How to get from Tokyo to Osaka

Two of Japan’s most bustling metropolitan areas, the two cities of Tokyo in Kanto and Osaka in Kansai, are often compared, and thus, a bit of a rivalry between each of the city’s residents exists. For visitors to Japan, experiencing the sites, sounds, and atmosphere of both is essential to seeing the charms that make each of these cities unique, and perhaps to seeing which one they end up preferring!

Trip Duration Approx. 2 hours 30 mins
First & Last Departure 6:00 AM/9:24 PM
💶 Cost From 13,620 yen
🚆 Distance 505 kilometers
🚉 Departing/Arriving Station Tokyo or Shinagawa/
Shin-Osaka Station
Nozomi Shinkansen Bullet TrainMizuho Shinkansen Bullet TrainHikari Shinkansen Bullet TrainKodama Shinkansen Bullet Train

Reserve Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Osaka!

READ MORE ABOUT SEAT RESERVATIONS // How to Reserve Seats on the Train in Japan

Oversized baggage on the Shinkansen

There are several standards that must be fulfilled in order for passengers who have bulky baggage to board the bullet train. As mandated by Japan Railway, luggage over 160 cm in total length, width, and height must be checked into the special large baggage area at the rear of the train car. Owners of such luggage are also required to book seats close to this area. Please take note that no luggage over 250 cm in total size is permitted on the Shinkansen. 

Baby carriages, musical instruments in cases, and sports equipment (bikes, snowboards, etc.)

Dimensions for luggage on the Shinkansen bullet train

READ MORE ABOUT OVERSIZED BAGGAGE RULES // New Luggage Reservation Rules for the Shinkansen

The Shinkansen bullet train departs at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, both of which are in the heart of Tokyo and are on the JR Yamanote Line, and travels to Osaka from Tokyo. Tokyo Station's surroundings are primarily commercial, with luxury, upscale department stores and shopping centers, fast food and fine dining establishments, as well as peaceful parks like the Imperial Palace Park and Hibiya Park. There is a vast network of other stores, eateries, and department stores located within the station. 

Shinagawa Station is located in a part of Tokyo that is primarily focused on business, and the surrounding area has many reasonably priced fast-casual restaurants that are geared toward office workers. Nonetheless, there are other entertainment options for tourists and people waiting to board their departing Shinkansens, such as the Nikon Camera Museum and Maxell Aqua Park.

Inside of Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Entrance

Inside of Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Entrance

@Wikimedia

Shinagawa 4

For history that goes even further back, the Mozu Tombs are a one-of-a-kind visit, a collection of burial tombs known as kofun that were constructed in the 5th century.These ancient burial grounds are located within Osaka’s metropolitan area and stand as a distinct historic site amongst the urban architecture. From the air, the burial grounds come in many shapes and forms, the larger ones resembling the shape of a key hole. 

For those traveling to and from Osaka via Shinkansen, it is actually Shin-Osaka Station that will be the primary servicing station, the newer station constructed in 1964 to service the first run of Shinkansen bullet trains to operate in the country. Neaby, check out Kiyasuso Hanpo, famous for its sweet and syrupy mitarashi dango (chewy mochi that’s been toasted and glazed with a sweet sauce) with a unique rectangular shape. 

Shin-Osaka Station

Shin-Osaka Station

@Wikimedia

N700 Shinkansen

Shinkansen to Osaka

@Wikimedia

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