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Hiroshima and Kyoto are linked by the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen, The Nozomi stops at fewer stations and is the quickest, while the Hikari and Kodama stop more often.[1]
Hiroshima to Kyoto by Train
Adult fares between Kyoto and Hiroshima in the regular season are ¥11,100 for a reserved ordinary seat on the Hikari or Kodama, ¥11,740 on the Nozomi and ¥10,770 for a non-reserved ordinary seat.[2][3] A Green Car seat costs ¥14,760 on the Hikari or Kodama and ¥15,400 on the Nozomi.[4] Fares fall by ¥400 off-peak and rise by ¥400 at peak and ¥800 at super peak on routes crossing the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen.[2]
Reserved and Non-Reserved Seats
Hikari and Kodama offer reserved and non-reserved seats, and non-reserved cars can be crowded in peak periods. All Nozomi seats are reserved in peak periods.[5] Seats can be reserved up to 1 year ahead through Shinkansen Online Reservation.[5]
Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass covers the Hikari and Kodama on the Tokaido Shinkansen, but not the Nozomi. Pass holders can board the Nozomi with a special ticket bought before boarding.[6] When you travel on a Hikari or Kodama between Kyoto and Hiroshima you may sometimes need to change trains at an intermediate station.[6]
Comparing Your Options
| Seat | Train | Adult fare (regular season) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary, non-reserved | Hikari, Kodama | ¥10,770[3] |
| Ordinary, reserved | Hikari, Kodama | ¥11,100[2] |
| Ordinary, reserved | Nozomi | ¥11,740[2] |
| Green Car, reserved | Hikari, Kodama | ¥14,760[4] |
| Green Car, reserved | Nozomi | ¥15,400[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Hiroshima to Kyoto
- Reserve in peak periods: Around Golden Week, Obon and New Year, book your seat early because all Nozomi seats are reserved in peak periods.[5]
- Check your luggage: Baggage with total dimensions between 160 and 250 cm requires a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area at no extra charge. Without that reservation a ¥1,000 baggage fee applies.[7]
- Allow time in Kyoto Station: The station is large, so leave extra time to reach your connection.
Timetable
| Train Hiroshima - Kyoto $ 68.31–75.52 1h 35m – 2h 42m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hiroshima to Kyoto, including current prices and schedules.
A non-reserved ordinary seat is the cheapest at 10,770 yen for an adult in the regular season. A reserved seat on the Hikari or Kodama costs 11,100 yen.
The Nozomi is the quickest Shinkansen on this route because it stops at fewer stations than the Hikari and Kodama.
The time depends on the train type: the Nozomi stops at fewer stations and is quickest, while the Hikari and Kodama stop more often. Look up exact departure and arrival times in the operator's timetable.
Outside peak periods you can use a non-reserved seat on the Hikari or Kodama. In peak periods all Nozomi seats are reserved, so book early. Seats can be reserved up to 1 year ahead.
The pass covers the Hikari and Kodama but not the Nozomi. Pass holders can board the Nozomi with a special ticket bought before boarding.
Baggage with total dimensions between 160 and 250 cm requires a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area, at no extra charge. Without that reservation a 1,000 yen baggage fee applies.
Shinkansen trains arrive at Kyoto Station, the city's main transport hub.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Japan National Tourism Organization: Shinkansen (Bullet Train). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Non-Reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Green Cars). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] JR Central: All seats on Nozomi trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen are reserved during peak periods. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] JR Central: Special ticket for NOZOMI with JAPAN RAIL PASS. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [7] West Japan Railway Company: Oversized baggage on the Shinkansen. Retrieved October 15, 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.