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Leaving the neon-soaked skyline of Tokyo for the profound history and coastal charm of Hiroshima is a rite of passage for many travelers in Japan. While Tokyo represents the country's relentless forward momentum, Hiroshima offers a more reflective pace, famous for its Peace Memorial Park and the iconic floating torii gate of nearby Miyajima. You can cross Honshu island on the world-famous Shinkansen or take a short flight.
The choice between the rails and the skies often comes down to where you are staying. If you are based near Tokyo Station or Ginza, the train is almost unbeatable for convenience. If you are closer to Haneda Airport, the flight is a competitive alternative.
Tokyo to Hiroshima by Train
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is the most iconic way to cross Japan. From Tokyo to Hiroshima you ride the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, and you arrive directly at Hiroshima Station, which connects to the city's streetcar network. Heading west, Sagami Bay is on the left and Mount Fuji on the right, so sit on the right-hand side on a clear day.[1] Seat E is the best window seat for Fuji in Standard Class.[2]
A reserved seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs ¥18,710 one way in the regular season (fares as of April 2025), and Nozomi costs a little more.[3] The Nozomi takes about 4 hours from Tokyo to Hiroshima.[4] You can book your Shinkansen tickets on GoAsia.cc to make sure you have a reserved seat on this popular route.
The Onboard Experience
Standard class seats are arranged two plus three across the car, and window seats and the first and last rows of each car have power outlets.[5] Standard class has no food and drink sales on board, so part of the ritual is picking out a beautiful ekiben (station bento box) at Tokyo Station before you board.[2]
Tokyo to Hiroshima by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to cover the distance. ANA and JAL fly from Haneda Airport (HND) to Hiroshima Airport about 15 times a day between 06:45 and 19:55, and the flight takes 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.[6] Fares vary with how early you book and the time of day. Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita.
When you compare, count the time around the flight too: the trip to Haneda, security, and the ride from the airport into the city. Hiroshima Airport lies outside the city, and the limousine bus to Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Gate takes 45 to 50 minutes and costs ¥1,500.[7] For many travelers that makes the total travel time roughly equal to the bullet train.
When to Choose Flying
Flying makes sense if you find a fare below the Shinkansen price, or if you are connecting from an international flight at Haneda. ANA and JAL both serve the route, so you can compare schedules and fares.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Shinkansen) | ¥18,710 reserved seat, Hikari/Kodama[3] | About 4h by Nozomi[4] | High |
| Flight (Economy) | Varies by booking date | 1h 25min - 1h 35min[6] | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima
- Book Flights Early: Train prices stay fixed, while flight prices change with the booking date and time of day. Booking a few weeks out gives you more choice.
- The Luggage Rule: Bags up to 160 cm in total dimensions go on the racks or at your feet without a reservation. Bags of 161 to 250 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area, at no extra cost.[8]
- Japan Rail Pass: The pass is not valid on Nozomi and Mizuho,[9] but pass holders can buy a Nozomi/Mizuho ticket for ¥6,500 from Tokyo to Hiroshima.[10]
- Bento at the Station: Tokyo Station has a big selection of ekiben. Buy a meal and a drink before boarding the bullet train.
- Miyajima Side Trip: If you arrive in Hiroshima in the early afternoon, head straight to Miyajima. The JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi takes 26 minutes, then a ferry takes 10 minutes.[11]
- Getting Around Hiroshima: Streetcar lines 2 and 6 run from Hiroshima Station to Genbaku Dome-mae in about 25 minutes,[12] and the flat fare is ¥240.[13]
Timetable
| Flight Tokyo - Hiroshima $ 48.23–261.41 1h 15m – 1h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Tokyo to Hiroshima, including current prices and schedules.
Fares by air vary with the booking date and can come in below or above the train. The Shinkansen is the predictable choice, with a reserved seat on a Hikari or Kodama at ¥18,710 in the regular season. Add the cost of getting to and from the airports when you compare.
The plane has the shortest flight time at 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes. Once you add the trip to Haneda, security and the 45 to 50 minute bus from Hiroshima Airport, the total is similar to the Nozomi Shinkansen, which takes about 4 hours.
By Nozomi Shinkansen the journey takes about 4 hours. By plane the flight takes 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes, and the total from city center to city center is closer to the train time.
It can be if you are continuing to other cities like Osaka or Fukuoka. The pass does not cover the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains, and pass holders pay ¥6,500 extra for a Nozomi/Mizuho ticket from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
Use Haneda Airport (HND). ANA and JAL fly to Hiroshima from there, and Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita.
Yes, on a clear day. Heading west from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is on the right-hand side of the train, and Seat E in Standard Class gives the best view.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): MOUNT FUJI: like you have never seen. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Shinkansen Perfect Guide: Golden Route with the Shinkansen. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [3] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars).
- [4] Fukuyama City: FUKUYAMA (city brochure, access by Shinkansen). Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [5] West Japan Railway Company: Interior Design - TOKAIDO-SANYO SHINKANSEN. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [6] Hiroshima Airport: Schedules for Regular Domestic Flights (Tokyo, from 25 October 2026).
- [7] Hiroshima Airport: Public Transportation Timetables. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [8] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Luggage information. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [9] JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group): Scope of validity. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- [10] JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group): Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [11] The Official Guide to Hiroshima: About Miyajima. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [12] Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Access. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- [13] Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden): Streetcar Fares. 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.