Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Kyoto

As the Shinkansen races through the picturesque Japanese countryside, passengers are treated to a captivating journey that showcases the ever-changing city of Hiroshima, seamlessly transitioning into the timeless beauty of rural Japan and the historical legacy of Kyoto. This popular route, often the final leg of the renowned "Golden Route", takes travelers on a scenic ride where charming villages and majestic mountains gradually give way to Kyoto's suburbs and then to the magnificent traditional city. After approximately an hour and a half, the train arrives in the stunning gem of the Kansai region, Kyoto.

Upon reaching Kyoto, the station stands as a gateway to the city's cultural treasures. From the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its vibrant torii gates to the tranquil and historic atmosphere of the Gion district, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan's preserved past. The city's numerous temples, traditional tea houses, and the breathtaking Arashiyama district perfectly capture the essence of traditional Japan. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the journey from Hiroshima to Kyoto on the Shinkansen offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless allure of Japan's cultural heritage.

Moreover, being located in the heart of the Kansai region, Kyoto serves as the gateway to many other regional treasures, such as the shores of Lake Biwa, the scenic Amanohashidate coast, the popular day trip destination of Nara with its free-roaming deer in temple grounds, or the vibrant and neon-lit city of Osaka.

Note: Kyoto Station is usually not the last stop on this Shinkansen line that can continue to travel to Tokyo. Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station.

The Sanyo Shinkansen line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. When you book your tickets through Japan Experience, you can rest assured that you are dealing directly with JR West, the official partner of Japan Experience. This partnership ensures a reliable and seamless journey from Hiroshima to Kyoto.

Different types of available Shinkansen

When traveling from Hiroshima to Kyoto, you have the option to choose between two types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari and Nozomi. Hikari trains make a few stops before reaching Hiroshima, while Nozomi is the fastest and offers direct service. However, please note that Nozomi tickets are slightly more expensive. It's also important to mention that all Nozomi Shinkansen trains operate with reserved seats only.

No matter which train you choose, you can expect a comfortable journey with reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more available on board. To ensure a smooth travel experience between Hiroshima and Kyoto, make sure to research all seat and car options before booking your train ticket according to your specific travel needs.

How to get to Hiroshima Station

Hiroshima's main train station, Hiroshima Station, is located in Minami ward. It offers convenient connections to different local public transportation lines operated by JR, serving both the Hiroshima metropolitan area and the wider region. The famous Hiroshima streetcar, managed by Hiroshima Electric Railway, also has a stop at Hiroshima Station. Moreover, there are several bus lines that either depart from or have stops at this station. Due to its close proximity to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, it is easily accessible by foot to the city's main attractions.

Where to go from Kyoto Station 

Kyoto Station, situated in the heart of the historic Japanese capital, is well-connected to various public transportation lines operated by JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail operator in the Kansai area. The Karasuma subway line also conveniently stops at Kyoto Station. Moreover, Kyoto's renowned bus network revolves around the station, offering a wide selection of bus lines to easily reach your desired destinations in Kyoto. 

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan? 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Hiroshima Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Kyoto, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting, and the historic old capital of Japan is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancelation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Hiroshima to Kyoto service.