Most travelers start their trip in Hiroshima at JR Hiroshima Station.
This station connects the Shinkansen, local trains, streetcars, buses, and airport access.
Therefore, it works as the main gateway to the city.
The station is not as large as JR Osaka Station.
However, wrong exits and transfers can still waste time.
This guide explains how to use the station in a clear way.
What Is JR Hiroshima Station?
JR Hiroshima Station is the largest train station in the Chugoku region.
It connects several JR lines, including:
- Sanyo Shinkansen
- Sanyo Line
- Kure Line
- Geibi Line
- Kabe Line
These lines connect Hiroshima with Kansai, Kyushu, and many cities in Hiroshima Prefecture.
About 130,000 people use this station every day.
Main Places from Hiroshima Station
Many famous places are easy to reach from JR Hiroshima Station.
- Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park
- Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine)
- Hiroshima Castle
- Kure (Yamato Museum)
- Iwakuni (Kintai Bridge)
Therefore, the station works as the starting point for sightseeing.
Streetcars Are the Key
Most sightseeing in Hiroshima uses the Hiroshima Electric Railway, called Hiroden.
To reach the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park:
JR Hiroshima Station → streetcar → Atomic Bomb Dome
This route is the easiest and cheapest.
The streetcar stop is right outside the station.
How to Go to Miyajima
Use JR trains to go to Miyajima.
The route is:
JR Hiroshima Station → JR Miyajimaguchi Station → ferry → Miyajima
The JR train ride takes about 30 minutes.
The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes.
Streetcars also go to Miyajimaguchi.
However, JR trains are faster and easier.
Shinkansen Transfers
JR Hiroshima Station is a stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen.
- To Shin-Osaka Station: about 1 hour 30 minutes
- To Hakata Station: about 1 hour
The Shinkansen gates are on a different floor from the local train gates.
ekie Station Building
JR Hiroshima Station has a large building called ekie.
This building has:
- Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
- Oyster dishes
- Souvenir shops
- Cafes
- Convenience stores
It is the best place to eat before a Shinkansen trip.
How to Go to Hiroshima Airport
Use the limousine bus to reach Hiroshima Airport.
JR Hiroshima Station → Hiroshima Airport
Travel time is about 50 minutes.
The bus stop is outside the station.
How to Avoid Getting Lost
The most common problem is finding the streetcar stop.
The key is simple.
Go to the South Exit.
All streetcars leave from the south side of the station.
Summary
JR Hiroshima Station is:
- The center for Shinkansen and local trains
- The link to streetcars and sightseeing places
- The gateway to Miyajima
When travelers use this station in the right way, travel in Hiroshima becomes smooth.
The trip starts here.
FAQ
Yes. JR Hiroshima Station connects local JR lines such as the Sanyo Line, Kure Line, and Geibi Line, so travelers can reach many places in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Yes. Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) runs streetcars from JR Hiroshima Station to the Peace Park, downtown, and other main areas.
Streetcars are the best choice because they connect JR Hiroshima Station with downtown and major places. Additionally, taxis work well for short trips.
Yes. Most visitors use streetcars to go between JR Hiroshima Station and hotels in the city center, and therefore they are used often during sightseeing.