Hiroshima

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Light Rail

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Overview of the Hiroshima Light Rail (Hiroden) System

The Hiroshima Light Rail system is operated by the Hiroshima Electric Railway Company and consists of 6 main tram lines and 1 loop line. It connects key areas of the city, including major tourist attractions, shopping districts, and transportation hubs. The system is well-integrated with other modes of transport, such as buses and trains, making it an essential part of Hiroshimaโ€™s public transit network.

Routes and Key Stops

Here are the main tram lines and their notable stops:

  1. Line 1 (Orange Line): Hiroshima Station โ†” Hiroshima Port (Ujina)

    • Key Stops: Hiroshima Station, Hondori (shopping street), Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Port (for ferries to Miyajima).

  2. Line 2 (Blue Line): Hiroshima Station โ†” Miyajima-guchi

    • Key Stops: Hiroshima Station, Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima-guchi (for ferries to Miyajima Island).

  3. Line 3 (Green Line): Hiroshima Station โ†” Hiroshima Port (via Hijiyama-shita)

    • Key Stops: Hiroshima Station, Hijiyama Park, Hiroshima Port.

  4. Line 5 (Red Line): Hiroshima Station โ†” Hiroshima Port (via Minami-machi)

    • Key Stops: Hiroshima Station, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Port.

  5. Line 6 (Yellow Line): Eba โ†” Hiroshima Station

    • Key Stops: Eba, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Station.

  6. Line 7 (Brown Line): Yokogawa Station โ†” Hiroden-nishi-hiroshima (Koi)

    • Key Stops: Yokogawa Station, Hiroden-nishi-hiroshima (Koi).

  7. Yokogawa Loop Line: A circular route around Yokogawa Station.

Costs and Ticketing Options

The Hiroshima Light Rail system is affordable and easy to use. Hereโ€™s a breakdown of the costs and ticketing options:

Fares

  • Flat Fare (within the city center): 190 yen for adults, 100 yen for children.
  • Longer Routes (e.g., Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi): 280 yen for adults, 140 yen for children.
  • Fares are based on distance, so check the fare chart at your boarding stop or ask the conductor.

Ticketing Options

  1. Single Tickets: Purchase from the fare box on the tram. Exact change is required, but change machines are available on board.
  2. IC Cards:
    • PASPY (Hiroshimaโ€™s local IC card) or other major IC cards like Suica and ICOCA can be used for seamless travel.
    • Simply tap your card on the reader when boarding and alighting.
  3. 1-Day Pass:
    • Tram-Only Pass: 700 yen for unlimited tram rides in one day.
    • Tram + Ferry Pass: 900 yen for unlimited tram rides and ferry rides to Miyajima Island.
    • These passes are ideal for tourists planning to visit multiple attractions in a single day.
  4. Hiroshima Tourist Pass:
    • Available for 1, 2, or 3 days, this pass includes unlimited rides on trams, buses, and ferries. Prices vary depending on the duration.

How to Ride the Tram

  1. Boarding:
    • Enter through the rear or middle door of the tram.
    • If using a ticket, keep it with you until you exit. If using an IC card, tap it on the reader when boarding.
  2. During the Ride:
    • Announcements are made in Japanese and English, so listen for your stop.
    • A digital display also shows the next stop.
  3. Exiting:
    • Exit through the front door.
    • Pay your fare by dropping coins into the fare box or tapping your IC card on the reader.

Tips for Tourists

  1. Visit Hiroshimaโ€™s Iconic Sites:
    • Peace Memorial Park and Museum: Take Line 1, 2, or 6 to the Genbaku Dome-mae stop.
    • Miyajima Island: Take Line 2 to Miyajima-guchi, then transfer to the ferry.
    • Hiroshima Castle: Take Line 1, 2, or 6 to Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi, then walk.
    • Shukkeien Garden: Take Line 9 to Shukkeien-mae.
  2. Use the 1-Day Pass:
    • If you plan to visit multiple attractions, the 1-Day Pass is cost-effective and convenient.
  3. Ride the Vintage Streetcars:
    • Hiroden operates some historic streetcars, including those that survived the atomic bombing. These are a unique experience for history enthusiasts.
  4. Avoid Rush Hours:
    • Trams can get crowded during morning and evening rush hours (7:30โ€“9:00 AM and 5:00โ€“7:00 PM). Plan your trips accordingly.
  5. Prepare for Exact Change:
    • If youโ€™re not using an IC card, have coins ready for the fare box. Change machines on board only accept 1,000 yen bills.

Cultural Considerations

  1. Queueing:
    • Passengers line up in an orderly fashion at tram stops. Follow the markings on the platform.
  2. Priority Seating:
    • Seats near the doors are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Offer your seat if needed.
  3. Quiet Environment:
    • Keep conversations low and avoid talking on the phone while on the tram.
  4. Respect for History:
    • Hiroshima is a city with a profound history. Be respectful when visiting sites like the Peace Memorial Park.

Using the Light Rail to Explore Local Sites

  • Hondori Shopping Street: Take Line 1, 2, or 6 to Hondori. This pedestrian street is perfect for shopping and dining.
  • Hijiyama Park: Take Line 3 to Hijiyama-shita. The park offers beautiful views and the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Hiroshima Port: Take Line 1, 3, or 5 to Hiroshima Port for ferries to nearby islands or a scenic waterfront stroll.

Final Advice

The Hiroshima Light Rail system is not just a mode of transportation but also a cultural experience. Its mix of modern and vintage trams, combined with its accessibility to key attractions, makes it an excellent choice for exploring the city. Be sure to plan your routes in advance, take advantage of the 1-Day Pass, and enjoy the charm of Hiroshimaโ€™s trams as you discover this historic and vibrant city.