Hiroshima Transportation Passes Explained
Getting around Hiroshima is easy with its extensive streetcar network and tourist-friendly bus services. Several passes can save money if you're doing significant sightseeing, though for short stays, pay-as-you-go might work just as well.
Here's a breakdown of available passes and who should consider each:
1. Hiroden One-Day Pass (電車一日乗車券)
Price: ¥700 adults, ¥350 children | Coverage: Unlimited streetcar rides
The Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) operates one of Japan's largest streetcar networks. This pass provides unlimited rides on all streetcar lines within Hiroshima city.
Is It Worth It?
- Single streetcar fare: ¥220
- Break-even point: 4 rides per day
- If visiting Peace Park, Castle, and Station area = 6+ rides
- Verdict: Worth it for active sightseeing days
Where to Buy
- Directly from streetcar drivers (pay when boarding)
- Hiroden service centers at major stops
- Tourist information centers
2. Miyajima Free Pass (宮島フリーパス)
Price: ¥1,000 adults | Coverage: Streetcar + Miyajima ferry (round trip)
If you're visiting Miyajima and taking streetcars to Miyajimaguchi, this pass combines unlimited streetcar rides with the ferry. The standard fare to Miyajima and back by streetcar + ferry would cost approximately ¥1,100-1,400, so this pass offers small savings plus convenience.
💡 JR Pass Holders Note
If you have a JR Pass, you can take JR trains to Miyajimaguchi and the JR ferry to Miyajima – all covered by your pass. In this case, the Miyajima Free Pass offers no benefit. Only consider it if you're using Hiroden streetcars.
3. Meipuru-pu (Sightseeing Loop Bus)
Price: ¥400 per day | Coverage: Tourist loop bus route
The "Meipuru-pu" (Maple Loop) bus follows a dedicated tourist route hitting major attractions:
- JR Hiroshima Station
- Peace Memorial Park
- Hiroshima Castle area
- Shukkeien Garden
- Art museums
Buses run every 15-30 minutes with English announcements. A good option if you prefer buses to streetcars, though the streetcar network is more comprehensive.
4. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass
Price: From ¥2,000+ | Coverage: Tourist bus + sometimes attractions
Commercial hop-on hop-off services operate in Hiroshima, often including audio guides and extending to Miyajimaguchi. These are pricier than local passes but offer more guidance for first-time visitors.
Pass Comparison
| Pass | Price | Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroden 1-Day | ¥700 | All streetcars | Active city sightseeing |
| Miyajima Free | ¥1,000 | Streetcar + ferry | Miyajima day trip |
| Meipuru-pu | ¥400 | Loop bus only | Main attractions only |
| Hop-On Hop-Off | ¥2,000+ | Tourist bus + guide | First-time visitors |
| JR Pass | Varies | JR trains + ferry | Multi-city travelers |
Do You Really Need a Pass?
Not necessarily. Consider these scenarios:
Skip the Pass If:
- You're only visiting Peace Park and walking back – walkable from station
- You have a JR Pass and plan to use JR lines
- You're taking taxis anyway
- You'll take fewer than 4 streetcar rides
Get a Pass If:
- You want hop-on-hop-off flexibility
- You'll visit multiple spread-out attractions
- You're combining Miyajima with city sightseeing
- You prefer not to think about individual fares
My Recommendation
Hiroshima Tours Editor
For most visitors spending 1-2 days in Hiroshima without a JR Pass, I recommend the Hiroden 1-Day Pass (¥700). It's simple, covers everywhere you'll likely go, and the streetcars themselves are part of the Hiroshima experience. If doing Miyajima, upgrade to the Miyajima Free Pass.
Using IC Cards (Suica/ICOCA)
If you have a rechargeable IC card like Suica (Tokyo) or ICOCA (Osaka), it works on Hiroshima streetcars and buses. While you won't save money versus paying cash, the convenience is excellent – just tap on and off.