Tokyo to Osaka: How to Get There

Osaka, the kitchen of Japan, is one of the three most touristic cities in the country along with Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo to Osaka is the most popular route for travelers and is known as Japan’s Golden Route (Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto).

From shinkansen to bus or even airplane, they are several ways to go from Tokyo to Osaka, and it’s difficult to choose the best way for foreign travelers especially first time visitors. Which transportation option is the best? Which is cheaper or faster? These are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Let me jump to the conclusion. Shinkansen or bus is the best way for you to get from Tokyo to Osaka. Which of these two is better will depend on your priorities. Shinkansen is the fastest way and bus is the cheapest one, and both are easier for first time visitors to Japan to move.

Both Tokyo and Osaka have two airports each. Tokyo has Narita Airport and Haneda Airport while Osaka has Kansai Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport, but take a flight usually is not the best option, since airports are far from the center of the city and it takes extra money and time to reach there.

So let’s compare Shinkansen and bus and how to get from Tokyo to Osaka!!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen: The Fastest Option

The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka is the bullet train. It takes 2 hours and half with the Nozomi, the shinkansen fastest train model, and about 3 hours with the Hikari. Not only that but, bullet trains in Japan are highly praised for their efficiency and cleanliness. Seats are spacious, comfortable and have plugs to charge your electronic products, as well as toilets in different cars. Food and drinks are also available during the trip.

▶︎Book Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Osaka here

The plane option may seem faster, as it only takes a little over than an hour, but you have to go from the center of the city to the airport, be there beforehand to check in, go through security check, etc. With the shinkasen you just have to get to the tracks 5 minutes before the train arrives and jump on the car! And you will get straight to the city center, Shin-Osaka Station.

So Shinkansen is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, except for the price: around 17,000 JPY each way with a reserved seat or around 16,000 JPY with unreservead seat. Not the most budget friendly option. But in our opinion, it is worth the price if you can afford it, especially if you are traveling and have limited time.

Tip: There are 3 major shinkansen types that cover the route Tokyo-Osaka, named are Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. In the past, the Nozomi shinkansen was more expensive since it’s the the fastest one. But currently JR made some changes, and Nozomi and Hikari have only a difference of 300 yen in the price. So as much as possible, I highly recommend to take the Nozomi bullet train. On the other hand, the Kodama has practically the same price as the Hikari, but it takes almost 4 hours, being the slowest of the 3 models, so it is the least recommended.

For more information about bullet trains in Japan: ▶︎Shinkansen: A Complete Guide to the Japanese Bullet Train

Where to Buy Shinkansen Tickets?

There are mainly two ways to buy Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen tickets. You can do it physically at the ticket counter or ticket machines in Japan, or do it online in advance.

Buy your Shinkansen Tickets Online

Buying your bullet train tickets online is the most recommended option. First, because especially in high season it is possible that tickets may sell out, so it is better to secure them in advance so that everything goes smoothly on your trip.

On the other hand, the online process to buy bullet train tickets is much faster, simpler and above all: available in English. The staff at the shinkansen ticket counters can sometimes speak basic plain English for the job, but they are not very fluent. In addition, they are often crowded and the waiting line can be very long, exceeding one hour.

Buying your bullet train tickets online, you receive a QR code in less than 24 hours and you simply scan that QR code at the ticket machines available at major Shinkansen stations and get your physical ticket. Nothing else! It’s that easy and simple.

▶︎Book your Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka online

Buy your Shinkansen Tickets in Japan

If you prefer to buy your bullet train tickets in Japan because you are unsure about your itinerary, it is also possible. Simply go to any official JR ticket counter (called “Midori-no-madoguchi”) , and wait for your turn. If there are seats available, buying tickets on the same day is also possible.

At some stations there are also ticket vending machines located next to ticket gates, but they are somewhat complicated to use if you are not familiar with the system and many tourists find them inconvenient.

Special: Japan Rail Pass

If you are a tourist in Japan there is a way to save some money and travel comfortably by shinkansen. We are talking about the top selling Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), a special pass that allows unlimited travel for 7,14 or 21 days on any JR transport, including bullet trains.

For more info: ▶︎A Guide to Japan Rail Pass

However, after the price increase in October 2024, the Japan Rail Pass is no longer cost-effective if you are only going to make a couple of trips. Check your route and see which is the most economical way for you.

▶︎Get Japan Rail Pass online here!!

How to Ride the Shinkansen?

Basically, it depends on what type of ticket you bought. If you have a reserved seat ticket, find your car (marked on the platform floor) and wait for the train to arrive. Board and proceed to your assigned seat. If you have purchased a unreservead seat ticket, locate the cars designed for non-reserved seat (usually 1-4), line up and when you enter, look for an available seat.

For those with the JR Pass, you can just go to the platform and get on any of the trains in the non-reserved cars. If you prefer to reserve a seat to be sure, you can do it in the same places where they are sold (vending machine or ticket office).

For more information: ▶︎How to Use a Non-reserved Seat on the Shinkansen

Where to Take the Shinkansen in Tokyo?

If you decide to go by shinkansen, you can take the train from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin Osaka Station

First bullet train: 6:00

Last bullet train: 22:47

Location of ticket gates: blue areas on this map

Platform: platform No.14–19

Shinkansen from Shinagawa Station to Shin Osaka Station

First bullet train: 6:00

Last bullet train: 22:54

Location of ticket gates: blue areas at the bottom of this map

Platform: platform No.23&24

For more information about shinkansen in Japan

If you don’t have much information about regular trains and bullet trains in Japan, the following articles may be useful.

▶︎A Comprehensive Guide to Trains in Japan: Including Shinkansen and Japan Rail Pass

▶︎What to Do If You Missed the Shinkansen

▶︎How to Refund a Shinkansen Ticket

Tokyo to Osaka by Bus: The Cheapest Option

On the other hand we have the bus, which is the cheaper option. Tickets start at around 4,400 JPY  and can go up to 10,000 JPY depending on the type of seat, departure time, conditions, etc. The counterpart is time, since it will take 8-10 hours at the best.

Usually if you choose the bus, the most frequent options is the night bus. It allows you to sleep on the bus and be able to spend more time in Osaka instead of wasting a day on the trip. In addition, at night there is less risk of traffic jams, etc. Many buses also stop directly at the famous Universal Studios Japan theme park, so you can go directly to the park first thing in the morning and be among the first to get in!

Another advantage of buses is the time of the last bus: about 1 hour later than the train’s one.

▶︎Get discounted night bus tickets from Tokyo to Osaka here!

If you decide to go by bus, generally buses depart from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station. There are different bus companies offering this service, so it will depend on each company. One of the most recommended is Willerexpress. They have different types of buses available but even the most economical ones have large and comfortable seats.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the office of each bus terminal, but we recommend buying them in advance because depending on which dates they may sell out.

From Tokyo Station to Shin Osaka Station

Tokyo station bus terminal is located in Yaesu Exit (八重洲口.) Long distance bus tickets can be purchased at JR Expressway Bus at the bus terminal in Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit or online via bus company.

*Please get off at Osaka Station JR Expressway Bus Terminal.

Day service: 6:40–14:10

Night service: 21:00–23:50

Location of bus terminal: Yaesu South Exit (upper right on this map)

From Shinjuku Station to Shin Osaka Station

JR Shinjuku Station is connected to BUSTA, the biggest bus terminal in Tokyo. Ticket counters and ticket vending machines are located on the 4th floor, which is the departure floor. The fare from Shinjuku BUSTA is the same that from Tokyo Station.

*Please get off at Osaka Station JR Expressway Bus Terminal.

Day service: 7:20–13:50

Night service: 21:40–23:50

Location of bus terminal: buses to Osaka generally depart from the D Area on the 4th floor

For more information about bus in Japan

If you don’t have much information about normal buses or highway buses in Japan, the following articles may be useful.

▶︎How to Ride a Bus in Japan: A Detailed Bus Guide for Tourists

▶︎How to Book Bus Tickets in Japan

▶︎3 Best Highway Buses in Japan

▶︎10 Best Destinations to Go from Tokyo by Bus

▶︎How to Ride a Night Bus in Japan

Overall: Which is the Best Option to Get from Tokyo to Osaka?

As you can see, to travel from Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen is much faster but buses are the cheaper option. So if you are searching for the fastest option over the price, bullet train is your best choice. In the other hand, for those searching for the cheapest option to get from Tokyo to Osaka, that’s no doubt the bus. An overnight bus may be the better choice for those who want to also save accommodation expenses.

So, it depends on which you value, time or money during the trip.

▽Transportation Guide for Other Popular Destinations▽

▶︎How to Get from Tokyo to Kyoto

▶︎How to Get from Tokyo to Hakone

▶︎How to Get from Tokyo to Nikko

▶︎How to Get from Tokyo to Mt.Fuji

▶︎How to Get from Tokyo to Hiroshima

▶︎How to Get from Tokyo to DisneyLand and Disney Sea

Also how to get to Tokyo from the two main airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

▶︎How to Get from Nartita Airport to Tokyo

▶︎How to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

What Should You Do in Osaka??

Osaka is the most popular gourmet city. Enjoy dining in Dotonbori is the top priority!! In Shinsaibashi, you may be a shopaholic with countless stores and you can discover about the legendary Japanese samurais at Osaka Castle. But if there’s one place you can’t miss in Osaka, it’s Universal Studio Japan!

<< Book your Universal Studios Japan Osaka e-tickets here! >>

▼Make your perfect itinerary in Osaka with this article▼

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If is your first time in Japan and don’t know much about the bullet train, this guide can help you! ▶︎Shinkansen: A Complete Guide to the Japanese Bullet Train

▽For more Transportation Information in Osaka Area▽

▶︎Hello Kitty Shinkansen: The Most Kawaii Bullet Train in Japan

▶︎Best Train Passes in Japan

▶︎Bus Guide between Osaka and Kansai International Airport (KIX)

▽First time in Japan??? Check out this 1 week itinerary for first timers!▽

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