Hiroden Streetcar 1-Day Pass GuideA guide to 1-day passes and mobile buying tips for saving money on the Hiroshima streetcar and Miyajima ferry.
If you plan to ride the Hiroshima streetcar three or more times in one day, buying a day pass is much cheaper than paying single fares. You can choose between a streetcar-only pass or a ferry-inclusive pass to match your travel route.
View Hiroden 1-Day Pass Details1. Pass Types and Rates
1) Hiroden Streetcar 1-Day Pass
- Price: Adults 700 JPY / Children 350 JPY
- Benefits: Offers unlimited rides on all Hiroden streetcar lines (both city lines and the Miyajima Line) for one calendar day.
2) Hiroden Streetcar + Ferry 1-Day Pass
- Price: Adults 1,000 JPY / Children 550 JPY
- Benefits: This value pass includes unlimited rides on all streetcar lines plus a round-trip ride on the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen ferry to Miyajima Island. The Miyajima Visitor Tax (100 JPY) is already included in the pass price, so you do not need to buy a separate tax ticket. It also includes a discount for the Miyajima Ropeway.
Except for the Hiroden Streetcar + Ferry 1-Day Pass, most transit passes do not include the Miyajima Visitor Tax (100 JPY).
If you use the other passes listed below to travel to Miyajima instead of buying a regular ferry ticket, you must pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax separately. Please note that even if your ferry ride is free through a JR Pass, the visitor tax is not waived and must be paid.
- How to Pay: Before boarding the ferry at the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal, you must buy a Miyajima Visitor Tax ticket (100 JPY) from the ticket vending machines. Show your transit pass at the gate and hand the separate visitor tax ticket to the staff.
2. Purchase Methods (Physical vs. Mobile)
Important Notes for Physical Passes
- You can buy a physical pass at the Hiroshima Station Desk or directly from a streetcar driver.
- However, drivers might run out of stock depending on onboard conditions. Physical passes must be used on the exact day of purchase.
Mobile Passes via MOBIRY TRAVEL Highly Recommended
- You can buy digital passes in advance on the MOBIRY TRAVEL website without worrying about sellouts.
- These are active for 24 consecutive hours from the exact time you first tap them, making them much more flexible than calendar-day passes.
- In addition to streetcar passes, you can easily buy Hiroshima Airport limousine bus tickets, single Miyajima ferry tickets, and various other regional transit options in one place.
Hiroshima Tabi Pass (Hiroshima Tourist Pass) GuideA complete guide to the Tabi Pass, which offers unlimited rides on Hiroshima city transit and the Miyajima ferry.
This essential tourist pass lets you ride Hiroshima city streetcars (Hiroden), fixed-route buses, and the Miyajima ferry with a single ticket. You can choose between a physical pass or a digital pass to match your schedule and save money.
View Hiroshima Tabi Pass Details1. Pass Options and Prices
The pass is available as a physical pass (calendar-day based) or a digital pass (hour based). The price is the same for both, so choose the method that works best for you.
| Type / Duration | 1-Day (24 Hours) | 2-Day (48 Hours) | 3-Day (72 Hours) | 3-Day Middle Area (72 Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Pass (Calendar Day) | 1,000 JPY | 1,500 JPY | 2,000 JPY | 4,500 JPY |
| Digital Pass (Hourly Counter) | 1,000 JPY | 1,500 JPY | 2,000 JPY | 4,500 JPY |
2. Covered Transportation Network
The standard passes (1 to 3 days) and the expanded 'Middle Area Pass' have different travel boundaries.
- Trains (Streetcars): Unlimited rides on all Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) lines, including all city lines and the Miyajima Line.
- Boats (Ferries): Unlimited rides on ferries to Miyajima Island. This covers both Miyajima Matsudai Kisen and JR West Miyajima Ferry.
- City Buses: Covers Hiroden Bus, Hiroshima Bus, Hiroshima Kotsu, Geiyo Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, and HD Nishi-Hiroshima (Bon-Bus).
- Sightseeing Loop Bus: This pass fully covers the red Meipuru~pu sightseeing loop bus commonly used by travelers.
- Suburban & Express Buses (★ Middle Area Pass Exclusive): Covers specific local route buses and designated express buses (such as the Kaguyahime-go and Claire Line) in Kure, Takehara, Mihara, Miyoshi, Shobara, Higashihiroshima, and Iwakuni. Note that express buses are limited to a maximum of two rides (one round trip) during the pass validity period.
- The Kaguyahime-go can only be used on the section between Hiroshima and Takehara.
❌ Excluded Services (Cannot be used with this pass)
- JR regular trains, Hiroshima Airport limousine buses, night buses, and local community buses are not covered.
- If you visit THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA mall, you will cross the pass boundary line and must pay an extra 200 JPY fare when exiting the bus.
3. How to Purchase and Use
1) Physical Pass
- Where to Buy: JR Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit 1F Bus Ticket Counter (Transit Information Desk), Hiroshima Bus Center, Hiroden-miyajimaguchi Desk, etc.
- How to Use: Simply scratch off the dates on your pass and show it clearly to the driver or station staff when exiting a bus, streetcar, or ticket gate. (For express buses using the Middle Area Pass, tear off the designated paper coupon and drop it into the fare box.)
2) Digital Pass
- Where to Buy: Access the MOBIRY TRAVEL website on your smartphone and pay easily with a credit card. (Once purchased, you can activate and use it at any time within 90 days.)
- How to Use: Show the active digital pass screen on your smartphone to the transit staff when stepping off.
When boarding a city bus covered by this pass, pull a paper numbered ticket when entering, then hand the ticket to the driver and show your pass when exiting.
4. Exclusive Digital Coupons for Pass Holders
Pass holders receive digital coupons that offer discounts at major tourist spots and popular restaurants throughout Hiroshima.
- How to Access: Physical pass holders can scan the QR code in the provided guidebook, while digital pass holders can click the link inside their active ticket screen. You can enjoy useful discounts and special offers once per participating location during your pass validity period, so remember to take advantage of them.
Hiroshima tabiwa Pass ComparisonA quick comparison guide highlighting the core benefits of the Miyajima Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass and the Hiroshima Wide Pass.
1. Miyajima Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass
This affordable digital pass allows you to travel freely around downtown Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, and various islands and ports across the Seto Inland Sea.
- Essential for Onomichi: The covered JR train network reaches as far as Onomichi Station. If your itinerary includes a trip to Onomichi, buying this pass is highly recommended.
- Excellent Transit Coverage: Offers unlimited rides on the Hiroden streetcar, Meipuru~pu sightseeing loop buses, and regional ferries.
- Special Transport Option: Includes one single ride on the high-speed boat between Hiroshima Port and Miyajima Port during the validity period, allowing you to design a highly unique and efficient travel route.
2. Hiroshima Wide Pass
This regional transit pass is the best option for exploring the major sightseeing destinations inside and around Hiroshima Prefecture over three consecutive days.
- Essential for Tomonoura: Offers excellent savings if you want to visit the quiet, scenic seaside town of Tomonoura.
- Cost Comparison: A standard round trip using the JR Sanyo Main Line from Hiroshima to Fukuyama (1,980 JPY one-way) and the Tomotetsu Bus from Fukuyama Station to Tomonoura (620 JPY one-way) costs 5,200 JPY in total. A single round trip to Tomonoura completely pays off the pass price (4,400 JPY).
- ⚠️ Read Before Buying: The Hiroshima Wide Pass does NOT cover the Hiroden streetcar lines. Keep this in mind when designing your route if you plan to travel heavily within downtown Hiroshima.
You can buy these passes by signing up for an account on the official tabiwa by WESTER website. Although the platform is only in Japanese, you can navigate the signup and purchase process easily using your browser's automatic translation features.
Once purchased, the pass is valid for three consecutive days starting from the day you click the activation button.
(The official app can be downloaded on iOS devices, but it also supports Japanese only.)
3. Side-by-Side Comparison of tabiwa Passes
Check the detailed comparison table below to find the best pass that matches your specific travel goals (focusing on downtown landmarks and free entry perks vs. exploring outer suburbs and regional islands).
| Feature | Miyajima Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass | Hiroshima Wide Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Adults 4,100 JPY / Children 2,050 JPY | Adults 4,400 JPY / Children 2,200 JPY |
| Validity | 3 consecutive days from activation | 3 consecutive days from activation |
| Shinkansen | Not included | Not included |
| JR Train Lines (Non-Reserved Local) |
|
|
| City Transit (Streetcar/Bus) |
|
|
| Boats & Ferries |
|
|
| Free Entry Attractions (Once per site) |
| No free entry attraction benefits included |
| Other Perks |
|
|
| Recommended For | Budget-conscious travelers focusing on downtown Hiroshima (via streetcars), Miyajima, and Kure, who want to save on public transit fares and major attraction entry fees at the same time. | Travelers who prefer to skip the city center streetcars and head out on regional lines (Kabe, Geibi, or Fukuen Lines) to explore Hiroshima's outer suburbs, small historic towns, and coastal islands like Fukuyama, Tomonoura, and Setoda. |
Exclusive TourCast Tips!
Money-Saving Transfer Tips for tabiwa Pass Holders Heading to Hiroshima Airport
Hiroshima Airport has no direct rail connections, so most travelers rely on the direct airport limousine buses heading straight to Hiroshima Station or the Hiroshima Bus Center. However, you can lower your transport costs significantly if you design your path around your tabiwa pass validity dates.
1. Transferring via Shiraichi Station (Valid on Your First or Last Day)
You can take a local bus from the airport to the closest railway station, Shiraichi Station, and use your transit pass to catch a JR train directly into the city center.
- Note 1: The local bus fare between the airport and Shiraichi Station is not covered by the pass and must be paid separately.
- Note 2: This route requires a transfer, meaning it takes a bit more time than taking a direct limousine bus to the city center.
2. Recommended Itinerary for Your Last Day: Saijo Sake Brewery District
If your transit pass is still active on your departure day, traveling from Hiroshima Station to Saijo Station allows you to tour the famous Saijo Sake Brewery District, pick up local souvenirs, and head straight to the airport.
- Route Option A: Catch a direct bus running from Saijo Station straight to Hiroshima Airport. [Saijo Station North Exit Timetable]
- Route Option B: Use your pass to take a JR train from Saijo Station to Shiraichi Station, then catch the airport connection bus from there. [Shiraichi Station Timetable]
⚠️ Important Note for JR West Pass Holders
The 'JR West Pass' series described below can only be exchanged for physical tickets at Hiroshima Station. This means you cannot use this train transfer method on your arrival day from the airport. You can only use it on your departure day if your pass validity covers that final date.
Exclusive TourCast Tips!
Enjoy a Unique Train Ride on the etSETOra Sightseeing Train
The etSETOra is a popular retro-style sightseeing train operated by JR West that follows the scenic coastline of the Seto Inland Sea. It operates one round trip per day, departing from Hiroshima Station at 09:32 and arriving at Fukuyama Station at 12:53, then returning from Fukuyama Station at 14:17 to arrive back at Hiroshima Station at 17:22. It runs primarily on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (excluding the New Year period).
While it takes longer than a standard local train, it offers a memorable travel experience where you can enjoy beautiful coastal views of the Seto Inland Sea while sipping regional sake and local cocktails at the onboard bar counter.
[How to Ride for Pass Holders] Travelers holding a valid tabiwa pass or JR West Pass do not need to buy a separate basic train ticket. You only need to purchase a separate 'Local Train Reserved Green Seat Ticket' to board.
- Hiroshima to Fukuyama section: Extra Green Seat Ticket costs 1,700 JPY
- Hiroshima to Onomichi section: Extra Green Seat Ticket costs 1,000 JPY
- The Tabiwa Gururin Pass only covers the section between Hiroshima and Onomichi.
[Onboard Amenities & Booking Tips] Car 1 features a bar counter selling Setouchi craft beers, local sake, and light snacks. Special sweets and snack sets are available exclusively for passengers via advanced booking, and orders must be placed on the official website at least 3 days before your departure date to pick them up on the train.
etSETOra Official Train Guide (Japanese)Hiroshima Joy Pass SummaryA summary of the mobile attractions pass, which lets you choose and enjoy three sights, restaurants, or shopping spots.
The Hiroshima Joy Pass (Have Fun in Hiroshima Pass) is a mobile e-ticket rather than a transit pass. It lets you select and enjoy benefits at any three participating locations of your choice, including popular sightseeing spots, restaurants, and shopping malls across Hiroshima.
- Purchase Price: Costs around 3,500 JPY depending on exchange rates. It offers excellent value if your three chosen activities add up to more than 3,500 JPY.
- Validity Period: Valid for activation within 270 days from the purchase date. Once activated at your first location, it is valid for 7 consecutive days.
- Usage Limits: You can visit a maximum of 3 unique participating locations (limited to once per facility; repeat visits are not allowed).
- Participating Locations: Eligible facilities can change over time, so please check the official website before visiting.
JR West Pass GuideA guide to the various railway passes issued by JR West that make traveling around Hiroshima and neighboring cities highly affordable.
If you plan to tour surrounding regional cities alongside Hiroshima, using a JR West Pass is highly recommended. However, if you only plan to make a single long-distance journey, it is best to compare whether the combined cost of single-ride tickets and local transit fares is cheaper than the pass price. Calculate your total transport expenses in advance, as certain travel plans might make a rail pass less cost-efficient.
1. Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
This high-value pass provides a cost-effective way to travel via Shinkansen and local train lines through Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and all the way to Hakata (Fukuoka), the gateway to Kyushu.
1) Rates and Validity
- Validity Period: Valid for 5 consecutive days starting from your designated activation date.
- Pass Pricing:
- Adults (Ages 12 and older): 15,000 JPY
- Children (Ages 6–11): 7,500 JPY
2) Covered Routes and Transit Services
Enjoy unlimited rides on the following transportation services within the designated travel zone:
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Covers both Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats on the section between Mihara and Hakata (Fukuoka). (This includes the unique Hello Kitty Shinkansen train.)
- Limited Express Trains: Covers Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats on limited express trains running within the travel zone.
- Local Train Lines: Covers Special Rapid, Rapid, and Local trains on all eligible JR West lines.
- Ferries: Includes free rides on the JR West Miyajima Ferry (Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima) crossing over to Miyajima Island.
2. Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
This powerful rail pass expands the Shinkansen travel boundaries eastward compared to the standard Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Pass and adds rail connections into the Shikoku region, allowing you to design a broader and more diverse tour across Western Japan.
1. Rates and Validity
- Validity Period: Valid for 5 consecutive days starting from your designated activation date.
- Pass Pricing:
- Adults (Ages 12 and older): 17,000 JPY
- Children (Ages 6–11): 8,500 JPY
2. Covered Routes and Transit Services
Enjoy unlimited rides on the following transportation services within the designated travel zone:
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Covers both Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats on the section between Okayama and Hakata (Fukuoka). (This provides a wider coverage area than the standard pass and covers rides on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.)
- Limited Express Trains: Covers Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats on limited express trains within the travel zone, including routes crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Okayama over to Takamatsu in Shikoku.
- Local Train Lines: Offers unlimited rides on Special Rapid, Rapid, and Local train services on JR West lines inside the travel zone.
- Ferries: Includes free rides on the JR West Miyajima Ferry (Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima) to Miyajima Island.
- Chugoku JR Buses: Offers unlimited rides on fixed-route Chugoku JR buses within the eligible boundaries.
- Ekirinkun Bicycle Rental: Provides free access to the 'Ekirinkun' bicycle rental service operated at major JR stations, making it highly practical for exploring historic neighborhood streets.
3. Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass Guide
This highly popular rail pass allows travelers to explore the core Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.) and travel smoothly via Shinkansen to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.
1. Rates and Validity
- Validity Period: Valid for 5 consecutive days starting from your designated activation date.
- Pass Pricing:
- Adults (Ages 12 and older): 17,000 JPY
- Children (Ages 6–11): 8,500 JPY
2. Covered Routes and Transit Services
Enjoy unlimited rides on the following transportation services within the designated travel zone:
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Covers both Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats on the high-speed section between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. This is the fastest way to travel from Osaka to Hiroshima and fully covers rides on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
- Limited Express Trains: Covers Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats on the HARUKA Kansai Airport Express, as well as other major express trains like the KUROSHIO, KONOTORI, and KINOSAKI.
- Local Train Lines: Offers unlimited rides on Special Rapid, Rapid, and Local train services on JR West lines throughout the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, etc.) and the Hiroshima travel zone.
- Ferries: Includes free rides on the JR West Miyajima Ferry (Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima) for visiting Miyajima Island.
- Buses: Covers designated JR West route buses within the eligible zone. (Note that long-distance express buses are not covered.)