Astram Line (Hiroshima) — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

The Hiroshima Metro, also known as the Astram Line, consists of a single 18.4 kilometre line with 22 stations. It operates from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., and the lowest fare is 190 yen (about $1.67). Travellers can use the PASPY card for subscriptions. The metro connects with regional trains and the city’s tram system, but does not directly serve the airport.

The system is also known as the Monorail. It carries approximately 49,300 passengers per day. Fares are collected at the gates. Unfortunately, it doesn’t operate 24 hours a day and has no air conditioning. It is not possible to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless.

There are no screen doors on the platforms. Operating hours are from 6:04 to 00:12 from Monday to Sunday. The fare is 820 yen.

Hiroshima Metro in Japan

Located in western Japan, Hiroshima strives to balance modern advancements with the country’s rich traditions. Founded in 1589, the city is home to over 1,173,000 people. Despite its tragic history of atomic bombing during World War II, Hiroshima has risen from the ashes to become a cultural, industrial and economic centre.

The increasing demand for transport led to the proposal to build a robust transit system – a metro line that would connect downtown Hiroshima with the northeastern suburbs. However, construction of the Astram line did not begin until 1989 and took five years to complete. An unfortunate accident during construction, caused by a falling steel beam that killed 15 people, delayed the opening until 20 August 1994. At the time of its inauguration, the metro had 21 operational stations along an 18.4 km route that stretched from the financial district of Naka-ku to the Asaminami-ku area.

Metro Map of Hiroshima

Map of Hiroshima Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Hiroshima Metro map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Hiroshima Metro currently has one line, the Astram Line, which is 18.4 km long. This line connects 22 stations from the Hondōri Station terminal in the financial district of Naka-ku to the Kōiki-kōen-mae Station terminal in the Asaminami-ku area.

Stations

Hondōri Station (本通駅): One of the metro’s terminal stations, located in the Hondōri neighborhood within the Naka-ku district.
Kenchō-mae Station (県庁前): Serves the Motomachien region within the Naka-ku district.
Jōhoku Station (城北): Located in the Nishi-hakushima region of the Naka-ku district, this station is notable for its beautiful picture window at the main entrance.
Shin-Hakushima Station (新白島): A cylinder-shaped station located in the Naka-ku district offering multiple transportation services.
Hakushima Station (白島): Located in the Hakushima-kitamachi region of the Naka-ku district.
Ushita Station (牛田): An elevated station in the Ushita-shinmachi neighborhood, within the Naka-ku district.
Fudōin-mae Station (不動院前): Another elevated station, located in the Ushita-shinmachi neighborhood within the Naka-ku district.
Gion-shinbashi-kita Station (祇園新橋北): Built to service the Nishihara suburb in the Asaminami-ku district.
Nishihara Station (西原): Located in the Nishihara region in the Asaminami-ku district.
Nakasuji Station (中筋): Serves the Nakasuji region within the Asaminami-ku district.
Furuichi Station (古市): Provides service to the Nakasu region, within the Asaminami-ku district.
Ōmachi Station (大町): Located in the Omachi-higashi neighborhood, in the Asaminami-ku district, offering multiple transportation services.
Bishamondai Station (毘沙門台): Serves the Bishamondai neighborhood in the Asaminami-ku district.
Yasuhigashi Station (安東): An elevated station serving the Yasuhigashi region in the Asaminami-ku district.
Kamiyasu Station (上安): Serves the Kamiyasu neighborhood in the Asaminami-ku district.
Takatori Station (高取): Located in the Takatori-kita neighborhood, in the Asaminami-ku district.
Chōrakuji Station (長楽寺): Serves the Chōrakuji suburb in the Asaminami-ku district.
Tomo Station (伴): Provides services to the Numata-cho neighborhood, in the Asaminami-ku district.
Ōbara Station (大原): Like the previous station, serves the Numata-cho neighborhood, in the Asaminami-ku district.
Tomo-chūō Station (伴中央): Also serves the Numata-cho neighborhood in the Asaminami-ku district.
Ōzuka Station (大塚): Located in the Ōzuka region, in the Asaminami-ku district.
Kōiki-kōen-mae Station (広域公園前): Terminal station located in the Ozuka-nishi Neighborhood, in the Asaminami-ku District. It is one of the terminals of the Astram Line.

Schedule and Frequency

The Hiroshima Metro leaves the Hondōri terminal at 5:39 a.m. and continues non-stop until 11:36 p.m. Conversely, trains from the Kōiki-kōen-mae terminal start at 6:02 am and run until the last train arrives at 11:51 pm. All stations close at 12:37.

During the morning rush hour, Hiroshima Metro trains depart every two and a half minutes. During the off-peak period on weekdays (Monday to Friday), the frequency of departure is approximately every 10 minutes. During the weekday afternoon rush hour, the frequency is between 6 and 8 minutes. At night the frequency is between 10 and 20 minutes.

On Saturdays and public holidays, the frequency of departures is approximately every 10 minutes during the day. At night, the frequency increases to between 15 and 20 minutes.

Connections

The Astram line offers connections to other transport services at some stations. Hiroshima has an extensive tram network that provides transport to downtown Hiroshima and other nearby residential areas. In fact, the tramway network is so extensive that it covers 31.2 km with 84 operating stations and eight lines.

Stations

Hondōri Station (本通): At this station, the Astram line connects with lines 1, 3 and 7 of the Hiroshima Electric Railway tramway. Travellers can reach the Ujinakaigan area in Minami-ku ward by taking the tram on Line 1. Line 3 of the tramway provides access to the southern part of the Nishi-ku ward or the Ujinakaigan ward. Alternatively, passengers can board a tram on Line 7 to explore a significant part of the Naka-ku ward.

Kenchō-mae Station (県庁前): At this station, the Hiroshima subway connects with tram lines 1, 2 and 6. Line 2 takes passengers to the Matsubara-cho area in Minami-ku Ward or the Miyajimaguchi area in Hatsukaichi Ward. Line 6, on the other hand, takes passengers to the Eba-nishi area of Naka-ku ward.

Shin-Hakushima Station (新白島): At this station, users can connect to regional train services from San’yō (山陽本線) and Kabe (可部線). The former serves the city of Kobe in the west of the country and the town of Moji-ku. The latter serves Asakita Ward in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Ōmachi Station (大町): This station also provides connections to the Kabe Regional Train, which provides transportation to the city of Asakita-ku.

Schedule and Frequency

The Hiroshima Metro leaves the Hondōri terminal at 5:39 a.m. and continues non-stop until 11:36 p.m. Trains from Kōiki-kōen-mae terminal, on the other hand, start at 6:02 am and run until the last train arrives at 11:51 pm. All stations close at 12:37.

During the morning rush hour, Hiroshima Metro trains depart approximately every two and a half minutes. During the off-peak period on weekdays (Monday to Friday), the frequency of departure is approximately every 10 minutes. During the weekday afternoon rush hour, the frequency is between 6 and 8 minutes. At night the frequency increases to between 10 and 20 minutes.

On Saturdays and public holidays the frequency is approximately every 10 minutes during the day. At night the frequency increases to between 15 and 20 minutes.

Prices and Subscriptions

The Hiroshima Metro uses a distance-based fare system, which means that fares are based on the number of stations travelled. Therefore, a trip to one or two stations is cheaper than a trip to ten stations. However, a single trip on the metro costs ¥190 (about $1.67), which can be paid for with a disposable ticket or the PASPY smart card.

It is important to note that not all stations have ticket machines. Passengers should therefore check in advance where they can purchase single-ride tickets. The Hiroshima Metro, like all Japanese transport, is automated, so disposable tickets are not mass-produced. The stations with ticket machines are Kenchō-mae Station, Shin-Hakushima Station, Ōmachi Station and Kōiki-kōen-mae Station. Tickets are sold between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.

If you are staying in the city for a longer period of time and would like to purchase a PASPY card, you will need to fill out a form. This form is available at Kenchō-mae Station, Shin-Hakushima Station, Ōmachi Station and Kōiki-kōen-mae Station. Once you have completed the form, you will need to hand it to the staff at the customer service booths. You will need to make an initial deposit of ¥500. You can then reload the card up to a maximum of ¥20,000. You can also request to have more than one service on your card, so that you can use your card on buses and/or trams.

Hiroshima Metro fares are as follows:

From Hondōri Station to Shin-Hakushima Station: 190 ¥ (approximately 1.67 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Fudōin-mae Station: 230 ¥ (approximately 2.02 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Nishihara Station: 270 ¥ (approximately 2.37 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Ōmachi Station: 320 ¥ (approximately 2.81 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Takatori Station: 360 ¥ (approximately 3.16 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Ōbara Station: 400 ¥ (approximately 3.51 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Ōzuka Station: 440 ¥ (approximately 3.86 USD).
From Hondōri Station to Kōiki-kōen-mae Station: 480 ¥ (approximately 4.21 USD).

The Astram Line offers the following subscriptions via the PASPY card:

1 Month: 2 km: 6,540 ¥, 4 km: 8,000 ¥, 6 km: 9,450 ¥, 9 km: 10,890 ¥, 12 km: 12,350 ¥, 15 km: 13,800 ¥, 18 km: 15,250 ¥, 19 km: 16,710 ¥
3 Months: 2 km: 17,650 ¥, 4 km: 21,590 ¥, 6 km: 25,500 ¥, 9 km: 29,410 ¥, 12 km: 33,350 ¥, 15 km: 37,260 ¥, 18 km: 41,170 ¥, 19 km: 45,110 ¥
6 Months: 2 km: 31,370 ¥, 4 km: 38,370 ¥, 6 km: 45,330 ¥, 9 km: 52,280 ¥, 12 km: 59,280 ¥, 15 km: 66,240 ¥, 18 km: 73,190 ¥, 19 km: 80,190 ¥

Full-time students get a 30% discount on their journeys when they use the PASPY card. To obtain this discount, they must go to the customer service desks at the stations and fill in a form. Similarly, children attending primary school can obtain a discount by applying for a chip card.

Children under the age of four can travel for free. People over 65 can also travel for free on presentation of their identity card. People with disabilities can apply for a discount when applying for the card.

In addition, groups of 15 or more people can apply for a group discount when applying for the smartcard.

Rules

All passengers over the age of four must have a valid Metro ticket.
Bags and parcels must not obstruct other passengers.
On platforms, passengers must keep a reasonable distance behind the yellow line and should not cross the line for any reason.
Smoking is prohibited in Hiroshima Metro facilities.
Flammable materials and fireworks are not allowed on trains.
Passengers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are prohibited from using the subway.
Running on station platforms is not permitted and passengers may be fined if caught doing so.
Pushchairs must be folded before entering the metro, otherwise penalties may be imposed.
For the comfort of everyone in the stations, it is recommended that you walk on the right-hand lane and move to the side if you need to rest.
For your safety and the safety of others, please follow the instructions of metro staff.
If you wish to listen to music on the metro, use headphones so as not to disturb other passengers.
Do not obstruct the doors of the trains when they are opening or closing.
Distracting the metro staff is not allowed.
Begging is prohibited within the Hiroshima Metro facilities.
Consumption of alcohol or illegal substances in stations or on trains is prohibited.
Firearms or bladed weapons must have prior authorisation for transportation.
It is strictly forbidden to carry explosives on the trains of Hiroshima Subway.
Any commercial activity in stations or on trains requires prior authorisation.
The distribution of leaflets or other advertising material requires the consent of the metro authorities.
It is forbidden to enter areas reserved exclusively for metro staff.
Children under the age of four must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Under no circumstances will physical or verbal abuse of other users within the facilities be tolerated.
Littering of the train tracks is prohibited.
Passengers are not allowed to enter the driver’s cab on the train.

Video of Astram Line Hiroshima

Connection to the Airport

Unfortunately, the subway does not provide direct service to Hiroshima Airport. However, to get to the airport by public transport, take the Astram line to Shin-Hakushima station. From there, transfer to a San’yō regional train to Nyuno station. This 50km journey from downtown Hiroshima to the airport takes approximately one hour and 25 minutes. Upon arrival at the station, the Hiroshima Airport Limousine Bus departs every 40 minutes. The fare for this bus is ¥580 (approx. $5.09) and the trip to the main entrance of Hiroshima Airport takes 12 minutes.

To travel from the airport to downtown Hiroshima by train, wait for Hiroshima Airport Limousine buses as you exit the airport terminal. These buses will take you to either Nyuno Station or Shiraichi Station, both of which are on the San’yō Line. From there you can buy a ticket to Shin-Hakushima Station, from where you can take the subway or tram to downtown Hiroshima. It’s worth noting that taxis are available outside the airport terminal, as are several car rental companies. The latter is particularly recommended for travellers planning a longer stay in the city.

Fun Facts and Tips

In inland cities such as Hiroshima, it can be rare to find people fluent in languages other than Japanese. Carrying a dictionary may therefore prove useful.

The train wheels are made of rubber, which makes the ride on the metro remarkably quiet.

The colours of the trains, yellow and grey, symbolise solidarity and generosity respectively.

The main concept behind the metro’s colours is peace, in line with the city’s commitment to promoting peace after its tragic history. This commitment is also reflected in the quietness of the trains.

The Astram line carries over 60,000 people every day.

Future Expansions

There are plans to start replacing the trains on the line in 2028 as part of a wider fleet renewal strategy. In addition, studies are underway to potentially extend the service to the Numa district, which would involve crossing the Iguchi region. In 2015, it was announced that a new line would be built to the west of the city, with six stations serving the residents of Miyako. According to current plans, the new line will pass through the Higashi Ishiuchi Industrial Park. The proposed route is part of the New Urban West project, which aims to optimise transport in the western part of Hiroshima.

Nearby Attractions

The Peace Memorial Park and Museum near Hondōri Station is a poignant reminder of Hiroshima’s past. Located at the epicentre of the atomic bombing, the park is a large green space surrounded by the Ota and Motoyasu Rivers. Numerous monuments and memorials dot the park, including The Dome, The Children’s Peace Monument, The Mound Memorial, The Korean Victims’ Cenotaph, The Cenotaph Memorial, The National Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims, The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and The Gates of Peace. A visit to the museum can take half a day, but is well worth the time to absorb and reflect on its profound historical significance.

The museum recounts the political and social events that preceded and followed the bombing of the city, and presents the devastation from both a scientific and psychological perspective.