⚡ TL;DR
- Fastest: Nozomi Shinkansen, 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cheapest: Regular car non-reserved ¥10,340, fixed pricing
- JR Pass users: Free on Hikari/Kodama, can reserve seats
- Recommendation: Choose right side for Seto Sea views, reserve seats for guaranteed seating
Route Overview
| 🚉 Departure | Shin-Osaka |
| 🏁 Arrival | Hiroshima |
| ⏱ Duration | Nozomi: 1h20m, Hikari: 1h30m |
| 🚆 Train | Sanyo Shinkansen |
| 🕐 Frequency | Every 15-30 minutes |
| ⚡ Top speed | 300 km/h |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free |
| 🔌 Power | At every seat |
💰 JR Pass vs Point-to-Point Prices
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozomi Reserved | ¥11,200 | Fastest but JR Pass not valid |
| Hikari Reserved | ¥10,870 | JR Pass can reserve for free |
| Non-reserved seat | ¥10,340 | Cheapest but may not get seat |
| Green Car | ¥14,750 | 1st class, JR Pass requires surcharge |
| JR Pass 7-day | ¥29,650* | *Breaks even after 2-3 trips |
Sources: jr-west.co.jp, jrpass.com (Feb 2026)
💡 JR Pass offers incredible value for this route! It pays for itself after just 2-3 Shinkansen trips. Highly recommended if visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and multiple cities.
🎫 Reservation Requirements & Fees
- Reservation recommendation: Not mandatory but advised to reserve seats for guaranteed seating
- JR Pass reservations: Completely free at any JR station or travel service center
- Train restrictions: JR Pass cannot use Nozomi and Mizuho — only Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura
- Advance booking: Can reserve 1 month ahead, recommend advance booking during peak seasons (cherry blossom, Golden Week)
- 💡 Non-reserved cars usually 1-4, reserved seats from car 5 onwards
🧳 Practical Tips
- 🚉 Shin-Osaka Station: Take JR Tokaido Line ~10 minutes from Osaka Station, Shinkansen platforms 21-27
- 🎫 Ticket gates: Use manned gates with JR Pass, automatic gates for regular tickets
- 🧳 Luggage: Space behind seats, large luggage can go behind last row
- 💺 Seat classes: Green Car most comfortable but expensive; regular reserved seats offer best value
- 🌊 Scenic highlights: Right side views of Seto Inland Sea, beautiful sections near Okayama and Aioi
- 🍱 Food service: Trolley service sells bento and drinks, or buy at station before boarding
- 📱 Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, very quiet environment
🔄 Alternative Options
Flight (1h15m flight + airport time)
JAL and ANA offer frequent flights, but with city-airport transfers, security, and waiting, total time may exceed Shinkansen.
Highway Bus (Overnight) (~5-6 hours)
¥3,000-5,000, cheapest option. Night buses save accommodation costs but comfort is limited.
Regular Trains (~6-8 hours)
Requires multiple transfers, good for backpackers with time to spare. Also covered by JR Pass.
📎 Official Sources & Booking
📚 Related Pages
❓ FAQ
How long is the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima?
The Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi takes about 1h 20m from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima. Hikari takes about 1h 30m. Trains run every 15-30 minutes.
Do I need a reservation with a JR Pass?
JR Pass allows free reserved seat reservations, or you can sit in non-reserved cars. Note JR Pass cannot use the fastest Nozomi — only Hikari and Kodama. Recommended to reserve seats to guarantee seating.
How much does a point-to-point ticket cost?
Regular car non-reserved ¥10,340, reserved ¥10,870, Green Car ¥14,750. Nozomi reserved ¥11,200. Prices are relatively fixed — no advance discounts available.
Which side of the train has the best views?
The right side (seats D/E) facing forward offers distant views of the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku Island. Beautiful on clear days, though much of the route passes urban and industrial areas.
Are there alternative transport options?
1) Flight ~1h15m but total time similar with airport procedures; 2) Highway bus ~5-6 hours, ¥3,000-5,000, good for overnight travel; 3) Regular trains require multiple transfers, 6-8 hours.