Hiroshima to Tokyo Bullet Train Facts

Ticket Price Range:
200-230 USD
Distance by Train:
816 km (507 mi)
Travel Time:
≈ 4 hours​
Daily Departures:
29

Hiroshima to Tokyo Train Timetable

Hiroshima to Tokyo Shinkansen: The Return Journey Made Easy

The Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines connect Hiroshima Station and Tokyo Station across 816 km (507 miles) in approximately 4 hours — with up to 29 daily departures. The Shinkansen is the fastest way to make this journey — faster than flying when you factor in flight time and airport transfers, and far more comfortable than overnight bus alternatives. Nozomi trains are the fastest option, completing the trip in just under 4 hours with minimal stops.

The Nozomi Shinkansen runs directly from the departure station at Hiroshima through Shin-Osaka, then continues on the Tokaido Shinkansen to arrive at Tokyo — no transfer required. The Hikari Shinkansen also covers this corridor but requires a transfer at Shin-Osaka, adding time to the journey. Take the Hikari Shinkansen and transfer at Shin-Osaka to continue to Tokyo — both legs are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Nozomi trains are the fastest and most popular choice for this route; nozomi is the fastest Shinkansen service available. The last bullet train from Hiroshima departs at approximately 20:00 — plan your Tokyo to Hiroshima sightseeing accordingly.

The route serves major stations including Shin-Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya before arriving in Tokyo — easy stopovers if you want to break the journey. Mount Fuji is visible from the left side heading east, approximately 40–50 minutes before arriving at Tokyo.

Shinkansen Tickets from Hiroshima to Tokyo: Prices & Booking

Train tickets from Hiroshima to Tokyo start from around ¥18,830 (approximately $125–130 USD) for an Ordinary Car reserved seat. Green Car tickets cost approximately ¥24,000–25,000 one way. Ticket prices are fixed by JR — no early-bird discounts on standard fares. Buy tickets online through Rail Ninja — the easiest option for international visitors. Search your route, select your departure and pay in your currency. You receive QR code tickets by email; collect paper tickets or use QR code tickets at any JR station. Buy Shinkansen tickets up to one month before departure through JR directly, or earlier through Rail Ninja.
Train tickets in advance are strongly recommended — especially during Golden Week, Obon and New Year when trains sell out weeks ahead. A jr ticket booked in advance guarantees your seat and removes all uncertainty for a long-distance journey. For Japan travel planning, booking early is always the wisest approach on popular routes.

The Japan Rail Pass covers the Hikari Shinkansen at no additional fare. Pass holders should take the Hikari from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka, then transfer onto the Tokaido Shinkansen service to Tokyo — both legs covered by the rail pass. For a single journey, individual tickets purchased online through Rail Ninja are more straightforward.

Try the new Rail Ninja App today
Get our free app to book & manage your trips on the go
App image
Reserved Seats, Non-Reserved and Travel Classes
All Shinkansen trains on this route offer reserved seats, non-reserved cars and Green Car. A reserved seat is strongly recommended for a 4-hour train journey — without a reservation, you travel in non-reserved cars on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved or non-reserved seats — the price difference is small. Green Car offers wider 2+2 seating with more legroom — worth considering for a journey of this length. Seats are arranged in rows with power sockets and generous luggage space throughout. Two pieces of luggage of standard size fit comfortably in overhead racks. Oversized luggage requires a pre-booked space.
Hiroshima Station: Your Departure Point
The departure station for all Shinkansen services to Tokyo is Hiroshima Station — well connected to the city tram network serving the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and Hiroshima Castle. The JR West ferry to Miyajima departs from nearby Miyajimaguchi. Shinkansen stations in Japan are well-signposted in English — arrive at least 10 minutes before departure to find your platform and boarding position. Note: Hiroshima Airport is approximately 45 minutes from the city centre by bus — most visitors to Hiroshima arrive via Shinkansen rather than Hiroshima Airport, as the bullet train is faster and more convenient from Tokyo and Osaka.
Arriving at Tokyo Station, you are in the heart of the city — directly connected to the Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro and airport rail links. Tokyo Station opened in 1914 and is Japan's main rail hub, connecting major cities across the Shinkansen network. Beyond transport, the station features hotels, shopping and dining. From here, onward connections to Kyoto, Osaka, get from Tokyo to Hiroshima and beyond are all available on the same Tokaido Shinkansen line. Hikari shinkansen from Tokyo to other destinations depart frequently throughout the day.

Tokyo Station: Your Destination

What to Know About Hiroshima - Tokyo Shinkansen

Extend Your Travel Plans
Travel the distance of 816 km in 3.5 hours!
CHECK DETAILS
Travel the distance of 38 km in 13 minutes!
CHECK DETAILS
Travel the distance of 514 km in 2.5 hours!
CHECK DETAILS
Made on
Tilda