Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Himeji
Official train tickets seller
Choose your preferred seat
7/7 Assistance

Our next departure
Getting from Hiroshima to Himeji
Using the famous Shinkansen bullet train, travelers can go from Hiroshima to Himeji in just under an hour—the most efficient option! Go from one of the most culture-rich cities in West Japan to another culture hotspot in the heart of the Kansai Region! Benefit from the great amenities on the Shinkansen bullet train and book your tickets well ahead of time to assure smooth travel and an organized itinerary!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO HIMEJI!
Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima continues to be one of the most important cities in Japan due to its fascinating history, lively culture, and hospitable residents. From the Hiroshima Peace Park, which both commemorates the past and promotes a peaceful future, to the venerable Miyajima Shrine with its floating torii gate. Remember to try some of the delicious food from the area, such as fresh, meaty oysters, flavor-rich anago, and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, served layered rather than mixed, unlike its Osaka counterpart!
The second-biggest city in Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji City, has Himeji Station at its center. The famous Himeji Castle is only a 10-minute ride away by public transit, or a 20-minute walk away. The community park, which is lovely in the springtime with the cherry blossoms in bloom, and the Kokoen Gardens, which have a distinctly Japanese landscape, are both close to the castle grounds. Bus or cable car transportation is available for trekking to the summit of Mount Shosha, which is visible from all over the city. It is worthwhile to make the pilgrimage to the temple at the top of the mountain.
Ride the Shinkansen bullet train and move up the island of Honshu from Hiroshima to Himeji! With one high-speed bullet train, the journey is quick and efficient, with a large number of departures daily.
Advantages of taking the train from Hiroshima to Himeji
How to book your Hiroshima to Himeji train tickets
Shinkansen information
Both Hiroshima Station and Himeji Station are stops on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, going between Kansai and portions of the southern island of Kyushu. There are a number of different options on this Shinkansen line, with the fastest option being the Nozomi bullet train. The other two options to go from Hiroshima to Himeji are the Mizuho and Sakura trains. The fastest commuting time takes just a bit under one hour. Longer commuting times can take up to just under two hours. During peak seasons for travel in Japan, such as during the Obon holidays in summer, and cherry blossom season in spring, we recommend booking reserved seats to ensure a place to sit while commuting.
Here's a map of the various trains available on the Hiroshima Station and Himeji Station journey and their stops:

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIROSHIMA STATION AND HIMEJI STATION
How to get to Hiroshima Station
Much of central Hiroshima is close to the station, with many attractions just a short eight minutes' walk from the station itself. Other lines that are great for exploring the remaining Chugoku area are the Sanyo Line and the Geibi Line. The Hiroden Trams, the historic trams that are connected to Hiroshima in general, arrive and depart from the station.
Where to go from Himeji Station
Himeji Station is close to Himeji Castle, the castle park, and Kokoen Garden. Out this way only takes a 20 minutes to walk, and slightly more than 10 minutes to get there by bus from the station. The JR Sanyo Mainline, Bantan Line, and Kishin Line all service the station, providing access to other areas of Hyogo Prefecture and the Kansai Region overall.
Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?
How to use your train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email. This QR code is your e-ticket, that you can use directly at the gates in stations by scanning it.
In case your QR code does not work, you will find right below it a registration number to show to station staff in order to board your train.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and train tickets usage conditions. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of using your train tickets in Japan.
READ MORE ABOUT THE CONDITIONS AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW
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 and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat.
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 Himeji, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Himeji 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 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 Himeji route.
Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan
Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.
- How can I cancel or modify my booking?
You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.
Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).
- What are the cancellation conditions?
You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.
- What if I miss my train?
If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.
- What are the modification conditions?
You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.
If you want to modify:
- Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
- Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
- Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
- Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).
The Shinkansen is the premier form of travel in Japan. “Shinkansen” is the Japanese word for “bullet train,” whose name is derived from the locomotive’s high speeds and shape. They are commonly used for traversing longer distances in Japan.
Reserving seats on the Shinkansen bullet train isn’t a necessity; however, we do suggest making a reservation during peak travel times, specifically during Spring (sakura season) and during New Year's, for example. Trains may also be crowded during major holidays and events, such as large festivals. You’ll also need to make a reservation for oversized luggage on the Shinkansen.
- There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
- The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
- The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.
If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.
If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.
Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.
If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.
For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.
Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.
You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.
Breadcrumb
- Home
- Transportation
- Train Tickets
- Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Himeji