Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Tokyo

Tokyo Station acts as the primary gateway to Japan's bustling capital, miles away from the more laid-back modern vibe of Hiroshima. Tokyo has a plethora of attractions to offer, ranging from the lively and vibrant neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the glamorous and upscale areas of Roppongi or Ginza. Akihabara, a paradise for enthusiasts of pop culture, is also a destination that should not be missed. Amidst the energetic streets of Kabukicho and the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo's dynamic downtown districts, you can also discover serene traditional gardens, historic temples, and shrines that provide moments of tranquility, showcasing the diverse offerings of Tokyo.

Whether you are a fan of pop culture, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking an urban getaway, the journey from Hiroshima to Tokyo on the Shinkansen offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless allure of Japan's cultural heritage. Furthermore, Tokyo serves as the central hub of Japan's transportation network, granting access to various regional treasures. From the picturesque shores of Chiba Prefecture to the majestic Japanese Alps, or the popular day trip destination of Nikko with its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and even the traditional and well-preserved Tohoku region, Tokyo acts as the gateway to these remarkable destinations.

Note: Hiroshima Station may not be the first stop on this Shinkansen line that can originate from Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of this, especially during peak travel times, as it may be necessary to book reserved seats to ensure a spot on your desired train. Also note that except for the Nozomi Shinkansen direct service, you will have to stop at Shin-Osaka to transfer to Tokyo.

The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines are operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. When booking tickets through Japan Experience, you can rest assured that you are dealing directly with JR West, the train operator that will take you from Hiroshima to Tokyo, thanks to an official partnership.

On the way from Hiroshima to Tokyo, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to experience one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train! During the rest of the trip, a window seat will allow you to admire the landscapes outside and get a sightseeing tour of rural Japan!

Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.

Different types of Shinkansen trains

When traveling from Hiroshima to Tokyo, you have two options for Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari & Sakura, and Nozomi. Sakura trains make a few stops along the way, including Okayama, and will take you to Shin-Osaka. From there, you can transfer to the Hikari Shinkansen, which will bring you to Tokyo with additional stops. The Nozomi is the fastest option, providing an express and direct service without the need to transfer at Shin-Osaka, and that takes just under 4 hours. However, it is important to note that the Nozomi operates only with reserved seats. On the Hiroshima to Tokyo route, for practical reasons, the Nozomi Shinkansen is the only available option to be purchased with us online, as the Hikari & Sakura combination requires a transfer. 

No matter which train you choose, you can expect a comfortable journey from Hiroshima to Tokyo with reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more available on board. To ensure a smooth travel experience, make sure to research all seat and car options when booking your train ticket to find the one that best suits your needs.

How to get to Hiroshima Station

Hiroshima's main train station, Hiroshima Station, is located in Minami ward. It is conveniently connected to various local public transportation lines operated by JR, serving both the Hiroshima metropolitan area and the wider region. The renowned Hiroshima streetcar, managed by Hiroshima Electric Railway, also makes a stop at Hiroshima Station. Additionally, numerous bus lines either depart from or have stops at this station. Being in close proximity to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, it is easily accessible by foot to the city's main attractions.

Where to go from Tokyo Station 

Tokyo Station is situated in the heart of Tokyo and serves as a major transportation hub, connecting various public transportation lines. It is the primary departure and arrival point for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Tokyo Station is conveniently served by multiple JR lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo, and Sobu lines. Additionally, the Marunouchi subway line, along with several bus lines and airport transfer options, also have stops at Tokyo Station.

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan? 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Hiroshima Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Tokyo, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting, and the vibrant capital city of Japan is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancelation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Hiroshima to Tokyo service.