima, include having a job offer from a Japanese employer in a qualifying field, a relevant university degree or 10 years of work experience, and documentation showing the role matches the visa category.
Japan does offer a Digital Nomad visa (officially called Designated Activities for Digital Nomad), which allows remote workers to stay for up to 6 months, but it requires proof of annual income of at least ¥10,000,000 (around $63,000 USD or €54,500 EUR) from overseas sources and private health insurance with minimum ¥10,000,000 coverage.
The most popular expat visas in Hiroshima typically have validity periods of 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the applicant's profile, and renewal involves submitting updated employment and income documentation to the Immigration Services Agency before the current visa expires.
How long does it take to get residency in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, once you arrive in Japan with the appropriate visa, getting fully set up as a resident in Hiroshima (completing address registration, health insurance enrollment, and My Number procedures at city hall) typically takes 1 to 3 weeks if you have housing arranged and your documents ready.
The common factors that can delay residency setup in Hiroshima include incomplete documentation, not having a confirmed address before arriving, or complications with employer paperwork, while having a well-organized sponsor and pre-arranged housing speeds things up significantly.
For permanent residency eligibility in Japan, expats generally must have lived in the country continuously for 10 years (with at least 5 years on a work visa), although highly skilled professionals may qualify after just 1 to 3 years, and naturalization (citizenship) typically requires 5 years of continuous residence.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Japan. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Hiroshima in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Hiroshima are manufacturing and automotive (driven by the Mazda ecosystem and its supplier network), healthcare and eldercare (reflecting Japan-wide demographic demand), and tourism/hospitality (thanks to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and nearby Miyajima attracting international visitors).
Getting hired in Hiroshima without speaking Japanese is realistic but role-dependent: your best chances are in multinational manufacturing suppliers, university research positions, certain IT roles, and international education, while most local service and administrative jobs require at least conversational Japanese.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Hiroshima include English teaching positions (ALT and eikaiwa), engineering and technical roles in the automotive supply chain, IT and software development at international companies, and hospitality management roles at hotels catering to international guests.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in Hiroshima span from approximately ¥2,800,000 to ¥10,000,000 gross per year (around $17,700 to $63,000 USD or €15,300 to €54,500 EUR) depending on the industry, role level, and language abilities.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Hiroshima, such as English teaching or junior corporate roles, typically pay ¥2,800,000 to ¥5,000,000 gross per year (around $17,700 to $31,600 USD or €15,300 to €27,300 EUR), with bilingual mid-level corporate roles reaching ¥4,500,000 to ¥7,000,000 (around $28,500 to $44,300 USD or €24,500 to €38,200 EUR).
Senior or specialized expat roles in Hiroshima, particularly in engineering, IT, or management positions in the automotive sector, can command ¥6,000,000 to ¥10,000,000 or more per year (around $38,000 to $63,000+ USD or €32,700 to €54,500+ EUR), with executive positions at multinational companies potentially higher.
Employers in Hiroshima commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires when the role clearly matches standard work visa categories like Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and the employer is established with a good track record of sponsorship.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Hiroshima right now?
What do expats love most about living in Hiroshima right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Hiroshima are the "small big city" effect (getting urban conveniences like streetcars, quality hospitals, and diverse dining without Tokyo's overwhelming scale), the easy weekend escapes to Miyajima Island and the Seto Inland Sea, and the genuinely warm local community that takes interest in foreign residents.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Hiroshima is the work-life balance that comes from shorter commutes, affordable housing, and quick access to nature, allowing more time for hobbies, travel, and personal pursuits than in larger Japanese cities.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Hiroshima is the cost of living, particularly housing, which runs roughly 30% to 50% lower than Tokyo while still offering modern apartments, reliable public transit, and access to all essential services.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Hiroshima particularly enjoyable for expats is the city's identity as an international peace city, which fosters a forward-looking, globally minded atmosphere and creates natural opportunities for cross-cultural exchange through Peace Memorial Park institutions and related events.
What do expats dislike most about life in Hiroshima right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Hiroshima are the limited number of English-first jobs and services compared to Tokyo or Osaka, the smaller international school options for families with children, and the feeling of hitting a "language ceiling" faster in daily interactions.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Hiroshima is navigating services that require Japanese language ability, from setting up utilities and internet to dealing with medical appointments beyond basic consultations, which can feel more challenging than in larger cities with established English support systems.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Hiroshima is Japan's paperwork culture, which requires precise documentation, official stamps (hanko), and exact form completion for everything from residence registration to opening bank accounts, though Hiroshima City's consultation services help navigate this.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially once they develop basic Japanese skills or build a support network, and many feel the quality of life advantages outweigh the administrative hurdles after the initial adjustment period.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Hiroshima right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Hiroshima are the intensity of Japan's paperwork and documentation requirements, the referral-based healthcare system where you visit a clinic first before accessing hospitals, and the emphasis on group harmony and indirect communication styles in professional and social settings.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Hiroshima is the unspoken expectation to follow detailed rules and procedures in everyday situations, from garbage sorting (which varies by neighborhood and has strict schedules) to queuing etiquette on streetcars and escalators.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Hiroshima is the early closing times of many shops and services compared to Western cities, combined with the importance of punctuality in all appointments and the rhythm of doing things "the proper way" even when shortcuts might seem logical.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Japan compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Hiroshima in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Hiroshima is fully allowed, as Japan generally permits foreigners to purchase and own both land and buildings without nationality-based ownership restrictions.
The specific conditions that apply to foreigners buying property in Hiroshima include standard compliance and reporting requirements that apply to all buyers, potential additional scrutiny for purchases near sensitive facilities under national security guidelines, and the practical challenge that most transactions and contracts are conducted in Japanese.
Foreigners in Hiroshima can purchase and own all property types including apartments (mansions), detached houses, land, and commercial buildings, with no legal distinction between what Japanese nationals and foreign buyers can acquire.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Hiroshima.
What is the average price per m² in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Hiroshima City ranges from approximately ¥200,000 to ¥420,000 (around $1,265 to $2,660 USD or €1,090 to €2,290 EUR), with central Naka-ku at the high end and outer wards like Asakita-ku at the lower end.
Property prices in Hiroshima have been relatively stable over the past two to three years with modest increases, performing more steadily than Tokyo's rapid appreciation while still benefiting from Japan's overall real estate market recovery and urban redevelopment projects around Hiroshima Station.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Hiroshima here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Hiroshima in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Hiroshima are available but limited, with the easiest approvals going to permanent residents who are treated similarly to Japanese citizens, while non-permanent residents face stricter requirements including higher down payments and longer employment history in Japan.
The banks in Japan known to offer mortgages to foreigners include SMBC Prestia (which does not require permanent residency and offers English support), Suruga Bank (which consults with non-PR applicants and provides English documentation), and SBI Shinsei Bank (which has flexible options for qualified foreign residents).
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Hiroshima include down payments of 10% to 30% of the property price (higher for non-PR holders), interest rates ranging from 0.3% to 1.5% depending on the bank and borrower profile, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 35 years with the loan typically required to be paid off by age 75 to 80.
Documents and eligibility requirements foreigners typically need for a mortgage in Hiroshima include proof of stable Japan-based income (usually requiring 1 to 3 years of employment history), residence card and tax certificates, income verification documents, and often the ability to communicate in Japanese for contract signing or use of a bilingual broker.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Japan.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Hiroshima, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima City "Life in Hiroshima" Guide | Official city publication made specifically for foreign residents. | We used it to ground real paperwork and daily life basics like registration and services. We also used it to keep recommendations Hiroshima-specific rather than generic Japan advice. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan (CPI) | Japan's official inflation dataset produced under the Statistics Act. | We used it to frame whether cost of living pressure is rising or easing into 2026. We also used it to avoid relying on crowdsourced cost-of-living sites as primary evidence. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan (Family Income and Expenditure Survey) | Core official survey showing what households actually spend. | We used it to anchor a realistic monthly budget structure for living well in Hiroshima. We then adjusted housing using local market sources below. |
| LIFULL HOME'S (Hiroshima Rent Data) | Major Japanese property platform with transparent methodology. | We used it to estimate realistic rents by ward like Naka-ku and Minami-ku. We used it to build budgets reflecting Hiroshima's actual neighborhood differences. |
| LIFULL HOME'S (Hiroshima Condo Prices) | Major market dataset source summarizing recent listing prices. | We used it to derive defensible price-per-square-meter estimates by ward. We used it to keep property data Hiroshima-specific instead of quoting national averages. |
| Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Medical Copay Guide) | Ministry explainer of Japan's insurance and copay rules. | We used it to estimate out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits under public insurance. We used it to answer whether private insurance is necessary. |
| Hiroshima International School (Tuition Page) | The school's primary source for fees and cost structure. | We used it to give concrete tuition ranges for the main international school option. We used it to cross-check third-party school directories. |
| Immigration Services Agency (Visa Requirements) | Government's official requirements page for work visa categories. | We used it to describe popular visa routes expats actually use for Hiroshima jobs. We used it to keep visa advice tied to official eligibility expectations. |
| Hiroshima Prefectural Police (Crime Statistics) | Prefecture's primary official publication point for crime data. | We used it to answer safety questions with Hiroshima-specific crime tables. We used it to avoid "Japan is safe" generalities and stick to local data. |
| National Tax Agency (Withholding Tax Guide) | Tax authority that defines how income tax is calculated. | We used it to ground income tax mechanics for salary scenarios in Hiroshima. We then layered local inhabitant tax as a standard Japan component. |
| MLIT Real Estate Information Library | Ministry's official portal for real estate price data. | We used it to validate that Japan publishes official transaction-based price information. We used it as the official backbone behind private listing averages. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Japan. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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