Hiroshima, a city with deep historical significance, is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Miyajima Island. Located 800 km (500 miles) southwest of Tokyo, Hiroshima is accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train), flight, bus, or car. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima:
- By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The fastest and most comfortable land option.
- By Flight: The quickest overall choice.
- By Bus: The cheapest but slowest alternative.
- By Car: The most flexible but impractical for short trips.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
Timetable
| Flight Tokyo - Hiroshima ¥ 14,982–75,170 1h 20m – 1d 4h 28m | |
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By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Fastest and Most Comfortable Land Option
Taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Hiroshima is the most efficient way to travel overland, combining speed with comfort.
Key Details:
- Departure Station: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.
- Arrival Station: Hiroshima Station.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on train type.
- Price: 18,380 JPY (Unreserved Seat) – 19,440 JPY (Reserved Seat) (~$120–$130 USD).
- Shinkansen Types:
- Nozomi (Fastest – 4 hours, not covered by JR Pass).
- Sakura (Mid-speed – 4.5 hours, covered by JR Pass).
- Hikari + Sakura Combination (For JR Pass holders – 5 hours).
- Departure Frequency: Multiple trains per hour from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Pros:
- Fast and comfortable with spacious seating.
- Direct access from central Tokyo.
- Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) covers Sakura and Hikari trains.
Cons:
- Nozomi Shinkansen is not covered by JR Pass.
- More expensive than flights if traveling without a JR Pass.
Booking Tip:
For fastest travel, take the Nozomi (4 hours). For JR Pass users, use Hikari + Sakura (5 hours). Use our online search form to check train schedules and secure your ticket.
By Flight: The Quickest Overall Choice
Flying from Tokyo to Hiroshima is the fastest option, especially for those near the airport.
Key Details:
- Departure Airports:
- Haneda Airport (HND) – More flights, closer to Tokyo center.
- Narita Airport (NRT) – Fewer flights, longer transfer time.
- Arrival Airport: Hiroshima Airport (HIJ).
- Duration: 1.5 hours (flight) + 1 hour airport transfer.
- Price: 7,000–18,000 JPY (~$45–$120 USD), depending on the airline and booking time.
- Airlines:
- ANA (All Nippon Airways) (full-service).
- JAL (Japan Airlines) (full-service).
- Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan (budget airlines).
- Flight Frequency: Multiple flights daily from morning to evening.
Airport Transfer from Hiroshima Airport to City Center
- Limousine Bus: 50 minutes,
1,340 JPY ($10 USD). - Taxi: 45 minutes,
15,000 JPY ($100 USD).
Pros:
- Fastest total travel time (~3 hours including transfers).
- Often cheaper than the Shinkansen for early bookings.
Cons:
- Hiroshima Airport is far from the city center.
- Baggage fees apply on budget airlines.
Booking Tip:
For the best fares, book flights at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Use our online search form to compare flight options and secure your tickets.
By Bus: The Cheapest but Slowest Alternative
For budget-conscious travelers, taking an overnight highway bus from Tokyo to Hiroshima is the cheapest way to travel, though it takes significantly longer than flying or taking the Shinkansen.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Tokyo Station.
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.
- Arrival Point: Hiroshima Bus Center or Hiroshima Station.
- Duration: 12 to 14 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
- Price: 5,000–12,000 JPY (~$35–$85 USD).
- Bus Operators:
- Willer Express (budget option).
- JR Bus (more comfortable).
- Kintetsu Bus (mid-range).
- Bus Types:
- Standard Seats (Cheapest, less comfortable).
- Premium Seats (Reclining, blankets, more space).
- Departure Frequency: Several buses daily, including overnight options.
Pros:
- Cheapest travel option (~5,000 JPY for advance bookings).
- Overnight buses save on accommodation costs.
Cons:
- Takes much longer than flights or the Shinkansen.
- Seats may be uncomfortable for very tall passengers.
Booking Tip:
For best comfort, choose a VIP sleeper or premium bus. Use our online search form to compare schedules and book your ticket.
By Car: The Most Flexible but Impractical Choice
For travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility, renting a car from Tokyo to Hiroshima is possible but not recommended for short trips.
Key Details:
- Route: Tokyo → Hiroshima via Tōmei Expressway & Sanyō Expressway.
- Distance: 800 km (500 miles).
- Duration: 12 to 14 hours, depending on stops.
- Toll Fees:
15,000 JPY ($100 USD). - Gasoline Cost:
12,000 JPY ($80 USD). - Car Rental Price: 8,000–15,000 JPY per day (~$55–$100 USD).
- Rental Car Companies:
- Toyota Rent-a-Car.
- Nippon Rent-a-Car.
- Times Car Rental.
Pros:
- Flexible for sightseeing stops along the way.
- Ideal for road-trip enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Very long drive (over 12 hours).
- Expensive toll fees and fuel costs.
- Highway rest stops may have limited food options at night.
Booking Tip:
For better rates, book your rental car in advance using our online search form.
Final Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima
- Best Option for Speed: Flight (1.5 hours, from 7,000 JPY).
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Bus (~5,000 JPY, 12+ hours).
- Best Option for Comfort & Convenience: Shinkansen (~19,000 JPY, 4+ hours).
- Book Early for Peak Season: Trains and flights sell out quickly during holidays and cherry blossom season.
