Train Tickets from Tokyo to Osaka

122 Number
of daily departures
2h30 Shortest
travel duration
$98 Our best
available price
06:00 / 21:24 Earliest / Latest
departure time

More information about your journey to Osaka

tokyo osaka train map

Upon arrival, Shin-Osaka Station is the main gateway to the vibrant city's many things to do, see, and especially eat. From the iconic Dotonbori neighborhood, with its street food and neon-lit huge storefronts, to Osaka's many bustling shopping streets such as the famous Kuromon Market, or the historic Osaka castle, the city offers a perfect blend of Japan's preserved past and distinctly modern lifestyle.

And with Osaka being in the heart of the Kansai region, it's also the gateway to many other regional treasures, from the shores of Lake Biwa to the Amanohashidate coast, to the popular day trip destination Nara and its deer roaming free in temple grounds or the traditional, beautiful and historic city of Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. 

Note: Shin-Osaka Station may not be the last stop on this Shinkansen line that can continue to Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station. 

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka.

More about the Mount Fuji view seat option

mount fuji seat view shinkansen

On the way from Tokyo to Osaka, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to admire 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.

Advantages of taking the train from Tokyo to Osaka

shinkansen nozomi 700s jr central
Efficiency

Covering the distance of 550km between Tokyo to Osaka 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. 

shinkansen driver agent jr
Reliability

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

shinkansen 700s nozomi eco friendly green
Eco-friendly

Your Tokyo to Osaka itinerary corresponds to less than 18kg of CO2 emissions by Shinkansen, compared to over 140kg by plane on the same journey. Traveling by train is 8 times more eco-responsible than flying!

How to book your Tokyo to Osaka train tickets?

Pick your date, time and seat

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

Confirm and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your QR code

Get your QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Exchange and enjoy

Follow the instructions received on how to exchange your QR code and enjoy your ride.

tokyo osaka train map new

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

Different types of available Shinkansen

To get from Tokyo to Osaka, you can choose between three types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari, Kodama and Nozomi. Hikari trains make fewer stops, and take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the trip. Kodama stops at more stations, and thus the Tokyo to Osaka journey takes a little over 3 hours and 40 minutes. The Nozomi is the fastest of the options, being an express service, but it'll cost you more. This Shinkansen also operates only with reserved seats

No matter the type of train, reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more are available on board! You can be sure that traveling by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka will be both efficient and comfortable. Be sure to research all seat and car options to book the train ticket adapted to your travel needs

How to get to Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is located in central Tokyo and is at the crossroads of many public transportation lines, being the main departing station for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Multiple JR lines, such as the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo or Sobu lines, stop at Tokyo Station. The Marunouchi subway line, as well as several bus lines and airport transfer options, also stop at Tokyo Station. 

Where to go from Shin-Osaka Station 

Osaka's main train station, Shin-Osaka, is located in Higashi-Yodogawa ward and is served by multiple local public transportation lines from JR serving the Osaka metropolitan area as well as the broader Kansai area. The Midosuji and Osaka East Line subway lines also stops at Shin-Osaka. All these lines will connect you in a breeze to the two other major rail stations in the city, Osaka-Umeda and Namba. Multiple bus lines also depart from or have stops at Shin-Osaka station.

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.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

Customer support

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

More information about the exchange process, 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. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?

train tickets japan exchange map

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan? 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Tokyo Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Osaka, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting, and the Kansai megacity is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancelation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Delays of less than two hours are not reimbursed. If the delay prevents you from boarding your next connecting train, you can change at the connecting station office free of charge.

If delayed for more than two hours, express fares and charges will be refunded at all JR stations (excluding handling fees, Green Car fares and Gran Class fares).

If your train is delayed for more than two hours or cancelled due to a natural disaster after your train ticket has been issued, please contact Japan Experience's customer service with a photo of your ticket for a refund.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

  • Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

  • Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

  • If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

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 Tokyo to Osaka service. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan