Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is located in the hills of Mihara, about 50 km east of Hiroshima city center. Most visitors use the airport as their gateway to the Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, and the wider Chugoku region. The airport handles domestic flights to Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, Sendai, and Okinawa, along with seasonal international services. Despite being a regional airport, Hiroshima maintains properly equipped smoking rooms across its terminal building, giving travelers a place to smoke both before and after security.
Smoking Rooms at Hiroshima Airport
Hiroshima Airport provides enclosed smoking rooms (喫煙所) on multiple floors of its terminal. Each room features air filtration and ventilation systems in compliance with Japan’s Health Promotion Act. Smoking anywhere outside these designated rooms, including hallways, restrooms, and outdoor areas near entrances, is strictly prohibited.
1st Floor — Arrivals
The 1st floor houses the arrival lobby for both domestic and international flights. A smoking room is available on this level, making it a convenient first stop after picking up luggage. The limousine bus terminal to Hiroshima Station is also on the ground level, so you can have a cigarette before boarding the 45-55 minute ride into the city.
2nd Floor — Departures and Gates
The 2nd floor is the main departure level with check-in counters, security screening, and boarding gates. Smoking rooms are available both on the landside (before security) and in the departure gate area (after security). The airside room means you do not need to leave the secure zone once you have cleared screening.
3rd Floor — Observation and Restaurants
The upper floor features an observation deck and restaurant area. A smoking room is also accessible on this level, which is useful if you are spending time at the restaurants or shops while waiting for your flight.
Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarettes
Heated tobacco products such as IQOS, Ploom, and glo are welcome in all of Hiroshima Airport’s smoking rooms. Japan has a large heated tobacco user base, and airports accommodate these devices in the same designated rooms as conventional cigarettes. Liquid e-cigarettes and vapes are also permitted inside the smoking rooms.
Tips for Smokers at Hiroshima Airport
- Follow 喫煙所 (kissenshitsu) signs posted throughout the terminal
- The airside smoking room on the 2nd floor lets you smoke without re-clearing security
- Hiroshima Airport is compact, so you are never far from a smoking room
- The bus ride to Hiroshima city takes 45-55 minutes with no smoking on board, so plan accordingly
- Lighters are allowed in carry-on bags in Japan (one disposable or non-absorbed fuel lighter per person)
- If you arrive early, the 3rd floor restaurants and smoking room are a good way to pass the time
Summary
| Location | Floor | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival Lobby | 1F | Landside | Near domestic and international arrivals |
| Departure Hall | 2F | Landside | Before security, near check-in counters |
| Departure Gate Area | 2F | Airside | After security screening |
| Observation / Restaurant Level | 3F | Landside | Near restaurants and observation deck |