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Osaka and Tokyo are Japan's great rivals, one famous for street food and loud humor, the other for neon and precision. The Tokaido Shinkansen links them with trains every few minutes, from Shin-Osaka straight to Tokyo Station.
Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen
From Shin-Osaka the Nozomi runs several times an hour, the Hikari and the Kodama each run about hourly.[1] The Nozomi covers the route in about 2 hours 21 minutes.[2] A reserved seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs 14,200 yen one way in the regular season when bought through smartEX.[3]
The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Nozomi, so pass holders take the Hikari or Kodama.[4] The Nozomi Mizuho Ticket for Tokyo and Shin-Osaka costs 4,960 yen extra.[5]
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is on the right heading west, so on the way to Tokyo it appears on the left side of the train.[6]
Luggage
Bags up to 160 cm in total dimensions need no reservation. Bags of 161 to 250 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area, and bags over 250 cm cannot be taken on board.[7]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) | About 2h 21min | High |
| Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama) | Longer than the Nozomi | High |
Tips for Traveling from Osaka to Tokyo
- Depart from Shin-Osaka: The Shinkansen leaves from Shin-Osaka, not from Osaka Station in Umeda.
- Ekiben: Buy a station bento at Shin-Osaka before boarding.
- Hands-free: Send big bags ahead to your hotel with a takkyubin delivery service.
Timetable
| Flight Osaka - Tokyo $ 95.14โ163.44 1h 10m โ 1h 25m | |
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| Train Osaka - Tokyo $ 93.08โ95.04 2h 12m โ 3h 54m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Osaka to Tokyo, including current prices and schedules.
The Nozomi Shinkansen takes about 2 hours 21 minutes between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo Station.
The Nozomi runs several times an hour, and the Hikari and the Kodama each run about hourly.
A reserved seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs 14,200 yen one way in the regular season when bought through smartEX.
Yes, on the Hikari and Kodama. The pass is not valid on the Nozomi unless you buy the Nozomi Mizuho Ticket, which costs 4,960 yen.
Shin-Osaka Station, not Osaka Station in Umeda.
Yes, on a clear day. On the way east, Mount Fuji appears on the left side of the train.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Timetable for trains from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo (East bound). Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [2] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Shinkansen Perfect Guide: Tickets & Tips. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service prices: reserved seat in ordinary cars (as of 1 April 2025). Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [4] Japan Rail Pass (JR Group): Scope of validity. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [5] Japan Rail Pass (JR Group): Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [6] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): MOUNT FUJI: like you have never seen. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [7] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Luggage information. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.