Hiroshima Travel: Access, Orientation and Transportation

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 trains, the trip takes about five hours with one 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 trains and around 18,500 yen by reserved seat on a nozomi train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on hikari 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.

By local trains
6 transfers, 15 hours, 2,300 to 11,340 yen one way
By local trains, the one way trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima takes about 15 hours and typically involves about six transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 11,340 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2300 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.

Hiroshima has Japan's largest tram network, with eight tram lines connecting Hiroshima Station with most of the city's attractions. Tram line number 2 goes as far as Miyajima-guchi, where ferries depart to the island of Miyajima.

The fare for single tram rides within central Hiroshima (excluding the tram ride to Miyajima-guchi) is a flat 150 yen, which you pay when exiting the tram. If you have to transfer between lines, request a "transfer card" (norikae card) from the driver when exiting the first tram, and put it through the card reader when entering and exiting the second tram.

A one day card for unlimited use of trams on the entire network on one calendar day is available for 600 yen. For an additional 240 yen, you get a one day card that also includes the ferry ride to Miyajima. A two day card, which is valid on trams, the ferry and Miyajima Ropeway is available for 2000 yen.