How to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima
@flickr/ Geoff Whalan
Both ends of Japan’s “Golden Route”, the capital city of Tokyo and the historic city of Hiroshima, are connected via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen that goes all the way down to Kyushu and will pass through Kyoto and Osaka. Both destinations, Hiroshima and Tokyo are iconic cities in Japan with unique offerings for visitors to engage with on their trip, rich in preserved history that seamlessly blends with modern urban cityscapes.
Hiroshima Station
How to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima with the Shinkansen bullet train
Travelers can book a ticket and take a direct trip to Hiroshima from Tokyo by the Nozomi Shinkansen, or ride the Hikari or Sakura Shinkansen out to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer. Directly to Hiroshima via the Nozomi will take about 4 hours, with other Shinkansen bullet train options taking about 5 hours.
To ride these Shinkansen bullet trains, riders can book tickets and will board from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. Getting off at Hiroshima Station puts travelers right in the center of the historic city. Between Tokyo and Hiroshima, there are around 676 kilometers (420 miles).
For individual tickets with reserved seats it costs 19,760 yen to book the more quick and convenient Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train that goes straight to Hiroshima. For JR Pass users, these trains can be ridden; however, it will entail an additional surcharge of 6,500 yen. All other Shinkansen bullet trains are fully covered by the JR Pass, including reservations, but be aware of the special oversized baggage rules that may apply to some travelers. More information can be found later in this article.
Different types of Shinkansen bullet trains available on this itinerary:
| Nozomi Shinkansen Bullet Train | Hikari Shinkansen Bullet Train | Sakura Shinkansen Bullet Train |
*NOTE: All Shinkansen bullet trains on the Tokaido-Sanyo Line are accessible with the JR Pass; however, an additional fee of 6,500 yen is required to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
Reserve Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Hiroshima!
Reserving seats on the Shinkansen
Individual ticket holders and holders of JR Passes can book seats in advance of boarding on Shinkansen bullet trains. Since many Shinkansen bullet trains contain non-reserved cars with seats that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are not always necessary for these trains. Usually, these are automobile numbers 1-4.
Though many people use the Shinkansen bullet train services during these times, there are some trains where all cars require a reservation. At the same time, we strongly advise all travelers to make every effort to purchase tickets with a reservation during peak travel periods in Japan, such as the spring and during the New Year's season. A reserved seat is an extra expense when buying a single ticket, although JR Pass holders are exempt from this fee.
Oversized baggage on the Shinkansen
There are several standards that must be fulfilled in order for passengers with significant baggage to board the bullet train. As mandated by Japan Railway, luggage over 160 cm in total length, width, and height must be checked into the special large baggage area at the rear of the train car. Owners of such luggage are also required to book seats close to this area. Please take note that no luggage over 250 cm in total size is permitted on the Shinkansen.
Baby carriages, musical instruments in cases, and sports equipment (bikes, snowboards, etc.) in cases are among the items that are exempt from these luggage regulations.
Dimensions for luggage on the Shinkansen bullet train
Exploring Tokyo
Before the Meiji Restoration, Edo was the name of the capital city of Japan, which is now named Tokyo. Its diverse and rich culture is a fitting reflection of the fact that it is currently the world's most populous city. This urban hub offers something for everyone, with bustling activity concentrated in its more central locations and more tranquil, laid-back areas dispersed throughout.
Akihabara and Nakano will feel like second homes to fans of anime and Japanese popular culture. Roppongi offers plenty of activities for those seeking a night on the town. Trendy areas such as Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa offer a glimpse into the tastes of Tokyo's hipsters, and Ginza and Higashi Azabu are definitely must-visits for anybody looking to spend a day indulging in upscale dining and shopping.
Tokyo's vast public transit system, which makes getting around the city easy, is one of the city's main attractions. This is especially true for people who have a JR Pass, which grants them unrestricted access to all JR lines both inside and outside of Tokyo. The Shinkansen Bullet Train stops at and departs from Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, and Ueno Station.
To head out, Hiroshima Station, Tokyo Station, and Shinagawa Station will be the points of departure. Both of these stations are in well-populated, dense areas of central Tokyo but have fairly different atmospheres, the former being more commercial while the latter being home to a number of corporate offices, though there is stuff to enjoy in both areas.
Tokyo, Japan
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Exploring Hiroshima
A city forever documented in the history books, Hiroshima, the capital city of the prefecture of the same name, has developed into the current century as a city that fully embraces its ancient and recent past in order to become a symbol of progression, peace, and culture. Those with an appreciation for history, food, and seaside scenery will find no shortage of things to do in Hiroshima.
As the site of the first atomic bomb attack, Hiroshima has a number of famous attractions that have been erected and maintained to commemorate the event as well as the victims of the attack. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is home to a number of these memorials, including the “A-Bomb Dome,” a domed structure that was the only standing building found within the blast radius. The building has been largely maintained since that day, with damage to the upper portion still visible, as if frozen in time.
Actually largely deriving itself from the time after the atomic attack and the Second World War, Hiroshima’s rich food culture is another big attraction for visitors. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (a savory cooked batter dish with various mix-ins) has some key differences compared to its equally-famous Osaka-style counterpart, largely in its layered construction and the addition of soba noodles on the bottom. This recipe was largely developed to work with the lack of ingredients after the war but has now evolved into a local delicacy appreciated by residents of Hiroshima and visitors to the city alike.
Among the other famous Hiroshima dishes are the fresh, meaty oysters and anago (sea eel) cultivated in the rich waters around the city. A trip out to Hiroshima is one to satisfy any food-passionate traveler!
Off the coast of Hiroshima, there are a few gems worth going out to visit. One of the most iconic views in all of Hiroshima is that of Miyajima Shrine, famous for its “floating” torii gate that peaks out of the water during high tide and is especially beautiful during sunset. The main event, though, is the shrine itself, which dates back centuries and is considered a world-heritage site. A bit further out, animal lovers will adore Okunoshima, an island that is home to around 1,000 wild rabbits that roam around. There are a number of facilities on the island, including a cafe and hotel for overnight visits.
Going out to Hiroshima from Tokyo Station entails taking the Tokaido-Shinkansen out to Hiroshima Station. This journey takes a little under 4 hours to about 4.5 hours, depending on the Shinkansen being ridden. For a relatively longer journey, rest assured you’ll be entertained with on-board wifi, ample leg room, and the option to purchase a high-quality “eki-ben” (specialized bento box for long-distance train travel) to indulge in as you enjoy the scenery passing by.
Hiroshima, Japan
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A symbol of peace, progress, and culture
The crown jewel of the Chugoku region, Hiroshima stands as an essential destination for travelers to Japan looking to commemorate the site of one of the most impactful events of the last century while simultaneously witnessing a lively city with a distinct set of locals. The trip to Hiroshima from Tokyo is quick and easy via the Shinkansen bullet train. Book your Shinkansen bullet train ticket between these two iconic cities in Japan below!
