Hiroden Streetcar to Miyajimaguchi: Route, Fare & Travel Tips

Taking the Hiroden Streetcar to Miyajimaguchi

The Hiroden streetcar (広島電鉄, Hiroshima Electric Railway) is one of two ways to reach Miyajimaguchi from Hiroshima city — the mainland transfer point for the ferry to Miyajima Island. Route 2, also called the Miyajima Line (宮島線), runs directly from Hiroshima Station to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station (広電宮島口).

The ride takes approximately 35 minutes on the direct service, costs a flat ¥240 (~$1.60), and runs every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. It is slower than the JR alternative but cheaper, covered by the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass, and offers a street-level view of everyday Hiroshima that the faster JR train cannot match.

For broader Hiroshima transport planning, see our Hiroshima station guide.

Route, Fare, and Travel Time

According to NAVITIME route data, the Hiroden Route 2 streetcar from Hiroshima Station to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi takes approximately 35-36 minutes on the direct Miyajima Line service. The flat fare is ¥240 (~$1.60) regardless of where you board along the route.

The tram operates from approximately 5:00 in the morning until around 23:00 at night, with departures every 10-15 minutes during regular hours. No reservation is needed — just board the tram at the stop.

The route passes through central Hiroshima, running at street level alongside traffic. You will pass through residential and commercial neighborhoods, cross the Ota River branches, and see a side of Hiroshima that most tourists experience only from a taxi or bus window. According to the Hiroden official route map, Route 2 is the designated Miyajima Line connecting Hiroshima Station to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi.

One important note: the 35-minute time applies to the direct Miyajima Line service. Some trams require a transfer at Hiroden-Nishi-Hiroshima Station, which can extend the total journey to 60-70 minutes. Check the destination displayed on the front of the tram before boarding — look for "広電宮島口" (Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi) as the terminus.

Hiroden vs JR: Which Is Better to Miyajimaguchi?

When to Take the Hiroden Tram

The Hiroden tram is the better choice if:

• You have a Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass — the tram is fully covered, saving you ¥240 each way
• You are not in a hurry and want to experience Hiroshima's streetcar culture
• You are starting from central Hiroshima (around the Peace Park or Hondori area) rather than Hiroshima Station — a tram stop may be closer than walking to the JR station
• You want to save money — ¥240 vs ¥420 for JR

	Hiroden Tram	JR Sanyo Line
Time	~35-70 min	~25-27 min
Fare	¥240 (~$1.60)	¥420 (~$2.80)
JR Pass	Not covered	Covered
Tourist Pass	Covered	Not covered
Frequency	Every 10-15 min	Every 10-20 min
Experience	Street-level, scenic	Standard train

When to Take JR Instead

Take JR if you hold a JR Pass (the train to JR Miyajimaguchi is covered), if you are short on time, or if you are heading directly from Hiroshima Station with no stops along the way. The JR ride is about 25-27 minutes and costs ¥420 (~$2.80). JR Pass holders also get the JR Miyajima Ferry for free.

How to Ride: Boarding, Paying, and IC Cards

Board the Hiroden tram from the Hiroshima Station South Exit tram stop. Look for Route 2 trams heading toward Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi (広電宮島口). The destination is displayed on the front of the tram in Japanese and sometimes English.

Payment options:

• IC cards: ICOCA, Suica, PASPY, and other compatible IC cards are accepted. Tap your card on the reader when exiting the tram.
• Cash: Exact fare of ¥240 is required. A change machine is available near the exit door.
• Tourist Pass: If you have the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass, show it to the driver when exiting.

You board from the rear door and exit from the front door near the driver. When approaching your stop, press the stop button — similar to a bus. At the terminus (Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi), everyone exits, so you cannot miss your stop.

During peak hours, trams can get crowded. If you are traveling with large luggage, the JR train may be more comfortable.

Connecting to the Miyajima Ferry

Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station is the streetcar terminus, located near but not identical to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. The two stations are about a 2-minute walk apart according to the Hiroden official site.

From the Hiroden tram stop, the Miyajimaguchi Passenger Ferry Terminal (宮島口旅客桟橋) is a short walk — about 3-5 minutes. Both JR Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Ferry depart from the same terminal area. For details on choosing between the ferries and navigating the island side, see our Miyajima access guide.

If you used the Hiroden tram (not covered by JR Pass), the Matsudai Ferry at ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way is the same price tier. If you happen to have a JR Pass but took the tram for convenience, the JR Ferry is free with your pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Hiroden streetcar take from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi?

Approximately 35 minutes on the direct Route 2 (Miyajima Line) service. Some trams require a transfer at Hiroden-Nishi-Hiroshima, extending the journey to 60-70 minutes. Check the tram's destination sign before boarding — direct services display "広電宮島口" as the terminus.

How much does the Hiroden tram to Miyajimaguchi cost?

¥240 (~$1.60) flat fare. IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASPY) are accepted, or pay exact cash fare when exiting. The tram is also fully covered by the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass.

Can I use Suica or ICOCA on Hiroden trams?

Yes. ICOCA, Suica, PASPY, and other major IC cards work on all Hiroden trams. Tap your card on the reader when exiting through the front door. Cash (exact fare) is also accepted.

Is the Hiroden tram or JR train better to reach Miyajima?

JR is faster (25-27 minutes vs 35-70 minutes) and covered by JR Pass, which also covers the JR Ferry to Miyajima. Hiroden is cheaper (¥240 vs ¥420), covered by the Tourist Pass, and a more scenic local experience. Choose based on your time, budget, and which pass you hold.