Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Hiroshima to Hakata

Overview of Travel Methods from Hiroshima to Hakata

You can travel from Hiroshima Station to Hakata Station using the Sanyo Shinkansen. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We have 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 on Traveling from Hiroshima to Hakata

• Estimated Travel Time using "Mizuho": Approximately 1 hour 01 to 07 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation): 8,570 yen
• Fare for reserved seats (seats for which a seat number must be reserved in advance): 9,630 yen ("Mizuho"/"Nozomi") / 9,030 yen ("Sakura"/"Hikari")
• Available trains: "Mizuho", "Nozomi", "Sakura", "Hikari"
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass Be Used Between Hiroshima and Hakata?" below.

The Appeal of Hakata as a Tourist Destination

Hakata is the central city of Fukuoka Prefecture and a culinary capital famous for Hakata ramen, motsunabe (offal hot pot), mizutaki (chicken hot pot), and street food. It also boasts numerous tourist attractions such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. It can be reached from Hiroshima in as little as 1 hour and 1 minute.

Shinkansen Fares from Hiroshima to Hakata

Overall View of Shinkansen Fares from Hiroshima to Hakata

The Shinkansen fare from Hiroshima Station to Hakata Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Sanyo Shinkansen, you can use the "Mizuho", "Nozomi", "Sakura", and "Hikari" trains. The fares are approximate, and during peak seasons (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, which require advance reservation.

Comparison of Fares for Unreserved Seats, Reserved Seats, and Green Car Seats

Features and Advantages of Unreserved Seats

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

Reserved seats, which require advance 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 compared to standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Hiroshima and Hakata, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel Time from Hiroshima to Hakata

Shortest Shinkansen Travel Time Between Hiroshima and Hakata

The estimated travel time from Hiroshima Station to Hakata Station using the "Mizuho" train is approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes. The total 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.

Average Travel Time and Difference Between Trains

If you take the "Mizuho" train, the journey from Hiroshima to Hakata takes approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 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 11 to 30 minutes, and the "Hikari" takes approximately 1 hour and 10 to 21 minutes. Since the distance between Hiroshima and Hakata is relatively short, you can travel comfortably on any of these trains.

Speed and Features of the Shinkansen

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 Travel Time with Air Travel

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

Travel Time Comparison with Cars and Conventional Lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking JR conventional lines 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 Hiroshima and Hakata.

Which Train is the Fastest?

Differences Among "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama"

Between Hiroshima and Hakata, you can use the "Mizuho", "Nozomi", "Sakura", and "Hikari" trains. The fastest train between Hiroshima and Hakata is the "Mizuho", which takes approximately 1 hour and 1 minute. The "Nozomi" cannot be used with the JR Pass alone (it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket"), but the "Mizuho", "Sakura", and "Hikari" can be used with the JR Pass. For JR Pass users, the fastest option is the "Mizuho" (approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes).

Stops and Features of Each Train

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

Travel Time Comparison

The fastest train between Hiroshima and Hakata is the "Mizuho", which takes approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes. The "Sakura" takes about 1 hour and 11 to 30 minutes because it stops at Shin-Yamaguchi and other stations, while the "Hikari" takes about 1 hour and 10 to 21 minutes. JR Pass holders can use the "Mizuho", "Sakura", and "Hikari" trains. The "Nozomi" train cannot be ridden with a JR Pass alone, but it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket".

Recommended Trains Between Hiroshima and Hakata

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Mizuho" train is recommended. If you have a JR Pass, please note that some trains may not be usable; please refer to the JR Pass section below to select a suitable train.

Points for Choosing a Train

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

How to Book Shinkansen Tickets

Basic Methods for Purchasing Shinkansen Tickets

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

 

 

How to Purchase at the Station Ticket Office

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations. English-speaking counters are also available, 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, and Korean, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online Booking (SmartEX and Official Websites)

For online reservations, SmartEX and EX Reservation, offered by JR Central, JR West, and others, are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card (such as Suica) without needing to purchase a physical ticket.

 

 

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 reservation tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can the JR Pass Be Used Between Hiroshima and Hakata?

Overview of the 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, you can ride JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without any additional fees.

Availability for Use Between Hiroshima and Hakata

Use on the "Nozomi"

Between Hiroshima and Hakata, the fastest train is the "Mizuho", taking approximately 1 hour and 1 minute. The "Nozomi" cannot be used with the JR Pass alone (it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket"), but the "Mizuho", "Sakura", and "Hikari" trains can be used with the JR Pass. For JR Pass users, the fastest option is the "Mizuho" (approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes).

Use on the "Hikari" and "Kodama"

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation). If you wish to use a reserved seat (a seat for which a seat number must be reserved in advance), 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 the 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 Hiroshima to Hakata, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Shinkansen Timetable Between Hiroshima and Hakata

Hiroshima to Hakata Shinkansen Operating Frequency

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Hiroshima and Hakata are "Mizuho", "Nozomi", "Sakura", and "Hikari". They run frequently even during the daytime, so please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

First and Last Trains

The first trains departing from Hiroshima Station leave early in the morning, and the last trains depart around 10 PM to 12 AM.

How to Read a Timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Hiroshima and Hakata on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Hiroshima Station to Hakata Station (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 Hiroshima-Hakata 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 online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Hakata

For travel from Hiroshima to Hakata, the Sanyo Shinkansen is convenient. The fare is approximately 8,570 yen for unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation), 9,630 yen ("Mizuho"/"Nozomi") / 9,030 yen ("Sakura"/"Hikari") for reserved seats (seats for which a seat number must be reserved in advance), and 13,290 yen ("Mizuho"/"Nozomi") / 12,690 yen ("Sakura"/"Hikari") for Green Car seats. The travel time from departure to arrival using "Mizuho" is approximately 1 hour and 1 to 7 minutes. Between Hiroshima and Hakata, "Mizuho" is the fastest, taking approximately 1 hour and 1 minute. "Nozomi" cannot be ridden with a JR Pass alone (it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket"), but "Mizuho", "Sakura", and "Hikari" can be used with a JR Pass. For JR Pass users, the fastest option is the "Mizuho" train (approximately 1 hour 01-07 minutes). Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), reserved seat ticket vending machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Hiroshima and Hakata.

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.