Relocating to Hiroshima?

Hiroshima - Destination Guide for Expats

Here is some useful information for expats moving to Hiroshima, including information about schools, housing, hospitals, communities, and more.

Hiroshima City is an ordinance-designated city having a population of approximately 1,200,000 people, which is the highest in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. It is well-known worldwide as the city that experienced the tragedy of the world’s first atomic bombing and retains a certain influence worldwide as an "international city to promote world peace." It achieved an impressive restoration due to the heavy industries and the auto industry after World War II and is currently one of the major manufacturing cities of Japan.

As it is geographically located between the Keihanshin (=Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe) region and the Fukuoka urban area, there are many local government headquarters' offices and companies with nationwide operations for services covering the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Due to the various and well-balanced industry accumulation in the area, more than 200 foreign companies have currently moved their business operations to Hiroshima Prefecture as well as to Hiroshima City. More than 10 companies among those, have the head offices of their Japanese subsidiaries in and around the city.

Based on increasing foreign tourists, the start of sister city programs with various foreign cities, and the advance of foreign companies, the city’s infrastructure as an international city has gradually evolved from the early days after WWII. In the recent years when traffic infrastructures such as an airport, a harbor, and an expressway were improved, and the access to domestic and overseas places became easier, the living support for foreign expats and their families also became well-developed in the city. There are Hiroshima International Schools and a YMCA International Kindergarten in the city that provide a high-quality educational environment. Hiroshima International Center provides free consultation at any time including but not limited to residence procedures and guidance for daily living.

Hiroshima City lies between Chugoku's mountains and Shikoku's mountains, making it less affected than other regions by snowfall and rainfall, and endowing it with a warm climate leading to many fine days through the year. Ota River, which is one of the 100 sections of Japanese famous clear water, is divided into 6 tributaries flowing into the city creating a delta area and giving the city another name; "The City of Water." In addition to the atomic bomb related world heritage facilities in the city, there are many other historical and cultural assets including national treasures and many natural scenic spots in and around the city. The marine products from the Seto Inland Sea are also rich. Various professional sports teams are based in the city as well as various events being held throughout the year giving vigor and active atmosphere to the city.