Train Tickets from Osaka to Tokyo

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Adults (+12yo)

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*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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122 Number
of daily departures

2h30 Shortest
travel duration

$104 Our best
available price

06:00 / 21:24 Earliest / Latest
departure time

Getting from Osaka to Tokyo by train

The journey from Osaka to Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen line allows travelers to experience the efficient and high-speed bullet trains of Japan. While both cities represent the vibrancy of modern Japan, they each have their own unique characteristics. Tokyo, as the capital, is a popular destination for tourists and offers a hub for pop culture, fashion, and city enthusiasts. On the other hand, Osaka is known as a food lover's paradise and has a more relaxed and easygoing vibe.

More information about your journey to Tokyo

Tokyo Station serves as the main entrance to Japan's capital, located miles away from the more well-known and relaxed modern atmosphere of Osaka. Tokyo offers a wide range of attractions, from the bustling and lively neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the glamorous and luxurious areas of Roppongi or Ginza. Akihabara, a haven for pop culture enthusiasts, is also a must-visit destination. Amidst the vibrant streets of Kabukicho and the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo's dynamic downtown districts, you can also find traditional gardens, historic temples, and shrines that provide moments of tranquility, showcasing Tokyo's diverse offerings.

Whether you are a fan of pop culture, a food lover, or simply seeking an urban escape, the journey from Osaka to Tokyo on the Shinkansen offers a seamless combination of modern travel convenience and the timeless charm of Japan's cultural heritage. Moreover, Tokyo serves as the central hub of Japan's transportation network, providing access to various regional treasures. From the picturesque shores of Chiba Prefecture to the majestic Japanese Alps, or the popular day trip destination of Nikko with its breathtaking natural landscapes, and even the traditional and preserved Tohoku region, Tokyo acts as the gateway to these remarkable destinations.

Note: Shin-Osaka Station may not always be the first stop on the Shinkansen line, as it can originate from other cities such as Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). We advise booking reserved seat tickets to ensure a smooth journey and the ability to board your desired train, especially during peak travel times, considering the popularity of Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo as tourist destinations.

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. When booking tickets through Japan Experience, you can be assured that they are issued through an official partnership with JR West, allowing you to deal directly with the train operator that will take you from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo.

Reserve your seat with a view on Mount Fuji

As the Shinkansen speeds through the Japanese countryside, passengers can witness the transition from the modernity of Osaka to the timeless charm of rural Japan. This route is central and popular with travelers, making it one of the busiest rail lines in the country. Osaka's suburbs will gradually give way to picturesque villages and mountainous landscapes, and after a little over 2 hours, the train arrives in the bustling city of Tokyo. If you're lucky enough to have a window seat, you may even catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji after reaching Shizuoka station.

More about the Mount Fuji view seat option

On the way from Osaka to Tokyo, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to gaze upon one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train!

Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.

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Advantages of taking the train from Osaka to Tokyo

Efficiency

Covering the distance of 550km between Osaka to Tokyo in a little over 2 hours and 30 minutes, Shinkansen bullet trains are one of the fastest ways to reach your destination relaxed and worry-free.

shinkansen 700s interior seat seating japan train nozomi jr central

Comfort

Comfortable seats, plenty of space to relax your legs, regularly cleaned carriages and peace and quiet for a relaxing journey.

Reliability

With hundreds of departures per day and an average delay per train estimated at 24 seconds, the Shinkansen is very reliable.

E-Ticket

Your Osaka to Tokyo itinerary is accessible at the palm of your hand with an e-ticket QR code on your phone! Just scan your e-ticket at the gates and board your train.

How to book your Osaka to Tokyo train tickets?

Pick your date, time and seat

You can book up to 9 months prior to your travel date.

Confim and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your e-ticket

Get your e-ticket QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Enjoy your train travel

Simply scan your QR code at the gates and hop on your train!

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Shinkansen Information

The Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Osaka and Tokyo, is well-known for its efficiency and speed. Covering a distance of approximately 550 kilometers (345 miles), this high-speed train makes stops at major cities like Nagoya. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, allowing passengers to witness the changing landscapes from Osaka in the Kansai region to Tokyo in the Kanto region. Departing from Shin-Osaka Station, the trains arrive in Japan's capital at Tokyo Station.

Discover the differences between the different types of Shinkansen on this line and where they each stop between Osaka and Tokyo:

More information about your train, Shin-Osaka Station and Tokyo Station

Different types of available Shinkansen

There are three types of Shinkansen trains to choose from when traveling from Osaka to Tokyo: Hikari, Kodama, and Nozomi. Hikari trains make fewer stops and complete the trip in about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Kodama trains stop at more stations, resulting in a journey time of a little over 3 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo to Osaka. The Nozomi is the fastest option, operating as an express service, but it comes at a higher cost. It's important to note that all Nozomi Shinkansen trains require reserved seats.

Regardless of the train type, passengers can enjoy reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more onboard. Traveling by Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo ensures both efficiency and comfort. It is recommended to research all seat and car options to book a train ticket that suits your travel needs.

How to get to Shin-Osaka Station

Shin-Osaka, the main train station in Osaka, is situated in Higashi-Yodogawa ward. It is well-connected to various local public transportation lines operated by JR, serving both the Osaka metropolitan area and the wider Kansai region. Additionally, the Midosuji and Osaka East Line subway lines make stops at Shin-Osaka. With these convenient transportation options, you can easily travel to Shin-Osaka from the other major rail stations in the city, namely Osaka-Umeda and Namba. Furthermore, Shin-Osaka station serves as a departure and arrival point and has stops for multiple bus lines.

Where to go from Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is centrally located in Tokyo and serves as a major hub for various public transportation lines. It is the primary station for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo, facilitating both arrivals and departures. Tokyo Station is serviced by multiple JR lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo, and Sobu lines. The Marunouchi subway line, along with several bus lines and airport transfer options, also has stops at Tokyo Station. These extensive transportation networks enable seamless travel within Tokyo, the wider metropolitan area, as well as the surrounding prefectures and regions.

Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?

Official seller

Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR).

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Digital tickets

Receive your e-ticket in your inbox and scan it at ticket gates.

Customer support

We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels.

Purchase your train tickets!

How to use your train tickets in Japan

When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email. This QR code is your e-ticket, that you can use directly at the gates in stations by scanning it.

In case your QR code does not work, you will find right below it a registration number to show to station staff in order to board your train.

Please find more information below about ticket fares and train tickets usage conditions. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of using your train tickets in Japan.

More information about conditions and validity of train tickets here

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.

How to use your train tickets in Japan?

To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them, simply head to Shin-Osaka Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at South or Central (3F) exits, and head to the right platform to hop on your train.

Please note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates, which means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases.

If you arrive to Shin-Osaka Station by a JR line:

If you have a prepaid IC card or paper JR tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area. First scan your Shinkansen e-ticket, then tap your prepaid card (or insert your paper tickets). The gates will open on this second action.

If you are arriving in Shin-Osaka Station via subway lines:

You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at South or Central exits.

On board the train, find the seat number that is on your e-ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride!

Once you've arrived in Tokyo, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Tokyo Station, and the city is now yours to explore.

If you need to transfer to a JR local line, you need to exit the Shinkansen gates first, and then purchase local tickets - or use your prepaid IC card to travel by scanning directly at the transfer gates.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Osaka to Tokyo service.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan

Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.

How can I cancel or modify my booking?

You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.

Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).

What are the cancellation conditions?

You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.

What if I miss my train?

If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.

What are the modification conditions?

You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.

Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.

If you want to modify:

Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.

*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).

With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.

If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.

If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.

Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.

There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.

If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.

For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.

Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.

You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.