How to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Adventure & Exploration · Japan · Scenic Journeys (Road & Rail) · Hiroshima · Kyoto · Osaka · Tokyo

Tokyo to Hiroshima is a classic Japan route. Your main choices are the ultra-fast Shinkansen (bullet train), frequent domestic flights (Haneda/Narita → Hiroshima Airport) plus a quick rail/bus into town, budget-friendly overnight highway buses, or a self-drive/charter if you want door-to-door flexibility. Below are the best routes, how to book, and step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Tokyo to Hiroshima)

Mode Duration Best For
🚄 Shinkansen (Nozomi / Hikari+Sakura) ~4h (Nozomi, 1-seat) • ~4.5–5h (JR Pass route) Fast, comfy, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 18,000–22,000 one-way (class/date) » compare trains | JR e-tickets via SmartEX (official)
✈️ Flight (HND/NRT → HIJ) + Rail/Bus ~1h35 flight + ~45–70m airport→city Early/late departures, flight deals
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 10,000–25,000+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Overnight Highway Bus ~11–13h (overnight) Lowest cost, save a hotel night
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 6,000–12,000 one-way » compare buses
🚘 Self-Drive / 🚐 Private Car/Charter ~9–11h driving (via Tōmei/Meishin/Sanyō) Door-to-door, scenic stops en route
🏷️ Cost: Rental ~JPY 7,000–12,000/day + tolls/fuel » compare rentals | Charter from ~JPY 120,000+ » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest & most comfortable: Shinkansen—Tokyo/Shinagawa → Hiroshima direct (Nozomi) or JR Pass-friendly (Hikari to Shin-Osaka + Sakura).
  • Best flight deals or late-night arrivals: Fly HND/NRT → HIJ, then train/bus to central Hiroshima.
  • Cheapest without rail pass: Overnight highway bus—sleep en route and arrive downtown.
  • Door-to-door flexibility: Self-drive or private car (add Kyoto/Osaka stopovers).

How to Book and Practical Tips

🚄 Option #1 — Shinkansen Bullet Train (Fast, City-Center to City-Center)

Fastest total time Frequent departures JR Pass-friendly (Hikari+Sakura)

  • Overview: From Tokyo Station or Shinagawa, ride a Nozomi (~4h, 1-seat) to Hiroshima. JR Pass users: take Hikari to Shin-Osaka, transfer to Sakura (~4.5–5h total).
  • How to book (with price): Reserved seats ~JPY 18,000–22,000 depending on class/date. Book official e-tickets on SmartEX or compare on 12Go (Japan trains). JR Pass info: Japan Rail Pass (official) or retailers like Klook.
  • Pros: Smooth, punctual, power outlets on newer sets, arrives at Hiroshima Station. Cons: Peak hours can sell out—reserve early.

Step-by-step: Shinkansen

  1. Reach your departure station: use JR/metro or taxi to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa (ride-hail/meet-and-greet via Welcome Pickups if you prefer).
  2. Buy or redeem your ticket: e-tickets on SmartEX or reserve at JR Ticket Office. JR Pass users can reserve seats without extra cost on the permitted trains.
  3. Board the Nozomi to Hiroshima (or Hikari → transfer at Shin-Osaka → Sakura to Hiroshima).
  4. Arrive at Hiroshima Station; take tram/bus/taxi to your hotel or the Peace Memorial area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tokyo/Shinagawa → Hiroshima)

  • Tokyo Station: Multiple JR/metro lines; clear Shinkansen signs.
  • Shinagawa: Smaller, faster platform access if you’re staying south of central Tokyo.
  • Hiroshima Station: Streetcar lines for the city center; taxis out front.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (HND/NRT → HIJ) + Rail/Bus (Often Cheapest Late)

Many daily flights Good late-night options Airport transfer needed

  • Overview: Fly from Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ). Continue 45–70 minutes by the airport limousine bus or rail+bus to central Hiroshima.
  • How to book (with price): From ~JPY 10,000–25,000+ each way. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Airport info: Hiroshima Airport (official).
  • Pros: Quick air time; great if you’re near Haneda. Cons: Transfers add time vs. Shinkansen city-center arrivals.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Get to Haneda or Narita by rail/limousine bus or taxi (meet-and-greet available via Welcome Pickups Tokyo).
  2. Compare and book your ticket on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online.
  3. Land at HIJ; follow signs for the limousine bus into Hiroshima Station/central city (or rail+bus if timing fits).
  4. From Hiroshima Station, tram/taxi to your hotel or sights (Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima ferry later).

Getting to the main embarking points (HND/NRT & HIJ)

  • Tokyo airports: Haneda is closer to central Tokyo; Narita has more international connections.
  • Hiroshima Airport: Direct buses meet flights; travel time and stops are posted at the terminal.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Overnight Highway Bus (Budget)

Low cost Sleeper-style seats Longest travel time

  • Overview: Night buses depart from Tokyo (e.g., Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, Tokyo Station Yaesu) to Hiroshima (e.g., Hiroshima Bus Center, Hiroshima Station). Options range from 3-row premium to economy.
  • How to book (with price): ~JPY 6,000–12,000 one-way. Compare departures and seat types on 12Go (buses) or browse on Trip.com activities for curated choices.
  • Pros: Cheapest; arrives downtown; saves hotel night. Cons: Less rest than a bed; arrivals vary with traffic.

Step-by-step: Highway Bus

  1. Choose your terminal: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (“Busta Shinjuku”) or Tokyo Station Yaesu based on where you stay.
  2. Book your preferred seat type on 12Go; arrive 20–30 minutes early for check-in/boarding.
  3. Overnight ride with scheduled rest stops; carry a jacket/eye mask for comfort.
  4. Arrive at Hiroshima Bus Center or Hiroshima Station; use tram/taxi to reach your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tokyo bus terminals & Hiroshima)

  • Shinjuku (Busta): Directly above JR Shinjuku Station (South Gate); great for western Tokyo stays.
  • Tokyo Station Yaesu: Convenient if you’re near Marunouchi/Ginza.
  • Hiroshima Bus Center: In Sogo building near Peace Boulevard; central location.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Road Trip via Nagoya & Osaka)

Door-to-door Scenic/stopovers Tolls & fatigue

  • Overview: Take Tōmei/Meishin/Sanyō Expressways west via Nagoya and Osaka to Hiroshima. Best as a multi-day road trip with Kyoto/Osaka stopovers.
  • How to book (with price): Rentals from ~JPY 7,000–12,000/day (compact) + tolls and fuel. Compare at Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. For driver service, get quotes on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Flexible timing, trunk space for luggage. Cons: Tolls (ETC), urban traffic, parking fees in cities.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in Tokyo (airport or city); ensure ETC toll card option and English GPS/maps.
  2. Set your route via Nagoya and Osaka toward Hiroshima; plan fuel/meal stops every 2–3 hours.
  3. Aim to arrive before dark; return the car downtown or at your Hiroshima hotel if your rental allows.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & route)

  • Tokyo pickup: Major brands around Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and airports (HND/NRT).
  • Hiroshima return: Many central branches around Hiroshima Station; check one-way fees.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Comfort)

Hassle-free Great with family/gear Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver picks you up at your Tokyo address and delivers you directly to your Hiroshima hotel—with optional stopovers.
  • How to book (with price): Quotes typically from JPY 120,000+ depending on vehicle/hours. Compare on GetTransfer. For local runs and station/airport links, consider Welcome Pickups Tokyo.
  • Pros: Zero transfers, spacious vehicles, child seats on request. Cons: Costly vs. train/bus.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Charter

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and preferred departure time on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, parking, waiting time) and vehicle size for your luggage.
  3. Share your live location on pickup day; enjoy door-to-door travel with rest stops as needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

  • Pickup: Any Tokyo hotel/home/airport; drivers track your flight if needed.
  • Drop: Hiroshima hotels near Station or Peace Memorial area.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Tokyo to Hiroshima)

Is the Shinkansen covered by the JR Pass?
Yes—use Hikari to Shin-Osaka then Sakura to Hiroshima (Nozomi typically requires a supplement or is excluded under classic terms).

How far is Hiroshima Airport from the city?
About 45–70 minutes by airport limousine bus (or rail+bus combo, timing-dependent).

Which Tokyo station is better for me?
Tokyo Station is central with many lines; Shinagawa is smaller and quicker to navigate if you’re staying south of the center.

Can I store luggage before check-in?
Yes—coin lockers at major stations and third-party options like Radical Storage Tokyo and Radical Storage Hiroshima.

Is driving practical?
Possible, but tolls and urban traffic make rail faster. Driving makes sense only if you want stopovers and lots of luggage.

What should I book in advance?
Shinkansen seats for weekends/holidays, overnight buses, and popular tours like Miyajima/Itsukushima Shrine on GetYourGuide or Klook.

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