Hiroshima Prefecture is an administrative division of Japan situated in the Chūgoku region of Honshu. It occupies a strategic position on the Seto Inland Sea, facing the island of Shikoku to the south. The prefecture is bounded by Okayama to the east, Tottori and Shimane to the northeast and north, and Yamaguchi to the southwest, with a brief border with Ehime Prefecture on Hyōtanjima. Hiroshima city serves as the capital and largest urban center within this jurisdiction.

The area was historically divided into Bingo and Aki Provinces, serving as a trade hub since recorded history began. It functioned as the seat of the Mōri clan until the Battle of Sekigahara. The region is globally recognized for the atomic bombing in 1945, after which it rebuilt into a major regional center. It holds significant heritage status, being one of only three prefectures with multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The landscape features mountains leading toward Shimane and rich coastal plains produced by rivers. Key landmarks include the Atomic Dome, a remnant of the prewar city, and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, known for its floating torii gate during high tide. The prefecture also contains the Mazda Museum and the historic streets of Saijo. Natural attractions include Mount Kanmuriyama and the Shimanami Kaido cycling course connecting to Shikoku.

Cultural life is defined by Shinto and Buddhist traditions, alongside numerous festivals such as the Hiroshima Flower Festival and the Saijo Sake Festival. Visitors are drawn to local cuisine, particularly okonomiyaki and oysters. The prefecture hosts major sporting events for teams like Sanfrecce Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Educational institutions include Hiroshima University and the Japan Coast Guard Academy, contributing to its cultural profile.

The population was recorded as 2,790,804 in 2021, though earlier data cites 2,811,410 in 2019. The economy relies on manufacturing, particularly automobiles, and tourism, with secondary and tertiary industries dominating production values. Access is provided via Hiroshima Airport and the Sanyo Shinkansen line from Tokyo. The climate is mild due to the Inland Sea, with warm summers and varying winter conditions in the northern mountains.