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Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen

The Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen is the fastest and easiest way between Japan’s two biggest cities, a direct high speed run down the Tokaido line. 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

Tokyo to Osaka 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 to Shin Osaka is around ¥14,700.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

All three run the Tokyo–Osaka 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 Tokyo → Osaka departures.

Depart Tokyo	Arrive Osaka	Train	Duration
06:00	08:33	Nozomi	2h 33m
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

Depart Tokyo or Shinagawa

All Tokaido Shinkansen call at Tokyo Station and Shinagawa, so pick whichever is closer to your hotel. Trains arrive at Shin Osaka, a few minutes from central Osaka on the Midosuji subway.

Sit on the right for Mt Fuji

Heading Tokyo to Osaka, Mt Fuji appears on the right hand side about 40 to 45 minutes in. Choose seats D or E for the view on a clear day.

Reserve in peak season

Seats can sell out days ahead during cherry blossom, the autumn leaves and the New Year and Golden Week holidays. Reserve early to travel together.

Luggage

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

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Tokyo to Osaka bullet train?

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

How long does the Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen take?

The fastest Nozomi does it in about 2 hours 27 minutes to Shin Osaka. The Hikari is roughly 3 hours and the all stations Kodama about 4 hours.

Is the Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes for the Hikari and Kodama. The faster Nozomi is not included in the standard pass unless you pay a limited express supplement.

Which station do I arrive at in Osaka?

Shinkansen trains arrive at Shin Osaka. It is a short subway or local train ride to central Osaka around Umeda and Namba.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

It is not mandatory, since you can ride the non reserved cars. A reserved seat is strongly recommended in peak periods when trains fill up.

Nozomi or Hikari, which should I take?

Take the Nozomi for speed. Choose the Hikari if you are travelling on a Japan Rail Pass, since the Nozomi needs an extra supplement with the pass.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

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

Ready to book Tokyo to Osaka?

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

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