Hiroshima

๐ŸŽซ

Ticketing

Sections

1. Overview of Hiroshimaโ€™s Transportation System

Hiroshimaโ€™s public transportation primarily consists of:

  • Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden): A network of streetcars (trams) that is the most iconic and convenient way to get around the city.
  • Buses: Operated by several companies, including Hiroshima Bus and Hiroden Bus.
  • JR Trains: For travel to the suburbs or nearby cities.
  • Astram Line: A monorail system connecting central Hiroshima to the northern suburbs.
  • Ferries: For access to nearby islands, such as Miyajima.

2. Ticket Types and Costs

Hiroshima offers a variety of ticketing options to suit different needs. Here are the main types:

A. Single Tickets

  • Streetcars (Hiroden):
    • Flat fare of ยฅ190 for adults and ยฅ100 for children (within the city center).
    • Longer trips (e.g., to Miyajima-guchi) cost ยฅ280 for adults.
  • Buses: Fares vary by distance, typically starting at ยฅ180.
  • JR Trains: Fares depend on the distance traveled. For example, a trip from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi costs ยฅ420.

B. Day Passes

Day passes are ideal for visitors who plan to use public transportation frequently in a single day:

  • Hiroden Streetcar Day Pass: Unlimited rides on streetcars for ยฅ700 (adults) or ยฅ350 (children).
  • Hiroden + Ferry Pass: Includes unlimited streetcar rides and a round-trip ferry ride to Miyajima for ยฅ900.
  • Hiroshima Sightseeing Pass (Meipuru~pu Bus): Unlimited rides on the sightseeing loop bus for ยฅ400 (adults) or ยฅ200 (children).

C. IC Cards

  • Hiroshima uses the ICOCA IC card, which is a rechargeable smart card. It can be used on streetcars, buses, JR trains, and even in other cities in Japan.
  • Initial cost: ยฅ2,000 (includes ยฅ500 deposit and ยฅ1,500 usable balance).
  • Discounts: While there are no direct discounts, IC cards are convenient as they eliminate the need to carry exact change.

D. JR Pass

  • If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it on JR trains (e.g., Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi) and the JR ferry to Miyajima. However, it is not valid on streetcars or buses.

3. Where and How to Purchase Tickets

  • Streetcars:
    • Single tickets can be purchased directly on the tram. Pay in cash (exact change preferred) when you exit.
    • Day passes are available at major tram stops, such as Hiroshima Station, or from the tram conductor.
  • Buses: Pay in cash or use an IC card when boarding. Some buses have ticket machines for longer-distance routes.
  • IC Cards: Purchase and recharge ICOCA cards at JR stations, convenience stores, or ticket machines.
  • JR Trains: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or counters at JR stations.
  • Ferries: Tickets are available at ferry terminals.

4. Cultural Considerations

  • Boarding and Exiting: On streetcars and buses, you typically board from the rear and exit from the front. Pay your fare or tap your IC card when exiting.
  • Exact Change: If paying in cash, try to have exact change. Change machines are available on streetcars and buses, but itโ€™s polite to prepare your fare in advance.
  • Queueing: Always line up in an orderly fashion at designated boarding points.
  • Quietness: Public transportation in Japan is generally quiet. Avoid talking loudly or using your phone.
  • Priority Seating: Reserved seats are available for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Be mindful of these areas.

5. Tips for Using the System Efficiently

  • Plan Your Route: Use apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel by NAVITIME to check schedules and routes in real time.
  • Use an IC Card: Itโ€™s the most convenient option for seamless travel across different modes of transportation.
  • Day Pass for Sightseeing: If you plan to visit multiple attractions in a day, such as the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Miyajima, a day pass can save you money.
  • Avoid Rush Hours: Public transportation can get crowded during morning (7:30โ€“9:00 AM) and evening (5:00โ€“7:00 PM) rush hours.
  • Miyajima Travel: If visiting Miyajima, consider the Hiroden + Ferry Pass for convenience and savings.

6. Example Itinerary Using Public Transportation

  • Morning: Take the Hiroden streetcar from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Memorial Park (ยฅ190).
  • Midday: Use the same streetcar to reach Miyajima-guchi (ยฅ280) and take the ferry to Miyajima (ยฅ180 one way, or included in the Hiroden + Ferry Pass).
  • Evening: Return to Hiroshima Station via the same route.

By understanding the ticketing system and following these tips, youโ€™ll be able to navigate Hiroshimaโ€™s public transportation with ease and confidence. Enjoy your visit!