Shin Hakushima Station

Complete Guide to Visiting Shin-Hakushima Station: Tickets, Hours, and Hiroshima Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Shin-Hakushima Station is a modern transportation hub in Hiroshima, Japan, serving as a seamless gateway for both local commuters and travelers eager to explore the city’s cultural and historical treasures. Conveniently situated along the Astram Line and directly linked to the JR Sanyo Main Line, this station provides easy access to iconic sites such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and numerous local attractions. Noted for its innovative architectural design and commitment to accessibility, Shin-Hakushima Station stands out as both a functional transit point and a significant landmark in the city’s urban landscape.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your visit: station hours, ticketing, accessibility features, nearby attractions, travel tips, and practical resources, ensuring your Hiroshima experience is smooth and memorable. Authoritative references such as TransportWiki, The Architecture Community, and the official Hiroshima Castle Website are included for further reading.

Exterior view of Astram Line's Shin-Hakushima Station with yellow Astram Line train and underground tracks

Full-screen platform door at Shin-Hakushima Station on the Astram line

Platforms 1 and 2 of Astram Line Shin-Hakushima Station

Platforms at Shin-Hakushima Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line with train tracks and overhead structures

South exit ticket gate and ticket vending machines at JR West Shin-Hakushima Station

Outside concourse at Shin-Hakushima Station showing the covered walkway connecting JR Shin-Hakushima south exit and Astram Line station

Introduction
About Shin-Hakushima Station & the Astram Line
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility and Amenities
Nearby Attractions and Recommended Activities
Guided Tours and Events
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Visuals and Maps
Conclusion
Sources

About Shin-Hakushima Station and the Astram Line

Since opening in 2015, Shin-Hakushima Station has played a critical role in Hiroshima’s multimodal transport system. It connects the Astram Line—a rubber-tired people mover system launched in 1994—with the JR Sanyo Main Line, facilitating efficient travel throughout the city and its suburbs. The Astram Line spans 18.4 kilometers and includes 22 stations, making it an environmentally friendly and convenient option for daily commuters and tourists alike (TransportWiki).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Operating Hours: Daily, typically from 6:00 am to midnight, with the first trains departing around 5:30 am and last arrivals near 12:30 am.
Ticket Machines: Available from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, supporting multiple languages for international visitors.
Ticket Types:
- Single Journey Tickets: Fares start at approximately 170 yen, based on distance.
- 1-Day Pass: Unlimited Astram Line rides for one day, around 600 yen.
- IC Cards: Suica, ICOCA, and PASPY accepted for tap-and-go access.
- Discounts: Available for children, groups (15+ travelers), and seniors; children under four and seniors over 65 may be eligible for free rides with proper ID.
Where to Buy: Automated machines at the station with English support, or use IC cards for greater convenience.

(TransportWiki; MetroEasy)

Accessibility and Amenities

Shin-Hakushima Station is committed to universal design, ensuring comfort and convenience for all:

Physical Accessibility: Elevators, escalators, ramps, and tactile paving link all levels and guide visually impaired travelers.
Signage: Multilingual (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean) with clear visual cues.
Facilities: Accessible restrooms, waiting areas, coin lockers, and a convenience store.
Safety and Cleanliness: Regular staff patrols, surveillance, and wide, well-lit passageways.

(Wikipedia; GetHiroshima)

Nearby Attractions and Recommended Activities

Within Walking or Short Transit Distance:

Hiroshima Castle: A reconstructed samurai-era landmark, home to a museum detailing Hiroshima’s feudal history and surrounded by scenic gardens (Hiroshima Castle Website).
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage site commemorating the atomic bombing, accessible via Astram Line or tram (GetHiroshima).
Shukkeien Garden: Traditional Japanese landscape garden perfect for tranquil strolls, especially beautiful in cherry blossom season.
Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum: Showcases both Japanese and international artwork.
Hiroshima City Transport Museum: Exhibits on the evolution of transportation in Hiroshima.
Big Arch Stadium: Home to Sanfrecce Hiroshima football team, reachable via the Astram Line.
Mazda Stadium: Watch baseball games featuring the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine: Historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

(Sotetsu Hotels)

Guided Tours and Events

Local operators offer guided walking and transit tours that highlight Shin-Hakushima Station’s architectural features and the surrounding historical sites. Seasonal events, such as cherry blossom viewings and light festivals, are accessible via the station—check the official Hiroshima tourism website for up-to-date event information.

(The Architecture Community)

Practical Travel Tips

Use IC Cards: For seamless transfers and quicker boarding.
Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more.
Luggage Storage: Coin lockers are available at the station.
Language Support: Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook for smoother communication.
Operating Hours: Plan to arrive during main ticket machine hours (7:00 am–10:00 pm) if you need assistance.
Weather: Hiroshima’s climate is temperate; station interiors are climate-controlled but check forecasts, especially in the rainy or typhoon seasons.
Food & Drink: While options at Shin-Hakushima are limited to a convenience store and vending machines, the Hiroshima Station area nearby offers a wider selection of restaurants and local specialties.

(Wanderlog)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Shin-Hakushima Station’s operating hours?
A: The station generally operates from 6:00 am to midnight, with ticket machines available from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Q: Can I buy tickets for both JR and Astram Lines here?
A: Yes, both ticket types and IC cards are supported.

Q: Is the station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

Q: How can I reach Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park?
A: Take the Astram Line or a local tram from Shin-Hakushima Station.

Q: Are there guided tours from the station?
A: While the station itself doesn’t offer tours, many local companies provide guided excursions to major sites.

Visuals and Maps

Images of the station’s cylindrical shell, green roof, Astram Line trains, and maps showing proximity to Hiroshima’s main attractions are available on our website for trip planning.

Conclusion

Shin-Hakushima Station represents the harmonious blend of innovative architecture, universal accessibility, and cultural connectivity, serving as the ideal starting point for your Hiroshima adventure. Its efficient integration with both the Astram Line and JR West lines ensures that all of Hiroshima’s historical sites and local experiences are within easy reach. Download the Audiala app for real-time transit updates and curated travel guides, and follow us on social media for the latest news and special offers. Your journey through Hiroshima begins at Shin-Hakushima Station—a gateway to history, culture, and unforgettable memories.