Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Hakata to Hiroshima

Overview of travel methods from Hakata to Hiroshima

You can travel from Hakata to Hiroshima using the Sanyo Shinkansen. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We've also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, such as the rules for using the JR Pass and the types of trains you can use.

Basic information about traveling from Hakata to Hiroshima

• Estimated Travel Time using "Mizuho": Approximately 1 hour 01 to 07 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required): Approximately 8,570 yen
• Reserved seat fares (advance seat number reservation required): Approximately 9,430 yen ("Nozomi"/"Mizuho") / Approximately 8,900 yen ("Sakura"/"Hikari")
• Available trains: "Nozomi", "Mizuho", "Sakura", "Hikari", "Kodama"
• The following trains operate between Hakata and Hiroshima: "Nozomi", "Mizuho", "Sakura", "Hikari", and "Kodama". The fastest is "Mizuho", which takes approximately 1 hour and 1 minute. "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" cannot be ridden with a JR Pass alone, but you can use them by purchasing an additional Japan Rail Pass Nozomi/Mizuho usage ticket. If you do not purchase a usage ticket, please choose "Sakura" or "Hikari".
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Hakata and Hiroshima?" below.

Hiroshima's appeal as a tourist destination

Hiroshima is an important tourist city with Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Itsukushima Shrine (World Heritage Site). It also boasts a wide variety of local delicacies, including okonomiyaki, oysters, and momiji manju. It can be reached from Hakata in approximately 1 hour and 1 minute by the fastest train.

Shinkansen fare from Hakata to Hiroshima

Overall view of Shinkansen fares from Hakata to Hiroshima

The Shinkansen fare from Hakata Station to Hiroshima Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. The Sanyo Shinkansen operates "Nozomi," "Mizuho," "Sakura," "Hikari," and "Kodama" trains. The fares are approximate, and during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats that require advance reservations. You can purchase discounted fares by using SmartEX or EX Reservation.

Comparison of fares for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required), reserved seats (advance seat number reservation required), and Green Car seats.

Features and benefits of unreserved seats (no advance reservation required)

Unreserved seats, which do not require advance reservation, are the cheapest seating option. However, they can fill up during peak season and busy times, so it's recommended to get to the platform early and queue up.

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats that require advance seat number reservation

Reserved seats, which require advance seat number reservation, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. Early bird discounts and other discounted fares may also be available when booking online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX.

Features and comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars are a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities than standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Hakata and Hiroshima, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel Time from Hakata to Hiroshima

Estimated Travel Time for Shinkansen from Hakata to Hiroshima

The estimated travel time from Hakata Station to Hiroshima Station using the "Mizuho" train is approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes. The travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, so please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.

Estimated Travel Time and differences between trains

If you take the "Mizuho" train, the journey from Hakata to Hiroshima takes approximately 1 hour and 1 to 2 minutes. The "Mizuho" can be used with the JR Pass and is the fastest train on this route. The "Sakura" takes approximately 1 hour and 9 to 10 minutes, and the "Hikari" takes approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes or more. The "Nozomi" takes approximately 1 hour and 6 to 7 minutes, but it cannot be used with the JR Pass.

Shinkansen speed and features

Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their minimal delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules.

Comparison of total travel time with air travel

When traveling between Hakata and Hiroshima by plane, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to Hiroshima city center, in addition to the flight time. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often the more advantageous option when considering the total travel time.

Time comparison with cars and JR conventional lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak season and long holidays, travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a conventional JR line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Hakata and Hiroshima.

Which train is the fastest?

Types of trains operating between Hakata and Hiroshima

Between Hakata and Hiroshima, you can use the following trains: "Nozomi", "Mizuho", "Sakura", "Hikari", and "Kodama". The fastest is the "Mizuho", which takes about 1 hour and 1 minute. You cannot ride the "Nozomi" or "Mizuho" with just a JR Pass, but you can use them by purchasing an additional Japan Rail Pass Nozomi/Mizuho ticket. If you do not purchase a ticket, please choose either the "Sakura" or "Hikari".

Stations where each train stops and their characteristics

The fastest train, "Mizuho," has the fewest stops and the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats, which require advance seat number reservation, tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so advance booking is recommended.

Hakata to Hiroshima: Travel Time by Train

The fastest train between Hakata and Hiroshima is the "Mizuho," which takes approximately 1 hour and 1 to 2 minutes. The "Nozomi" takes about 1 hour and 6 to 7 minutes, the "Sakura" about 1 hour and 9 to 10 minutes, and the "Hikari" about 1 hour and 6 minutes or longer. The "Kodama" stops at every station, so it takes about 1 hour and 30 to 40 minutes or longer. If you have a JR Pass, you cannot ride the "Nozomi" with the JR Pass alone, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket." If you do not purchase a ticket, please use the "Mizuho" or "Sakura."

Recommended trains between Hakata and Hiroshima

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Mizuho" train is recommended. Those with a JR Pass can use the "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains by purchasing a separate "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket." Please refer to the JR Pass section below to select the appropriate train.

Points to consider when choosing a train

When choosing a train between Hakata and Hiroshima, first check which trains arrive at Hiroshima Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using services like SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Hakata and Hiroshima can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. During peak season, reserved seats, which require advance seat number reservation, tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.

 

 

How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi)

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations throughout Japan. Hakata Station also has an English-speaking counter, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and French, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online reservations (SmartEX/EX Reservation)

For online reservations, SmartEX and EX Reservation, offered by JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu, are convenient options. SmartEX allows you to link with a transportation IC card (such as Suica) and pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card without needing to purchase a ticket. Visitors from overseas can also utilize official websites and travel booking sites (such as Klook) that support English.

 

 

Points to note when making a reservation

During peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats that require advance seat number reservation tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can I use the JR Pass between Hakata and Hiroshima?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, it allows unlimited travel on JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without additional fees. It can be purchased at travel agencies outside of Japan or at select ticket counters within Japan. A passport is required for use.

Regarding the use of JR Pass between Hakata and Hiroshima

Trains that cannot be used with JR Pass

The following trains operate between Hakata and Hiroshima: "Nozomi", "Mizuho", "Sakura", "Hikari", and "Kodama". The fastest is "Mizuho", which takes approximately 1 hour and 1 minute. "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" cannot be ridden with a JR Pass alone, but you can use them by purchasing an additional Japan Rail Pass Nozomi/Mizuho usage ticket. If you do not purchase a usage ticket, please choose "Sakura" or "Hikari".

Conditions for using trains with JR Pass

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats that do not require advance reservation. If you wish to use a reserved seat that requires advance seat number reservation, you must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Points to note when using JR Pass

Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plan involves visiting multiple cities, not just between Hakata and Hiroshima, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Shinkansen timetable between Hakata and Hiroshima

Frequency of Shinkansen service between Hakata and Hiroshima

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Hakata and Hiroshima include the "Nozomi," "Mizuho," "Sakura," "Hikari," and "Kodama" trains. They run frequently even during the day, and extra trains may be added during peak season and tourist seasons. Please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guideline for the first and last trains

The first trains departing from Hakata Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, and the last trains to Hiroshima Station depart around 10:00-11:00 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy sightseeing in Hiroshima from the morning.

How to read a Shinkansen timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Hakata and Hiroshima on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Hakata", arrival station "Hiroshima", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.

Hakata Station to Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Timetable (Excerpt/Approximate)

*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.

Peak hours and points to note

The Hakata-Hiroshima route is particularly crowded during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. If you reserve your reserved seat that requires advance seat number reservation online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Hakata to Hiroshima

The Sanyo Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Hakata to Hiroshima. The fare is approximately 8,570 yen for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required), approximately 9,430 yen ("Nozomi"/"Mizuho") / approximately 8,900 yen ("Sakura"/"Hikari") for reserved seats (advance seat number reservation required), and approximately 13,090 yen ("Nozomi"/"Mizuho") for Green Car seats. The travel time from departure to arrival using the "Mizuho" train is approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes. The "Nozomi", "Mizuho", "Sakura", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains operate between Hakata and Hiroshima. The fastest is the "Mizuho" train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 1 minute. The "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains cannot be used with the JR Pass alone, but they can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase a ticket, please choose either "Sakura" or "Hikari". Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Hakata and Hiroshima.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.