"Planning to travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima? Not sure whether to take a flight or the Shinkansen? If
you're looking for the most cost-effective way to travel, then the best option is definitely the highway
bus!
Choosing a highway bus from Tokyo to Hiroshima is not only budget-friendly but also offers a comfortable
travel experience. On weekdays, bus tickets are available for around 6,500 yen, whereas the Shinkansen
ticket prices on weekdays are around 20,000 yen, making the price difference significant. The highway
bus is the best choice for saving money.
In Tokyo, highway bus boarding locations are conveniently located in major tourist areas, such as JR
Tokyo Station, BUSTA Shinjuku, and Akihabara Station. You can select the most suitable boarding point
based on your itinerary and accommodation, making your journey more flexible and convenient.
Opting for an overnight highway bus that departs in the evening and arrives in Hiroshima the next
morning allows you to get a full night's sleep on the bus, saving on one night's accommodation costs and
arriving in Hiroshima refreshed. The highway buses offer comfortable seats and spacious interiors,
making your night journey more pleasant and relaxing.
The travel time from Tokyo to Hiroshima by highway bus is approximately 12 hours. During this time, you
can relax, enjoy the scenery along the way, and avoid the hassle of transfers and security checks
associated with Shinkansen and air travel. Choosing a highway bus not only saves money but also allows
you to make better use of your travel time.
In summary, taking a highway bus from Tokyo to Hiroshima is the most economical transportation option.
No matter where you're starting from in Tokyo, you'll find a convenient boarding location. The
comfortable travel environment and flexible schedule offered by the highway bus ensure a smooth and
enjoyable journey. Book your seat in advance to secure your spot, and choose the highway bus to make
your Tokyo to Hiroshima trip more relaxed and stress-free."
If the bus code starts with an X or a Z then you can make a booking from one month in advance.
For all other buses, bookings can be made between 1 and 4 months before the intended departure
date.
We suggest that you visit our website closer to your desired departure date and make a booking
then.
Several bus companies operate on the Tokyo–Hiroshima route. Most are overnight services — you depart in the evening and arrive the next morning. Here is a quick comparison to help you choose.
| Operator | Fare (one way) | Type | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLER EXPRESS | From ¥4,000 | Overnight | Multiple seat types · USB charging · women's seats |
| Chugoku JR Bus | From ¥5,000 | Overnight | Station-front stops · Wi-Fi · onboard toilet |
| Hiroshima Bus / Dream Hiroshima | From ¥4,500 | Overnight | 3-row independent seats · onboard toilet · women's seats |
WILLER operates overnight buses on the Tokyo–Hiroshima route with a range of seat types from 4-row economy to 3-row canopy seats with privacy curtains. Early-bird fares make this one of the most affordable options. Departs from Shinjuku Busta and arrives in the Hiroshima area the next morning.
Tokyo stops: Shinjuku Busta · Ikebukuro Sunshine
Hiroshima stops: Hiroshima Station South Exit · Hiroshima Bus Center
Operated by Chugoku JR Bus, this service connects Tokyo Station with Hiroshima Station — both station-front stops make transfers easy. Onboard toilet and Wi-Fi available. A reliable option for those who prefer the convenience of JR.
Tokyo stops: Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Gate area) · Shinjuku
Hiroshima stops: Hiroshima Station South Exit · Hiroshima Bus Center
Dream Hiroshima-go offers 3-row independent seats for added privacy on the long overnight journey. Onboard toilet and women's seating available. Multiple stops in the Hiroshima area including Miyajima-guchi for those heading to Miyajima Island.
Tokyo stops: Shinjuku · Tokyo Station area
Hiroshima stops: Hiroshima Station · Hiroshima Bus Center · Miyajima-guchi (select services)
Bus stops vary by operator. Always check the boarding location map in your booking confirmation email before travel.
Overnight buses typically arrive in Hiroshima early in the morning (around 6–8 AM), often before hotels open for check-in. Here's what to do while you wait.
Not sure which transport to choose for Tokyo–Hiroshima? Here's a quick comparison.
| 🚌 Highway Bus | 🚄 Shinkansen | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fare | From ¥4,000 | ~¥19,000 | ~¥10,000+ (Haneda → Hiroshima Airport) |
| Travel time | ~11–12 hrs (overnight) |
~4 hrs | ~1.5 hrs (+ airport transfers) |
| Departure point | City centre (Shinjuku / Tokyo Stn) |
City centre (Tokyo Stn) |
Haneda /羽田 (airport transfer needed) |
| Reservation | Up to 3 months ahead | Anytime | Up to ~1 year ahead |
| Overnight travel | ✔ Saves hotel cost (travel while you sleep) |
✘ Not available | ✘ No red-eye flights |
| Luggage | Trunk storage free | Overhead rack (large bags: rules apply) |
Check-in bag: fee may apply |
| Best for | Budget & overnight saving | Speed & convenience | Speed (if near Haneda) |
* Fares are approximate. Shinkansen (Nozomi) is ~¥19,000 one way. Flight prices vary by season. Highway bus early-bird fares may sell out quickly.
Hiroshima is one of Japan's most historically significant cities, but it's also a vibrant modern city with excellent food, beautiful scenery and easy access to Miyajima Island. Here are the top sights and how to get to each.
The most important site in Hiroshima. The A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) — the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall — was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The adjacent Peace Memorial Park contains the Peace Memorial Museum, the Children's Peace Monument (Sadako's paper crane statue), and the Flame of Peace. A deeply moving and essential visit.
Peace Memorial Museum: Open 8:30 AM–6 PM (extended in summer). Admission ¥200.
Miyajima Island (officially Itsukushima) is home to the iconic floating torii gate — one of Japan's most photographed landmarks. The vermilion torii appears to float on the water at high tide. Itsukushima Shrine, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built over the sea and is equally stunning. The island also has deer roaming freely, hiking trails up Mt. Misen, and excellent seafood (especially oysters and anago eel).
Itsukushima Shrine: Open daily 6:30 AM–6 PM. Admission ¥300.
Originally built in 1589, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. The castle tower houses a museum covering Hiroshima's history from feudal times to the present. The surrounding grounds are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March–early April).
Opening hours: 9 AM–6 PM (5 PM in winter). Admission ¥370.
Mt. Misen (535m) is the sacred mountain of Miyajima Island. The Miyajima Ropeway takes you most of the way up in about 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute hike to the summit. From the top, you'll have 360° views over the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima city, and on clear days, all the way to the Kii Peninsula. The eternal flame on the summit has been burning for over 1,200 years.
Ropeway: From ¥2,000 (round trip). Operates daily ~9 AM–5 PM.
Hiroshima has two unmissable local foods. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a layered savoury pancake (not mixed like Osaka-style) with noodles, cabbage, egg and toppings — try it at Okonomimura, a multi-floor building packed with okonomiyaki restaurants near Hatchobori. Hiroshima oysters are famous across Japan — best enjoyed grilled or fried at restaurants near Miyajima or the fish market.
One of Hiroshima's most beautiful spots, Shukkeien is a traditional Japanese garden originally built in 1620. The garden features a central pond, teahouses, stone bridges and seasonal flowers — cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn make it particularly stunning. A peaceful contrast to the intensity of the Peace Memorial sites.
Opening hours: 9 AM–5 PM (6 PM Apr–Sep). Admission ¥260.
About 1 hour east of Hiroshima by JR, Onomichi is a charming hillside port town famous for its temple walk, cats and retro atmosphere. From Onomichi, the Shimanami Kaido is a 70km cycling route crossing 6 islands over the Seto Inland Sea to Imabari in Shikoku — considered one of the world's best cycling routes. Even a partial ride is spectacular.