Car Hire Hiroshima Airport — Explore the Chugoku Heartland

Hiroshima Airport serves a region that balances profound history with natural beauty. The city itself needs no introduction—the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome tell stories that every visitor should witness. But beyond the city, the Chugoku region offers the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima, the scenic islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and the rural charm of the inland valleys. A rental car connects all of these with ease.

The airport is located about 50 kilometres east of Hiroshima city, in the town of Mihara. This inland position makes it an excellent starting point for drives in any direction—towards the city, the coast, or the mountains.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Hiroshima Airport

Car rental counters are situated in the airport terminal’s arrival hall, with operators including Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan, Orix, and Nippon. The rental cars are parked in dedicated lots connected by covered walkways or shuttle buses.

International visitors require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, alongside their home country licence. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European nations are covered. The IDP must be arranged before arriving in Japan.

Operating hours run from approximately 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, matching flight schedules. Early arrivals and late departures can usually be accommodated with advance booking.

Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Hiroshima Airport

Hiroshima City (50 km) — The Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum are essential visits. The city also offers excellent food—try the local okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) at Okonomimura. Drive time is about 50 minutes.

Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine (60 km) — The floating torii gate is one of Japan’s most photographed sights. Drive to the ferry terminal, park your car, and take the short boat ride to the island. The shrine, wild deer, and mountain hikes make for a full day.

Onomichi (40 km) — This charming port town features a temple walk through the hills, a retro shopping street, and the start of the Shimanami Kaido—a 70-kilometre cycling route across islands to Shikoku.

Takehara (30 km) — Known as “Little Kyoto,” this preserved merchant town offers traditional streetscapes without the crowds. A 30-minute drive from the airport.

Iwakuni (80 km) — The iconic Kintai Bridge with its five wooden arches spans the Nishiki River. The castle overlooking the bridge and the white snakes of the shrine make for an interesting day trip.

Tips for Driving in the Chugoku Region

Left-hand traffic applies throughout Japan. Urban areas have 40 km/h limits, with rural roads at 50–60 km/h and expressways up to 80–100 km/h. The Sanyo Expressway connects Hiroshima to other major cities, but tolls add up quickly.

Mountain roads in this region can be narrow and winding, particularly leading to rural temples and shrines. Take your time and use the passing bays when local traffic approaches from behind. Japanese drivers are generally courteous to visitors.

Parking in Hiroshima is straightforward. The city has numerous coin parking lots near major attractions. At Miyajima, large car parks near the ferry terminal charge reasonable day rates. Street parking is prohibited in most areas.

Fuel stations are plentiful in urban areas but scarcer in the countryside. Fill up before heading into rural Chugoku. Many stations offer both self-service and full-service, with full-service being slightly more expensive but convenient for non-Japanese speakers.

The Seto Inland Sea climate is relatively mild year-round, but summer can be hot and humid, while winter occasionally sees snow. Check conditions before mountain drives in December through February.

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