Hiroshima Train Station: Gateway to Western Japan

Hiroshima Station is the main railway hub of Hiroshima City and one of the most important Shinkansen stations in western Japan. Located in Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, the station connects millions of travelers annually via the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train and local lines — serving over 140,000 daily commuters and tourists. The station serves as a key stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, providing connections to major cities such as Osaka, Tokyo and Hakata (Fukuoka).

The station building was reconstructed after the atomic bombing of 1945 — a modern reconstructed station layout was finalised in December 1965. Today Hiroshima Station is a large station complex featuring the North Side and South Exit, with extensive shopping, dining and transport connections on multiple floors. The station is the central terminal for Hiroshima's expansive tram network — the longest in Japan. The Hiroshima Electric Railway opened its first streetcar lines to the station in 1912, and the streetcar system was partially operational again within just three days after the atomic bombing — a remarkable testament to the city's resilience.

Sanyo Shinkansen Lines and Platforms at Hiroshima Station

Hiroshima Station is a key stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen line — the high-speed rail corridor operated by JR West connecting Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka) via Kobe, Himeji, Okayama and Hiroshima. The station connects to major cities across Japan including Tokyo, Osaka and Hakata. Shinkansen connections from Hiroshima include:
  • Nozomi — fastest service to Tokyo (~3h 50min), Osaka (~1h 30min) and Fukuoka (~1h). Requires an additional Use Ticket for Japan Rail Pass holders.
  • Hikari Shinkansen — covered by the Japan Rail Pass, slightly slower with more stops
  • Sakura train — JR West service connecting Hiroshima to Hakata and Kagoshima on the Kyushu Shinkansen
  • Kodama trains — all-stop service, covered by Japan Rail Pass
The Shinkansen platforms at Hiroshima Station are located on the third floor, with clear signage and electronic displays showing departure times and destinations in multiple languages. Shinkansen ticket gates and the JR Ticket Office are also on this floor. To access Shinkansen platforms from regular train platforms, follow the blue Shinkansen signs to the transfer gates.

For Tokyo to Hiroshima journeys, Nozomi trains are the fastest option — completing the journey in approximately 3 hours 50 minutes. Tickets start from approximately ¥18,830 one way in Ordinary Car. The Japan Rail Pass covers Hikari Shinkansen services at no additional fare.

Buying Shinkansen Tickets at Hiroshima Station

Purchasing Shinkansen tickets at Hiroshima Station is straightforward — ticketing machines accept cash and IC cards, with instructions available in multiple languages. The JR Ticket Office at Hiroshima Station provides personalised assistance for more complex reservations, ensuring international travelers can get help with their ticket purchases. Shinkansen tickets can also be purchased online through Rail Ninja before your trip — book in advance, receive a QR code by email and collect paper tickets at any JR station on arrival.

IC cards like Suica and ICOCA can be used at Hiroshima Station for both Shinkansen and local train services, providing a convenient cashless option for travelers. Reserved seat tickets for Shinkansen trains can be made from one month before the travel date at ticket offices, ticket machines or online — free of charge for Japan Rail Pass holders.

Shinkansen tickets start from approximately ¥18,830 (Tokyo to Hiroshima, Ordinary Car, Nozomi). Green Car and Gran Class upgrades are available on most services. Ordinary cars on Nozomi trains offer comfortable 3+2 seating with power sockets and generous luggage space throughout.
Train tickets from Hiroshima connect to Shin-Osaka Station in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes — a convenient stopover for travellers exploring both Hiroshima and the Kansai region.

Getting to and from Hiroshima Station

Hiroshima Station is well connected to the city centre and beyond by multiple transport options:

Tram (Streetcar): Hiroshima's iconic tram system offers direct access to major historical landmarks from the station. The tram network — the longest in Japan — departs from directly outside the South Exit and reaches the Peace Memorial Park in approximately 15 minutes. The tram is the most convenient and atmospheric way to reach central Hiroshima's major attractions.

JR Local Trains: Hiroshima Station connects to multiple conventional train lines including the Sanyo Main Line, Kure Line and Geibi Line, facilitating access to regional destinations throughout Hiroshima Prefecture. The station is also served by the Hokkaido Shinkansen on through-services from Tokyo.

Hiroshima Airport: Airport limousine buses provide regular service between Hiroshima Airport and Hiroshima Station, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes. The station is also a highway bus terminus — Hiroshima Station serves as a highway bus terminus for buses to various destinations in the Chugoku region and beyond, including long-distance buses to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka (Willer Express and other operators). The station features excellent multi-modal connections for smooth transfers between transport options.

Miyajima Island: From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (approximately 25 minutes), then the JR West ferry to Miyajima Island (10 minutes). The JR ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Miyajima is home to the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most iconic sights.

Nearby Attractions: Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle and Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Station provides easy access to all of the city's major attractions via the tram network:
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — located 15 minutes by streetcar from Hiroshima Station. Features the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which provides detailed information about the atomic bombing and its aftermath.
  • Hiroshima Castle (Carp Castle) — approximately 25 minutes by streetcar. Showcases traditional Japanese architecture with a museum housing samurai artifacts.
  • Shukkeien Garden — a traditional Japanese garden established in 1620, a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Features a central pond surrounded by meticulously designed landscapes.
  • MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima — home to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team, located just 10 minutes on foot from the station. Offers a cultural experience during baseball season.
  • Orizuru Tower — a modern observation tower near the Peace Memorial Park with panoramic views over the city.
  • Miyajima Island — accessible by JR train and ferry (covered by Japan Rail Pass). One of Japan's most visited destinations, featuring the floating torii gate, deer roaming freely and the sacred Itsukushima Shrine.

Hiroshima Station Facilities, Shopping and Dining

The station complex is fully equipped for international travelers:
  • Tourist information centre with English-speaking staff
  • JR Ticket Office — personalized assistance, Japan Rail Pass exchange, seat reservations
  • Ticketing machines with multilingual interfaces accepting cash and IC cards
  • Extensive coin-locker facilities for day storage (multiple sizes throughout the station)
  • The station is fully accessible — featuring elevators and escalators to all platforms
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the station complex
  • ATMs accepting international cards
  • Currency exchange facilities
  • Waiting rooms and bathrooms on multiple floors
Dining: Hiroshima Station features over 100 restaurants, cafes and takeaway options offering a variety of Japanese and international cuisine. Local specialities such as Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), oysters and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) can be found at various shops within the station complex.
Shopping: The Hiroshima Ekimae market (Aiyu Market) near the station offers a traditional shopping experience with local fish, dried seaweed and fresh produce. The station area contains extensive shopping and dining complexes — ideal for picking up souvenirs before departure.

What to Know About Hiroshima Station

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