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Tokyo to Kobe by Shinkansen

The Tokyo to Kobe Shinkansen runs down the Tokaido and Sanyo lines to Shin Kobe in under three hours. Reserve from Australia, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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Fastest

2h 45m (Nozomi)

Typical

3h 10m (Hikari)

Transfers

Direct, no transfers

Distance

about 590 km

Daily services

frequent through the day

JR Pass

Hikari and Kodama covered; Nozomi needs a supplement

Tokyo to Kobe 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 130	Cheapest, any open non reserved seat
Reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 138	Guaranteed seat, best in peak season
Reserved, Green Car	from AUD 183	Business class 2 by 2 seating

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 ¥15,600.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

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

Train	Journey time	Stops	Japan Rail Pass
Nozomi	2h 45m	Fewest stops, the fastest service	Supplement required
Hikari	3h 10m	A change may be needed	Covered by JR Pass
Kodama	longer	All stations	Covered by JR Pass

Timetable & departures

A sample of daily Tokyo → Kobe departures.

Depart Tokyo	Arrive Kobe	Train	Duration
06:00	08:45	Nozomi	2h 45m
08:30	11:15	Nozomi	2h 45m
11:00	14:10	Hikari	3h 10m
14:00	16:45	Nozomi	2h 45m
18:00	20:45	Nozomi	2h 45m

Indicative departures. Search your date for live times.

Tips for the journey

Shin Kobe is above the city

Shin Kobe Station is a short subway ride down to Sannomiya in central Kobe.

Sit on the right for Mt Fuji

Heading west from Tokyo, Mt Fuji appears on the right about 40 minutes in.

Reserve in peak season

On a near three hour trip a reserved seat is worth it, especially at busy times.

Pair with Osaka or Kyoto

Kobe sits just past Osaka, so it is easy to combine on a Kansai itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Tokyo to Kobe bullet train?

From about AUD 130 one way for a non reserved seat, with reserved from around AUD 138 and Green Car from about AUD 183.

How long does it take?

About 2 hours 45 minutes on the fastest Nozomi to Shin Kobe.

Is it covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes for the Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi needs a supplement.

Which station is central in Kobe?

Sannomiya, a short subway ride from Shin Kobe.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

No, but a reserved seat is strongly recommended in peak periods.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

Osaka → Kobe Tokyo → Osaka Tokyo → Kyoto All train tickets →

Ready to book Tokyo to Kobe?

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

Check live fares & book →

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