Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima for a thrilling high-speed rail experience.

• Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and watch the floating torii gate at high tide on Miyajima Island.

• Explore the historic streets of Kyoto and the vibrant Dotonbori food scene in Osaka using the extensive local JR network.

• Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, easily accessible via the JR tram and train connections.

Hidden Gems

• Take a scenic detour to the coastal town of Onomichi to cycle the Shimanami Kaido, a stunning route connecting islands via bridges.

• Discover the tranquil beauty of Sandan-kyo Gorge near Hiroshima, offering breathtaking waterfalls and emerald green pools away from the city crowds.

• Use your pass to visit Himeji Castle, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site that is often skipped by rushed itineraries but is just a short shinkansen ride away.

What Makes it Special

• Enjoy unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima, a rare inclusion that drastically cuts down travel time and costs.

• Gain access to the JR Miyajima Ferry, allowing you to reach the sacred island of Miyajima without buying separate tickets.

• Experience the ultimate convenience of hopping on and off local, rapid, and limited express trains across two of Japan's most culturally rich regions.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring and Autumn offer the most pleasant weather and stunning seasonal scenery, such as cherry blossoms in Kyoto and vibrant maple leaves in Miyajima. To avoid the heaviest crowds on popular Shinkansen routes, try to travel during mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays, steering clear of national holidays and the busy Obon and New Year periods.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the Sanyo Shinkansen zooming past the Seto Inland Sea by positioning yourself near the windows on the right side of the train when heading towards Hiroshima.

• For the best lighting at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, shoot during the golden hour just before sunset when the floating torii gate is beautifully illuminated against the twilight sky.

• Remember that photography is strictly prohibited inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum out of respect for the solemn nature of the exhibits.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When riding Japanese trains, it is considered polite to keep your voice down, set your phone to silent mode, and avoid taking phone calls in the carriages. Queue neatly on the marked lines on the platform before boarding, and always offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities in the priority seating areas.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Experience the magical Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival in late summer, where hundreds of fireworks are launched from boats on the water near the floating torii gate.

• Witness the breathtaking cherry blossom illuminations at Osaka Castle Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park during the spring sakura season.

• Enjoy the vibrant autumn light-ups at Miyajima's Momijidani Park, where the glowing red maple leaves create a spectacular nighttime canopy.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Mind the gap between the train and the platform when boarding and alighting, especially on older local trains where the step might be higher.

• Keep a close eye on your belongings and luggage, utilizing the overhead racks or the dedicated luggage areas at the back of Shinkansen carriages for larger bags.

• Stay behind the yellow tactile paving lines on station platforms while waiting for trains to arrive to ensure your safety from passing express services.