Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Fukuoka (Hakata)

Though it has a tragic past, Hiroshima is still one of the must-see cities in Japan today because of its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals who seek to promote a peaceful future! Don't forget to sample some of the region's delectable cuisine, which includes flavorful anago, fresh, meaty oysters, and okonomiyaki prepared in the Hiroshima style!

Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu island, and the sixth most populous city in Japan, known for its rich food culture, fun-loving locals, and sites that are significant to Japan’s spiritual history. At the center of the city is Hakata Station, which serves as a commercial center as well as a transportation hub. 

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Hiroshima to Fukuoka. 

How to get to Hiroshima Station

Hiroshima Station, the primary train station in Hiroshima, can be found in Minami ward. It is well-linked to different local public transportation routes run by JR, catering to both the Hiroshima metropolitan area and the surrounding region. The famous Hiroshima streetcar, under the management of Hiroshima Electric Railway, also has a stop at Hiroshima Station. Moreover, several bus routes either start from or have stops at this station. Due to its proximity to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, it is conveniently reachable on foot to the city's major attractions.

Where to go from Fukuoka Station

Situated at the center of Fukuoka, Hakata Station is a major transportation hub that offers an extensive network of public transit services. Serving as Fukuoka's main Shinkansen train station, it is essential for both arrivals and departures. Many JR lines connect Hakata Station, including the Hakata-Minami Line of JR West and the Fukuhoku-Yutaka Line of JR Kyushu, as well as the Kagoshima Main Line. Hakata Station is also the hub for the Kuko (Airport) and Nanakuma metro lines, as well as a number of bus routes and airport transfer possibilities. These vast transit systems provide easy access to travel throughout Fukuoka, the city, and the neighboring prefectures and areas.

Hakata Station is very close to the airport, so it's very easy and convenient to go straight from the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to a flight on one of the many airlines servicing Fukuoka into the Okinawa Islands or any other destination. 

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Hiroshima Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Fukuoka, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Hakata Station, and Kyushu's main city is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancellation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Hiroshima to Fukuoka route.