Mastering Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) Access: Your Ultimate Guide to Hiroshima City, Miyajima, Kure & Beyond
Hi everyone! Are you planning a trip to the beautiful city of Hiroshima? If so, you're in for an absolute treat! 😊
Hiroshima is iconic for its two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Atomic Bomb Dome and the majestic Itsukushima Shrine. Add some soul-warming Okonomiyaki and fresh oysters into the mix, and you've got yourself a dream itinerary. ✨
However, there's one thing that catches first-timers by surprise: the location of Hiroshima Airport (HIJ).
Believe it or not, this airport is literally built "on top of a mountain"! (Haha, I'm not joking). 😂
Because it's tucked away in the highlands of Mihara City, many travelers find themselves wondering, "Wait, how do I actually get to the city?" or "Is there a train station nearby?"
Don’t worry! As someone who loves Hiroshima, I’ve put together this complete guide to Hiroshima Airport access to ensure your journey is smooth, smart, and stress-free.
Read on to find the best routes, latest prices, and insider tips that will make you feel like a pro from the moment you land! 👍
1. Don't Just Pass Through! Hidden Gems at Hiroshima Airport
Wait! Before you rush onto the first bus, take a breath. Hiroshima Airport isn't just a transit hub—it's actually a mini-treasure trove of local flavors and experiences.
Here are two spots you absolutely shouldn't miss right after you arrive or before you depart.
🚩 SPOT DATA
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
Official Name: Hiroshima Airport
Address: 64-31 Zennyuji, Hongo-cho, Mihara, Hiroshima 729-0416, Japan
① Freshly Baked Momiji Manju at Nishikido
You can't say you've been to Hiroshima without trying Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes). But have you ever had one freshly baked and piping hot?
At "Nishikido" on the 2nd floor (Departure Lobby), there is an automatic Momiji Manju baking machine that works tirelessly all day!
The Highlight: You can watch the batter being poured and the cakes puffing up through the glass for free. It’s surprisingly mesmerizing—even for adults! (I could watch it for hours, honestly... lol).
Pro Tip: If you're lucky, they sell individual "fresh-off-the-belt" cakes. The outside is crisp, and the inside is meltingly soft. It’s a completely different experience from the pre-packaged ones!
② A 5-minute Stroll to "Hattendo Village"
Ever heard of Hattendo and their world-famous "Melting Cream Buns"? Well, their headquarters is located right next to Hiroshima Airport! It’s just a 5-minute walk away.
🚩 SHOP INFO
Facility Name: Hattendo Village
Address: 10064-190 Zennyuji, Hongo-cho, Mihara, Hiroshima 729-0416, Japan
This place is essentially a "Bread Theme Park"! ✨
Besides bakery tours and bread-making workshops, you can grab exclusive limited-edition cream buns and enjoy a delicious meal at their cafe using local vegetables. If you have some time before your flight, this is a must-visit!
2. Destination Guide: Choosing Your Smart Route
Now, let's talk business: How do you get out of here?
Generally, Limousine Buses are your best friend. However, depending on where you're headed, combining a bus with a train might be the "smarter" play.
Let's break down each route!
【Route A】To Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Gate)
This is the most standard and frequent route. Choose this if your hotel is near the station or if you're transferring to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train).
- Bus Stop: Hiroshima Airport 1F, Platform #2
- Duration: Approx. 45–50 mins (depending on traffic)
- Fare: Adult 1,500 JPY / Child 750 JPY
【Route B】To Hiroshima Bus Center (Peace Park & Downtown)
If you want to go to the "real" heart of Hiroshima (Kamiyacho/Hatchobori area), take this bus instead of the one to Hiroshima Station!
- Bus Stop: Hiroshima Airport 1F, Platform #1
- Duration: Approx. 55 mins
- Fare: Adult 1,500 JPY / Child 750 JPY
The Perk: You'll arrive at the 3rd floor of the "SOGO Hiroshima" department store. The moment you step outside, the Atomic Bomb Dome is right there. It’s also surrounded by amazing Okonomiyaki restaurants!
Address: 6-27 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0011
【Route C】To Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine)
I get asked this a lot: "Can I go straight to Miyajima from the airport?"
Normally, you would take the bus to Hiroshima Station first, then hop on a train. But wait! There is now a Direct Access Service that saves you a massive amount of time.
For the Time-Savers (VIP Route)
If you want to skip the transfers and go straight to the Miyajima Ferry port, Hiroshima Electric Railway offers a direct service. It's perfect if you'd rather spend your time sightseeing than navigating stations!
Standard Transit Route
- Airport → Hiroshima Station: Limousine Bus (50 mins, 1,500 JPY)
- JR Hiroshima Station → JR Miyajimaguchi Station: JR Sanyo Line (25 mins, 420 JPY)
- Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima: Ferry (10 mins, 200 JPY)
- Total Cost: Approx. 2,220 JPY (+ 100 JPY Miyajima Visitor Tax)
【Route D】To Kure (Yamato Museum)
Kure is a city steeped in naval history. You can take a Direct Limousine Bus straight there!
- Bus Stop: Hiroshima Airport 1F, Platform #3
- Duration: Approx. 1 hour
- Fare: Adult 1,600 JPY / Child 800 JPY
- Destination: Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
Address: 5-20 Takaramachi, Kure, Hiroshima 737-0029
Google Maps: View Yamato Museum on Map
Advice: Right next to the bus stop is the "Iron Whale Museum" (JMSDF Kure Museum), where you can enter a real-life giant submarine. It's mind-blowing! ⚓️
【Route E】To Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido
For the hill city of Onomichi or the cycling paradise of Shimanami Kaido, combining a bus with a "local train" is the fastest way.
- Airport → JR Shiraichi Station: Shuttle Bus (15 mins, 400 JPY)
- JR Shiraichi Station → JR Onomichi Station: JR Sanyo Line (40 mins, 860 JPY)
- Total Cost: 1,260 JPY
Address: 1-1 Higashigosho-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0036
Google Maps: View Onomichi Station on Map
Secret Tip: The route via Shiraichi Station is less affected by highway traffic jams. It’s the "insider's route" to stay on schedule!
【Route F】To Kintai Bridge (Iwakuni, Yamaguchi)
If you're heading to the famous wooden bridge in neighboring Yamaguchi prefecture, there's no direct bus. Head to the Hiroshima Bus Center first!
- Airport → Hiroshima Bus Center: Limousine Bus (55 mins, 1,500 JPY)
- Hiroshima Bus Center → Kintai Bridge: Express Bus "Kintai Blue Liner" (1 hour, 1,100 JPY)
Address: 1-1 Iwakuni, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0062
【Optional】Riding the Local Trains
While the limousine bus is more efficient, some of you might want to experience the local JR lines. You can reach Hiroshima Station via Shiraichi Station.
- Airport → JR Shiraichi Station: Shuttle Bus (15 mins, 400 JPY) *1-2 buses per hour
- JR Shiraichi Station → JR Hiroshima Station: JR Sanyo Line (46 mins, 770 JPY) *Buses every 15 mins
- Total Cost: 1,170 JPY
Keep in mind that transfers can take time, so only choose this if you're not in a hurry!
3. Crucial Travel Tips (Don't Miss These!)
Here’s the "must-know" info that will prevent those awkward "Oh no!" moments at the airport.
① Major Update: Credit Card "Touch Payment" is Live!
This is huge news! You can now pay for the Hiroshima Limousine Bus using Contactless Credit Card payments (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). ✨
② Using IC Cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.)
If you prefer your Suica or ICOCA, make sure they are charged!
Warning: You can charge your card on the bus, but only with 1,000 JPY bills. Drivers can get very busy, so it's a bit stressful to ask for a charge while people are waiting.
Advice: Use the ticket machines in the Arrival Lobby to top up your card before you head to the bus stop. This will also make your tram rides in the city much smoother!
③ "Hands-free Travel" Service (Highly Recommended!)
Don't drag your heavy suitcases around! Send them directly to your hotel from the Yamato Transport counter on the 1st floor.
Note: Only available for specific participating hotels. Check the list here.
④ The "3-Hour Rule" Could Save Your Flight!
Because the airport is on a mountain, the highway is the only main artery. If there’s an accident or heavy fog, the road can close and buses will stop. 😱
When heading back for your departure, I strongly recommend taking a bus that leaves the city at least 3 hours before your flight. Better safe than sorry!
4. Quick Comparison Table
| Destination | Best Transport | Duration | Budget (Adult) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima Station | Limousine Bus | ~50 mins | 1,500 JPY | Very frequent & Touch Pay! |
| Peace Memorial Park | Bus (to Center) | ~55 mins | 1,500 JPY | Steps away from A-Bomb Dome |
| Miyajimaguchi | Direct Service | - | - | Fastest way to Itsukushima |
| Kure | Limousine Bus | ~60 mins | 1,600 JPY | Direct to Yamato Museum |
| Onomichi | Bus + JR Train | ~60 mins | 1,260 JPY | Via Shiraichi (Traffic-proof) |