How to travel between Hiroshima and Tokyo

By shinkansen

0-1 transfer, 4-5 hours, about 18,000 yen one way, multiple connections per hour

Tokyo and Hiroshima are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Direct Nozomi trains require about four hours to reach Hiroshima from Tokyo. By Hikari and Sakura trains, the trip takes about five hours with a transfer of trains at Shin-Osaka Station.

The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Hiroshima is 17,540 yen by non-reserved seat on any train, around 18,000 yen by reserved seat on Hikari and Sakura trains and around 18,500 yen by reserved seat on a Nozomi train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Sakura trains, but not on Nozomi trains, and pays off for a round trip between the two cities within seven days.

By highway bus

Direct, 12 hours, 2,000 to 11,640 yen one way, multiple overnight connections per day

The one way trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima by overnight bus takes about 12 hours and costs around 11,600 yen. Fares by discount bus operators, such as Willer Express start around 7000 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen!

By air

2-3 transfers, 4 hours, 15,000 to 31,000 yen one way, multiple flights per day

JAL and ANA operate several flights per day between Hiroshima and Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The regular one way fare is around 31,000 yen, but discounts tickets can bring the cost down to around 15,000 to 17,000 yen. With an air pass you can make the journey for even less. Flight duration is 90 minutes. Hiroshima Airport is a 50 minute, 1300 yen bus ride outside of the city center.