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Airport ReviewsJapanTravel

Hiroshima Airport Review – Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

by kumamonjeng April 9, 2019
written by kumamonjeng April 9, 2019
Hiroshima Airport Review – Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

There are many good reasons why you should choose Hiroshima Airport to land, especially for those who intend to do self-drive in Japan. The areas that we wanted to cover are Shikoku, Kansai & Hiroshima. This part of Japan is still very much underexplored by foreigners but full of hidden gems. I love how these attraction sites here have a fewer crowd which allows me to shoot many great photos.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Why Choose Hiroshima Airport?

Hiroshima Airport has both domestic and international flights. Domestic flights can be booked to and from Tokyo Haneda and Narita, Sapporo, Sendai, and Okinawa (Naha). International flights include destination such as Seoul, Dalian, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Singapore. For those who are using public transport may prefer Kansai Airport or Fukuoka Airport to land as it is more convenient to get to their destination via Shinkansen or JR. However, if you are thinking of renting a car and do a road trip in Japan, Hiroshima Airport is a good choice. Recently, with the introduction of a cheaper airline, Hiroshima Airport has become a more appealing option to use. We have met tourists from Hong Kong and Taiwan using Hiroshima Airport to land and get their rental cars.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Cheaper Flight

One of the reasons why I choose Hiroshima Airport to land is it cost less.  The return air ticket – Silk Air / SIA cost $S650 (USD 480) each from Singapore to Hiroshima.  The flight duration 6 hours 15 mins.  There are 3 flights each week from Singapore to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Hiroshima Airport has three floors

The Airport is not very big but it has three floors, the first floor is the arrival lobby, the second floor is the check-in counters & departure lobby, the third floor is the observation deck.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Hiroshima Airport Custom

The queue at the custom is not too long, there are two checks in the custom. The first check was to take your passport for photocopy & snap a picture of you & fingerprint by a young girl who does not wear a uniform.  I don’t think she is the customs officer.

The second check is at the real custom officer who will look at your passport and may ask you a few questions such as where will you stay or what is the purpose of the visit.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Pick up your luggage and ready to go.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Signboards

There are English & Japanese (Kanji or Chinese words) written all over the signboard.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Information Center

Ask for information if you need to, the customer service officer is able to speak English.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Hiroshima Airport Bicycle Hub

One of the major users who use Hiroshima Airports are cyclists who are going to explore Shimanami Kaido routes. The Shimanami Kaido has recently become so papular among cyclists abroad to Japan. Shimanami Kaido bicycles route starts from Onomichi Hiroshima and ends at Imabari Shikoku island.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Tools provided for Bike assembly

In the International arrival lobby, you will find a cyclist changing room, and outside of the room, there is a bicycle assembly space with tools for you to assemble your bike.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Car Rental in Hiroshima Airport

You need to walk for about 5 to 10 mins to arrive at the car rental counters in Hiroshima Airport which is located at the other end.  Show the counter staff your booking and he will arrange the shuttle bus to send you to the car rental office which is located about 5 mins from the airport.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Japan Post Box

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Japanese Vending Machine

The first thing you will notice when you arrive in Japan is the number of vending machines in this country.  Vending machines can be found everywhere and the best thing is they are not only selling drinks but other interesting stuff too.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Traffic in Hiroshima Airport

Expect little traffic at Hiroshima Airport so it is a good place to start your road trip with rental cars.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Hiroshima Airport Parking

There is a grace period for free parking, can’t remember is 10 or 15 mins.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Hiroshima Airport Departure Hall Review – Last Minutes Shopping

There are many souvenirs stores and great variety at Departure Hall which I am quite impressed and happy about.  If you want to do some last minutes shopping, you are still able to find many interesting stuff.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Little trinkets & umbrellas

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Hello Kitty Collection

Anything with Hello Kitty print, dolls, bags, chopsticks, purse, handkerchiefs and many more.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Cosmetic & Medicine

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Japanese wet & dry food

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Bento Corner

If you do not like the plane meal, you can get your own bento here.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Are things more expensive at Hiroshima Airport?

Food and souvenirs (omiyage) sold in Hiroshima Airport do not cost more expensive than outside.  The price is the same as the other stores outside.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Japanese Omiyage

I use to love Japanese “Omiyage”, usually individually wrapped food items such as sweet and crackers. But now I refuse to buy any of these beautiful pack omiyage. I feel it is not environmentally friendly and a waste of resources on multiple times of wrapping.  I would prefer to get something with less fancy packaging.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Seafood – Dried Octopus

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Dried Fish & Fish Roe

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

Final thoughts:

I highly recommend anyone who wishes to explore Shikoku-Kansai region by rental car to use Hiroshima Airport instead of Kansai Airport.  It has fewer crowds, fewer cars and easier to navigate if you need to rent a car and drive. Most importantly, it offers cheaper flights to fly into Hiroshima for SIA/Silk Air.

Hiroshima Airport Review - Why I choose Hiroshima Airport Over Kansai Airport to do self-drive in Kansai & Shikoku Region

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32 comments

GiGi Eats Celebrities April 10, 2019 - 1:23 pm

I weirdly love airports. But I haven’t traveled in a long time. Now you’ve sparked the travel bug in me!

Reply
lifedreamers.blog April 10, 2019 - 1:27 pm

wow- I didnt know that Hiroshima has airport, looks like any other aiport! thanks for the review

Reply
Tammie April 10, 2019 - 2:31 pm

I love that they have bike rental in the airport as well!

Reply
kumamonjeng April 11, 2019 - 7:24 am

Dear Tammie,

It is not the rental bike but for travelers who do their bike assembly there. Cyclists around the globe would love to do Shimanami Kaido route and land in Hiroshima Airport as it is the nearest airport.

Reply
♡Stephanie Stebbins♡ (@stephsteb) April 10, 2019 - 9:38 pm

You had me at “hello kitty” 😀

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 10:38 pm

Dear Stephanie,

That’s was my favorite when I was young.

Reply
Chad April 10, 2019 - 10:20 pm

I can’t believe i’ve never been to Japan yet ughhhhh!!! Hiroshima airport it is. Soon i hope.

Reply
Roamy Link Sarganser April 10, 2019 - 11:48 pm

I have never been to Japan but now I know what airports to use when flying local if I`m ever lucky to visit Japan, thanks so much for sharing.

Reply
You, Me and Benny April 11, 2019 - 1:16 am

Cheaper flights are always a plus but the stuff you can buy there looks awesome!

Reply
Alexa April 11, 2019 - 2:08 am

it’s crazy how you can save a ton of money just by changing a flight city

Reply
Adriana April 11, 2019 - 2:47 am

This is the first time that I read an airport review and I totally appreciate this. This is so helpful for my next trip.

Reply
Jessa B. | The Travel Belle April 11, 2019 - 3:00 am

i wish i read this before my visit! But yeah i’ll consider this next time! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Ritu Sharma April 11, 2019 - 8:40 am

Wow, can’t believe you can save so much just by changing the flight city.

Reply
Lieze Neven April 11, 2019 - 9:42 am

I actually love airport reviews! I forgot to read the reviews on Dubai Airport Terminal 2 and it literally was the WORST terminal ever! This will help so many people!

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 10:40 pm

Dear Lieze,

I was in Dubai Airport last December and it wasn’t that bad but I could not remember which terminal I was it. I remember the McDonald was so packed even it was midnight.

Reply
Lyosha Varezhkina April 11, 2019 - 12:26 pm

Very useful information! i love knowing more about airports before stay. Bike info is super important for me because I travel by bike most of the time. Big omiage corner is also useful. Makes me want to travel to Japan even more

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 10:41 pm

Dear Lyosha,

Hiroshima Airport has a section for you to asemble your bike. There are tools for you to use too.

Reply
arun April 11, 2019 - 1:22 pm

Wow love the concept of cycle renting. Lots of people would love that . And the airport looks cool too. Thank you for sharing.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 11:52 pm

Dear Arun,
The Hiroshima Airport does not have bike renting facilities but it has a bike assemble section for bikers to assemble their bikes.

Reply
Kenneth C. Agudo April 11, 2019 - 2:37 pm

That is a great deal! I would love to book the same thing as yours. The place is lovely and wonderful.

Reply
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo April 11, 2019 - 2:59 pm

Keeping this in mind when we go to Japan. My in-laws visited Japan last year and entered through Narita.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 11:53 pm

Dear Czjai,

Narita is the airport if you are visiting Tokyo area. Hiroshima airport is for people who wish to explore Kansai and Shikoku and Hiroshima region.

Reply
Catherine Santiago Jose April 12, 2019 - 3:44 am

Definitely a must see place for me and for my family. It is a beautiful place and I am sure my husband will really enjoy driving in that place.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 11:55 pm

Dear Catherine,

Driving in Japan is really fun to explore the different place you wish to visit with your own pace and cheaper too. Hiroshima Airport would be a great airport to land if you are thinking of doing Kansai and Shikoku region. Also, this part of Japan has fewer cars.

Reply
Acupofassamtea April 12, 2019 - 4:01 am

Cheaper flight definitely is a reason to hook me to Hiroshima airport. Looks lovely too.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 11:56 pm

There are not many flights coming in to Hiroshima but I know there are Seoul, Dalian, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Singapore. None from the western world.

Reply
Alexandra Cook April 12, 2019 - 8:22 am

Your overviews of this airport are so thorough and they give so much good infomation.

Reply
kumamonjeng April 16, 2019 - 11:57 pm

Dear Alexandra,

Thanks for your comment. I hope to share my experience with others and also let them know that there are other airport beside Kansai Airport.

Reply
Danielle April 12, 2019 - 5:02 pm

These are some really good points and will help someone make a decision over which one to use.

Reply
Khushboo Motihar April 13, 2019 - 2:54 am

I have travelled through Hiroshima airport once and I remember that it was so easy and convenient. They have great stores, too 🙂

Reply
kumamonjeng April 17, 2019 - 12:00 am

Dear Khushboo,

You are right, Hiroshima Airport is small and easy to check out from the airport, the traffic is smooth and efficient.

Reply
Nina Cochingco April 15, 2019 - 4:27 am

Wow, I never knew I could save money just by changing the airport destination and the stuff that I can buy was just so awesome.. Thanks for sharing!

Reply

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I am the travel writer for Thinkerten. I lived in Japan, Australia, Malaysia and now based in Singapore. Speak 4 languages, Japanese, English, Malay, and Chinese. There are the many types of travels one can experience and mine are mostly focus on self-driving/road trip to explore the places I wanted to see and learn about. Only if you get out of your country, you will see the real you and understand more about yourself, to realize of your own identity, your own culture, and your root.

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