02/11/2023
Arriving in Hiroshima, whether by Shinkansen or other means, often brings you to the central hub of Hiroshima Station. From here, the vibrant city centre and the iconic island of Miyajima await. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate these essential journeys, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in this historically significant and beautiful region of Japan.
Getting from Hiroshima Station to the City Centre
While Hiroshima Station itself is a bustling commercial centre with plenty of amenities, most visitors will want to explore the wider city. The most convenient and efficient ways to reach the heart of Hiroshima are via its excellent public transportation network. The tram system is particularly well-developed and offers an affordable way to see the city as you travel.
By Tram
The tram is a popular and economical choice for reaching the city centre from Hiroshima Station. Several tram lines operate from the station, with many heading towards key destinations like the Peace Memorial Park and the Hondori shopping district. Tram line number 2 is a frequent service and a good option for general city exploration. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on your specific stop. A single fare is usually around 160-240 yen, making it a budget-friendly option.
By Bus
Buses also serve Hiroshima Station, providing another option to reach various parts of the city. While perhaps less direct for some central locations compared to the tram, buses can be useful for reaching areas not directly serviced by tram lines. Information on bus routes and destinations is readily available at the station.
By Taxi
For those seeking maximum convenience or travelling with heavy luggage, taxis are readily available outside Hiroshima Station. While this is the most comfortable option, it is also the most expensive. Expect to pay a fare of around 1,000-1,500 yen for a trip to the central city areas, depending on traffic conditions.
Walking
For the more active traveller, the immediate vicinity around Hiroshima Station offers a pleasant introduction to the city. However, for major attractions like the Peace Memorial Park, walking is a considerable distance, and public transport is recommended.
Journey to Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island, famous for its "floating" torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, is a must-visit destination when in Hiroshima. The journey involves a combination of train and ferry, and understanding the options can save you time and money.
The Primary Route: Train and Ferry
The most common and recommended way to reach Miyajima is by taking the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station. This line will take you directly to Miyajimaguchi Station, which is the departure point for the ferries to Miyajima. The train journey is approximately 25 minutes and costs 420 yen one way. A significant advantage of this route is that it is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, making it an excellent option for JR Pass holders.
Upon arrival at Miyajimaguchi Station, it's a very short and well-signposted walk to the ferry pier. Here, you'll find two competing ferry companies: JR and Matsudai. Both companies operate frequent services, with the ferry ride itself taking around 10 minutes. The cost for either ferry is 200 yen one way, although this excludes the visitor tax. Crucially, the Japan Rail Pass is also valid on JR ferries, providing a seamless continuation of your journey if you hold the pass.
Alternative Route: Tram and Ferry
For those without a Japan Rail Pass, or who prefer a potentially more scenic, albeit slower, route, taking tram line number 2 from central Hiroshima bound for Miyajimaguchi is an alternative. This tram service offers a more leisurely journey and allows you to see more of the city en route. The tram journey is longer than the train, typically taking around 50-60 minutes, but it is considerably cheaper at 240 yen one way. It's important to note that this tram journey is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
From Miyajimaguchi Station, the walk to the ferry pier is the same as described above, and the ferry options remain the same (JR and Matsudai).
Comparison of Routes to Miyajimaguchi
| Mode of Transport | From | To | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (One Way) | JR Pass Valid? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Sanyo Line | Hiroshima Station | Miyajimaguchi Station | 25 minutes | 420 yen | Yes |
| Tram Line 2 | Central Hiroshima (e.g., near station) | Miyajimaguchi | 50-60 minutes | 240 yen | No |
Ferry Options to Miyajima
| Ferry Company | From | To | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (One Way) | JR Pass Valid? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Ferry | Miyajimaguchi Pier | Miyajima Pier | 10 minutes | 200 yen (+ visitor tax) | Yes |
| Matsudai Ferry | Miyajimaguchi Pier | Miyajima Pier | 10 minutes | 200 yen (+ visitor tax) | No |
Tips for Your Hiroshima Journey
- Consider the JR Pass: If you plan to travel extensively within Japan, the Japan Rail Pass can offer significant savings, especially for the journey to Miyajimaguchi and the ferry to Miyajima.
- Check Timetables: While public transport in Japan is famously punctual, it's always a good idea to check the latest timetables for trains and trams, especially if you are travelling during off-peak hours or holidays.
- Purchase Tickets: Tickets for JR trains can be purchased at ticket machines or counters at Hiroshima Station. For trams, you can typically pay the fare directly on the tram (exact change is appreciated) or purchase tickets at designated vending machines.
- Luggage Storage: If you have a lot of luggage, consider using coin lockers available at Hiroshima Station or exploring luggage forwarding services if you are moving between cities.
- Visitor Tax: Be aware that a small visitor tax may apply to ferry crossings to Miyajima, so factor this into your budget.
- Enjoy the Scenery: Both the tram and train journeys offer glimpses of the local landscape, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to get from Hiroshima Station to the city centre?
Yes, it is very easy. The tram system is frequent and direct to many central areas, and taxis are readily available.
Which is the best way to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima Station?
The most recommended and efficient way, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass, is to take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi and then the JR ferry to Miyajima. This is covered by the JR Pass.
How much does it cost to go to Miyajima?
The combined cost for the JR train and JR ferry is 620 yen one way (plus any visitor tax), assuming you are not using a Japan Rail Pass. If you have the JR Pass, the train and JR ferry are covered.
Can I take a tram all the way to Miyajima?
No, you can take a tram to Miyajimaguchi, but you will still need to take a ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island.
What is the difference between the JR ferry and the Matsudai ferry?
Both ferries take approximately 10 minutes and cost 200 yen (plus visitor tax). The main difference is that the JR ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, while the Matsudai ferry is not.
Navigating your way around Hiroshima and to its most famous attractions is a straightforward process with the excellent public transport options available. Whether you are heading into the city centre for historical reflection or embarking on a journey to the spiritual beauty of Miyajima, this guide should provide you with all the necessary information for a smooth and memorable travel experience.
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