Japan Rail Pass NowAustralia's No.1 Choice
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Japan Rail Pass NowAustralia's No.1 Choice
Osaka to Hiroshima is a fast and easy shinkansen run along the Sanyo line. The quickest Nozomi links Shin Osaka and Hiroshima in about an hour and twenty five minutes across roughly 340 kilometres, which makes Hiroshima and Miyajima an easy addition to a Kansai trip. Here is how it compares with other options, what it costs and how to book in AUD.
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Sanyo Shinkansen trains leave Shin Osaka several times an hour and reach Hiroshima direct. The Nozomi and the Mizuho are the fastest, while the Sakura is a comfortable and slightly slower alternative that the Japan Rail Pass covers. Hiroshima Station connects to the trams for the Peace Park and the ferry pier for Miyajima.
| Option | Time | From (one way) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen (Nozomi or Mizuho) | about 1h 25m | from AUD 90 | Fastest and easiest, city to city |
| Shinkansen (Sakura) | about 1h 35m | from AUD 90 | Covered by the Japan Rail Pass |
| Highway bus | 5 to 6 hours | from AUD 31 | Budget and overnight trips |
| Car | about 4 hours | fuel plus tolls | Side trips like Himeji Castle |
The Nozomi and Mizuho are quickest at about 85 minutes but need a supplement with a rail pass. The Sakura is only a little slower and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, which makes it the smart pick for pass holders. Without a pass, simply take whichever fast train leaves next.
Non reserved cars are available, so booking is optional, but a reserved seat is a good idea in peak season and on the popular Mizuho and Sakura, which have fewer non reserved cars than the Nozomi. Reserve ahead during cherry blossom, the autumn colours and the major holidays.
Fast Sanyo Shinkansen services begin early in the morning and run until late evening, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes for much of the day. You rarely need to plan around a single train.
West of Okayama the Sanyo line runs close to the Seto Inland Sea, with sea and island views between the tunnels. Either side of the train has moments worth looking up for on this stretch.
Reserve online, pay in Australian dollars and board with a QR code. It is the easiest way to lock in a fast Nozomi or a pass friendly Sakura and keep your group together.
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The Sakura is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, so pass holders can travel Osaka to Hiroshima at no extra cost with only a slightly longer journey. The Nozomi and Mizuho need a supplement. For a single trip without a pass, a point to point ticket is the cheaper route, and our calculator shows the comparison.
Highway buses take 5 to 6 hours and cost from about AUD 31, including overnight services that save a night of accommodation. They suit budget travellers with time to spare, but the 85 minute train is far quicker for most itineraries.
There are no useful flights between Osaka and Hiroshima. The cities are close enough that the shinkansen is faster than any air option once airports are factored in, so the train is the default choice.
Driving takes about 4 hours on the Sanyo Expressway with tolls. It is a pleasant option if you want to stop at Himeji Castle or Kurashiki on the way, but the train is faster for a direct trip and parking in the cities is expensive.
Two bags per person up to 30 kilograms each go free on the racks. Oversized bags over 160 centimetres total need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage space, free when booked ahead. Standard suitcases need no special booking.
For Osaka to Hiroshima the shinkansen is the clear best choice. If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, take the Sakura at no extra cost. Otherwise the Nozomi or Mizuho gets you there in about 85 minutes. The bus is only worth it on the tightest budget, and there is no reason to fly this short a hop.
Planning more of Japan by rail? Keep exploring:
Tokyo to Hiroshima · Osaka to Kyoto · Tokyo to Osaka · All train tickets
Fares are indicative from prices in Australian dollars and vary by date, train and season. The live fare is shown when you search. Booking is handled by our travel partner and we may earn a commission, which never changes your price.
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