Osaka to Tokyo: Fastest and Cheapest Ways to Travel

Klook Team

Last updated 7 May 2024

What is the best way to go to Tokyo from Osaka?

Want to travel from Osaka to Tokyo but don't know what transportation options are available? We've compiled all the ways you can get to Tokyo from Osaka — by Shinkansen, overnight bus, plane, and ordinary trains.

This Japan train guide also answers the most frequently asked questions about traveling from Osaka to Tokyo, such as whether you can use your Japan Rail Pass and which is the most cost-effective means of transportation!

1) Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen

The Shinkansen is the fastest land transportation in Japan. It has multiple stations and can travel to and from major cities in Japan in the shortest possible time. Shinkansen stations are also typically in the city center, making it easy to transfer to other transportation modes. Therefore, it has become the first choice for many tourists.

Shinkansens run dozens of times daily, almost every 10 to 15 minutes. Plus, the spaciousness of the Shinkansen's seats, free Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets provide a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers.

If you choose to ride the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo, you will depart from Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station and arrive at Tokyo Station. This journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with the exact time varying depending on the type of Shinkansen you are traveling on (eg. Nozomi, Hikari).

If it's your first time traveling via Shinkansen, here are some easy steps to follow:

Purchase a ticket: Purchase your Shinkansen tickets at a JR station ticket counter or automatic ticket machine. To save time, we'd recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance on Klook.
Getting to the station: Shinkansen trains from Osaka usually depart from Shin-Osaka Station. Do arrive early to give yourself sufficient time to check the electronic board at the station and find the right train platform.
Ticket validation: Present your ticket to the station staff for inspection or insert it into the ticket gate. After entering the station, follow the signs to the designated compartment on your ticket and wait on the platform for the train.
Get on the train and start your journey: After entering the train, find your seat!
Arriving at your destination: Pay attention to the train announcements and pack your belongings and prepare to get off when approaching Tokyo Station.

Summary of traveling from Osaka to Tokyo via Shinkansen

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Cost: From ~¥14,000 (depending on seat type and whether you choose to reserve a seat)
Pros: Quick access to the city center, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi and charging sockets
Cons: Compared with other modes of transportation, taking the train is slightly pricier
Suitable for: business people, multi-stop tours/travelers who value transportation convenience and comfort

If this is your first time traveling on the Shinkansen with a JR Pass, check out our Japan train guides👇

Image credits: Fiksi Rasyid and Zhipeng Ya on Unsplash

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2) Osaka to Tokyo by Overnight Bus

For travelers on a budget, night buses are a more affordable transportation option. The cost of traveling from Osaka to Tokyo by night bus ranges from about ¥4,000 to ¥10,000, depending on the bus company, seat class (such as regular, deluxe, or business), and the time of day the ticket is booked.

The buses depart from various locations in Osaka such as Umeda, Namba and Osaka Station, and go directly to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro or Tokyo Station in Tokyo.

Night buses not only save money on accommodation and allow for more time during the day for sightseeing, but they also offer more spacious seats with more legroom than regular buses, and some buses are equipped with TVs and free Wi-Fi, so travelers can enjoy a comfortable ride.

Summary of traveling from Osaka to Tokyo via Overnight Bus

Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Cost: ¥4,000 to ¥10,000
Pros: Saving on transportation and accommodation costs, efficient use of daylight hours, night view along the route
Cons: Not as comfortable as Shinkansen or airplanes
Suitable for: Travelers with limited budgets

3) Osaka to Tokyo by Plane

Airplanes are the fastest way to get from Osaka to Tokyo, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes (not including the time for getting to the airport, security, and boarding). There are flights from Osaka to Tokyo almost every hour, making it ideal for time-crunched business people or tourists.

If you are flying, you will depart from Osaka Itami Airport or Kansai Airport and fly to Tokyo's Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, depending on your travel plans.

In addition to the short travel time, the airports also have several duty-free stores and a wide range of options for shopping, dining, and transferring to other modes of transportation to get to the downtown area.

However, we also remind you that since you need to reserve time for boarding and security check, the total transportation time can be as long as 2 to 3 hours, and flights may be delayed due to weather conditions and other factors, so it is recommended that you take out a travel insurance policy or a travel inconvenience insurance policy to ensure that you have a more secure trip.

Summary of traveling from Osaka to Tokyo via Plane

Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Cost: ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 (varies depending on the airline and time of booking)
Pros: Convenient and comfortable ride, easy to transfer to other means of transportation
Cons: Allow time for boarding and security checks
Suitable for: Business travelers and travelers who want to get to Tokyo quickly

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4) Osaka to Tokyo by Local Trains

Local trains are essentially non-Shinkansen trains. Due to their slow speed and many stops, they are usually not the first choice for long-distance travel.

However, local trains offer a unique travel experience in Japan! They typically cover more stops — not just the major cities — which provides travelers the opportunity to visit lesser-known towns and experience the local culture there.

Local trains depart from major stations in Osaka, such as Osaka Station or Umeda Station, and arrives at Tokyo or Ueno Station after a few transfers.

Fair warning, traveling by ordinary train can be a little tricky as you'll have to consider transfer times and train intervals. Especially in remote areas where trains are less frequent, you'll have to be thorough when planning your train route.

Summary of traveling from Osaka to Tokyo via Local Train

Duration: 8 to 12 hours (depending on the type of train and number of transfers)
Cost: ¥8,000 to ¥12,000 (depending on the type of train and whether or not you choose the express or limited express service)
Pros: Good for exploring off-the-beaten-path attractions and local specialties
Cons: Long travel time, requires careful planning of transportation interchanges
Suitable for: Travelers who have more time to spare and want to experience a lesser-known side of Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is it better to take the Shinkansen or a plane from Osaka to Tokyo?

Shinkansen bullet trains and airplanes have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your schedule and budget.

Bullet trains take about 2.5 to 3 hours, and it is very convenient due its high frequency and arrival directly to the city center. However, the price of bullet train tickets can be expensive.

Airplanes are more suitable for travelers who want to visit Tokyo in a short period of time because the flight time is only about 1 hour. If you book your ticket in advance, the fare may be cheaper than Shinkansen. However, if you take a flight from Osaka's Itami Airport or Kansai Airport, you'll need to take into account the time required for check-in, boarding and airport transfers.

If you want to have a more flexible Japan travel itinerary, or if you already have a Japan Rail Pass, we'd recommend taking the Shinkansen.

2) How comfortable is the night bus from Osaka to Tokyo?

The comfort level of overnight buses depends on the bus company and seat class. Many overnight buses offer more spacious seats in the deluxe and business seats, and the angle of the seats can be adjusted to make the ride more comfortable.

However, if you're a light sleeper, you might find highway buses less comfortable. Consider taking a high-speed shinkansen or airplane instead!

3) Can I use a Japan Rail Pass to take Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo?

The Japan Rail Pass can be used for most shinkansen bullet trains, including Hikari and Kodama trains. However, it is important to note that if you are traveling on Nozomi trains or Mizuho trains, you will not be able to use a JR Pass and will need to purchase a separate ticket.

Thus, it is important to pay close attention to the type of Shinkansen you are traveling on before you take it, and to choose the type of Shinkansen you want according to your own travel needs.

4) Can I rent a car and drive from Osaka to Tokyo?

It takes about 6 to 8 hours to drive from Osaka to Tokyo by rental car, and you can freely explore the local specialties along the way, so you can enjoy the flexibility of traveling. However, if it is your first time to rent a car and drive in Japan, and you are unfamiliar with Japanese traffic rules, road signs, and the language, renting a car and driving can be more challenging than taking public transportation.

In addition to the cost of renting a car and refueling, you'll need to consider the cost of highway tolls in Japan. Overall, renting a car is more suitable for travelers who have experience driving in Japan, have a good budget, and want to have flexibility in their travel plans.

5) What is the most affordable way to get from Osaka to Tokyo?

If you are looking for cheapest way to get from Osaka to Tokyo, we recommend taking the night bus or booking your flight ticket in advance. Bus tickets are affordable and allows you to save on one night of accommodation. For the latter, you can score cheap tickets bys monitoring early bird flights and promotional prices!

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