Hiroshima Station Guide: Exits, Platforms, Lockers and Food
Hiroshima Station explained for 2026: Shinkansen side versus city side, Hiroden terminal, lockers, JR Pass exchange, ekie dining and routes to Miyajima.
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Last updated October 2026. Hiroshima Station is where most trips to Western Honshu begin, and it works as a food and shopping stop as well as a transit point. This guide shows you how to read its two sides, pick the right train or tram, and sort out luggage before you head into town. For wider trip planning, start with our Japan Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip with Expert Tips & Itineraries.
Hiroshima Station Layout: North and South Exits
Think of the station as two sides joined by a walkway. The north side is the Shinkansen side. The south side is the city side. Confusing the two is the most common arrival mistake, so settle it before you pick an exit.
On the north side, you will find the Shinkansen tracks, higher-end hotels and the airport limousine buses. Choose this side if you are catching a bullet train or heading to the airport.
The south exit is the main gateway to downtown. It holds the main bus terminal and the new elevated Hiroden station on the 2nd floor. Choose this side for Peace Memorial Park, most hotels and the tram network.
You can cross between the two sides on the pedestrian walkway without a ticket. Allow extra time with luggage, and check the JR West station map for the current floor plan. Layout work continued through 2025 and 2026, so signs may differ from older photos.
- North side: Shinkansen tracks, airport limousine buses, higher-end hotels.
- South side: downtown access, main bus terminal, elevated Hiroden station on the 2nd floor.
- Between them: a ticket-free pedestrian walkway.
Shinkansen Versus Local Platforms at Hiroshima Station
Shinkansen trains and local JR trains use separate gates. Look for the Shinkansen gate on the north side and the central gate on the city side. Sort out which one your ticket fits before you scan it.
Local JR lines, including the Sanyo Line toward Miyajimaguchi, leave from the regular platforms. Follow the signs for the Sanyo Line rather than the bullet-train signs. If you are transferring from a bullet train, plan for a short walk through the concourse.
Platform numbers and train frequencies change with timetable revisions. Confirm them on the day in the station's departure boards or the JR West timetable.
Getting Around From Hiroshima Station: Hiroden, JR or Bus
Three options leave from the station. Each suits a different destination.
Hiroden streetcars now start from the new terminal on the 2nd floor of the south side. They are the simplest way to reach Peace Memorial Park without planning a transfer. Check Hiroden's own site for current fares before you travel.
| Option | Best for | How to reach |
|---|---|---|
| Hiroden streetcar | Peace Memorial Park | From the new terminal on the 2nd floor of the south side |
| JR Sanyo Line | Miyajima | To Miyajimaguchi, then by ferry |
| Maple-oop loop bus | Several sights in one loop | Covered by the JR Pass |
JR local trains suit Miyajima. Take the Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi, then continue by ferry.
The Maple-oop tourist loop bus connects the main sights and is covered by the JR Pass, per the brief. It is a good fit if you already hold a pass.
Use the tram when your target sits on a streetcar line. Use JR when you leave the city core. Use the loop bus when you want several sights without working out routes.
If you are planning a transit-heavy day, see our 3-day Hiroshima itinerary. For destination detail, our Hiroshima attractions guide covers each sight.
- Peace Memorial Park: Hiroden from the 2nd-floor terminal, or the Maple-oop bus.
- Miyajima: JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi, then ferry.
- Several sights in one loop: Maple-oop bus.
Luggage, JR Pass Exchange and Station Services
Coin lockers sit in clusters on the 1st and 2nd floors, including near the Shinkansen concourse and the south exit. Locker sizes and availability vary, and busy periods fill them early. Arrive with a backup plan.
Lockers on the 1st and 2nd floors fill early in busy periods. Keep the Sagawa Express counter in mind as a hands-free fallback.
For hands-free travel, use the Sagawa Express counter to send bags to your hotel. Same-day delivery is possible per the brief, but ask about cut-off times at the counter.
The JR Pass exchange office and tourist information are in the station. Opening hours change, so verify them with JR West before you travel. Bring your passport, because exchange requires it.
Eating at Hiroshima Station: The ekie Experience
The ekie complex covers the station's shopping and dining floors, split between a north wing and a south wing. Okonomiyaki Hiroba is the main food stop, and the brief places it on the 1st floor.
Okonomiyaki Hiroba is on the 1st floor, while the Hiroden terminal is on the 2nd floor. A meal and a tram ride can sit on different levels.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki layers noodles, cabbage and batter on a hot griddle. If you want a quick meal between trains, this is the easiest option.
Eat here when you are short on time or carrying bags. Eat downtown when you want atmosphere and a longer evening. For more places to eat and explore, read our best things to do in Hiroshima.
- Station dining: faster, easier with luggage, near your train.
- Downtown dining: more atmosphere, needs a tram ride.
Regional Gateways: Matsuyama Ferry and the Coast
Travelers heading to Matsuyama need to reach the port first. The Setonaikai Kisen ferry site lists operator information, and our Hiroshima to Matsuyama Ferry: Super Jet vs Cruise Ferry (2026 Guide) explains the full route.
For the coast, local trains and buses leave from the station. Details on swimming spots are in our Hiroshima beaches guide. You can also check the Hiroshima beach feature for the coastline.
Staying Near Hiroshima Station
Hotels around the station make early Shinkansen departures easy. The airport bus is close, and food is on site at ekie.
The trade-off is distance from nightlife. Nagarekawa and Hondori sit away from the station, so evenings out need a tram ride.
The station also works as a base for day trips. If you plan active excursions, see our outdoor adventures in Hiroshima.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Hiroshima Station to Peace Memorial Park?
Take a Hiroden streetcar from the 2nd-floor terminal on the south side. You can also ride the Maple-oop loop bus. Check Hiroden's site for current fares and routes.
Where are the coin lockers in Hiroshima Station?
Clusters sit on the 1st and 2nd floors. Look near the Shinkansen concourse and the south exit. If they are full, use the Sagawa Express counter.
Can I buy a JR Pass at the station?
Plan to exchange, not buy. Exchange your voucher at the JR Pass office with your passport. Confirm current purchase rules and hours with JR West.
Is there a direct train to Miyajima?
Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi. From there, board the ferry to the island. Check the timetable on the day.
What is the best food to eat at the station?
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at ekie is the standout. Okonomiyaki Hiroba is on the 1st floor. It suits a quick meal before your train.
Free: The Hiroshima Essentials guide
Top things to do, where to stay, a perfect day plan, getting around, and the best time to go — a Hiroshima mini-guide you can take offline.
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