Hiroshima Electric Railway’s Ekimae Ohashi Route underwent a major opening, and the network was reorganized into a new route originating at Inaricho. The former Sarukobashi-cho Route was discontinued, and the route network was reorganized by spring 2026 with the introduction of a new loop line. The historical context connecting modernization with postwar history is also covered.
In Hiroshima, in the Chugoku region, Hiroshima Electric Railway’s network underwent major changes, and the Ekimae Ohashi Route opened on 3 August 2025. The new route branches off from the Minami Line at Hijiyama-shita tram stop, connects with the Main Line at Inaricho tram stop, and runs straight to Hiroshima Station via an elevated bridge.
The newly established Hijiyama-shita–Matsukawa-cho–Inaricho section of the Minami Line and the Inaricho–Hiroshima Station section of the Main Line were shifted to a new elevated route. The former Hijiyama-shita–Matoba-cho section was temporarily suspended, and following the reorganization of the branches, the loop line began operating on 28 March 2026. The loop line does not run directly to Hiroshima Station, instead operating in a loop from Inaricho to Kamiyacho-higashi, Minami-machi 6-chome, Hijiyama-shita, Matoba-cho and back to Inaricho.
Older trams were prioritized when the route opened. The route changes accompanying redevelopment around the station and its surrounding areas reflect the accumulated history of Hiroden, including the A-bomb survivor trams of the postwar period. Aerial photographs of the area around Hiroshima Station and Sarukobashi-cho tram stop are also featured, showing history and the present side by side.