How to Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima

Kyoto and Hiroshima are about 380 km apart, and the shinkansen (bullet train) is by far the best way between them. The fastest Nozomi service takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes, from around ¥10,770 one way. A highway bus is cheaper but takes most of a day, and flying makes no sense on this route. Here's exactly how each option works, what it costs, and which to choose.

Quick comparison

Kyoto to Hiroshima by bullet train (shinkansen)

Direct Nozomi trains run several times an hour along the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, calling at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama and a few other stops before Hiroshima. Your main choices:

• Nozomi: fastest at about 1h 40m, direct. Not covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass (you can pay a supplement to ride it on the pass).
• Hikari + Sakura: with a JR Pass, take a Hikari one stop to Shin-Osaka (about 15 minutes) and change to a Sakura; about 2h 15m all up and fully covered.
• Kodama: stops at every station and takes over 3 hours, so skip it for this route.

Trains leave from the shinkansen platforms at Kyoto Station. In Hiroshima you arrive at Hiroshima Station, a short tram or bus ride from the Peace Park; the ferry to Miyajima leaves from Miyajimaguchi, about 25 minutes away on the JR Sanyo Line.

Do you need to reserve a seat?

For most of the year you can just buy an unreserved (jiyuseki) ticket and board the next train. But Japan is busy, so reserve a seat if you're travelling at rush hour (7 to 9am, 4 to 7pm) or in peak seasons (New Year, Golden Week in early May, mid-August Obon), or if you're a group who wants to sit together. On Sakura trains the reserved cars have roomier 2+2 seating, so a free reservation is worth it for pass holders.

First and last trains

Westbound (Kyoto to Hiroshima) the first services leave around 06:15 and the last direct train around 21:45, with several departures every hour all day.

How to buy Kyoto to Hiroshima tickets

• Online in advance is simplest for visitors. Check times and book your tickets here.
• Ticket machines or JR ticket office at the station (English menus available).
• SmartEX or the JR West online booking system if you're set up with an account.

Travelling with a Japan Rail Pass

If you're making several long journeys, a Japan Rail Pass can save money, but it was repriced in late 2023, so check today's price against your trips first. For this route it covers the Hikari, Sakura and Kodama (not the Nozomi without a supplement), and it also covers the JR ferry to Miyajima, making the pass excellent value if Hiroshima is on your itinerary. Not sure it's worth it? See our guide to Japan Rail Pass prices and whether it's worth it.

Kyoto to Hiroshima by bus

The cheapest option. Daytime and overnight highway buses take 6.5 to 8 hours from around ¥4,500. Overnight buses save a night's accommodation. You can check timetables and book on the Willer Express and Japan Bus Online sites.

Kyoto to Hiroshima by plane

There's no sensible flight option: Kyoto has no airport, and by the time you've travelled to Osaka's airports, flown, and connected from Hiroshima Airport (about 50 minutes from the city), the shinkansen has long since beaten you there. Skip it.

Driving from Kyoto to Hiroshima

About 4.5 to 5.5 hours via the Sanyo Expressway, plus fuel, tolls and rental, which typically costs far more than a train ticket. You'll want an International Driving Permit. Worth it only if you're exploring rural stops along the way.

Luggage on the shinkansen

Bags up to 160 cm combined fit overhead. Oversized baggage (160 to 250 cm) needs a free advance seat reservation. Or use Japan's takkyubin delivery service to send suitcases ahead to your Hiroshima hotel.

So what is the best way to get from Kyoto to Hiroshima?

The shinkansen, without question: under 2 hours direct, or a painless one-change trip fully covered by the JR Pass. Take the bus only if every yen counts.

Frequently asked questions