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Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen

The Osaka to Tokyo Shinkansen is the same great Tokaido run in reverse, linking Shin Osaka with Shinagawa and Tokyo Station in the heart of the capital. Reserve from Australia, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code. Here are the current fares, train options and times.

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Fastest

2h 27m (Nozomi)

Typical

3h (Hikari)

Transfers

Direct, no transfers

Distance

about 515 km

Daily services

300+ trains a day

JR Pass

Hikari and Kodama covered; Nozomi needs a supplement

Osaka to Tokyo ticket prices

One-way fares by seat class. Return simply doubles the fare.

Seat class	Price (AUD)	Good to know
Non-reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 123	Cheapest, sit in any open non reserved seat
Reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 130	Guaranteed seat, best in peak season
Reserved, Green Car	from AUD 173	Business class 2 by 2 seating, more room

Fares are indicative from prices and vary by date, train and season. The live fare is shown when you search. As a guide, an Ordinary reserved seat is around ¥14,700.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

All three run the Osaka–Tokyo route direct — they differ in how many stations they skip.

Train	Journey time	Stops	Japan Rail Pass
Nozomi	2h 27m	Fewest stops, the fastest service	Supplement required
Hikari	3h 00m	A handful of extra stops	Covered by JR Pass
Kodama	4h 00m	Stops at every station	Covered by JR Pass

Timetable & departures

A sample of daily Osaka → Tokyo departures.

Depart Osaka	Arrive Tokyo	Train	Duration
06:00	08:27	Nozomi	2h 27m
07:30	09:57	Nozomi	2h 27m
09:00	12:03	Hikari	3h 03m
12:00	14:27	Nozomi	2h 27m
15:50	19:40	Kodama	3h 50m
18:30	20:57	Nozomi	2h 27m

Indicative departures. Nozomi trains run roughly every 10 minutes from around 06:00 to 21:24. Search your date for live times.

Tips for the journey

Board at Shin Osaka

All Tokaido Shinkansen leave from Shin Osaka, a short subway ride from central Osaka. Trains arrive at Shinagawa and Tokyo Station in the heart of the capital.

Sit on the left for Mt Fuji

Going Osaka to Tokyo, Mt Fuji is on the left hand side about an hour and forty minutes in. Seats D or E on the left give the best view on a clear day.

Reserve in peak season

Non reserved cars can be standing room only during cherry blossom, the autumn colours and the major holidays. Reserve ahead to sit together.

Luggage

Two bags per person up to 30 kg go on the racks. Oversized bags over 160 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage space, free when booked in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Osaka to Tokyo bullet train?

A one way non reserved Ordinary ticket starts from about AUD 123, with reserved from around AUD 130 and Green Car from about AUD 173. Prices vary by date and season.

How long does the Osaka to Tokyo Shinkansen take?

About 2 hours 27 minutes on the fastest Nozomi from Shin Osaka to Tokyo. The Hikari is around 3 hours and the Kodama about 4 hours.

Is it covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes for the Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi needs a supplement on top of the standard pass.

Which side for Mt Fuji from Osaka?

Sit on the left hand side heading to Tokyo. Fuji appears roughly an hour and forty minutes into the ride on a clear day.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

No, you can ride the non reserved cars, but a reserved seat is strongly recommended in peak periods.

Nozomi or Hikari with a pass?

Take the Hikari with a Japan Rail Pass to avoid the Nozomi supplement. Take the Nozomi if you are paying point to point and want the fastest trip.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

Tokyo → Osaka Tokyo → Kyoto Osaka → Kyoto Osaka → Hiroshima All train tickets →

Ready to book Osaka to Tokyo?

Reserve your seat, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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