Aki Grand Hotel

I stayed here after inviting my aunt from Hiroshima to join me from Kanagawa. She told me she had stayed at this Hotel many times in the past during the fireworks season. The view of Miyajima straight ahead from the entrance was wonderful, and both the Room and the large public Onsen bath were clean, making it very relaxing.However, I was a bit disappointed that dinner included udon, soba, and seasoned rice all together, which felt too heavy on carbohydrates.

Although it is a bit far from the station, shuttle buses run frequently, so it never felt inconvenient. I checked in quite late at night, but the staff were thoughtful in every way—from meals to luggage—so I was able to stay very comfortably. It truly felt like a long-established Hotel. I didn’t use the large public bath, but the Room bath uses separate hot and cold water controls, so adjusting the temperature may be a little tricky. Amenities are provided in generous pump bottles. The Room was spacious and relaxing, and there was also a balcony—spending time there was a lovely part of the stay. Above all, the view from the Room was stunning—like a Turner painting.The night cruise was wonderful, and listening to the cheerful captain-in-training was very informative—from how to take photos to stories about the origins of the deer. It was fascinating to hear how it differs from Kasuga Taisha and Kashima Jingu, and even that deer ride the ferry back to Miyajima. The cruise itself was excellent; as we approached the great torii gate, I could really feel its scale. The souvenir shop didn’t feel cluttered at all—you can enjoy choosing from both high-end items and more casual ones. A relative in Hiroshima told me, “It’s been a good Hotel for years,” and I’m truly glad I chose this place.