Popular Transport in Hiroshima

The most convenient and common way to travel from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima is by taking the JR Sanyo Line. You can catch a JR train from Hiroshima Station to 'Miyajimaguchi Station', which takes about 30 minutes. After arriving at Miyajimaguchi Station, it's a short walk to the ferry terminal. There are two ferry options to Miyajima from the terminal: JR West Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Kisen. Each takes about 10 minutes, with frequent departures, allowing easy access to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. Consider your itinerary to choose the most suitable ferry service.

Transportation within Hiroshima city is diverse and convenient. The most iconic is the 'Hiroshima Electric Railway' streetcar, whose network covers major tourist attractions and commercial areas. Additionally, city buses are important. Tourists can especially utilize the 'Meipuru-pu' (Maple Loop) sightseeing loop bus, which passes by Hiroshima Castle, Peace Memorial Park, and other sites, making it very convenient. For specific itineraries or larger groups, taxis are also an option, providing door-to-door service. Walking is also a great way to explore city attractions, particularly around the Peace Park.

In addition to the internationally renowned Miyajima, there are many other worthwhile attractions around Hiroshima. Within Hiroshima city, you can visit the 'Peace Memorial Park' and the 'Atomic Bomb Dome', which are reachable on foot, offering a profound historical experience. 'Hiroshima Castle' and 'Shukkei-en Garden' showcase traditional Japanese history and garden beauty, also located in the city center and accessible by streetcar or walking. If you wish to explore other areas within Hiroshima Prefecture, 'Kure City' is a good choice, home to the 'Yamato Museum' and the 'JMSDF Kure Museum'. It's about a 30-40 minute JR Kure Line ride from Hiroshima Station, ideal for those interested in military history.

Hiroshima offers various transportation passes to enhance your travel convenience. Common ones include the 'One-Day Streetcar & Ferry Pass', which covers all lines of the Hiroshima Electric Railway streetcars and ferry services to Miyajima (with select operators). Another option is the 'Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass', designed for tourists, offering various choices based on the number of days and coverage, allowing unlimited rides on Hiroshima Electric Railway, buses, and some ferries. These passes can usually be purchased at the tourist information centers at Hiroshima Station, designated sales points, or some hotels. To use them, simply present the pass when boarding, saving you the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Hiroshima's cherry blossom season is typically a peak tourist period in spring, and city transportation may become busier due to increased visitor numbers. Especially around popular cherry blossom viewing spots like Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, and Hiroshima Castle, as well as the routes to Miyajima, crowds are likely. It's advisable for travelers to plan their itineraries in advance during this season and utilize public transportation as much as possible. Allow extra travel time when using streetcars or buses. If possible, try to visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours in the morning to avoid the busiest times. Avoiding weekends and Japanese national holidays can also help.

When sightseeing in Hiroshima city, both streetcars and buses have their advantages, and the choice depends on your itinerary. The streetcar (Hiroshima Electric Railway) is one of Hiroshima's symbols, with a network covering major commercial areas like Hiroshima Station, Kamiyacho, and Hatchobori, as well as tourist hotspots like Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Riding it is an experience in itself. Buses can reach areas less accessible by streetcar, and the 'Meipuru-pu' sightseeing loop bus is specifically designed for tourists, connecting key attractions. If you want to experience local charm and visit central city attractions, the streetcar is a good choice; if your destination is more remote or you want to save walking, a bus might be more convenient. Many travelers use a combination of both.

The Hiroshima Electric Railway streetcar service typically operates from early morning until late at night. Specific times for the first and last trains vary slightly depending on the route and day. The Hiroshima Electric Railway has multiple lines, and several key routes are very useful for tourists. For example, from Hiroshima Station, there are lines leading to downtown commercial areas like Kamiyacho and Hatchobori, as well as routes to Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Port (Ujina Port). Additionally, the line connecting Hiroshima city to Miyajimaguchi Station is important for transferring to the ferry for Miyajima. It's recommended to check the official Hiroshima Electric Railway website for the latest schedules and route details before planning your trip.

The most recommended and efficient way to travel from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Hiroshima is by JR train. First, you can take the JR Limited Express Haruka from Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station, which takes about 50 minutes. After arriving at Shin-Osaka, transfer to a Sanyo Shinkansen train directly to Hiroshima Station; the Shinkansen journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. This journey combines the limited express train and the Shinkansen, offering a fast and comfortable travel experience. In total, the travel time from Kansai Airport to Hiroshima Station is about 2.5 to 3 hours, making it the most convenient connection between the two locations.

Yes, Hiroshima Airport offers convenient shuttle bus services to Hiroshima city. These buses typically head to major city locations such as the Shinkansen Exit of Hiroshima Station and the Hiroshima Bus Center. The operating hours of these shuttle buses cover both early morning and late evening flights, and the frequency during the day is usually quite high, with buses running approximately every 15 to 30 minutes. This ensures that travelers arriving at various times can easily reach the city. Upon arrival at the airport, check the signage within the terminal or the bus stop for the latest timetable to confirm the schedule for your intended destination.

Public transportation in Hiroshima city is continuously improving in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities. Some Hiroshima Electric Railway streetcars have introduced low-floor carriages, making it easier for wheelchair users to board and alight. City buses are also gradually increasing the number of vehicles equipped with ramps or low-floor designs. Major stations and many tourist attractions are equipped with elevators and accessible restrooms. Hiroshima City is committed to creating an accessible urban environment, enabling all travelers to move around with ease. However, it is still recommended that individuals with disabilities check the latest accessibility information for specific routes or attractions in advance to better plan their journeys.