Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Osaka

Hiroshima will be recognized in history as the site of the first atomic bomb attack. Rebuilt in the present era, it has developed into one of Japan's liveliest and most culturally diverse cities, drawing tourists who come to honor the city's history, take in the breathtaking scenery and skyline, and savor the delectable cuisine.

The famous Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and A-Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Museum of Art are must-see locations. Take a tour of the Mazda Museum and explore the city on one of the famous cable cars, which have been a fixture of the city since before World War II!

Osaka is the largest city in the Kansai region, a portion of Japan's Honshu Island, with a rich culture and a plethora of attractions popular with both locals and tourists. The city of Osaka itself is well-known for its eccentric residents, sights, and street cuisine. See well-known places, including the Tower of the Sun Park, Dotonbori, and the shopping district around Umeda Station! Also, be sure to see the amazing history Osaka has to offer, with Himeji Castle as a popular and standout destination. The interestingly shaped Mozu tombs also present a unique and educational visit for those who travel to the city!

During the ride, travelers will have access to a number of amenities, including power outlets, reclining chairs, and collapsible trays to use to eat eki-ben, special lunch boxes made specifically for long-distance Shinkansen bullet train travel! Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Hiroshima to Osaka.

How to get to Hiroshima Station

Utilizing Hiroshima Station as a base of operations, it is reachable from many spots throughout the city! The Sanyo Line, Geibi Line, Kabe Line, and Hiroden Line can all be used to get to Hiroshima Station, as well as a number of bus lines, and the historic Hiroden Tram Cars go throughout the city, often disembarking from and arriving at Hiroshima Station. The station is also easily accessible from other prefectures within the region. For example, travel from Okayama can be made directly with the Shinkansen bullet train, as can transit from Kyushu.

Where to go from Shin-Osaka Station

Shin-Osaka Station was instituted to service the newly debuted Shinkansen bullet train in 1964, debuted for the Tokyo Olympics held that same year. Shin-Osaka serves as the major hub for traveling from Osaka to other locations within Kansai and all of Japan. As a major station in a major city, a number of train lines go through Shin-Osaka Station, including the JR Osaka Loop Line and trains on the Kobe and Kyoto Lines.

Going from Shin-Osaka Station to other major locations within the city (and even other parts of Kansai) is made easy with the number of train lines and buses available to travel around, primarily the JR Kyoto Line and the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. Use these options to get to other major parts of the city, like Umeda and Dotonbori!

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 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.

How to use your train tickets in Japan

To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them, simply head to Hiroshima Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at North/Shinkansen exits, and head to the right platform to hop on your train. 

Please note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates, which means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases. 

If you arrive to Hiroshima Station by a JR line: 

If you have a prepaid IC card or paper JR tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area. First scan your Shinkansen e-ticket, then tap your prepaid card (or insert your paper tickets). The gates will open on this second action. 

If you are arriving in Hiroshima Station via subway lines: 

You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at North/Shinkansen exits.

On board the train, find the seat number that is on your e-ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! 

Once you've arrived in Shin-Osaka, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Shin-Osaka Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

If you need to transfer to a JR local line, you need to exit the Shinkansen gates first, and then purchase local tickets - or use your prepaid IC card to travel by scanning directly at the transfer gates.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions on 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 Shin-Osaka route.