How to Get from Tokyo to Hiroshima

The distance between Tokyo and Hiroshima is 511 miles (813 km) and the easiest way to get there is by plane. There are other options that will take you from the sensory overload of Tokyo to the natural beauty of the Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains of Hiroshima in the southwest. 

Take advantage of this 12-Day Itinerary that covers Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto while planning your trip. If you are wondering which time of year will suit your travel needs best, take a look at this overview of what to expect during each season. 

By Plane

Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Flying is the quickest way to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima, and the most convenient. Direct flights from Haneda airport to Hiroshima airport are offered by JAL and Nippon Airways, and there are numerous flights each day. The flight is only an hour and 20 minutes and from there, there is a 55-minute shuttle that will take you to the heart of Hiroshima.

By Train

Duration: 4 hours

A one-of-a-kind experience is to take a bullet train—they reach up to 320 km/h (199 mph) and will get you from A to B smoothly in only 4 hours. The service is run by Japan Railways Shinkansen. While most of Japan is covered by the JR Pass (purchase before your trip), unfortunately, the Shinkansen Nozomi line is not. It is recommended to take the Shinkansen Hikari line instead. 

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 10 hours, more with stops

If you prefer to do some sightseeing your own, renting a car is the recommended method to travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Driving in Japan might take a little getting used to as you drive on the left side of the road and the driver's side is on the right side. While Google maps can guide you, it takes a little extra concentration to match road signs with your directions. 

Six hours into your drive, you may want to stop and rest or even spend the night and finish the last leg the following day. Osaka is a perfect spot to take a respite. Osaka is a port city that is the largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It boasts many museums and cultural spots, Universal Studios, and a very impressive aquarium.

Consider a stop at Asahi Brewery for a free tour or take in the allure of Osaka Castle. Make sure you "kuidaore", which is a term the locals use that means "eat until you drop", and is used to describe the food culture in the area. 

Once you have had your fill, literally and figuratively, hop back on the road and within 4 hours of driving through gorgeous mountains and rolling hills you will arrive in Hiroshima.