Tokyo and Osaka, being Japan’s two major cities, see countless people shuttling between them every year. What’s your preferred mode of transport? Plane, bus, or the ultra-comfy and swift Shinkansen? If you’re heading from Tokyo to Osaka, or vice versa, we highly recommend hopping on the Japanese Shinkansen. This article will provide you with all the essential information you need for your Shinkansen journey between Tokyo and Osaka.
Anyone who’s ridden the Japanese Shinkansen is bound to be impressed by its service and experience. One standout feature of the Shinkansen is its speed and convenience. It zips you from one city to another in no time, saving travelers a ton of time. Plus, the trains are comfortable and safe, allowing passengers to unwind and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the journey.
Japanese Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, also known as the “King of Railways” in Japan, has been in service since 1964 and has always been an impressive marvel. Its hallmark features include lightning-fast speeds, impeccable punctuality, comfortable carriages, and top-notch safety standards.
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Riding the Shinkansen allows you to effortlessly traverse Japan’s major cities without worrying about traffic jams or other hassles. Moreover, the trains offer various thoughtful services such as a selection of different class carriages, delicious meals, and speedy Wi-Fi, making your journey even more comfortable and enjoyable. Undoubtedly, the Shinkansen is the ultimate mode of transportation for exploring Japan, allowing you to easily immerse yourself in the country’s culture and scenery.
If you’re a first-time Shinkansen traveler, you can refer to this article for more insights and information about the Shinkansen:
Japan Shinkansen Ticket Purchase & Riding Guide – A Must-Read for First-Time Visitors
Why Choose the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka?
Tokyo has two major airports (Haneda Airport and Narita Airport), while Osaka has Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport). If you plan to fly from Tokyo to Osaka, the recommended route is Haneda Airport to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), as it only takes about half an hour by train from downtown Tokyo to Haneda Airport, and from Itami Airport to downtown Osaka. With a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, the total travel time is just over 2 hours, making it convenient to travel from Tokyo to Osaka. But if it’s so convenient, why do we recommend taking the Shinkansen?
That’s because flying doesn’t just take the time to get to the airport, fly, and leave the airport.
The Shinkansen is truly convenient. Just think about it, you don’t have to spend time getting to the airport or waiting in line for security checks. You can just hop on the train from the city center and start your journey. And the Shinkansen is fast too, much faster than spending half a day at the airport before flying!
The comfort of the Shinkansen is also top-notch. The seats in the carriage are comfortable, and some trains even have super luxurious seats to choose from, allowing you to enjoy luxury throughout the journey. There’s also a dining car serving a variety of delicious food, and the Wi-Fi is super fast, so you won’t get bored!
It is also a relatively safe and reliable mode of transportation. Compared to taking a bus at night, which may be affected by road conditions and driver fatigue, the Shinkansen is much more stable. And the safety measures are also comprehensive, so you can rest assured and travel safely!
So, whether you’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka or from Osaka back to Tokyo, choosing the Shinkansen is definitely the wisest choice!
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka
Types of Shinkansen Trains
Shinkansen trains from Tokyo to Osaka operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line managed by JR Tokai. Each train departs from Tokyo Station in Tokyo and terminates at Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka (not Osaka Station).
Trains running on the Tokaido Shinkansen line generally fall into three categories:
- Nozomi (のぞみ)
- Hikari (ひかり)
- Kodama (こだま)
Although these names are just nicknames and there are no official classifications, Nozomi is generally considered the fastest and top-tier train, followed by Hikari, with Kodama being the slowest. The differences between the three types of trains are outlined in the table below:
| Shinkansen | Departure Time from Tokyo | Arrival Time at Shin-Osaka Station | Total Travel Time | Intermediate Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozomi | 08:47 | 11:20 | 2h33min | Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto |
| Hikari | 08:33 | 11:26 | 2h53min | Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Toyohashi, Nagoya, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Kyoto |
| Kodama | 08:56 | 12:53 | 3h57min | Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Odawara, Atami, Mishima, Shin-Fuji, Shizuoka, Kakegawa, Hamamatsu, Toyohashi, Mikawa-Anjo, Nagoya, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Kyoto |
Nozomi only stops at four stations en route from Tokyo to Osaka, so the total travel time is only two and a half hours. Hikari makes stops at three additional stations, resulting in a total travel time of close to 3 hours. Kodama, the slowest, stops at every station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, resulting in a total travel time of nearly 4 hours to reach Shin-Osaka Station.
However, because Kodama is slower, JR Tokai also offers a special Kodama-exclusive pass. For those with more time but looking to save money, traveling from Tokyo to Osaka at a relatively affordable price with the Kodama pass is a good option.
For more information on the Kodama pass, you can refer to this article: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka at 25% Discount! Discover the Platt Kodama Campaign
Shinkansen Timetable and Fare
Shinkansen Timetable
There are numerous Shinkansen services from Tokyo to Osaka, running almost every hour from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. With fewer trains departing at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., approximately 6 to 8 trains per hour, and up to 15 trains per hour departing for Osaka from Tokyo at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
For specific timetables, you can refer to this website: EKITAN: Shinkansen Timetable (Tokyo→Shin-Osaka)
Shinkansen Fare
As for fares, they do not vary based on the type of train (i.e., travel time). Shinkansen fares are determined based on different seat classes and peak, regular, and off-peak periods.
Generally, peak fares are approximately ¥200 more than regular fares, while off-peak fares are ¥200 less than regular fares. In recent years, a super peak period has also been added, typically during Japan’s year-end and New Year holidays and Golden Week (What Is Japan’s Golden Week Holiday?). Below are the fares from Tokyo to Osaka during regular periods:
| Unreserved Seat | Reserved Seat | Green Car Seat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Period | ¥13,870 | ¥14,720 | ¥19,590 |
There are various ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets, whether through manned ticket counters, self-service machines at major stations, or online reservations. However, if you’re new to riding the Shinkansen and have never purchased a Shinkansen ticket before, it’s advisable to seek assistance from staff at the counter to avoid errors.
For more information on purchasing Shinkansen tickets, you can check out this article: Japan Shinkansen Ticket Purchase & Riding Guide – A Must-Read for First-Time Visitors
Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen Travel Tips
Where to Sit on Shinkansen for a View of Mount Fuji?
When traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen and aiming for a glimpse of Mount Fuji, it’s best to choose seats on the right side of the carriage (window side). Mount Fuji typically falls on the right side of the route between Tokyo and Osaka, offering better views from seats on the right side. Of course, visibility depends on weather conditions, so clear skies increase the chances of spotting the majestic Mount Fuji!
Taking Platt Kodama from Tokyo to Osaka
JR Tokai Tours offers a discounted ticket called the Platt Kodama for travel on the Kodama Shinkansen. As the Kodama Shinkansen stops at every station, its journey is longer compared to the Hikari and Nozomi trains. Thus, this round-trip ticket only costs around 75% of the fare of other trains for the journey from Tokyo to Osaka.
The Platt Kodama ticket is valid for the Tokaido Shinkansen, specifically between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. It offers reserved seating to avoid the possibility of standing during the journey. Ticket prices vary depending on the season but remain lower than those of the Hikari and Nozomi trains. Unless in a hurry and traveling within the ticket’s coverage area, opting for this ticket is highly recommended to save on travel expenses.
For more information about the Platt Kodama, refer to this article: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka at 25% Discount! Discover the Platt Kodama Campaign
Shinkansen Baggage Regulations
（Image source: JR Tokai）
If traveling on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, or West Kyushu Shinkansen, it’s essential to be aware of recent baggage regulations.
If the combined dimensions of the baggage exceed 160cm but are within 250cm, passengers need to reserve a special seat for oversized baggage in advance (usually located in the last row, where luggage can be placed behind the seats or in designated storage areas).
If the combined dimensions exceed 250cm, regardless of reservation status, the baggage cannot be brought onto the train.
For detailed information, refer to the following website: Baggage Regulations for Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and West Kyushu Shinkansen (Japanese)
Can I Use JR Pass to Travel from Tokyo to Osaka?
If you want to use the JR Pass to travel from Tokyo to Osaka on the Shinkansen, you can only ride the Hikari or Kodama trains. The journey takes approximately 3 hours on the Hikari and around 4 hours on the Kodama. This is significantly longer compared to the fastest Nozomi trains, which only take about 2.5 hours.
Must-Visit Attractions During Your Trip to Osaka
Here are a few of Osaka’s most famous attractions. For detailed information on transportation and attractions in Osaka, you can refer to this article:
Exploring Osaka: Osaka’s Transportation, Attractions, and Travel Guide
Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Osaka Castle
Tsutenkaku Tower
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Conclusion
After planning your Shinkansen journey, get ready to embark on your Japanese adventure! Don’t forget to bring your camera, power bank, and prepare for internet access in Japan. It will be a journey filled with wonderful memories. While enjoying the convenience and comfort of the Shinkansen, also remember to admire the scenery outside the window and explore Osaka’s cuisine and culture. Wishing you a pleasant journey and looking forward to your unforgettable time in Osaka!
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