How to Get from Hiroshima to Tokyo
Hiroshima to Tokyo by Nozomi in 3 hours 43 minutes or by flight in 1 hour 20. Compare fares, times and tips for the Shinkansen and Haneda flights.
Contents
Leaving the moving memorials and peaceful Miyajima Island of Hiroshima for the neon-lit energy of Tokyo takes you across the heart of Honshu. This route links the historic Chugoku region with the biggest metropolis in the country, and it is one of the most iconic long-distance hops in Japan: you can cross the countryside by bullet train or fly over the Japanese Alps.
The choice between rails and skies is the classic Japanese dilemma. The flight is shorter on paper, but the Shinkansen takes you from station to station in the middle of both cities and skips the airport transfers.
Hiroshima to Tokyo by Train
The Nozomi runs directly from Hiroshima to Tokyo on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines, with departures from about 06:00 to 20:00. The ride takes 3 hours 43 minutes to 4 hours. The early Hikari that runs through takes 5 hours 22 minutes.[1]
A Standard Class seat with a reservation costs 19,560 yen on the Nozomi and 18,710 yen on the Hikari. A non-reserved seat costs 18,380 yen (regular season).[2][3] Green Class on the Nozomi costs 26,820 yen.[4] The Japan Rail Pass does not cover the Nozomi; pass holders buy a Nozomi/Mizuho supplement for 6,500 yen between Tokyo and Hiroshima, or take other trains.[5]
From Hiroshima Station the train glides past Okayama, Shin-Osaka and Nagoya. On a clear day Mount Fuji appears on the left side as you head toward Tokyo; take Seat E in Standard Class or Seat D in Green Class for the best view.[6] Book your Shinkansen tickets on GoAsia.cc to get a reserved seat on this popular route.
Standard Class Experience
Reserved seats go on sale from 10:00 a month before departure.[7] Standard Class has no food or drink sales on board, so buy a bento at the station before you leave. Green Class passengers on the Nozomi and Hikari can order snacks and drinks by smartphone.[6] Luggage up to 160 cm (length plus width plus height) goes on the racks or at your feet. Bags of 161 to 250 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area at no extra charge.[8]
Hiroshima to Tokyo by Flight
ANA and JAL fly from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Haneda (HND) about 15 times a day, from 07:35 to 20:40. The flight takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.[9] Fares change with the date and airline, so compare them on the airline websites. Haneda is 30 minutes from Tokyo Station by monorail and JR line, while Narita is 60 minutes away by Narita Express.[10]
Hiroshima Airport is not on a rail line. The limousine bus from Hiroshima Station takes 45 to 50 minutes and costs 1,500 yen.[11] Add that to the airport check-in and the trip into central Tokyo and the plane loses much of its time advantage.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Departures |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Nozomi) | 3h 43min - 4h 00min[1] | About 06:00 to 20:00[1] |
| Flight (Haneda) | 1h 15min - 1h 25min[9] | About 15 a day[9] |
Tips for Traveling from Hiroshima to Tokyo
- Buy an Ekiben: Before boarding at Hiroshima Station, visit the bento stalls. Hiroshima is famous for its oysters and anago (saltwater eel), and you can find lunch boxes built around both.
- Mount Fuji Views: Ask for Seat E in Standard Class or Seat D in Green Class.[6]
- Airport Transfers: If you fly, allow 45 to 50 minutes for the bus from Hiroshima Station to the airport.[11]
- Luggage Rules: Bags over 160 cm in total dimensions need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area.[8]
- Book Ahead: In the 2026 peak periods all seats on the Nozomi are reserved, so book early for Golden Week, Obon and New Year.[7]
Timetable
| Flight Hiroshima - Tokyo $ 110.07–165.38 1h 15m – 1h 25m | |
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| Train Hiroshima - Tokyo $ 116.25–121.26 3h 43m – 5h 22m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hiroshima to Tokyo, including current prices and schedules.
A non-reserved seat on the Shinkansen costs 18,380 yen in the regular season. Airfares change with the date and airline, so compare ANA and JAL for your day. Remember the 1,500 yen bus to Hiroshima Airport and the transfer from Haneda when you add up the total.
In the air the flight is fastest at 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes. Door to door, the Nozomi (3 hours 43 minutes to 4 hours from station to station) closes the gap, because the bus to Hiroshima Airport takes 45 to 50 minutes on its own.
The Nozomi takes 3 hours 43 minutes to 4 hours. A flight takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, not counting the trip to the airport and security.
The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Nozomi, the train that runs directly. Pass holders can buy a Nozomi/Mizuho ticket for 6,500 yen between Tokyo and Hiroshima, or ride the Hikari, Sakura and Kodama trains, which may need a change on the way.
Flights from Hiroshima land at Haneda. Haneda is 30 minutes from Tokyo Station by monorail and JR line; from Narita the Narita Express takes 60 minutes.
Yes, but buy your food before you board. Standard Class has no food or drink sales on board. Eating on the train is normal, and Hiroshima Station sells plenty of bento boxes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] West Japan Railway Company (JR-Odekake Net): Line timetable Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen inbound (Kagoshima-Chuo to Tokyo). 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] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service prices: non-reserved seat in ordinary cars. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [4] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service prices: Green Cars. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [5] Japan Rail Pass (JR Group): Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [6] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Shinkansen Perfect Guide: Tickets & Tips. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [7] 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.
- [8] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Luggage information. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [9] Hiroshima Airport: Regular domestic flight schedule: Tokyo (Schedule from Oct.25,2026 through Jan.31,2027). Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [10] Hamamatsu Tourism and Convention Bureau (Through Hamamatsu, Meet Japan): Getting to Hamamatsu City. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [11] Hiroshima Airport: Public Transportation Timetables. 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.