You're planning a trip to Japan and you want to see Hiroshima. It makes sense. Between the haunting Peace Memorial Park and the "floating" torii gate at Miyajima, it’s a heavy-hitter on any itinerary. But then you start looking for flights to Hiroshima Japan, and things get... weird.
Most travelers just default to flying into Tokyo or Osaka and taking the Shinkansen. It’s the "classic" way, right? Well, honestly, sometimes it’s a massive waste of time and money.
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Depending on where you’re coming from—especially if you're already in Asia or connecting through a major hub like Haneda—flying directly into Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) can save you a full day of lugging suitcases through train stations. But there are some quirks about this airport you absolutely need to know before you book.
The Myth of the "Direct" Flight
If you’re searching from the US, UK, or Europe, let’s be real: you aren't flying direct. There are zero non-stop flights from North America or Europe to Hiroshima.
Basically, you’re looking at a connection. Most people look at the map and think, "I'll fly to Osaka (KIX) because it’s closer." On paper, it is. In reality? Getting from Kansai Airport to Hiroshima is a bit of a trek involving multiple trains.
Pro tip: If you are coming from abroad, your best bet is usually a connection through Tokyo-Haneda (HND).
Why Haneda? Because Hiroshima Airport is heavily served by domestic legs from there. ANA and Japan Airlines (JAL) run these like clockwork. You land in Tokyo, clear customs, hop on a quick 90-minute hop, and you’re in Hiroshima.
Who actually flies there?
It's a shorter list than you'd think. Internationally, as of early 2026, you’re mostly looking at:
- Seoul (ICN): Asiana and Jeju Air. Super common and often the cheapest "back door" into the city.
- Taipei (TPE): China Airlines.
- Shanghai (PVG): China Eastern.
- Hong Kong (HKG): HK Express or Cathay Pacific.
- Hanoi (HAN): VietJet.
If you’re a miles junkie, ANA and JAL are the kings here. They dominate the domestic routes from Tokyo, Sapporo, and Sendai.
Why the Shinkansen Isn't Always the Winner
There's this "Air Time Illusion" that hits travelers. You see a flight from Tokyo to Hiroshima is only 80 to 90 minutes. You see the Shinkansen takes 4 hours. You think, "The flight is way faster!"
Not so fast.
Hiroshima Airport is located in Mihara. It is—and I cannot stress this enough—nowhere near the city center. It’s about 50 kilometers away. You have to take a limousine bus that takes about 50 to 55 minutes to reach the Hiroshima Bus Center or the main station.
If you factor in the 60 minutes you need at the airport before departure, the 90-minute flight, and the hour-long bus ride at the end, you’re at 3.5 to 4 hours total.
So why fly? Price. Honestly, the Shinkansen (the Nozomi) from Tokyo costs around ¥19,000 to ¥20,000. If you book flights to Hiroshima Japan in advance—especially on a low-cost carrier like Spring Airlines Japan (flying out of Narita)—you can find tickets for ¥6,000 to ¥10,000. Even with the ¥1,500 bus fare from the airport, you're saving a chunk of change that buys a lot of okonomiyaki.
The Secret "Foreigner" Discounts
If you’re set on flying, don't just book a random ticket on a search engine.
JAL and ANA have specific programs for international tourists. Check out the JAL Japan Explorer Pass. If you have an international round-trip ticket (on any airline!), you can often book domestic legs to Hiroshima for a flat, discounted rate.
I’ve seen people pay $250 for a last-minute train ticket when they could have flown for $75 using the explorer pass. It’s one of those things most people forget to check until they’ve already spent the money.
Surviving Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
Once you land, don't panic. The airport is small. You won't get lost.
- The Bus is King: There is no train station at the airport. You are taking the "Limousine Bus." There are machines right outside the arrivals hall. They take IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo), but you can also buy a paper ticket.
- The Shiraichi Shortcut: If you hate buses or the highway is jammed (which happens), you can take a short 15-minute shuttle to JR Shiraichi Station and then hop on a local train to Hiroshima Station. It’s a bit more "local flavor," but it works.
- The Food: Surprisingly, the airport has a "Sora-Sora" okonomiyaki court. If you’re starving after your flight, you can get your first taste of Hiroshima-style noodles right there.
When Should You Actually Book?
Japan’s domestic flight prices are surprisingly volatile.
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For the best deals on flights to Hiroshima Japan, the sweet spot is usually 28 to 45 days out. Unlike the US, where "last minute" is always expensive, Japan sometimes has "Special Fare" buckets that stay open until a few weeks before the flight.
Avoid flying during Golden Week (late April/early May), Obon (mid-August), and the New Year period. Prices triple, and the airport bus will be stuck in soul-crushing traffic on the Sanyo Expressway.
If you're coming in March—which is actually the cheapest month statistically—you get the bonus of the plum blossoms and early cherry blossoms without the peak April price tag.
Your Hiroshima Flight Checklist
- Check Haneda, not just Narita. Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo and has way more daily flights to Hiroshima.
- Compare the "Total Cost." Add the ¥1,500 bus fare to your flight price before comparing it to the Shinkansen.
- Look at Seoul (ICN) as a hub. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly your international leg to Seoul and then take a budget carrier like Jeju Air into Hiroshima.
- Download the "Mobiry" app. It’s the local digital ticket app for Hiroshima transport. You can buy your airport bus ticket on your phone and just show the driver.
- Mind the luggage. Domestic planes in Japan have much stricter weight limits than international ones. If you're coming off a trans-pacific flight with 50lbs of gear, be prepared to pay an overweight fee on the domestic leg.
Next Step: Head over to the JAL Japan Explorer Pass or ANA Experience Japan Fare websites. Plug in your dates for a Tokyo-to-Hiroshima leg. If the price is under $80, book it immediately and skip the train—just make sure you give yourself at least two hours for the transfer if you're landing at Narita and flying out of Haneda.