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Standing on the platform at Hiroshima Station, you are at the gateway between the historic Chugoku region and the industrial heart of Kyushu. This journey crosses the Kanmon Strait and takes you from the poignant history of Hiroshima to the retro charm of Moji-ko and the bustling markets of Kokura. The distance looks long on a map, but the Sanyo Shinkansen turns the hop between islands into a ride shorter than a lunch break.
The route connects Hiroshima Station with Kokura Station, the main entry point for Kitakyushu. Whether you head south for a business meeting or to explore the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, this is one of the smoothest travel corridors in the country. Check availability and book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Hiroshima to Kitakyushu by Train
The Shinkansen is the way to travel between these cities. The train dives under the Kanmon Strait to leave Honshu for Kyushu. The Nozomi and Mizuho need 45 to 51 minutes from Hiroshima to Kokura, the Sakura 45 to 57 minutes, and the all-stations Kodama 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 36 minutes. In all, 88 trains a day stop at both stations, from 06:05 to 22:45.[1]
Standard Class Reserved
A reserved seat guarantees you a place on a specific train, which helps in the morning and evening rush. It costs 8,000 yen on the Nozomi and Mizuho and 7,470 yen on the Sakura, Hikari and Kodama (regular season).[2] During the 2026 peak periods all seats on the Nozomi are reserved.[3]
Standard Class Non-reserved
A non-reserved seat costs 7,140 yen.[4] You can board any train on your travel date and sit in a non-reserved car. Hiroshima is a major stop where many passengers get off, so finding a seat is usually easy.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Fare (JPY) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen (Reserved) | 7,470 - 8,000[2] | 45min - 1h 36min[1] |
| Shinkansen (Non-reserved) | 7,140[4] | 45min - 1h 36min[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Hiroshima to Kitakyushu
- Arrive at Kokura Station: The Shinkansen stop for Kitakyushu is Kokura Station. From there, local trains take you to other parts of the city such as Moji-ko or Yahata.
- Japan Rail Pass: The pass is not valid on the Nozomi and Mizuho. Take the Sakura, Hikari or Kodama.[5]
- Luggage Rules: Bags over 160 cm in total dimensions need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area.[6]
- Bento on Board: Standard Class has no food or drink sales on board.[7] Hiroshima Station sells a good selection of "Ekiben" (station lunch boxes); look for the ones with local oysters or anago (saltwater eel) for the quick ride to Kyushu.
Timetable
| Train Hiroshima - Kitakyushu $ 32.91–54.75 45m – 1h 37m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hiroshima to Kitakyushu, including current prices and schedules.
A non-reserved seat on the Shinkansen costs 7,140 yen. A reserved seat costs 7,470 yen on the Sakura, Hikari or Kodama and 8,000 yen on the Nozomi or Mizuho.
The Nozomi, Mizuho and Sakura reach Kokura in 45 to 57 minutes. The fastest runs take 45 minutes.
The journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 36 minutes. The Nozomi, Mizuho and Sakura take 45 to 57 minutes, while the Kodama stops everywhere and takes 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 36 minutes.
No, non-reserved seats are available and trains are frequent. A reservation is worth it in holiday periods like Golden Week or New Year, and in the 2026 peak periods every seat on the Nozomi is reserved.
Use Kokura Station, the Shinkansen stop for Kitakyushu. From there local trains connect to the rest of the city and the wider Kyushu region.
Yes, on the Sakura, Hikari and Kodama. Pass holders cannot use the Nozomi or Mizuho.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] West Japan Railway Company (JR-Odekake Net): Section timetable: Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, Tokyo to Kagoshima-Chuo. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service prices: reserved seat in ordinary cars. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [3] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): All seats on Nozomi trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen are reserved seats during the major peak periods. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [4] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service prices: non-reserved seat in ordinary cars. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [5] Japan Rail Pass (JR Group): Scope of validity. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [6] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Luggage information. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [7] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Shinkansen Perfect Guide: Tickets & Tips. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.