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How to travel between Hiroshima and Osaka

By shinkansen
Direct, 80 minutes, about 10,000 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) and Hiroshima (Hiroshima Station) are connected with each other by the JR Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi and Mizuho trains require about 80 minutes for the journey, while Sakura trains require a few minutes more.
The regular one way fare from Osaka to Hiroshima is 9,890 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, around 10,000 yen for a reserved seat on Sakura trains and around 10,500 yen for a reserved seat on a Nozomi or Mizuho train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura but not on Nozomi or Mizuho trains, while the JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and the JR Sanyo Sanin Pass are valid on all trains.

By highway bus
Direct, 6 hours, 3000-9000 yen one way, multiple daytime and overnight connections per day
Multiple companies, including Willer Express, operate daytime and overnight buses between Osaka and Hiroshima. The one way trip takes about six hours. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 3,000 and 9,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.

By local trains
2-3 transfers, 6 hours, 5720 yen one way
By local trains, the one way trip from Osaka to Hiroshima takes about six hours and typically involves about two or three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 5720 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.

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

Getting around

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, from where ferries depart to Miyajima. The fare for a single tram ride within central Hiroshima is a flat 190 yen. Outside the city center, the fare increases with distance traveled. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the trams.

The local Paspy IC card and other major IC cards, including Suica and Icoca, can be used to pay the fare on trams and buses in Hiroshima and on the ferries to Miyajima (both companies). On JR trains, the local Paspy card is not accepted, but the other major IC cards are.

Alternatively, a one-day pass for unlimited use of all trams on one calendar day is available for 700 yen. For an additional 200 yen, you get a one-day pass that also includes the ferry ride to Miyajima by Matsudai ferry (but not by JR ferry) and back. Holders of these one-day passes, furthermore, qualify for a discount on the Miyajima Ropeway (1350 yen instead of 1840 yen for a round trip ticket).

In addition to the tram network, there are the JR-operated Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Buses, called Meipuru-pu (combination of Maple and Loop), which serve all of central Hiroshima's major sightseeing attractions (see map above). There are three routes: the orange, green and lemon routes with 1-3 buses per hour each. The buses are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and several regional JR passes. Travelers without a rail pass pay 200 yen per ride or 400 yen for a 1-day pass.

Good walkers will also be able to cover the roughly three kilometers from Hiroshima Station via Shukkeien and Hiroshima Castle to the Peace Memorial Park on foot.

Hotels around Hiroshima

Recommended Hotels
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Its location adjacent to JR Hiroshima Station makes it a very convenient base.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Kurayado Iroha Hotel
Modern ryokan along the waterfront of Miyajima, just a short walk from Itsukushima Shrine.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel
Spacious four star hotel conveniently located next to JR Hiroshima Station
Book:
Agoda Booking