Take a Highway Bus from Osaka to Hiroshima(Miyajima)

Osaka to Hiroshima – Take the Highway Bus for Comfort and Savings

Hiroshima Prefecture is a top travel destination in Japan’s Chugoku region,known for its World Heritage Sites like the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine, as well as beautiful nature and delicious local food such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

If you're planning to travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, taking a highway bus is highly recommended as the most economical, comfortable, and convenient way to go.

Highway buses depart from major terminals in Osaka such as Osaka Station, Namba, and Umeda, and arrive at key destinations in Hiroshima including Hiroshima Station and the Hiroshima Bus Center, offering direct service with no transfers needed.

With a variety of departure times available—from early morning to late night and even overnight buses you can easily find a schedule that fits your travel plans.

Tickets typically range from ¥5,000 to ¥6,000,significantly cheaper than the Shinkansen or flights, and overnight buses help you save on accommodation costs while maximizing sightseeing time.

Buses offer comfortable, spacious seating so you can relax during the journey, and the ease of direct travel makes it a stress-free option for first-time visitors as well.

For a smooth, affordable, and flexible journey from Osaka to Hiroshima,choose the highway bus and enjoy your trip to one of Japan’s most captivating cities.

If the bus code starts with an X or a Z then you can make a booking from one month in advance. For all other buses, bookings can be made between 1 and 4 months before the intended departure date. We suggest that you visit our website closer to your desired departure date and make a booking then.

Major Bus Stops

Bus Companies & Fares

Several bus companies operate on the Osaka–Hiroshima route. Most services run during the day, making it easy to travel between the two cities and still have time to sightsee. Here is a quick comparison.

Operator Fare (one way) Daily trips Key features
WILLER EXPRESS From ¥2,500 Multiple daily Budget-friendly · USB charging · women's seats
Chugoku JR Bus / West JR Bus From ¥3,400 Multiple daily Station-front stops · Wi-Fi · women's seats
Hiroshima Bus / Dream Sleeper From ¥3,000 Multiple daily City-centre stops · Miyajima-guchi option
WILLER EXPRESS — Osaka to Hiroshima
From ¥2,500
Multiple daily departures Daytime & overnight USB charging Women's seats

The most affordable option with multiple departures throughout the day. Choose from 4-row economy to 3-row canopy seats. Early-bird fares from ¥2,500 make this the best value on the route. Departs from Namba OCAT or WILLER Terminal Umeda and arrives in the Hiroshima area.

Osaka stops: WILLER Terminal Osaka Umeda · Namba OCAT · USJ
Hiroshima stops: Hiroshima Station South Exit · Hiroshima Bus Center

Chugoku JR Bus / West JR Bus
From ¥3,400
Multiple daily departures Station-front stops Wi-Fi Women's seats

JR Bus connects Osaka and Hiroshima with station-front stops at both ends. Departs from Osaka Station (JR Osaka) and arrives at Hiroshima Station — ideal for onward connections. Wi-Fi and women's seating available on most services.

Osaka stops: JR Osaka Station area · Namba
Hiroshima stops: Hiroshima Station South Exit · Hiroshima Bus Center

Hiroshima Bus / Osaka–Hiroshima Line
From ¥3,000
Multiple daily departures City-centre stops Miyajima-guchi option

Operated by Hiroshima Bus, this service covers multiple stops in both Osaka and Hiroshima. Select services also stop at Miyajima-guchi — ideal if your final destination is Miyajima Island.

Osaka stops: Umeda · Namba · Tennoji
Hiroshima stops: Hiroshima Bus Center · Hiroshima Station · Miyajima-guchi (select services)

Bus Stop Guide

Bus stops vary by operator. Always check the boarding location map in your booking confirmation email before travel.

Osaka Departure Stops

Umeda / Osaka Station area (all operators)

All bus companies stop near Osaka / Umeda Station. WILLER uses WILLER Terminal Osaka Umeda. JR Bus departs near JR Osaka Station. Hiroshima Bus also departs from Umeda. The most convenient starting point if you are based in central Osaka.

Namba OCAT (WILLER · Hiroshima Bus)

Namba OCAT (directly connected to JR Namba Station) is served by WILLER and Hiroshima Bus. Convenient if you are staying in the Namba / Shinsaibashi / Dotonbori area.

Tennoji / USJ (select services)

Some Hiroshima Bus services also stop at Tennoji. WILLER services from USJ are available for those visiting Universal Studios Japan before heading to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Arrival Stops

Hiroshima Bus Center (紙屋町・そごう前)

The main highway bus terminal in central Hiroshima, near Kamiyacho and directly accessible by Hiroshima tram. Walking distance from Peace Memorial Park. Most services stop here.

Hiroshima Station South Exit

Many services also stop at Hiroshima Station South Exit — convenient for onward JR connections or checking in to hotels near the station. Coin lockers available inside.

Miyajima-guchi (select services)

Some Hiroshima Bus services stop directly at Miyajima-guchi ferry terminal, allowing you to head straight to Miyajima Island without going into central Hiroshima first.

What to Do After Arrival

Daytime buses arrive in Hiroshima in the afternoon, giving you time to explore before dinner. Here are some ideas for your first hours in Hiroshima.

Arriving in Hiroshima

① Store your luggage

Coin lockers are available at Hiroshima Bus Center and throughout Hiroshima Station (South and North exits). ecbo cloak partner shops near the station also offer luggage storage. Storing your bag lets you explore hands-free before hotel check-in.

② Head to Peace Memorial Park

If arriving in the afternoon, Peace Memorial Park is one of the best first stops. The A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum are open until 6 PM (later in summer) — enough time for a meaningful visit after an afternoon arrival. The park itself is free and open at all times.

Access: From Hiroshima Bus Center (Kamiyacho), walk ~10 min or take tram to Genbaku-Dome-Mae (~5 min, ¥180).

③ Dinner: Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

Okonomimura (お好み村) — a multi-floor building packed with okonomiyaki restaurants near Hatchobori tram stop. The must-try Hiroshima dish, layered with noodles, cabbage and egg. Open from around 11 AM to 10 PM.

Access: Take tram from Hiroshima Station to Hatchobori (~10 min, ¥180), walk ~5 min.

Returning to Osaka

① Store your luggage

Coin lockers are available at Namba OCAT (JR Namba Station), Osaka Station and Umeda area. ecbo cloak shops are also available near major stations.

② Shower & freshen up

Spa World (1 min from Shin-Imamiya Station · open 24 hrs · from ¥1,500)
Large spa with themed baths from around the world. Great for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Daito-yo (~5 min walk from Umeda · open 12:00–next day 10:00 · from ¥1,600)
Spa & sauna with nap rooms — ideal if arriving on an early morning service.

③ Explore Osaka

Dotonbori / Namba — Osaka's famous entertainment district, great for dinner and evening strolls.

Umeda Sky Building — Rooftop Floating Garden Observatory (open to 10:30 PM) with panoramic views over Osaka.

Highway Bus vs Shinkansen

Not sure which transport to choose for Osaka–Hiroshima? Here's a quick comparison. There are no practical direct flights between the two cities.

🚌 Highway Bus 🚄 Shinkansen (Nozomi)
Fare From ¥2,500 ~¥10,000
Travel time ~3–4 hrs ~1.5 hrs
Departure point City centre
(Umeda / Namba)		 City centre
(Shin-Osaka Stn)
Reservation Up to 3 months ahead Anytime
Overnight travel ✔ Available (select services) ✘ Last train ~23:00
Luggage Trunk storage free Overhead rack
(large bags: rules apply)
Best for Budget travel Speed & convenience

* Fares are approximate. Shinkansen (Nozomi) is ~¥10,000 Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima. There are no practical direct flights between Osaka and Hiroshima. Highway bus early-bird fares may sell out quickly.

Other Popular Highway Bus Routes

See All Popular Routes

Sightseeing Guide: What to See & Do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is one of Japan's most historically significant cities, but it's also a vibrant modern city with excellent food, beautiful scenery and easy access to Miyajima Island. Here are the top sights and how to get to each.

🕊️ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム)
UNESCO World Heritage Free entry (park) Open 24 hrs (park)

The most important site in Hiroshima. The A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) — the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall — was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The adjacent Peace Memorial Park contains the Peace Memorial Museum, the Children's Peace Monument (Sadako's paper crane statue), and the Flame of Peace. A deeply moving and essential visit.

Peace Memorial Museum: Open 8:30 AM–6 PM (extended in summer). Admission ¥200.

From Hiroshima Bus Center, take tram Line 6 to Genbaku-Dome-Mae (~5 min). From Hiroshima Station, take tram Line 2 or 6 to Genbaku-Dome-Mae (~15 min, ¥180).
⛩️ Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine (宮島・厳島神社)
UNESCO World Heritage Floating torii gate Day trip from Hiroshima

Miyajima Island (officially Itsukushima) is home to the iconic floating torii gate — one of Japan's most photographed landmarks. The vermilion torii appears to float on the water at high tide. Itsukushima Shrine, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built over the sea and is equally stunning. The island also has deer roaming freely, hiking trails up Mt. Misen, and excellent seafood (especially oysters and anago eel).

Itsukushima Shrine: Open daily 6:30 AM–6 PM. Admission ¥300.

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajima-guchi Station (~26 min, ¥410), then the Miyajima Ferry (~10 min, ¥200). Total: ~40 min from Hiroshima Station. Some overnight buses drop off directly at Miyajima-guchi.
🏯 Hiroshima Castle (広島城)
Reconstructed castle History museum Cherry blossoms (April)

Originally built in 1589, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. The castle tower houses a museum covering Hiroshima's history from feudal times to the present. The surrounding grounds are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March–early April).

Opening hours: 9 AM–6 PM (5 PM in winter). Admission ¥370.

From Hiroshima Bus Center or Kamiyacho tram stop, walk ~15 min north. From Hiroshima Station, take tram Line 2 to Kamiyacho-nishi (~10 min), then walk ~10 min.
🦌 Miyajima Ropeway & Mt. Misen (弥山)
Panoramic views Hiking trails Sacred mountain

Mt. Misen (535m) is the sacred mountain of Miyajima Island. The Miyajima Ropeway takes you most of the way up in about 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute hike to the summit. From the top, you'll have 360° views over the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima city, and on clear days, all the way to the Kii Peninsula. The eternal flame on the summit has been burning for over 1,200 years.

Ropeway: From ¥2,000 (round trip). Operates daily ~9 AM–5 PM.

On Miyajima Island. Take the ropeway from Momijidani Station, a 15-min walk from the ferry pier, or walk the hiking trail (~90 min). Access Miyajima by ferry from Miyajima-guchi.
🦪 Hiroshima Food: Okonomiyaki & Oysters
Local cuisine Must-eat Affordable

Hiroshima has two unmissable local foods. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a layered savoury pancake (not mixed like Osaka-style) with noodles, cabbage, egg and toppings — try it at Okonomimura, a multi-floor building packed with okonomiyaki restaurants near Hatchobori. Hiroshima oysters are famous across Japan — best enjoyed grilled or fried at restaurants near Miyajima or the fish market.

Okonomimura: 5-min walk from Hatchobori tram stop (tram Line 1/2 from Hiroshima Station). Miyajima oysters: at restaurants on Miyajima Island near the ferry pier.
🌿 Shukkeien Garden (縮景園)
Traditional Japanese garden 17th century Cherry blossoms & autumn leaves

One of Hiroshima's most beautiful spots, Shukkeien is a traditional Japanese garden originally built in 1620. The garden features a central pond, teahouses, stone bridges and seasonal flowers — cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn make it particularly stunning. A peaceful contrast to the intensity of the Peace Memorial sites.

Opening hours: 9 AM–5 PM (6 PM Apr–Sep). Admission ¥260.

From Hiroshima Station North Exit, walk ~10 min east. Or take tram Line 9 to Shukkei-en-mae (~5 min, ¥180).
🌊 Onomichi & the Shimanami Kaido (尾道・しまなみ海道)
Day trip from Hiroshima Cycling route Scenic islands

About 1 hour east of Hiroshima by JR, Onomichi is a charming hillside port town famous for its temple walk, cats and retro atmosphere. From Onomichi, the Shimanami Kaido is a 70km cycling route crossing 6 islands over the Seto Inland Sea to Imabari in Shikoku — considered one of the world's best cycling routes. Even a partial ride is spectacular.

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Onomichi (~60 min, ¥1,520). Rental bicycles available at Onomichi Station.

FAQ

How long does the Osaka to Hiroshima highway bus take?
The journey typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions, especially during major holidays (Golden Week, Obon, New Year).
Is a highway bus cheaper than the Shinkansen?
Yes — significantly. Highway buses start from ¥2,500 with early-bird fares, compared to around ¥10,000 for the Shinkansen (Nozomi, Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima). There are no practical direct flights between Osaka and Hiroshima. See the comparison table above for a full breakdown.
How far in advance can I book a ticket?
Most buses go on sale 1 to 3 months before the departure date. WILLER EXPRESS opens bookings about 3 months in advance. JR Bus services go on sale from 1 month before departure. We recommend booking early, especially during peak seasons.
Can I book a ticket on the day of travel?
Yes, if seats are available you can book up to a short time before departure. However, popular services often sell out in advance, so early booking is recommended.
Where do buses depart from in Osaka?
The main departure points are Umeda / Osaka Station area (all operators), Namba OCAT (WILLER and Hiroshima Bus), and Tennoji (select services). WILLER also picks up from USJ on some services. Check the boarding map in your confirmation email.
Where do buses arrive in Hiroshima?
Most buses arrive at Hiroshima Bus Center (city centre, near Kamiyacho) or Hiroshima Station South Exit. Some Hiroshima Bus services also stop at Miyajima-guchi for direct access to Miyajima Island. Check the arrival map in your confirmation email.
Do the buses have toilets and charging facilities?
Availability varies by service. Buses with onboard toilets or USB/AC charging ports are clearly marked with icons on the search results page. Filter by those features on the search page if needed.
Are there rest stops during the journey?
Yes. Buses generally stop at service areas approximately every 1.5 to 2 hours. These stops give you a chance to use the restroom, grab food and stretch your legs.
Is it safe for women travelling alone?
Yes. WILLER EXPRESS and JR Bus offer women-only seats on select departures. You can filter by seat type on the search page.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each passenger may generally store one piece of luggage in the trunk (underfloor storage) and carry one small bag on board. Trunk size limits vary by operator — check the bus details page before booking. Suitcases are not permitted in the cabin.

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What should I do if I leave something on the bus?
Please contact Kosokubus.com customer support as soon as possible with your booking number, a description of the lost item (colour, shape, brand), and the bus name. We will check with the bus company on your behalf.

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