Hiroshima’s transportation system is refreshingly simple compared to larger cities. The streetcars are the main way to get around the city center, ferries take you to Miyajima, and everything is clearly marked and easy to navigate.

The whole system feels manageable, which makes exploring the city’s food scene much more relaxed. You can focus on finding good okonomiyaki instead of figuring out complicated train connections.

Hiroshima Streetcars – Your Main Transport

The streetcar system is Hiroshima’s most distinctive way to get around. These aren’t just tourist attractions – they’re how locals actually move through the city, and they connect all the main areas you’ll want to visit.

The streetcars run on several different lines, but they all pass through the central area downtown. You can get from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Memorial Park, or from the downtown shopping areas to the port for Miyajima ferries, all on the streetcars.

The cars themselves are a mix of modern and vintage models. Some are sleek and new, others have been running for decades. They’re not fast, but they’re reliable and run frequently throughout the day.

Fares are paid when you get off. There’s a flat rate for most trips within the city center, and you just drop your coins into the fare box when you exit. IC cards work too, which makes it even easier.

Ferry to Miyajima – Essential Island Access

The ferry ride to Miyajima is part of the experience, not just transportation. The boats run frequently throughout the day, and the trip takes about 10 minutes from the mainland.

There are two ferry companies that make the trip – JR and Matsudai. Both go to the same place and cost the same amount. The JR ferry passes closer to the famous torii gate if you want photos from the water.

The ferries run early morning until late evening, so you have flexibility in timing your Miyajima visit. During busy periods like cherry blossom season or fall colors, the boats can get crowded, but they come often enough that waits aren’t usually long.

You can use IC cards or buy tickets at the ferry terminal. If you have a JR Pass, the JR ferry is included.

JR Trains – Regional Connections

Hiroshima Station is the main hub for JR trains, connecting the city to the rest of Japan. The shinkansen (bullet train) stops here, making Hiroshima easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities.

Local JR lines connect Hiroshima to nearby areas and are useful if you want to explore beyond the city center. The Sanyo Line runs along the coast and connects to the ferry terminals for Miyajima.

If you’re planning day trips or coming from other cities, the JR lines are your main option. The station itself has plenty of food options if you need to grab something before continuing your journey.

Local Buses – Limited but Useful

Hiroshima has local buses, but you probably won’t need them much as a visitor. The streetcars and walking cover most places you’ll want to go in the city center.

Buses are more useful for reaching some of the residential areas or if you’re staying outside the main tourist zones. They follow standard Japanese bus etiquette – board at the back, pay when you exit at the front.

Walking – More Practical Than You’d Think

Hiroshima’s city center is compact and walkable. Many of the places you’ll want to visit – Peace Memorial Park, downtown shopping and dining areas, the covered shopping arcades – are all within reasonable walking distance of each other.

The streetcar stops are close together, so you can often walk between stops instead of waiting for the next car. This is especially useful when you’re exploring different food districts or looking for specific restaurants.

The city is relatively flat, which makes walking comfortable. The covered shopping areas provide shelter during rain, and the riverside paths are pleasant for longer walks.

IC Cards and Payment

IC cards work on streetcars, trains, and ferries in Hiroshima. You can use cards from other regions (like Tokyo’s Suica or Osaka’s ICOCA) or get a local card if you prefer.

For streetcars, you can also pay cash when you exit. The fare box accepts coins and will make change, though having exact change speeds things up.

Ferry tickets can be bought with cash or IC cards. If you’re making multiple trips to Miyajima, there are day pass options that can save money.

Miyajima Island Transportation

Once you’re on Miyajima, most places are within walking distance of the ferry terminal. The island is small enough that you can explore on foot without needing additional transportation.

There are some shuttle buses on the island that go to hiking trail entrances or more remote temples, but for the main attractions – Itsukushima Shrine, the shopping streets, restaurants – walking is the way to go.

The island has some hills, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore beyond the main waterfront area.

Day Trip Logistics

Hiroshima works well as a day trip from other cities, but the transportation timing is worth considering. If you’re coming from Osaka or Kyoto, plan for about 1.5-2 hours each way on regular trains, or about 1 hour on the shinkansen.

For day trips that include Miyajima, factor in the ferry time and the fact that you’ll want several hours on the island. Starting early gives you more flexibility to explore both Hiroshima city and Miyajima without feeling rushed.

The last ferries back from Miyajima run fairly late, but check the schedule to avoid getting stuck on the island longer than planned.

Pro Tips From Experience

Download offline maps – Hiroshima’s transportation is simple, but having maps helps when you’re walking between streetcar stops or finding specific restaurants.

Streetcar timing – they’re frequent but not as fast as trains. Allow extra time if you’re trying to catch a specific departure or make a reservation.

Miyajima crowds – the ferries get busy during peak tourist times. If you’re flexible, visiting Miyajima early morning or later afternoon can be more comfortable.

Station food – Hiroshima Station has good food options if you’re arriving by shinkansen and want to eat before exploring the city.

Regional Access

Hiroshima’s location makes it a good base for exploring western Japan. You can reach other cities in the Chugoku region, take ferries to islands in the Inland Sea, or continue west toward Kyushu.

The transportation infrastructure supports this kind of regional exploration, with good connections to coastal areas, mountain regions, and other historic cities.

Hiroshima’s transportation system is one of the most user-friendly in Japan. The streetcars give the city character while providing practical transportation, the ferries to Miyajima are efficient and scenic, and everything is well-connected.

You won’t spend much time worrying about how to get places, which means more time for exploring the food scene and enjoying what the city has to offer. The simplicity of getting around is one of Hiroshima’s underrated advantages for visitors.

The key is just getting familiar with the streetcar system and ferry schedule, then everything else falls into place. It’s refreshing to visit a city where transportation enhances the experience rather than complicating it.