Train Tickets from Tokyo to Osaka
Getting from Tokyo to Osaka by Train
On the way from Tokyo to Osaka, two of Japan's most dynamic cities, enjoy the effortless efficiency of high-speed Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains, as you ride along on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. While the two cities represent the vibrancy of modern and urban Japan, Tokyo and Osaka each possess their own distinct character. Tokyo, the country's capital, is the prime arrival spot for tourists flying in. A hub for pop culture, fashion and city enthousiasts, Tokyo offers a different experience than Osaka, which has a reputation as a food lover's paradise. Compared to the perfect organization of Tokyo, Osaka showcases a more easygoing vibe often enjoyed by visitors.
More information about your journey to Osaka
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.
Reserve your seat with a view on Mount Fuji
As the Shinkansen races through the Japanese countryside, passengers can observe the transition from the modernity of Tokyo to the timeless charm of rural Japan. On this central and popular route for travelers to Japan, the Tokyo suburbs will slowly make room for gorgeous landscapes, with views on cities, lakes, rice fields and mountains, until after a little over 2 hours, you reach the Kansai region. On your ride, you may even get to see the iconic Mount Fuji for a couple of minutes, right before Shizuoka station, if you select a window seat.
More about the Mount Fuji view seat option
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
How to book your Tokyo to Osaka train tickets?
Shinkansen Information
The Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo and Osaka, is renowned for its efficiency and speed. With stops at major cities like Nagoya, the Shinkansen covers a distance of approximately 550 kilometers (345 miles). The journey, taking on average 2 hours and 20 minutes, allows travelers to witness the changing landscapes from the Kanto region to the Kansai region. Trains from Tokyo to Osaka depart from the Japanese capital at Tokyo Station and arrive at Shin-Osaka Station.
Find out more information about the different types of Shinkansen trains on this trip and where they each stop between Tokyo and Osaka:
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
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?
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.
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