Hiroshima Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Hiroshima, a major city in western Japan known for its historical significance and recovery, is served by one primary international airport. Located not in Hiroshima city itself but on an island in the Seto Inland Sea, the airport requires a unique transfer to reach the city. This guide provides essential information about Hiroshima Airport, including its location, transportation options, and tips for a smooth arrival.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Overview: Hiroshima Airport is the main airport serving the Hiroshima region. It is located on an artificial island in the Seto Inland Sea, approximately 50 km (31 miles) east of Hiroshima city centre, in the town of Mihara. It handles domestic flights to major Japanese hubs like Tokyo (Haneda & Narita), Sapporo, and Okinawa, as well as a limited number of international flights to destinations like Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and Guam.

Terminals: The airport has two main terminal buildings connected by a walkway.

• Domestic Terminal: A modern facility handling the majority of flights, operated by ANA, Japan Airlines (JAL), and Solaseed Air.
• International Terminal: A smaller, separate building located adjacent to the Domestic Terminal. It handles all scheduled international flights.

The terminals are very close together, and the walk between them takes less than 5 minutes.

Getting to and from Hiroshima Airport: The airport’s remote island location means ground transport is a planned, scheduled affair. The main options are bus and taxi.

• Airport Limousine Bus (Express Bus):
  The most common, convenient, and recommended method. Buses run on a timed schedule coordinated with flight arrivals and departures.
  • To Hiroshima City: Buses depart from outside the arrivals hall and go directly to Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen entrance) in about 45-50 minutes. Some continue to the city centre (Kamiyacho) and Hiroshima Peace Park area. The fare is approximately ¥1,350.
  • To Other Cities: Direct buses also connect the airport to other major cities in the region like Okayama, Fukuyama, and Onomichi.

  Purchase tickets from the vending machines or counter just outside baggage claim. Schedules are precise; don’t miss your bus.

• Taxi:
  Taxis are available outside the terminal. The ride to Hiroshima city centre takes about 50-60 minutes but is very expensive, typically costing between ¥15,000 – ¥20,000 ($100-$135 USD). Only practical for large groups or in emergencies.
• Rental Car:
  Major Japanese rental companies (Toyota, Nissan, Times) have counters in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is an excellent option if you plan to explore the wider Chugoku region, such as the Seto Inland Sea islands (Shimanami Kaido) or Iwakuni.
• Train (Not Direct):
  There is no direct train station at the airport. To use trains, you must first take a local bus (not the express limousine bus) to Mihara Station (approx. 25 mins), then transfer to the JR Sanyo Line for Hiroshima Station. This is slower and more complicated than the direct bus.

Best for: All travellers to Hiroshima city and the surrounding prefecture. It is the primary air gateway for the region.

Which Hiroshima Airport Should You Choose?

There is only one commercial airport: Hiroshima Airport (HIJ). The only internal choice is ensuring you take the correct bus to your final destination (Hiroshima City vs. other regional cities).

Alternative Airports: Some travellers opt to fly into a larger hub like Osaka’s Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami (ITM) and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima. This can be a competitive option in terms of time and cost, especially for international arrivals from outside Asia. The Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Essential Information for Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Before You Go:

• Check-in: For domestic flights, arrive 1.5 hours early. For international flights, arrive 2.5 hours early. The airport is small and efficient, but the bus schedule dictates your arrival time at the airport for departure.
• Bus Schedule Coordination: When planning your departure from Hiroshima city to the airport, check the limousine bus schedule first and build your flight plans around it. Buses are not as frequent as city transport. Allow ample time before your flight.
• IC Cards: Have a rechargeable IC card (like ICOCA or SUICA) for easy payment on buses and local transport in Hiroshima city. You can use it to pay for the limousine bus.

Upon Arrival:

• International Arrivals: A small but efficient process. Proceed through immigration, collect baggage, and clear customs in the International Terminal.
• First Action: After exiting customs/baggage claim, proceed directly to the bus ticket counter or vending machines outside to purchase your ticket for the next limousine bus. Don’t delay, as buses wait for scheduled flight arrivals but depart promptly.
• Domestic Arrivals: Simply collect luggage and exit to the bus area.

Departing:

• Getting to the Airport: Board the limousine bus at Hiroshima Station (the main pick-up point). Be at the bus stop at least 5-10 minutes before the scheduled departure. The journey is reliable but allow buffer for city traffic.
• Facilities: The Domestic Terminal has a good selection of restaurants and souvenir shops selling local specialties like momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes), Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki sauce, and local sake. The International Terminal has basic facilities.

Travel Tips for Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park: The airport bus will drop you at Hiroshima Station. From there, the city’s tram (Hiroden) is the charming and historic way to reach the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Get a day pass.

Miyajima Day Trip: The iconic Itsukushima Shrine (the “floating torii gate”) on Miyajima island is a must-see. Take a local train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi station (approx. 30 mins), then a short ferry ride.

Combining with Okayama/Kurashiki: The direct bus from the airport to Okayama makes it easy to start or end your trip in another beautiful part of the Chugoku region.

Seto Inland Sea Views: The approach and departure from the airport, built on an island, offer stunning aerial views of the Seto Inland Sea and its many islands.

Bottom line: Hiroshima Airport is a small, efficient, but remotely located facility. Your success hinges on coordinating your travel with the limousine bus schedule. For departure, plan your entire day around the bus timing to the airport. While the location adds travel time, the direct bus service is comfortable and reliable, delivering you straight to the heart of the city or the Shinkansen station for further exploration.