Hiroshima Station is serviced by JR West’s Shinkansen bullet train, as well as several other JR rail lines that run across the city. It also serves as a major transportation hub, with multiple tram, bus, and taxi services terminating at the station. The station is just a short tram or taxi ride from Hiroshima’s main shopping and tourist areas.
Unlike many other Japanese cities, Hiroshima does not have a subway system. Instead, it has an extensive tram network known as the Hiroden. When Hiroshima was rebuilt after the atomic bombing of 1945, other Japanese cities donated their old streetcars to help Hiroshima reestablish its public transport network. The city’s streets were rebuilt wider, with plenty of room for both cars and trams, making the tram network far more practical in Hiroshima than in many other cities in Japan.
The Hiroden is Japan’s last extensive citywide tram network and remains a cheap and convenient way to explore the city. A single tram ride costs only 150 yen, making it an affordable transport option for visitors. The main tram route departs from Hiroshima Station and travels toward the dock area, passing key landmarks such as Hiroshima Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, and the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium (home of the Hiroshima Carp baseball team). The Hiroden also provides access to Miyajima for just 270 yen. The historic trams, which operate alongside more modern vehicles, have earned Hiroshima’s tram network the nickname “a working tram museum”. Tickets are purchased onboard the tram.
In addition to the tram network, Hiroshima is also serviced by a newer light rail system known as the Astram Line. This system connects Hiroshima’s northern suburbs to the city centre, making it a convenient option for those traveling to the Hiroshima Transport Museum or Asa Zoo. The Astram Line’s main terminal is located at Hondōri Station, with connections available from Hiroshima Station via tram.
