5 Easy Ways to Travel between Tokyo and Osaka
Imagine this. You just had the best time in Tokyo exploring the exhilarating rides of Tokyo Disney theme parks, seeing picturesque views of Mt. Fuji, experiencing interactive exhibits at teamLab Planets, and eating fresh seafood at Tsukiji Market. Yums.
Now, you’re craving another memorable and immersive adventure, why not hop over to Osaka? Its beautiful city awaits you to experience a different side of Japanese culture. Kids and adults alike would love spending the entire day at Universal Studios Japan, sightseeing at Osaka Castle, and marveling at the majestic creatures of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
The good news is that Osaka is just a short trip away! From Shinkansen bullet and regular trains, highway buses, domestic flights, and car rentals, discover your favorite way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in style!
1. Shinkansen Bullet Train
Riding the Shinkansen is a sight-seeing experience all on its own! Credits: @yamashitaphoto on Instagram
Sit back, relax, and board the iconic Shinkansen! For those who seek comfort without sacrificing time, this may be your best bet. The trains can reach a speed of up to 320 kilometres per hour (200 mph) on specific routes. This dramatic reduction in travel time has made long-distance commuting and business trips feasible, effectively shrinking the geographical distances between major cities.
Operating on a remarkably precise schedule, the departures and arrivals occur within seconds of the scheduled times. You’ll get to Osaka in no time without those unnecessary transfers!
The travel time between Tokyo and Osaka can be as fast as 2.5 hours. This is dependent on the type of Shinkansen you choose and the number of stops in between.
- Nozomi is the fastest at 2 hours and 22 minutes with limited stops.
- Hikari is the middle-tier Shinkansen service in terms of speed, with more stops compared to Nozomi. It will take approximately 3 hours.
- Kodama is the local service on the Shinkansen lines, stopping at most stations, resulting in longer travel times closer to 4 hours.
Passengers can enjoy ample legroom and personal space. Amenities include restrooms, vending machines, power outlets, and overhead storage for both class options.
#KlookTip: If you want a glimpse of Mount Fuji during your journey, choose the seats on the right when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, and choose the seats on the left if you're headed from Osaka to Tokyo!
The Green Car comes with more luxurious seats, usually in a 2-2 configuration, while the Ordinary Car comes in a 3-2 configuration.
Green Class
Your journey is about to get a lot more luxurious. A reserved seat awaits you in the Green Car with reclining features and more legroom. There are also attendants present to offer drinks and light snacks. Designed to offer more privacy, this option may be more suitable for business travelers or those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Green Car seats usually go for 1.5 to 2 times the price of an Ordinary Class seat.
Ordinary Class
As a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel, the Ordinary Class is the top choice for the majority of travelers. Accommodating different groups, seats include the standard individual arrangement as well as tables for bigger groups or families. While not as spacious as Green Car seats, Ordinary Class seats are still designed for comfortable travel, with reclining options on some trains.
There are also two seat types to choose from - Reserved and Unreserved. With reserved seats, you'll be given a dedicated seat in the reserved cars, while the unreserved option operates on a first-come, first-served basis in the unreserved cars. Watch out during peak season, it tends to get busier and more difficult to secure a seat!
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at ticket counters at major train stations, ticket machines, or online on Klook!
2. Regular Trains
Caption: So many trains to choose from, take your pick! Credits: @topologiraffe on Unsplash
While the Shinkansen system is renowned for its high-speed travel between major cities, regular trains serve as the backbone of Japan's domestic transportation infrastructure, providing widespread connectivity and accessibility to both urban and rural areas.
#KlookTip: Make the most of your travels with a Japan Rail Pass to unlock access to unlimited rides on JR trains encompassing local, express, rapid, Hikari, and Kodama bullet trains for up to 21 days!
Local Train
If you’re not in a time crunch and are looking for convenient access to various neighborhoods, consider the local trains! Most commonly used for short-distance travel within a city or region, they stop at most or all stations along its route. Considering the frequent stops and transfers, travel time from Tokyo Station to JR Osaka Station ranges from around 8 to 9 hours.
Limited Express Train
With over 100 different kinds, the limited express train offers a balance between speed and accessibility, making it ideal for moderately longer journeys with fewer stops solely at major Japanese stations. The estimated travel time is around 8 to 9 hours.
Express Train
Express trains cover main airport transfers like Haneda International Airport (Tokyo Monorail), Narita International Airport (Narita Express), and Kansai International Airport (Haruka Express). Unlike the local train, these trains skip some intermediate stations, cutting the travel time down to 7 to 8 hours.
Rapid Train
Similar to the express train, rapid trains also skip more stations. Known for the efficient commute it provides between regions, the estimated travel time goes from around 6 to 7 hours.
For local, limited express, express, and rapid trains, seating capacity is limited (especially during rush hour) but there are handles to grip while standing up. Priority seats are also available for those who need them. Moreover, a huge perk that comes with taking the regular trains is all the beautiful views you can see.
To enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey, purchase your JR Passes online before arriving in Japan, so you have your pass ready when you land.
3. VIP Highway Bus
Introducing the ultimate combination of value for money and comfort. Highway buses are designed to cover longer distances, connecting major cities, towns, and tourist destinations. They often operate on expressways, ensuring faster travel compared to regular buses. Unlike most train journeys, there's no need to worry about the hassle of constantly changing lines. Highway buses often operate on direct routes without the need for transfers.
Our expert advice? Book the night bus. Compared to booking a train ticket or domestic flight, night buses are cheaper and you also save a night's accommodation! Some highway bus routes also offer multiple rest stops along the way for toilet breaks and also for you to load up on all the snacks.
Don’t worry about the amenities! Many highway buses are equipped with amenities such as reclining seats, restrooms, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi. While you’re at it, you might as well catch up on some sleep! Depending on traffic, chosen routes, and stops, the travel time from Tokyo to Osaka takes around 8 to 10 hours.
4. Domestic Flights
Caption: Fly through the skies and reach your destination in no time! Credits: @marcusxsnapz on Unsplash
Up, up, and away! Airplanes offer a level of comfort, including reclining seats and in-flight services, that can be appealing for longer journeys. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are the two major airlines in Japan, providing a wide range of flight options, schedules, and routes for domestic travel.
Domestic flights between Tokyo and Osaka are the fastest mode of transportation. Direct flights between Tokyo's Haneda Aiport and Osaka's Kansai International Airport can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, significantly shorter than train or bus travel.
However, these airports tend to be located further out from the city centers. You'll need to factor in the extra time it takes to travel to and from airports and go through security, and check-in procedures. This may result in higher costs and more time spent!
Want a life hack for cheap flights? Book tickets before peak season comes around.
5. Driving
Travel from Tokyo to Osaka at your own pace and with your own rules! Credits: @robmaxwell on Unsplash
It’s time to take the wheel! Renting a car allows you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and explore attractions that might not be accessible by other modes of transportation. You can choose your route, take detours, and experience the journey on your own terms. For families or groups of friends traveling together, renting a car can be cost-effective and convenient, especially when dividing the expenses.
In Tokyo, you can pick up and drop off your cars at major stations like Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Ueno Station, Haneda Airport, or Narita Airport. Make sure you have the following with you when you rent your car:
- Driver’s licence
- International Driving Permit
- Credit card
- Valid ID
Driving between Tokyo and Osaka can take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Keep this in mind before deciding which type of vehicle to book.
Time to explore Japan!
If you’re looking for a sign to book that one-way trip from Tokyo to Osaka, this is it! With these efficient inter-city travel tips, you can discover the best way to travel in style.
Don’t forget, the journey itself can become an exploration of Japan's diverse landscapes and cultures beyond all the main sights.
