Train Tickets from Hiroshima to Fukuoka (Hakata)
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Getting from Hiroshima to Fukuoka by train
Venture from the largest city on southern Honshu Island, Hiroshima, and enter the gateway to Kyushu, the most southern main island of Japan, via Fukuoka. These are two cities with large significance in Japan’s history, making them essential destinations for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the best the country has to offer. To take you from Hiroshima to Fukuoka, the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train allows for quick and efficient travel, with the gorgeous views of southern Japan to peer at through the windows.
More information about your journey to Fukuoka
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.
Advantages of taking the train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka
How to book your Hiroshima to Fukuoka train tickets?
Shinkansen information
Different types of Shinkansen available
There are four different kinds of Shinkansen trains that passengers can take to get from Hiroshima to Fukuoka: Sakura, Kodama, Hikari, and Nozomi. The fastest option, the Nozomi, is more expensive and functions as an express service. It should be noted that reservations are required for all Nozomi Shinkansen trains.
Onboard amenities such as power outlets, overhead storage, and reclining seats are available to customers traveling by train. From Hiroshima to Fukuoka, taking the Shinkansen guarantees efficiency and comfort. To purchase a train ticket that best meets your needs, it is advised to investigate all of your alternatives for seats and cars.

More information about Hiroshima Station and Fukuoka's Hakata Station
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.
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to use your train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email. This QR code is your e-ticket, that you can use directly at the gates in stations by scanning it.
In case your QR code does not work, you will find right below it a registration number to show to station staff in order to board your train.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and train tickets usage conditions. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of using your train tickets in Japan.
READ MORE ABOUT THE CONDITIONS AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS HERE
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.
How to use your train tickets in Japan
To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them, simply head to Hiroshima Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at North/Shinkansen exits, and head to the right platform to hop on your train.
Please note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates, which means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases.
If you arrive to Hiroshima Station by a JR line:
If you have a prepaid IC card or paper JR tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area. First scan your Shinkansen e-ticket, then tap your prepaid card (or insert your paper tickets). The gates will open on this second action.
If you are arriving in Hiroshima Station via subway lines:
You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at North/Shinkansen exits.
On board the train, find the seat number that is on your e-ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride!
Once you've arrived in Fukuoka (Hakata), scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Fukuoka (Hakata) Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
If you need to transfer to a JR local line, you need to exit the Shinkansen gates first, and then purchase local tickets - or use your prepaid IC card to travel by scanning directly at the transfer gates.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan
Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.
- How can I cancel or modify my booking?
You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.
Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).
- What are the cancellation conditions?
You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.
- What if I miss my train?
If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.
- What are the modification conditions?
You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.
If you want to modify:
- Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
- Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
- Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
- Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).
The Shinkansen is the premier form of travel in Japan. “Shinkansen” is the Japanese word for “bullet train,” whose name is derived from the locomotive’s high speeds and shape. They are commonly used for traversing longer distances in Japan.
Reserving seats on the Shinkansen bullet train isn’t a necessity; however, we do suggest making a reservation during peak travel times, specifically during Spring (sakura season) and during New Year's, for example. Trains may also be crowded during major holidays and events, such as large festivals. You’ll also need to make a reservation for oversized luggage on the Shinkansen.
- There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
- The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
- The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.
If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.
If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.
Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.
If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.
For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.
Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.
You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.
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