Only 3 Best Ways to Get to Osaka from Tokyo

Planning a trip from Tokyo to Osaka? You’ve got 3 reliable options: the sleek Shinkansen bullet train, budget-friendly highway buses, or domestic flights.

Each route offers something different, whether you prioritize speed, savings, or a balance of both.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you pick the perfect option for your journey, complete with schedules, costs, and practical tips. 😊

1. High-Speed Rail: Shinkansen Bullet Train

a. Boarding the Train

i. Station Locations

Tokyo Departure: Train departs from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station.
Osaka Arrival: Destination is Shin-Osaka Station (different from main Osaka Station).

ii. Before Boarding

Timing: Get to your station at least 15-20 minutes before departure time.
Ticket Check: Look for your assigned car and seat numbers on your ticket.
Platform: Find your car’s designated waiting spot on the platform.

iii. Station Connections

Local Access: Easy transfers to local trains and subway lines from Shin-Osaka Station.
Transit Options: Multiple connection choices for reaching central Osaka.

b. Journey Time and Frequency

Nozomi (fastest): 2 hours 30 minutes, not covered by Japan Rail Pass.
Hikari: 3 hours, departs every 30 minutes.
Kodama (slowest): 4 hours, stops at all stations.
Nozomi trains depart every 10 minutes, Hikari and Kodama every 30 minutes.

c. Ticket Options and Costs

Unreserved seats: Cheapest option, around 13,870 yen one-way.
Reserved seats (Highly Recommended): Cost an extra 530 yen for Hikari/Kodama or 850 yen for Nozomi.
Green Car (first class): Most expensive at 19,590 yen, offers extra comfort.
The JR Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains, but not Nozomi.

Tip: The 7-day Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) now costs 50,000 yen. In contrast, a one-way Nozomi Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka with a reserved seat is around 14,720 yen. For a single or round trip, individual tickets are more economical than the JR Pass.

d. Comparing Seat Types

i. Non-Reserved Seats

Flexibility: You can hop on any train with non-reserved cars without a seat assignment.
Cost: The most budget-friendly option.
Risk: You might need to stand during busy times if seats are full.

ii. Reserved Seats

Seat Guarantee: You get your own specific seat on your chosen train.
Cost Difference: Just a few hundred yen more than non-reserved tickets.
Best For: Perfect when you want to ensure your group sits together.
Booking Options: Easy to reserve at stations, ticket machines, or online.

iii. Green Car (First Class)

Space: Enjoy roomier seats with 2+2 row arrangement instead of standard 3+2.
Comfort: Includes extras like foot rests, reading lights, and power outlets.
Atmosphere: Quieter environment with fewer passengers.
Reservation: All seats require advance booking.
Price: Costs about 30% more than regular reserved seats.

e. How to Book Shinkansen Tickets Online

Reservation for Shinkansen Tickets — Photo Credit: Klook

Booking your Shinkansen ticket doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow these simple steps to secure your seat in minutes.

Visit this Shinkansen reservation website here
Enter “Tokyo” in the “From” field
Enter “Shin-Osaka” in the “To” field
Click the “Search” button
Select your preferred departure date and time
Choose the Nozomi train for the fastest route to Osaka
Click the “Down” arrow and select “Reserved Seat – Ordinary Car (2nd Class)” – recommended during peak tourist seasons
For seat preference, select “Mt. Fuji side” to enjoy views of Mt. Fuji during your journey (best visibility on clear mornings)
Print your QR code ticket and save a copy on your phone as backup

f. Luggage Restrictions

Size Categories: Shinkansen has three main luggage size categories
- Up to 160 cm (length + width + height): No reservation needed
- 161-250 cm: Requires a seat reservation with luggage space
- Over 250 cm: Not allowed on the train
Weight Limit: Each piece of luggage must not exceed 30 kg.
Quantity: You’re allowed to bring up to two pieces of luggage per person.
Oversized Luggage Spaces: For bags between 161-250 cm, you must reserve a seat with an “oversized luggage space”.

g. During the Journey

Free Wi-Fi is available on most Shinkansen trains
Enjoy the scenery, including a view of Mt. Fuji on clear days

Read More:

2. Budget-Friendly Option: Highway Bus

a. Departure Points in Tokyo

Terminal Locations: Main departures from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit.
Additional Stops: Buses may also pick up from Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Disney Resort area.
Location Check: Confirm your exact departure point when booking, as it varies by company.
Arrival Time: Get to your departure point 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure.
Required Documents: Keep your booking confirmation and ID ready for check-in.

b. Arrival in Osaka

Major Stops: Buses arrive at Osaka Station (Umeda), Namba, or Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Transit Links: Easy access to local trains and subway networks from arrival points.
Drop-off Points: Check your preferred stop as buses make multiple stops in Osaka.
Early Arrival Tips: Look for hotels offering early check-in or luggage storage services.

c. Cost and Journey Time

i. Pricing and Duration

Cost Range: Expect to pay between 2,100 yen to 5,000 yen for a one-way trip.
Price Variation: Depends on bus company, seat type, and booking timing.
Journey Length: Trip takes about 7-8 hours total.
Time Factor: Final duration depends on traffic conditions.
Rest Breaks: Regular stops every 2-3 hours for bathroom and refreshment breaks.
Route Pattern: Evening departure with early morning arrival for most services.

ii. Overnight Service Benefits

Night Travel: Evening departures available for overnight trips.
Cost Saving: Save money on one night’s accommodation.
Arrival Time: Reach your destination early next morning.
Cost Benefit: Much cheaper than bullet train or flights.

d. How to Book Highway Bus Tickets

i. Booking Platforms and Process

Kosokubus Website — Photo Credit: kosokubus.com

Online Options: Book through Willer Express or Kosokubus.com.
Language Support: Most booking sites offer English language options.
Website Features: Easy navigation and booking system for international travelers.

ii. Booking Tips and Timing

Advance Planning: Recommended to book early, especially during peak seasons.
Seasonal Note: Higher demand during holidays and festivals.
Confirmation: You’ll receive e-tickets or confirmation via email.

e. Seat Types and Amenities

Standard Seats: Basic reclining seats.
Premium Seats: More spacious with better recline.
Essential Amenities: Most buses have onboard toilets, Wi-Fi, and charging outlets.
Travel Tips: Remember to bring entertainment for your journey (books, music, etc.).

f. Comfort Tips for Your Bus Journey

Sleep Essentials: Bring neck pillow and eye mask for better rest.
Clothing Advice: Wear layered clothing to adjust to varying bus temperatures.
Refreshments: Pack snacks and water, though rest stops offer additional options.
Sound Management: Consider earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for undisturbed sleep.
Safety Note: Set an alarm for your stop, particularly during overnight trips.

g. Luggage Restrictions

Carry-On Rules: One bag under 10kg, maximum 1 meter in length, fits under seat or overhead.
Bus Storage: Luggage compartment available under bus for larger suitcases.
Size Limits: Bus storage luggage must not exceed 155cm total (height + width + length).
Bag Allowance: Permitted to check 1-2 large pieces in under-bus storage.
Storage Location: Small items in cabin, larger bags in under-bus compartment.
Detailed Guidelines: Check Willer Express or Kosokubus websites for complete luggage regulations.

3. Air Travel: Domestic Flights

a. Tokyo Airport Departure Options

Main Airports: Choose between Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT).
Haneda Benefits: Closer to central Tokyo, more convenient for most travelers.
Flights from Haneda to Osaka are operated by:
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
Narita is farther from central Tokyo but offers more budget options:
- Peach Aviation
- Jetstar Japan

b. Arriving in Osaka

Airport Choices: Osaka served by Kansai International (KIX) and Itami (ITM) airports.
Premium Airlines: ANA and JAL from Haneda land at Itami Airport (ITM).
Budget Routes: Peach and Jetstar from Narita arrive at Kansai International (KIX).
Airline Pattern: Full-service carriers use Itami, budget airlines use KIX.

i. If arriving at Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)

Bus Stops at Osaka Itami Airport — Photo Credit: Hankyu Kanko Bus

Itami is closer to central Osaka, about 14 km north of the city center.
From Itami to central Osaka:
- Transport Options: Choose between monorail or airport limousine bus.
- Journey Time: 30-40 minutes to central Osaka.

ii. If arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

KIX is located further from the city, on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
From KIX to central Osaka:
- Transport Options: Take Nankai or JR Haruka Express trains
- Journey Time: 40-50 minutes to central Osaka