How to Travel to Hiroshima From Kyoto: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways
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There are several ways to travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima, including the Shinkansen, express bus, train, and car. We will provide a detailed summary of the travel time, cost, advantages, and points to note for each option.
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The Distance Between Kyoto and Hiroshima
Kyoto and Hiroshima are about 360 kilometers apart , and depending on the means of transportation, the shortest travel time is about 1 hour 40 minutes, and the longest is about 8 hours 30 minutes . The Hiroshima Tourism Federation (HIT) recommends the Shinkansen for those who want comfort and speed , and the express bus for those who want to keep costs down .
Hiroshima has many attractions that can only be experienced here, including the World Heritage sites of Miyajima and the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Shimanami Kaido where you can enjoy cycling, and Okunoshima, famous for its rabbits. The distance may make it a bit hectic for a day trip, but it's just the right distance for a trip from Kyoto. Be sure to visit Hiroshima, which has a different charm from Kyoto!
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Table of Contents
- 1. The Fastest Method: Using the Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
- 2. The Cheapest Method: Using the Bus
- 3. Enjoying the Travel: Taking the Local Train
- 4. For Road Trip Lovers: Using the Car
- Choose Your Style and Visit Hiroshima!
1. The Fastest Method: Using the Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima is by Shinkansen .
If you are going to Hiroshima city by Shinkansen, board at Kyoto Station and get off at Hiroshima Station . It takes about 20 minutes by streetcar from Hiroshima Station to the Atomic Bomb Dome. From Hiroshima Station to Miyajima, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the nearest JR Miyajimaguchi Station, and then transfer to a ferry and arrive in about 10 minutes.
Shinkansen Types and Fares
There are three types of Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen trains that connect Kyoto and Hiroshima: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Each train has different stops and travel times.
The Nozomi is the fastest and arrives at Hiroshima Station in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The Hikari takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, and the Kodama takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
The one-way fare from Kyoto to Hiroshima is 11,940 yen for a reserved seat on the Nozomi, 11,300 yen for a reserved seat on the Hikari and Kodama, and 10,770 yen for unreserved seats on all trains (prices may increase during peak seasons).
Ways to Ride the Shinkansen Cheaply
If you are planning to travel to cities other than Tokyo and Osaka, you can use the "Free Pass" that allows you to ride the Shinkansen and other trains as much as you like. Some people may be considering purchasing the Japan Rail Pass . Unfortunately, this pass cannot be used to ride the Nozomi (separate fare required). However, it can be used to ride the Hikari and Kodama.
On the other hand, it is possible to board the Shinkansen "Sakura" from Shin-Osaka Station using the Japan Rail Pass. In this case, if you are heading from Kyoto to Hiroshima, board at JR Kyoto Station and get off at JR Shin-Osaka Station . The ride time is about 25 minutes. If you board the Shinkansen "Sakura" from Shin-Osaka Station using the Japan Rail Pass, you will arrive at Hiroshima Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For more information about the Japan Rail Pass's coverage and fees, please check the official website or Klook . Please note that the Japan Rail Pass can only be used on the Sakura, Hikari, and Kodama Shinkansen trains .
2. The Cheapest Method: Using the Bus
If you don't mind the time it takes, but want to keep costs down, the highway bus is the best option. On average, it costs around 4,000 to 7,000 yen, but depending on the season and bus company, it can be as little as 3,000 yen .
The journey takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes , but if you choose an overnight bus , you can travel while you sleep, making good use of your travel time.
Expressway buses have multiple departure and arrival points, so if you want to arrive at your destination as quickly as possible, it's important to check the departure and arrival locations in advance.
3. Enjoying the Travel: Taking the Local Train
If you want to travel at a leisurely pace, we recommend the local train, which costs 6,600 yen from Kyoto to Hiroshima and takes about seven hours.
You can also get off the train and visit Onomichi City or Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture during your trip. In Onomichi, you can enjoy the nostalgic townscape and magnificent views, and in Kure, you can enjoy the history and naval charm. Even a short detour will surely enrich your travel memories.
4. For Road Trip Lovers: Using the Car
If you travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima by car using the expressway, it will take 5 to 6 hours . The estimated expressway toll is 8,000 to 10,000 yen one way . Gasoline costs will be added to this.
Considering the cost, time and fatigue of driving, a car may not be the best option, but it does have the advantage that once you arrive in Hiroshima you can easily explore the surrounding area.
Choose Your Style and Visit Hiroshima!
Hiroshima is full of attractions, from world-famous tourist spots such as Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Park to beautiful islands and coastal scenery. Hiroshima is also home to a wide variety of local specialties, such as okonomiyaki and oyster dishes, and there are many restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and fresh seafood.
Find a mode of transportation that suits your schedule, budget, and travel preferences, and enjoy your trip to Kyoto and Hiroshima to the fullest!
Written by
Hiroshima Prefecture is not just about the world heritage sites of Miyajima and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Hiroshima is full of delicious food! Okonomiyaki, which is synonymous with Hiroshima, fresh seafood such as oysters, octopus, sea bream, and conger eel, Onomichi ramen, which is now nationwide, Hiroshima beef, which is highly regarded for its high meat quality, handmade soba, lemons and oranges, which are the largest producers in Japan.・Abundant food resources such as grapes are unique to Hiroshima. Many events unique to the region are also held, such as the sea festival, kagura, and Mibu flower rice planting. Cycling, trekking, skiing and snowboarding on the Shimanami Kaido will keep you active. Miyajima, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, and the Atomic Bomb Dome are not the only attractions, and there are many ways to enjoy it.
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