The city of Hiroshima draws a great number of tourists, especially foreign ones, because of its past that has been documented and passed from generation to generation through history books. The city that had once been the site of devastation has now flourished into a modern city with a thriving economy fueled by the trade and industry and tourism.
Getting there, you can take the plane, the train, or the highway buses. Choose the best route and medium depending on your time and budget.
By Plane
If you are taking the plane, Hiroshima Airport in Mihara City will serve as your gateway to Hiroshima City. The airport is the largest in Chugoku region and serves select domestic and international flights. It connects Hiroshima to Tokyo, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Sendai. International direct flights are limited to China (Beijing/Dalian/Shanghai), Hong Kong, South Korea (Seoul), and Taiwan (Taipei).
By Train
For a hassle-free train transit and navigation, it is helpful to use Hyperdia, a web-based search application for Japan trains. Just indicate your destination and it will give you several route options. It will also show you the travel duration, the total fare and the breakdown, the platform number of your train, and the number of transfers if there’s any. You just need to have a good internet access.
Japan Rail Pass
The JR Pass will allow you to take unlimited rides within the JR network. It is best for long-distance train travel.
When is JR Pass worth it? If you are visiting multiple cities in Japan for a period of 7 days or longer. JR Pass covers shinkansen (high-speed bullet trains), which are very expensive. The JR Pass will allow you to take these speedy trains without worrying about the cost. It’s a great buy if you have a busy itinerary spanning multiple cities.
From Osaka
There are two ways you can travel from Osaka to Hiroshima. The fastest and direct route is by taking the Shinkansen; it is also the most expensive. The JR Sanyo Line will lead you to JR Hiroshima Station.
VIA JR SHINKANSEN
- From JR Shin-Osaka Station, board the JR Shinkansen train to Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hr 30 mins
Fare: ¥5,620 + Seat Fee
Seat Fee: ¥4,090 (unreserved); ¥4,410 (reserved, lean season); ¥8,200 (green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
Reminders:
- JR Shin-Osaka Station is located north of downtown Osaka.
- For JR Pass holder, you can only use it when riding the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura trains. The pass doesn’t work for Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
- From JR Osaka Station, board the JR Special Rapid Service train to JR Himeji Station.
- From JR Himeji Station, transfer to JR Sanyo Line to JR Aioi (Hyogo) Station.
- From JR Aioi (Hyogo) Station, transfer to another train on the JR Sanyo Line to JR Itozaki Station.
- From JR Itozaki Station, do final train transfer (still on the JR Sanyo Line) to JR Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hrs
Fare: ¥5,620
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: 3 (Himeji Station, Aioi Station, Itozaki Station)
From Kyoto
Like Osaka, there are two ways you can travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima — Shinkansen and local trains. The Shinkansen is the fastest and direct route; it is also the most expensive. The JR Sanyo Line and JR Tokaido Line connect JR Kyoto Station to JR Hiroshima Station.
VIA JR SHINKANSEN
- From JR Kyoto Station, board the JR Shinkansen train to Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hr 30 mins
Fare: ¥6,480 + Seat Fee
Seat Fee: ¥4,090 (unreserved); ¥4,730 (reserved, lean season); ¥8,520 (green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (Nozomi, direct) / 1 (Hikari/Sakura, Shin-Osaka Station)
Reminders:
- Nozomi trains offer a direct route to Hiroshima with no transfer.
- For JR Pass holder, you can only use it when riding the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura trains. The pass doesn’t work for Nozomi trains.
- For those taking the Hikari and Sakura trains, you need to make a transfer at JR Shin-Osaka Station to catch these trains.
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
- From JR Kyoto Station, board the JR Special Rapid Service train to JR Aioi (Hyogo) Station.
- From JR Aioi (Hyogo) Station, transfer to another train on the JR Sanyo Line to JR Okayama Station.
- From JR Okayama Station, do final train transfer (still on the JR Sanyo Line) to JR Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hrs
Fare: ¥6,480
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: 2 (Aioi Station, Okayama Station)
From Fukuoka
The JR Sanyo Shinkansen connects JR Hakata Station to JR Hiroshima Station.
VIA JR SHINKANSEN
- From JR Hakata Station, board the JR Shinkansen train to Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hr
Fare: ¥5,080 + Seat Fee
Seat Fee: ¥3,340 (unreserved); ¥3,660 (reserved, lean season); ¥7,450 (green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
Reminders:
- Nozomi trains offer a direct route to Hiroshima with no transfer.
- For JR Pass holder, you can only use it when riding the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura trains. The pass doesn’t work for Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
- The JR Sanyo Shinkansen is covered by JR Sanyo Sanin Pass and JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass.
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
- From JR Hakata Station, board the JR Kagoshima Line Section Rapid train to JR Kokura Station.
- From JR Kokura Station, transfer a train on the JR Sanyo Line to JR Shimonoseki Station.
- From JR Shimonoseki Station, transfer to another train on the JR Sanyo Line to JR Iwakuni Station.
- From JR Iwakuni Station, do final train transfer (still on the JR Sanyo Line) to JR Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hrs
Fare: ¥5,230
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: 3 (Kokura Station, Shimonoseki Station, Iwakuni Station)
From Nagoya
The fastest way to reach Hiroshima by train from Nagoya is to take the Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura)
VIA JR SHINKANSEN
- From Nagoya Station, take the Shinkansen train going to Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hrs 30 mins
Fare: ¥8,420
Seat Fee: ¥4,870 (unreserved seat); ¥5,390 (reserved seat); ¥10,170 (Green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (Nozomi, direct) / 1 (Hikari/Sakura, Shin-Osaka Station)
Reminders:
- The Nozomi is the fastest and offers the most direct route among the three.
- Kodama trains stop at every station. If you want to save money and not in a hurry, you can board this train.
- If you have a JR Pass, you can only use it when riding the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura trains. The pass doesn’t work for Nozomi and Mizuho trains. For those taking the Hikari and Sakura trains, you need to make a transfer at JR Shin-Osaka Station to catch these trains.
- Only get “reserved seat” if: you are pressed for time, you are traveling during rush hour (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM), you are traveling during peak seasons (December – January, Golden Week, Cherry Blossoms season, Mid-August).
- The next Shinkansen usually arrives 10 minutes after the departure of the previous one.
- Check the schedules and timetables for the first train and last train via Hyperdia or JR Central website (English).
VIA JR LOCAL TRAINS
If you want to take the local trains, it will take you about 13 hours and four to five train transfers to reach Hiroshima from Nagoya. The total fare is approximately ¥8,420. Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
From Tokyo
The fastest way to reach Hiroshima by train from Tokyo is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). The JR Sanyo Line and JR Tokaido Line connect JR Tokyo Station to JR Hiroshima Station.
- From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen train going to JR Hiroshima Station.
- Alight at JR Hiroshima Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 4 hrs
Fare: ¥11,660
Seat Fee: ¥6,380 (unreserved seat); ¥6,700 (reserved seat); ¥14,030 (Green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (Nozomi, direct) / 1 (Hikari/Sakura, Shin-Osaka Station)
Reminders:
- Nozomi trains offer a direct route to Hiroshima with no transfer; however, you cannot use your JR Pass on Nozomi trains. Only Hikari and Kodama accept JR Pass.
- Kodama trains stop at every station. If you are in a hurry, don’t board this train.
- If you have JR Pass, Hikari is the best option for you. For those taking the Hikari and Sakura trains, you need to make a transfer at JR Shin-Osaka Station to catch these trains.
- Only get “reserved seat” if: you are pressed for time, you are traveling during rush hour (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM), you are traveling during peak seasons (December – January, Golden Week, Cherry Blossoms season, Mid-August).
- The next Shinkansen usually arrives 10 minutes after the departure of the previous one.
- Check the schedules and timetables for the first train and last train via Hyperdia or JR Central website (English).
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
If you want to take the local trains, it will take you about 15 hours and six train transfers to reach Hiroshima from Tokyo. The total fare is approximately ¥11,660. Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
Tip:
Travel passes can help you save a lot of money on fares if used efficiently. Plan your route and itinerary carefully before you decide which travel pass to get. Learn more about the travel passes that cover Hiroshima and other nearby cities and tourist attractions here.
No idea how to board Japan trains and how to purchase tickets? Read it here.
By Bus
From Osaka
- JR EXPRESS BUS has a bus terminal at OCAT (Minato-machi) and JR Osaka Station. It stops at Hiroshima Bus Center and at JR Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Side), so transit between the two points is easy and direct.
Travel Time: 5 to 9 hours (depending on the bus type and traffic situation)
Fare: ¥3,100 to ¥9,000 (depending on bus and seat type: day or night bus; regular or express)
Where to purchase a ticket: Purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter or book online or via phone. Note: Online booking can be challenging, especially to those whose web browser can’t properly translate Japanese characters into English. You can check the phone number on the website. - WILLER EXPRESS buses bound for Hiroshima stop and pick up passengers at Osaka Umeda.
Willer Bus Terminal: Umeda Sky Bldg. Tower East 1F, 1-1-88, Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka, 531-6001
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hrs
Fare: From ¥3,400 to ¥9,500 (depending on the bus and the seat type)
Where to purchase a ticket: Willer Bus Terminal Osaka Umeda or book online through Willer Express and present your e-ticket upon boarding.
From Kyoto
- JR EXPRESS BUS has a bus stop at JR Kyoto Station. It stops at Hiroshima Bus Center and at JR Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Side), so transit between the two points is easy and direct.
Travel Time: 6 to 9 hours (depending on the bus type and traffic situation)
Fare: ¥3,400 to ¥8,800 (depending on the bus and seat type: day or night bus)
Where to purchase a ticket: Purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter or book online or via phone. Note: Online booking can be challenging, especially to those whose web browser can’t properly translate Japanese characters into English. You can check the phone number on the website. - WILLER EXPRESS has several bus stops on the south side/rear side of JR Kyoto Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hrs
Fare: ¥3,400 to ¥9,500 (depending on the bus and seat type: day or night bus)
Where to purchase a ticket: Book online through Willer Express and present your e-ticket upon boarding.
From Fukuoka
- JR EXPRESS BUS has bus stops at Hakata Bus Terminal. It stops at Hiroshima Bus Center and JR Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Side), so transit between the two points is easy and direct.
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hrs
Fare: ¥2,500 – ¥4,150
Where to purchase a ticket: Purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter or book online or via phone. Note: Online booking can be challenging, especially to those whose web browser can’t properly translate Japanese characters into English. You can check the phone number on the website.
From Nagoya
- JR EXPRESS BUS has bus stops at the Sakae (OASHIS21) and JR Nagoya Station (Shinkansen Side). It stops at Hiroshima Bus Center and JR Hiroshima Station, so transit between the two points is easy and direct.
Travel Time: Approximately 10 hrs
Fare: ¥7,000 – ¥9,000
Where to purchase a ticket: Purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter or book online or via phone. Note: Online booking can be challenging, especially to those whose web browser can’t properly translate Japanese characters into English. You can check the phone number on the website.
From Tokyo
There are two options for bus companies plying the Tokyo-Kyoto route: JR Night Bus and Willer Bus.
- JR EXPRESS BUS has bus stops at the JR Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. It stops at Hiroshima Bus Center and JR Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Side), so transit between the two points is easy and direct.
Travel Time: Approximately 12 hrs
Fare: ¥9,000 – ¥13,000
Where to purchase a ticket: Purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter or book online or via phone. Note: Online booking can be challenging, especially to those whose web browser can’t properly translate Japanese characters into English. You can check the phone number on the website. - WILLER EXPRESS terminates at West Shinjuku in Tokyo and Hiroshima University and Hiroshima Station south exit.
Travel Time: Approximately 12 hrs
Fare: ¥7,000 – ¥12,000 (depending on the bus and seat type)
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase the ticket at the bus terminal or book it online here.
Note:
For the highway/express buses (long-distance buses), you may also check Japan Bus Online for booking. It offers 138 routes all over Japan and covers 86 bus companies.
Reminder: Please follow train and bus rules and etiquette.
Hiroshima Essentials
 Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Hiroshima! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 5-Day Pass (KIX Pick Up) Explore Kansai and Hiroshima! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 ICOCA Card Easy access to train, subway and buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
Top Hiroshima Hotels
 Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Candeo Hotels Hiroshima Hatchobori ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Hiroshima Washington Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Hotel Granvia Hiroshima ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
