🚃 Updated May 2026
Getting Around Hiroshima (2026):
Trams, Trains & Miyajima
Hiroshima is compact and easy to navigate. Here's everything you need to get around the city — and how to reach Miyajima Island.
Best for city
Hiroshima tram (streetcar)
Best for Miyajima
JR Train + JR Ferry
IC Card works?
Yes — trams & trains
The tram is your main tool for the city centre at ¥180 per ride. For Miyajima, take the JR San'yo Line to Miyajimaguchi, then the JR Ferry — both free with a JR Pass.
Getting Around Hiroshima City
| Option | Coverage | Price | Best For | IC Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram (Streetcar) | City centre | ¥180 / ride | Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien | ✓ |
| JR Train | Wider area | From ¥170 | Miyajima access (Miyajimaguchi) | ✓ |
| Bus | Suburbs | ¥180+ | Flexibility, outer districts | ✓ |
| Taxi | Door-to-door | ¥700 flag fall | Groups, luggage, late night | ✓ |
Hiroshima Tram (Streetcar)
Hiroshima's tram network — one of the oldest in Japan, having survived the atomic bombing — is the backbone of tourist transport in the city. With a flat ¥180 fare for adults across the entire network, it is also one of Japan's most straightforward transit systems.
The tram connects Hiroshima Station (east) with the Peace Memorial Park area and Hiroshima Castle in the city centre, running frequently throughout the day. Key stops include Genbaku Dome-mae (A-Bomb Dome, Peace Park) and Kamiya-cho (city centre shopping). Lines 2 and 6 are the most useful for tourists.
IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, Nimoca) are accepted on all tram routes. Simply tap on as you board at the rear door and tap again as you exit at the front. A 1-day tram pass (¥700) breaks even at four journeys and is recommended for any full day of sightseeing.
Getting to Miyajima Island
Take the JR San'yo Line to Miyajimaguchi
Trains run from Hiroshima Station every 15–20 minutes. The journey takes approximately 26 minutes. JR Pass holders travel for free on this leg — a significant saving.
Walk to the JR Ferry terminal (5 min)
From Miyajimaguchi Station, walk 5 minutes to the ferry terminal. There are two operators: JR Ferry (free with JR Pass) and Matsudai Kisen (private, ¥200 one-way). Both cross to Miyajima in about 10 minutes.
Take the ferry to Miyajima
Ferries depart approximately every 15 minutes. The crossing offers great views of the floating torii gate as you approach. JR Pass holders should make sure they board the JR ferry, not the private one.
Check the tide times before you go
The famous Itsukushima torii gate appears to float at high tide and stands on exposed sand at low tide — two completely different experiences. Check the tide schedule at the tourism office or online to plan your visit accordingly.
Day Pass Options
| Pass | Price | Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tram 1-Day Pass | ¥700 | All tram lines citywide | City-centre sightseeing |
| Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass (1-day) | ¥840 | All tram lines + some city buses | Flexible city exploration |
| JR + Ferry (with JR Pass) | Covered | JR San'yo Line + JR Miyajima Ferry | Miyajima day trip |
Getting To & From Hiroshima
Hiroshima is served by the San'yo Shinkansen, placing it within easy reach of Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. JR Pass holders can travel on all Hikari and Kodama shinkansen services for free; Nozomi is excluded but adds only 15–30 minutes to journeys.
| From | Journey Time | JR Pass Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (Nozomi) | ~4 hrs | JR Pass valid on Hikari (not Nozomi); add ~30 min |
| Osaka (Nozomi) | ~1 hr 30 min | JR Pass valid on Hikari; add ~15 min |
| Kyoto (Nozomi) | ~1 hr 40 min | JR Pass valid on Hikari; add ~15 min |
| Fukuoka/Hakata | ~50 min | Closest major city; all shinkansen types |
If you don't have a JR Pass and plan to travel the Tokyo–Hiroshima or Osaka–Hiroshima route, the pass usually pays for itself on this single journey.
Get JR Pass on Klook →Tips for Getting Around Hiroshima
Board trams at the rear door — pay at the front
Hiroshima's trams use rear-door boarding and front-door exit with fare payment. Tap your IC card as you exit, or drop the flat ¥180 cash fare in the box beside the driver. Have exact change ready if paying cash.
Visit Miyajima early morning to avoid crowds
Miyajima is one of Japan's most-visited islands and gets extremely crowded from mid-morning. Take the first or second ferry of the day to experience the shrine area before tour groups arrive. Many deer roam freely near the ferry terminal.
The Peace Park is fully walkable from the tram
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum are all within easy walking distance of the Genbaku Dome-mae tram stop (Lines 2 and 6). No taxi or additional transport is needed.
Common Questions
1. What is the best way to get around Hiroshima?
2. Can I use JR Pass to get to Miyajima?
3. How do I get from Hiroshima to Miyajima?
4. Is Hiroshima easy to get around?
5. How long should I spend in Hiroshima?
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