Hiroshima Public Transport Hours on New Year's Eve 2026

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Hiroshima travel info.

For official information, visit New Year's Eve.

Crowds are very heavy near major transit hubs like Hiroshima Station. People travel across the city to reach temples and shrines for midnight ceremonies. You should allow extra time for every journey you take. Expect platforms to be packed starting from 10:00 PM onwards.

Using an IC card like PASPY or ICOCA is highly recommended. These cards save time at ticket machines and work on all local transport. You can easily refill your balance at any convenience store. This makes transferring between trams and buses much faster during the busy holiday.

Most transport services return to normal schedules by January 4. However, the first three days of the year remain very busy. Plan your trips around the peak Hiroshima winter events 2026 to maximize your time. Always keep a backup plan for late-night travel.

Hiroshima Electric Railway Holiday Schedule

The Hiroshima Electric Railway, or Hiroden, is the city's main transport artery. On December 31, 2026, streetcars will follow a special holiday timetable. Most lines will operate every 10 to 15 minutes during the day. Service frequency drops significantly after the sun goes down.

For those visiting the best shrines for Hatsumode in Hiroshima, Hiroden often runs extra late-night trams. These special cars connect the city center to major spiritual sites. The cost for a single trip within the city remains around 220 yen. Check the Hiroshima Electric Railway website for exact late-night departure times.

The last trams usually depart from Hiroshima Station around 11:30 PM. Some lines may end service even earlier depending on the destination. If you miss the last tram, you will need to find a taxi. Taxis are available but are very hard to flag down on New Year's Eve.

Station staff are usually present at major stops to help tourists. They can provide information about the next arriving streetcar. Use the digital displays at the stops to track real-time arrivals. This helps you stay informed during the cold winter night.

JR West and Regional Train Services

JR West trains are vital for reaching the outskirts of the city. The Sanyo Line connects Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi for those visiting Itsukushima Shrine. On New Year's Eve, JR often provides all-night service on this specific route. This allows visitors to see the first sunrise of 2026 on the island.

Other regional lines, like the Geibi Line, may follow a strict holiday schedule. These lines often have fewer late-night options compared to the main Sanyo Line. You should verify the last train for these routes before leaving your hotel. Most regional trains stop running by midnight on December 31.

Tickets can be purchased at the green vending machines in the station. However, using an IC card is the most efficient way to travel. Simply tap your card at the ticket gates to enter and exit. This avoids the long queues at the ticket offices during the holiday rush.

Hiroshima Station serves as the central hub for all JR West services. You will find many food stalls and shops inside the station building. Some of these may have shortened hours on New Year's Eve. Check the Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau site for local business hours.

Miyajima Ferry and Bus Operations

The ferry to Miyajima is one of the busiest routes in Japan on New Year's Eve. Both JR Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Kisen typically run 24 hours on this night. Ferries depart every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the early morning hours. This ensures everyone can reach the island for the New Year festivities.

Local city buses follow a different schedule than the trams and trains. Most Hiroshima Bus routes will end service by 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. The popular Maple-oop tourist bus also has limited hours during the holiday season. You should check the bus stop signs for specific 2026 holiday notices.

Taxis are a reliable but expensive alternative for late-night travel in Hiroshima. Be prepared for a 20% surcharge on fares between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Finding an empty taxi near the Peace Memorial Park can be very difficult. It is better to book a taxi through an app in advance.

Knowing what to expect on New Year's Day will help you plan your return journey. Most transport services remain on holiday schedules through January 3. Expect heavy traffic on the roads leading to major shrines and shopping malls. Walking short distances within the city center is often faster than taking a bus.