round trip tokyo to osaka

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Cheap flights from Tokyo to Osaka

Good to know, when is the cheapest time to fly, popular airports near tokyo.

• Haneda Airport (HND) Tokyo 32 min 18 km
• Narita International Airport (NRT) Tokyo 1 hr 13 min 67 km
• Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) Shizuoka 2 hr 45 min 164 km
• Ibaraki Airport (IBR) Ibaraki 1 hr 39 min 88 km

Popular airports near Osaka

• Kansai International Airport (KIX) Osaka 51 min 37 km
• Osaka International Airport (ITM) Osaka 21 min 11 km
• Kobe Airport (UKB) (UKB) Kobe 47 min 26 km
• Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) Nagoya 2 hr 34 min 120 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Tokyo to Osaka

Search more flights, popular trips from tokyo.

These suggestions are based on the cheapest fares to popular destinations in the next six months.

Prices include required taxes + fees for 1 adult. Optional charges and bag fees may apply.

• Seoul Aug 29 — Sep 2
• Los Angeles RUB 69,887 Aug 23 — Aug 25 Nonstop 10 hr 15 min ZIPAIR Tokyo
• Osaka RUB 6,314 Apr 12 — Apr 15 Nonstop 1 hr 35 min Jetstar
• London RUB 73,354 May 25 — May 27 1 stop 24 hr 50 min China Eastern

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Tokyo to Osaka Train

Explore the most current information on trains from Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo to Osaka Trains Information

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Tokyo to Osaka Trains Schedule

Did you know that the very first high-speed line in Japan was the Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting the country's capital with the charming city of Osaka? When the line entered the service in 1964, a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka was something of a miracle. Now, over 50 years later, Shinkansen trains are still the pride of the Japanese railway . Fast and safe, they offer amazing onboard amenities and several travel classes to choose from. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Osaka from Tokyo, making the city a great day trip destination.

Keep in mind that the tickets get sold out very fast, so it's smart to book them in advance (the Rail Ninja platform is at your service, offering even more information about the route as well as to buy Shinkansen train tickets in a matter of a few mouse clicks).

Tokyo to Osaka Train Map

​Take a train from Tokyo to Osaka for a breathtaking experience. Therefore, if you wish to experience a marvelous train ride with captivating landscapes, book this route. Moreover, you can check the train map. Start your journey now!​

Book Japanese Train Tickets

Q&a: travel from tokyo to osaka.

CAN I USE JR PASS TO TRAVEL FROM TOKYO TO OSAKA?

HOW DO I GET FROM TOKYO TO OSAKA BY A BULLET TRAIN?

HOW MUCH IS A SHINKANSEN FROM TOKYO TO OSAKA?

The Tokaido line is served by several types of trains, so the price of a ticket depends on what train and travel class are you going to travel by, how far in advance do you buy your ticket, and so on (you can read more about the Japanese train tickets here ). On average, a high-speed Tokyo to Osaka train costs about 165 USD.

Explore More of Japan

Osaka to tokyo train, tokyo to nagoya train, tokyo to kyoto train, kyoto to osaka train.

Cheap flights from Tokyo to Osaka from $42

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Cheap Tokyo to Osaka (TYO to OSA) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from tokyo to osaka, how to get the cheapest flight ticket from tokyo to osaka, look no further. we've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip, what is the cheapest month to fly from tokyo to osaka, june. the cheapest time of year to fly to osaka from tokyo is june. most expensive is august, what is the cheapest day to depart tokyo for osaka, tuesday. the cheapest day of the week is typically tuesday. the most expensive is typically sunday, when is the cheapest time to fly from tokyo to osaka, in the morning. tokyo to osaka flights are approximately 13% more expensive at noon than in the morning, what is the cheapest airline that flies to osaka from tokyo, peach. ana, japan airlines, and jetstar japan are the most popular carriers operating from tokyo to osaka, what is the cheapest tokyo to osaka flight route, tokyo narita - osaka kansai intl. fly from tokyo narita to osaka kansai intl for the best tokyo - osaka flight prices, how far in advance should you book tokyo to osaka flights, 60 days before. the cheapest time to buy a flight from tokyo to osaka is approximately 60 days to departure, how many flights depart from tokyo to osaka on average per day, as of march 2024, there are 142 flights per week flying from tokyo to osaka. the most common time of day flights depart is 6:00am, with 44% of flights taking off in the afternoon., how many flights depart from tokyo to osaka on average per week, as of march 2024, 999 flights take off from tokyo and land in osaka each week. the most common flight departure day for this route is saturday, with 15% of weekly flights taking off on this day., what cabin class options are available on tokyo to osaka flights, there are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on tokyo to osaka flights. cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you., can stopping save me money on tokyo to osaka flights, no. a direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between tokyo to osaka..

If you are looking to fly from Tokyo to Osaka, you are most likely going to fly from Tokyo Narita Airport to Osaka Kansai Intl Airport, the most popular airports on that route. When booking your trip to Osaka, it is helpful to have an alternative airport to fly out of. The nearest airport to Tokyo Narita Airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport which is located in Tokyo. You may be looking for an airport near Osaka Kansai Intl Airport to land at when traveling from Tokyo and luckily, there are options! You can try Osaka Itami Airport which is located in Osaka or Kobe Airport which is located in Kobe. In March, $79 is typically the cheapest round trip price you’ll find from Tokyo to Osaka which you can find when you fly NRT — KIX.

Easily compare round-trip flights from Tokyo to Osaka

Below you can see the best fares for your round-trip flight route over the next six months. all fares were found on momondo this week. browse the quickest and cheapest flights from tokyo to osaka by changing tabs, find the cheapest one-way flights from tokyo to osaka, if you're looking for one-way flights from tokyo to osaka, view some of our deals below provided by ana, jetstar japan and peach, search last-minute flights to osaka from tokyo, find and compare round-trip flight prices for your last-minute flight from tokyo to osaka, best airlines flying from tokyo to osaka, compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from tokyo to osaka with momondo, ana flights from tokyo to osaka.

ANA flies from Tokyo to Osaka around 180 times per week, with 985 momondo users rating the airline 8.4/10. The cheapest ANA deal from Tokyo to Osaka in the last 72 hours was $113 (round-trip), much lower than the average airfare cost of $163 for ANA flights on this route.

Japan Airlines Flights From Tokyo to Osaka

Japan Airlines is also a popular choice for this route. Japan Airlines flight deals for Tokyo to Osaka start from as low as $102 round-trip, depending on your selected dates, with average Japan Airlines deals seen on momondo around $160. Japan Airlines operates 164 flights to Osaka from Tokyo in an average week. Users have rated it 8.3/10 across 1,473 reviews.

Jetstar Japan flights from Tokyo to Osaka

Our best jetstar japan deals on tokyo to osaka flight tickets, peach flights from tokyo to osaka, our best peach deals on tokyo to osaka flight tickets, how far is tokyo to osaka by plane.

Tokyo and Osaka are 250.9 mi apart from one another. A reasonable flight in good conditions will take 1h 05m.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Tokyo to Osaka?

Prices for flights from Tokyo to Osaka are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Tokyo to Osaka?

As of March 2024, there are 6 operators available to choose from for flights from Tokyo to Osaka.

How old do you have to be to fly from Tokyo to Osaka?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Tokyo to Osaka.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Osaka?

The necessary travel and health documents for your Osaka trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

Why use momondo?

Why should i use momondo to find a flight deal from tokyo to osaka.

We help find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agents and helps you filter them to find the best flight from Tokyo to Osaka for you.

Can I find flights from Tokyo to Osaka with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo enables you to select and highlight flights to Osaka from Tokyo with this policy.

How can momondo help me find flights from Tokyo to Osaka?

Once you have performed a search in the form on the page, momondo provides useful filters and insights. We can show you the cheapest days and times to fly as well as help filter your options to help you make an informed choice when booking flights to Osaka from Tokyo.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Tokyo to Osaka right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

If you are not ready to book a flight from Tokyo to Osaka now, use our insights above to find helpful tips or alternatively set up a price alert, where momondo will track prices on flights to Osaka and let you know when they change.

An easier way to manage your Osaka trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book., big names and deals, filter for what you want, trusted and free, price alerts, find better results for your stay in japan, complete your trip to osaka, get notified when prices go down, daily price changes in your inbox - only with price alerts..

Inside Osaka

Your Osaka Travel Guide

How To Travel From Tokyo To Osaka

It’s very easy to travel between Tokyo and Osaka. The shinkansen (bullet train) takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs Y13,620. Read on for full details.

The Takeaway

• The shinkansen (bullet train) is easily the best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka
• It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs Y13,620 between Tokyo and Osaka (non-reserved seat).
• You don’t need to reserve seats on the shinkansen if you travel outside of peak travel hours and outside of peak travel seasons.
• You can purchase Tokyo to Osaka shinkansen tickets online .
• Scroll down for English-language shinkansen timetables.
• In addition, there are night buses between Tokyo and Osaka if you want to save money.

Check Osaka Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

The Details

Shinkansen (bullet train) between tokyo and osaka.

The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is the shinkansen (bullet train). The fastest type of shinkansen, which is called the Nozomi, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs Y13,620 for a one-way trip in an unreserved seat.

However, you cannot ride the Nozomi shinkansen with a Japan Rail Pass, but you can ride the next fastest type of shinkansen, which is called the Hikari. The Hikari takes about 2 hours and 53 minutes between Tokyo and Osaka, so it’s almost as fast. Just be sure not take the slowest type of shinkansen (the Kodama) as it stops a lot and is much slower. If you’re paying cash, then of course you should opt for the Nozomi to save yourself 23 minutes.

(See our separate page for details about how the Japan Rail Pass works and how to buy it).

Osaka Holiday Essentials

• Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka .
• Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
• Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner .
• Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan .
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.

In Tokyo, you can catch the shinkansen at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. All shinkansen stop at both stations. I like to get on at Tokyo Station because it’s the first station so I can usually get a seat. In the opposite direction, if I’m coming from Kyoto and want to switch to the Narita Express, I sometimes switch at Shinagawa, because it’s a short walk from the shinkansen platforms to the Narita Express platforms at Shinagawa and it’s LONG hike at Tokyo Station. This would also hold true in the opposite direction (ie, if you want to switch between the Narita Express and the shinkansen and go straight to Osaka, it’s easier to switch at Shinagawa).

In Osaka, the shinkansen operate from Shin-Osaka Station, which is inconveniently located a few kilometers north of the true downtown. Luckily, Shin-Osaka is on the Midosuji subway line, which stops in downtown Osaka (Umeda, Honmachi, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Tennoji etc).

Do You Need Reserved Seats on the Shinkansen?

Normally, you don’t need a reserved ticket to get a seat on the shinkansen. You can just show up, buy an unreserved ticket and board the next shinkansen going your way. However, if you are traveling at rush hour (between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm) or during peak travel seasons (31 Dec-3 Jan; the first week of May and mid-August), you should consider buying reserved tickets in advance. With a Japan Rail Pass, you can make reservations at any JR ticket window, up to one month in advance of your travel. You cannot reserve from overseas. HINT: If you have unreserved tickets and you find that the unreserved cars are full on the next train heading out, just stand in line at the boarding spot for the next train so you can board it first – this will usually guarantee a seat and you probably won’t have to wait more than 15 minutes.

If you use Klook to book your Tokyo to Osaka tickets online you can make seat reservations at the time of booking.

First and Last Shinkansen Departures

During the day, there are several shinkansen every hour between Osaka and Kyoto. You rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes for a train. The approximate first and last departures are listed below:

• Westbound (Tokyo to Osaka): 6:00am first / 9:23pm last
• Eastbound (Osaka to Tokyo): 6:00am first / 9:23pm last

Shinkansen Schedules and Timetables

• English-language shinkansen timetables: JR Central English Site
• English-language timetable and route search: HyperDia
• You can also view timetables and purchase Tokyo to Osaka tickets online .

Willer Express Bus Between Tokyo and Osaka

You can save a lot of money by taking a Willer Express bus between Tokyo and Osaka. These buses take around 8 hours and cost about Y7,000. In Tokyo, these buses operate from the Willer bus terminal in West Shinjuku (and some other locations, see the site for details). In Osaka, these buses operate from the Willer Bus Terminal at the Umeda Sky Building in Kita. For more information and online ticket purchase in English, visit the Willer Express Bus site. There are other night buses between Tokyo and Osaka which you can book online too.

JR Night Bus Between Osaka and Kyoto

Another cheap option for traveling between Tokyo and Osaka is a JR night bus. These night buses take about 8 hours minutes and cost an average of Y9,500. In Tokyo, they leave from the JR bus terminal outside the Yaesu South Exit in front of Tokyo Station. In Osaka, they leave from the JR bus terminal at JR Osaka Station. Unfortunately, there is no English-language site for JR highway buses. So, for inquiries and ticket purchase, go to any JR ticket window or any travel agent in Japan.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
• Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka , Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Osaka District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area

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Frequently Asked Questions

When are flight tickets from tokyo (tyo) to osaka (osa) the cheapest, how much do flights from tokyo (tyo) to osaka (osa) cost, how long does it take to fly from tokyo (tyo) to osaka (osa) and what is the distance, what is the transportation method from the main airport to downtown in osaka.

• The distance from Kansai International Airport to downtown is about 37km. It takes about 50 minutes by taxi.
• The distance from Kobe Airport to downtown is about 25km. It takes about 40 minutes by taxi.
• The distance from Osaka International Airport to downtown is about 12km. It takes about 30 minutes by taxi.

What are the most popular airlines that fly from Tokyo (TYO) to Osaka (OSA)?

Tokyo to osaka flight information.

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Your Shinkansen Guide to Taking the Bullet Train from Tokyo to Osaka

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

08 FEB 24 . 6 MIN READ . GUIDES

How to Take the Bullet Train From Tokyo to Osaka

No doubt, Tokyo is an iconic city with thrilling amusement parks like Disneyland to unleash your inner child.

But when the day ends, Osaka has a unique vibe that hits differently!

Whether it’s your first or third time vacationing in Osaka, we can all agree that the city offers an endless list of things to do, taste and experience.

It’s safe to say that every trip to Japan is complete with soaking in the lively atmosphere of Osaka.

And with various transportation options, there’s a preferred route from Tokyo to Osaka for every budget.

How Far is Osaka from Tokyo?

Osaka is situated approximately 400 kilometres west of Tokyo and the travel time varies depending on your chosen mode of transportation, ranging from 2.5 to 8.5 hours.

How to Get from Tokyo to Osaka?

The Shinkansen, commonly called the bullet train in English, constitutes a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.

The original Tokaido Shinkansen, linking three of Japan’s major cities—Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka—is recognised as one of the globe’s most heavily travelled high-speed rail routes.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Robert Hayashi (@roberthayashi)

The Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient option to travel from Tokyo to Osaka.

Another fantastic aspect of the Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka is its minimal emissions per passenger, making it one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, second only to walking or cycling.

If you’re on a budget, the highway bus is typically the most economical choice, followed by flights, though these options tend to take a bit more time.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo to Osaka

Wondering about how long it would take from Osaka on the Shinkansen?

The journey by bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka takes a reasonable 2.5 to 3 hours on the popular Tōkaidō Shinkansen line, with multiple Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka running every hour.

Upon arrival at Shin-Osaka Station (not Osaka Station proper), a quick 4-minute connection via the JR Tōkaidō Main Line links the two stations. This route is shared by JR Kyoto, JR Kōbe and JR Takarazuka line trains.

The bullet train tickets from Tokyo to Osaka of ¥170 (1.57 SGD) for the short connection on the Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen is encompassed within the Tokyo to Osaka ticket for the bullet train journey.

Unlike Osaka Station, navigating Shin-Osaka Station is relatively straightforward, and the transfer involves only a short walk.

The 3 Trains of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen

As for the Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka timetable deets, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line lays out three speedsters: Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. Here’s a handy guide to the three trains on this line.

1. Hikari Shinkansen

The Hikari is your choice for those using a Japan Rail Pass and travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto.

As the second fastest train on the line, it completes the journey to Shin-Osaka in about 3 hours.

Departures are approximately every 30 minutes but it’s a good idea to check the schedule.

The Hikari stops at key cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, with a few additional stops varying depending on the train.

2. Kodama Shinkansen

The Kodama train from Tokyo to Osaka is the most leisurely option among the three, stopping at every station along the route, including some well-known hot spring destinations.

The travel time from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station is around 4 hours.

One good thing to note is that this train is also compatible with the Japan Rail Pass.

3. Nozomi Shinkansen

The Nozomi is the quickest train on the Tokaido line, making the journey in just two hours and 40 minutes.

It has the fewest stops, servicing only major stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.

Plus, you get a fabulous view of Mount Fuji if you’re lucky too.

@sandtokyo My best train ride so far from Tokyo to Osaka with Nozomi Shinkansen. 🗻🚅 #mtfuji #mtfujitrain #fujisan #fujisanview #shinkansen #bullettrain #japan #japantiktok #japantrip #japantravel #fyp ♬ original sound – 🇧🇩𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟🇯🇵

However, it’s important to note that the Nozomi is not included in the Japan Rail Pass.

Despite this, its performance is quite comparable to the Hikari, offering an efficient and comfortable travel experience.

Travel Time from Osaka to Tokyo by Bullet Train

For those in a hurry to reach Osaka, Nozomi Tokyo to Osaka trains are the go-to choice, getting you there in just 2 hours and 22 minutes.

This high-speed journey takes you through Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto before reaching the final destination at Shin Osaka station.

If you’re not in a rush, the Hikari train from Tokyo to Osaka takes about 40 minutes longer.

But if you’re looking for a bargain and don’t mind a longer ride, the Kodama is the slowest, clocking in around 4 hours.

It’s perfect for last-minute plans or if you’re hunting for a great deal.

The cost? Well, it depends on which train you hop on.

Here’s a handy table for you, with prices you need to take note of:

For most days, the earliest departure from Osaka to Tokyo is at 06:00 and the latest is at 21:24, making it crucial to plan your travels, especially if you’re catching the last Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo.

If you’re planning to roam around Japan a lot, think about grabbing a Tokyo to Osaka JR Pass. Just a heads up, it doesn’t cover Nozomi trains.

Also, if you’ve got kids, lots of luggage or just don’t fancy standing for too long, book a reserved seat.

It’s free with a Tokyo to Osaka JR Pass and you can even get it delivered to Singapore.

Discover Japan with a Japan Rail Pass and get your ticket to unlimited travel .

Flights from Tokyo to Osaka

Flying from Tokyo to Osaka can feel like a breeze since it’s similar to other air travel experiences.

You can catch direct flights from Tokyo’s Narita to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, with budget-friendly options from carriers like Peach or Jetstar. Prices for a one-way ticket can range from ¥5,000(46.28 SGD) to ¥12,000 (111.08 SGD).

Several budget airlines offer flights between Haneda and Kansai International Airport.

But, remember to factor in extra costs for getting to and from the airports. This could add at least ¥1,000 (9.26 SGD) to your trip one way.

From Kansai International Airport to Osaka, you’ve got options like buses and taxis.

Taxis can be pricey though, as the airport is 50 kilometres away from Osaka.

There are also trains, including the JR Airport Line, the JR Haruka Limited Express, the Nankai Airport Express, and the Nankai Rapi:t, that can take you to various stations in Osaka.

Don’t forget to consider the time you’ll spend travelling to the airport and going through the check-in process, making your journey more expensive and time-consuming than you might expect.

Driving Down to Osaka

Road trip enthusiasts, here’s your chance to live out your dream drive!

Imagine cruising from Tokyo to Osaka, windows down, with your favourite playlist setting the mood, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom .

If you’re not pressed for time, this journey by car takes about five to six hours.

The distance between Tokyo and Osaka is about 314 miles (507 kilometres) but the drive can often extend beyond 6.25 hours, mainly due to the traffic on toll expressways.

To ensure a more relaxed journey, it’s a good idea to avoid driving during peak hours.

Renting a car is an option, but be aware that highway tolls and speed limits might make the drive less exhilarating than you’d hope.

The journey typically takes around five to six hours and costs about ¥14,000 (129.19 SGD) in tolls (using the ETC system).

For the fastest route, you’ll likely be taking the Shin-Tomei/E1A, Higashi-Meihan/E23, Shin-Meishin/E1A and Meishin/E1 Expressways.

However, if you’re up for some sightseeing and want to make the most of your trip, choosing a more scenic route with stops along the way could be a fantastic way to experience more of what Japan has to offer.

Highway Buses to Osaka from Tokyo

Taking a highway bus is a great way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, especially if you’re on a budget.

These buses can get you there in about eight hours, with one-way fares ranging from ¥2,500 (23.07 SGD) to ¥20,000 (184.55 SGD), depending on the comfort level you choose.

There’s a choice between night buses, which leave around midnight and arrive in Osaka at dawn, and day buses.

For reasonably-priced tickets, check out companies like Willer Express and Kosoku Bus.

You can often find a night bus for ¥3,500 (32.40 SGD) or less for a one-way trip. These buses usually depart from major stations in Tokyo, making them convenient to access.

However, it’s worth noting that while highway buses are convenient, they might not be as fast or efficient as the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka.

The journey is longer, and traffic conditions can sometimes cause delays.

Also, if you find it hard to sleep on buses, you might not arrive as rested as you would after a bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka.

Nevertheless, for a budget-friendly travel experience, these highway buses are worth considering.

Regular Trains to Osaka from Tokyo

If you’re a traveller who enjoys a slow and scenic journey, the Seishun 18 Pass might be up your alley.

Priced at ¥12,050 (111.55 SGD), this pass gives you five days (they don’t have to be consecutive) of unlimited travel on local JR trains and rapid JR trains that don’t need seat reservations.

That works out to about ¥2,410 (22.31 SGD) for each day you travel. With this pass, you could technically make a round trip from Tokyo to Osaka and back for ¥4,820 (44.62 SGD) – and still have three days left on your ticket!

It’s not the quickest way to travel but it’s definitely an adventure.

While the Seishun 18 Pass offers a slow-paced, adventurous journey, another option for those seeking a more seamless travel experience is the 7-Day JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is for bullet and regular trains in the covered area. This pass is your ticket to unlimited transportation, unlocking an efficient and enjoyable way to explore various parts of Japan.

You can easily book the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass online and have it delivered right to your doorstep, adding convenience to your travel planning.

Once in Japan, exchange your voucher for the actual pass and you’re ready to start your 7-day journey.

This pass allows you to travel from the lively streets of Osaka, through the historic and cultural hubs of Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, and into the charming regions of Hokuriku, including Fukui, Kanazawa and Toyama.

The journey doesn’t stop there – you can also travel to Tokyo, with easy access to Narita and Haneda airports. Unlock unlimited journeys by getting your passes today .

Each travel option to Osaka comes with unique advantages, tailored to what you value most in your journey.

If speed is your top priority, the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka is your best bet. It’s fast and a cool experience zipping through the Japanese countryside at high speeds.

Think of it as a blend of efficiency and a glimpse of modern Japan.

Ultimately, your choice depends on what kind of traveller you are.

But no matter your choice, an unforgettable experience in one of Japan’s most vibrant cities awaits!

Explore Osaka like a Pro

4. savor unlimited exploration in osaka, osaka amazing pass.

Dive into the heart of Osaka with a pass that’s your golden ticket to over 40 top spots. Imagine breezing into places like Tennoji Zoo, Osaka Castle Museum and even Legoland without a hitch. Plus, hop on and off buses and trains as you please. It’s not just about the sights; you’ll get a nifty guidebook and some cool discount coupons to sweeten the deal at local shops and eateries.

5. Stay Connected On the Go in Osaka

4g pocket wifi rental in osaka, japan.

From the moment you land, stay in the loop with super-fast 4G LTE pocket WiFi. It’s a breeze to pick up and drop off at Kansai International Airport. Whether you’re in Osaka for a quick visit or an extended stay, you’ve got options to keep you online. What’s more, you can hook up to five devices, so everyone in your crew stays connected, whether you’re navigating bustling streets or relaxing in a cosy café.

6. Enjoy Easy Access to Osaka's Gems

Osaka e-pass (1 day / 2 day).

Get ready to uncover the best of Osaka without a hitch. With this pass, you can visit over 20 must-see attractions. Museums, theme parks, historic spots – you name it. Want to zip around the city with ease? Combine it with a pass that gives unlimited rides on the Osaka Metro, making it a cinch to explore every corner of this vibrant city.

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does the bullet train take from tokyo to osaka.

The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of service (Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen).

How often do bullet trains run between Tokyo and Osaka?

Bullet trains run frequently, usually every 10-20 minutes, especially during peak travel times.

Do I need to reserve a seat in advance?

While reservation is not mandatory, it is recommended, especially during peak travel periods and for longer journeys.

Are there luggage restrictions on the bullet train?

There are no strict luggage restrictions but space is limited. So it is advisable to travel with medium-sized luggage.

Is there food available on the bullet train?

Yes, there are food carts offering snacks, beverages and bento boxes. Larger stations also have food outlets where you can buy meals before boarding.

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Osaka: Getting there and around

Getting to osaka.

• ¥ around 14,000
• multiple trains per hour

Tokyo (Tokyo and Shinagawa stations) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen . Nozomi trains require about 155 minutes to reach Shin-Osaka Station from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 3 hours and Kodama trains about 4 hours.

The regular one way fare is 13,870 yen by non-reserved seat or around 14,500 yen by reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains, but a supplement fee of 4,960 yen is required on Nozomi trains.

The Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is a rail pass that allows holders to travel between Tokyo and Osaka via Kanazawa , using the Hokuriku Shinkansen . It is not the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, but it allows pass holders to visit the less-explored Hokuriku Region along the way. It costs 24,500 yen and is valid for seven consecutive days.

• ¥ 2,500 - 20,000
• multiple daytime and overnight connections per day

The one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka by highway bus takes about 8 hours. There are daytime and overnight buses. Fierce competition on the Tokyo-Osaka route has produced a wide variety of comfort levels (from discount to super premium buses) and an abundance of low priced offers. Typical one way fares for discount buses, such as Willer Express , start from around 2500 yen; while premium buses charge up to 20,000 yen. Willer buses are covered by the Japan Bus Pass . Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online .

• 2-3 transfers
• ¥ 5,000 - 20,000
• multiple flights per day

Multiple airlines operate between Tokyo and Osaka. A majority of flights use Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Osaka's Itami Airport , but a smaller number of flights also serve Tokyo's Narita Airport and Osaka's Kansai Airport . The regular one way fare by conventional airlines is about 31,000 yen, however, few travelers pay more than 15,000 yen thanks to various discount fares . One way fares by discount airlines start from around 5000 yen, but most are using the less centrally located Narita Airport and Kansai Airport . Flight duration is one hour.

• ¥ around 14,000 (expressway tolls)

Driving between Tokyo and Osaka via the Tomei and Meishin expressways takes about six hours without breaks and traffic jams. The expressway toll is around 14,000 yen one way.

• 4 transfers
• ¥ 2,410 - 8,910

By local trains , the one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka takes nine to ten hours and typically involves about four transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 8910 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Osaka has two major city centers and four major train stations. The two city centers are nicknamed Kita ("North") around Osaka/Umeda Station and Minami ("South") around Namba Station. While Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district.

JR Osaka Station is located in the center of the Kita district. Two other railway companies and three subway lines have their own stations in the vicinity of JR Osaka Station. Note that some of them are named after the Umeda district rather than Osaka. The shinkansen trains stop not at Osaka Station, but at Shin-Osaka Station , one station north of Osaka Station by JR train.

In the Namba area ( Minami ), four railway companies (JR, Nankai, Kintetsu and Hankyu) and three subway lines have their separate stations, all named Namba Station . The fourth of Osaka's major railway stations is Tennoji Station in the southeast of central Osaka. It is served by JR, Kintetsu Railway, the Hankai Tramway and two subway lines.

The city of Osaka is served by over seven different railway and subway companies. Most relevant to foreign visitors of Osaka are the subway lines and the lines operated by JR West. The lines operated by the other private railway companies are useful for accessing neighboring cities and regions.

• JR West operates a dense network of local train lines in the Osaka area. The most prominent line is the Osaka Loop Line, the equivalent to Tokyo's Yamanote Line . JR also operates lines to Kansai Airport , Kobe , Kyoto , Nara and to the Universal Studios . The shinkansen (bullet trains) stop at Shin-Osaka Station.
• Subways are often the most convenient means of getting around central Osaka. The city has eight subway lines that cover especially the area inside the Osaka Loop Line. The subway offers the quickest connection between Osaka's two main districts Kita and Minami and is of great value to foreign visitors in general.
• Nankai Railway connects Namba to Kansai Airport , Wakayama and Mount Koya (Koyasan).
• Hankyu Railway connects Osaka-Umeda Station with northern Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto .
• Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka with many destinations in the southern Kansai Region , including Nara , Kyoto , Asuka , Yoshino , Ise and Nagoya . Lines start at Namba (Osaka-Namba Station), Tennoji (Osaka-Abenobashi Station) and Nagata stations.
• Hanshin Railway connects Osaka with Kobe . The lines start at Osaka-Umeda and Osaka-Namba stations.
• Keihan Railway connects central Osaka with central Kyoto and Uji . The lines start at Yodoyabashi and Nakanoshima stations.

Passes and Tickets

See also our separate page about the various passes available for the Greater Osaka Region .

The prepaid IC card available in Osaka is called Icoca . It does not give you any discounts over regular tickets, but it makes the process of taking trains easier, as you do not always need to buy a ticket before riding a train. Icoca cards can be purchased through ticket machines at JR stations. Local non-JR railway companies offer their own IC card, called Pitapa ; however, Pitapa is a postpaid card that works more like a credit card and cannot be used by tourists.

Icoca and Pitapa can be used on most trains and buses in the Greater Osaka region (and many other major cities in Japan). Additionally, eight other IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Greater Osaka, including Suica, Pasmo, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.

The Kansai One Pass is a special version of Icoca exclusively for foreign tourists that additionally qualifies for discounts at various attractions in the Kansai Region . It is available for sale at Kansai Airport and major railway stations in the Kansai Region.

Furthermore, the following one day passes are available for the Osaka area:

• Osaka Amazing Pass (1-day: 2800 yen, 2-days: 3600 yen) The Osaka Amazing Pass (formerly: Osaka Unlimited Pass) provides unlimited use of subways and city buses within Osaka City on one or two consecutive calendar days, plus free admission to many of Osaka's popular tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building . The one-day pass additionally covers non-JR trains in central Osaka. Sales locations include tourist information centers and travel agencies, and it can also be purchased online through Klook . The pass is a very good deal if visiting several of the tourist attractions covered.
• Osaka 1-Day Enjoy Eco Card (800 yen on weekdays, 600 yen on weekends and holidays ) Unlimited use of subways, city buses and the New Tram (but excluding the OTS Line) on one calendar day. The pass also provides discounts on admission to selected sightseeing spots. It can be purchased at subway stations and kiosks. The pass is a good value and easily pays off, especially on weekends and if visiting spots with discounted admission.
• Osaka Metro Pass (1-day: 650 yen, 2-day: 1200 yen) Available only to non-Japanese passport holders, this pass also provides unlimited use of subways, city buses and the New Tram (but excluding the OTS Line) on one or two calendar days. It also provides discounts on admission to selected sightseeing spots. It can be purchased through Klook .

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Osaka amazing pass, kansai one pass, osaka metro, hankyu railway, hanshin railway, keihan railway, kintetsu railway, nankai railway, kansai airport limousine, osaka airport transport, hotels around osaka.

Experiences around Osaka

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Tokyo to Osaka: Fast and Creative Ways of Getting There

Whether you’re heading from Tokyo to Osaka with plans to chow down , check out Universal Studios Japan , or any of the other super fun things you can do in Osaka, we’ve compiled the fastest and cheapest ways to get there.

How to get from Tokyo to Osaka

Osaka: cheaper, dirtier, and a whole lot friendlier than Tokyo. A vibey city of 2.5 million, it’s bigger than neighboring Kyoto and also more down to earth. It’s also famous for its local food culture. But most importantly, how are you getting there?

Osaka is about 400 km west of Tokyo as the crow flies. By rail or road, the journey is more like 515 km, however. Coming from Tokyo by bullet train, you’ll stop at Kyoto Station before arriving at Shin-Osaka.

Best choice: Shinkansen

The  fastest, easiest, and most convenient option   is the Shinkansen, especially if you have a  Japan Rail Pass  or are looking to arrive quick-fast. The cheapest option  is usually a highway bus, followed by flights — but these are both a bit time-consuming.

Comparing Tokyo to Osaka travel options

Here’s a quick comparison of the different types of transport.

Carbon emissions

A great thing about the Shinkansen is that it has the lowest emissions per passenger, out of all of the modes of transport (apart from walking or cycling). According to JR and our own calculations, taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka — about 4.65KG CO 2 per passenger — is about 1/12 of the carbon emissions of flying.

Being a form of mass transit, highway buses are also among the more energy-efficient options for traveling long distances in Japan. We estimate the Tokyo to Osaka journey by coach will create CO 2 emissions of around 15kg per passenger.

How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Osaka?

Taking the shinkansen (bullet train) from tokyo to osaka.

From ¥ 13,870 2 hours and 22 minutes (fastest service) Buy a one-way ticket on Klook or Rakuten Travel Experiences , or a JR Pass in advance

The journey from Tokyo to Osaka on the bullet train takes 2.5 to 3 hours . The route, which is part of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line, is popular, served by multiple Shinkansen every hour.

Important: The Shinkansen arrives at Shin-Osaka Station, which is not the same as Osaka Station. The JR Tōkaidō Main Line connects the two stations in 4 minutes; the JR Kyoto, JR Kōbe, and JR Takarazuka line trains all run on this route. The ¥ 170 fare is covered by the bullet train ticket. Unlike Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station is relatively easy to navigate and the transfer is a only a short walk.

Tōkaidō Shinkansen services to Shin-Osaka

The fastest service, Nozomi, will get you from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station in just 2 hours and 22 minutes. Taking the Hikari will add an extra 40 minutes or so to your travel time. The sluggish Kodama, the oldest in the fleet, takes closer to 4 hours, and is generally avoided except by last-minute riders and super discount-seekers.

Note: If you’re traveling during off-peak season, you can knock ¥ 200 off the reserved seat price. During peak season it’s an extra ¥ 200 (and an extra ¥ 400 during super-peak season). For more information on seasonal price fluctuations, see our breakdown of how Shinkansen fares are calculated .

Departing Tokyo for Osaka

Shinkansen services for Osaka depart from Tokyo Station , Shinagawa Station, and Shin-Yokohama Station. Osaka’s Shinkansen station is called Shin-Osaka Station, so that’s where you’ll want to get off.

Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station cost the same, but tickets from Shin-Yokohama Station are a little cheaper. Besides these stations, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen also stops at Nagoya Station and Kyoto Station , before arriving at Shin-Osaka Station. Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen services stop at more stations.

Arriving at Shin-Osaka Station

When you arrive at Shin-Osaka Station, it’s important to know that it’s not the main train station in Osaka City. Shin-Osaka Station was built a little out of the city center, specifically to service Shinkansen. From here, you can easily get a range of limited express trains, local trains, and subway lines to other destinations including central Osaka, Kansai International Airport , Kyoto , and Nara .

How often does the Shinkansen run to Osaka from Tokyo?

There is a Nozomi Shinkansen heading from Tokyo to Osaka every 10 minutes or so between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Add in Hikari and Kodama services, and you’re spoilt for choice.

Seat reservations on the Shinkansen to Osaka

Despite the frequency of the Shinkansen services, we like to err on the side of caution and recommend forking out a few hundred yen extra to get a reserved seat. This goes double if you’re traveling during holidays or peak periods, with kids, lots of luggage, or in a group. If you opt for a non-reserved seat, just know that you could end up standing the whole way to Osaka.

See our full guide to riding the Shinkansen for more information on how to reserve seats.

Buying Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen tickets

You can buy Shinkansen tickets in person at a ticket vending machine or ticket office at most major JR stations. It’s also possible to buy them online via Klook, just note that there’s an extra fulfilment fee.

For more information, see our article on how to buy Shinkansen tickets .

Luggage rules on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen

If you have a lot of luggage, or even one huge bag, consider sending it on ahead with a luggage delivery service. New Shinkansen luggage rules dictate that luggage with dimensions of over 160cm but under 250cm will require special reservations.

This is not at any extra cost; however, space for luggage is limited. And if you are reserving a spot for your luggage, you also have to reserve a seat for yourself (meaning you can’t go for the cheaper unreserved seats). Bags over 250cm won’t be allowed onboard the bullet train at all.

What rail passes cover the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka?

If you’re visiting Japan and this is not going to be your only domestic trip, an  All Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) may work out to be an economical option. However, with prices starting at ¥ 50,000 for a 7-day pass, we recommend planning your trip carefully to make sure you make the most of it. Also, keep in mind that the All Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover travel on Nozomi trains — there is an extra fee of ¥ 4,960 .

Alternatively, you may want to consider the Hokuriku Arch Pass . It can also get you from Tokyo to Osaka, just along a more scenic route. At the time of publication, the price was ¥ 24,500 , though this will go up to ¥ 30,000 from March 16, 2024.

How to save money with discount tickets and packages

Flights from Tokyo to Osaka

From ¥ 5,000 (one-way) + travel cost to/from the airport 90 minutes (flight time) + travel time to/from the airport Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Taking to the sky is also an option, but it’s not always the most convenient way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka. A one-way ticket can go for as low as ¥ 5,000 or up to ¥ 12,000 on a low-cost carrier like Peach or Jetstar.

But you’ll need to factor in other expenses, like getting to/from the airports. This could easily add ¥ 1,000 or more one-way to your trip. And, don’t forget the time required to travel between the city centers and the airports.

Sample flight costs from Tokyo to Osaka

Getting from KIX to Osaka

Once you land at Kansai Airport, you’ll have to board a train or bus to Osaka .

The JR Haruka Ltd. Express service connects Kansai Airport and JR Osaka Station in just under an hour. The ride costs in the region of ¥ 2,740 one way. However, discounted tickets can be purchased online (foreign passport holders only) for as little as ¥ 1,600 .

What about Haneda Airport? And Osaka Itami Airport?

There are also direct flights between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Osaka Itami Airport. Both of these airports are closer to their respective city centers than Narita and KIX.

However, low-cost carriers like Peach and Jetstar do not fly this route. The only airlines that do are the pricy legacy carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Both offer discounted plane tickets to foreign travelers — currently as low as ¥ 7,700 one-way on the Haneda to Itami route — but this is still usually more than LCC fares.

For JAL the Japan Explorer Pass is available for foreign visitors to Japan to book. ANA on the other hand has special Experience Japan Fares for domestic flights purchased outside of Japan.

Highway buses from Tokyo to Osaka

From ¥ 2,600 8 hours or more

Hopping on a highway bus will get you from Tokyo to Osaka in around 8 hours and set you back between ¥ 2,600 – ¥ 10,200 one way , depending on what level of comfort you’re after. There are night buses and day buses, with the former departing around midnight and rolling into Osaka at the crack of dawn.

There are various bus companies, but look on Headout , as well as Willer Express and Kosoku Bus , for reasonably priced bus tickets. It’s pretty standard to find a night bus for ¥ 3,500 – ¥ 5,000 or less one way.

The buses leave from major stations in Tokyo. Most buses have toilets; some don’t, but they all stop regularly for loo and smoke breaks.

Regular trains

¥ 8,910 9 hours or more

Travelers who are happy going nowhere slowly might want to consider the ultra-cheap Seishun 18 Pass . For ¥ 12,050 , you’ll get 5 (non-consecutive is fine) days of travel on any and all local JR trains, as well as rapid JR trains that don’t require seat reservations. That’s ¥ 2,410 per day of travel.

This means you can, technically anyway, get to Osaka and back for ¥ 4,820 (with 3 days of travel left on your ticket). It’s not the most efficient way of doing things but certainly an adventure!

You can also share the tickets with friends — for example, one set of the five tickets could get five of you down to Osaka (that would use them all up). The snag? You’re looking at at least 9 hours of total travel time, with at least seven transfers. You can use the rail route planning site Jorudan (Japanese and English) to plot your trip.

Another catch is that the Seishun 18 Pass is available only three times a year (coinciding with university holidays). If you were keen on using regular trains to get from Tokyo to Osaka without the Seishun 18 Pass, think twice: the cost of the trip is around ¥ 9,000 one way, making pretty much every other option more economical.

Driving from Tokyo to Osaka

Around ¥ 11,000 in tolls alone 5 hours and 30 minutes or more

You can also rent a car and drive from Tokyo to Osaka, but the highway tolls and speed limits make this a less-than-fun journey. The drive takes about 5 or 6 hours and costs about ¥ 11,000 in tolls (ETC fare) alone. You’ll also be burning through a tank of fuel. And then you’ve got a car in Osaka, where driving and parking are a pain.

If you’ve got weeks at your disposal and a good pair of walking shoes, you could hoof it hobo style (although to be honest, we wouldn’t). You could also put pedal to the metal and roll that mamachari   across the country. Or you could travel with a sense of class and ride that discount unicorn you found at Donki …

Video guide to travel between Tokyo and Osaka

Going the other way: Traveling from Osaka to Tokyo

If you’re heading east to the capital of Japan, your transport options are pretty much identical, with the exception of some of the discount deals. We have a dedicated guide to the Osaka to Tokyo route .

Tokyo to Osaka travel FAQs

We answer some of the most common questions.

When is the best time to book travel between Tokyo and Osaka?

Osaka is an evergreen destination, though the usual peak travel season cautions apply. Travel in Japan is always more hectic, crowded, and expensive during peak periods, which include: year-end/New Year’s, cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week , summer break (late July through August). You’ll want to book your tickets at least a month in advance.

Shinkansen tickets fluctuate only slightly — a few hundred yen — but flights and buses, with dynamic pricing, can cost as much as twice the price of an off-peak ticket. There are no blackout dates on the discount fares for international tourists offered by JAL and ANA, though flights may very well sell out during busy periods.

Generally speaking, weekdays are better than weekends (though beware of getting on city trains during rush hour with luggage).

Is it possible to do a day trip to Osaka from Tokyo?

Yes, it is. The Shinkansen starts running around 6 a.m. and the last return train from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo is around 9 p.m. This gives you a whole day in Osaka — but does mean missing out on Osaka’s famous nightlife.

A night bus gives you slightly more time, but even an 11 p.m. return bus still requires a relative early night (by Osaka standards).

Osaka is much more doable as a day trip from Kyoto , which is only a 30-minute train ride away.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in January, 2016. Last updated on March 4, 2024, by Carey Finn.

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OSAKA TO TOKYO TRAIN

Osaka to tokyo bullet train facts, osaka to tokyo shinkansen.

Taking a bullet train is never a bad travel decision. Especially, if you're moving from Osaka to Tokyo. Nozomi bullet trains can cover the distance between the cities only in 2.5 hours! But the speed isn't everything that makes these trains great. First of all, taking Osaka to Tokyo bullet train is a nice opportunity to have a pleasant journey.

All Osaka to Tokyo trains are safe and equipped according to modern standards. They offer several travel classes , each equipped with cushy seats, huge legroom, and big luggage space to make your trip as perfect as possible. And a broad timetable with up to 32 daily departures allows all adventurers to plan a railway journey from Osaka to Tokyo easily.

Book Train Tickets from Osaka to Tokyo

What to know about osaka - tokyo shinkansen.

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8-Day Tokyo to Osaka Japan Itinerary For First Timers Under S$690

This Japan itinerary was first written in Sep 2017. Since then, the cost of the JR Pass has gone from ¥29,650 to ¥50,000 so here’s an updated itinerary without the JR Pass! Let’s see if we can still keep it within a smart budget!

On top of exploring Japan’s three most iconic cities — Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, there were a few things I wanted to check off on this 8-day trip, the top three being:

1) Taking the Sunrise Izumo train between Osaka and Tokyo — an overnight sleeper train that would pass Mt Fuji at sunrise (previously covered by the JR Pass) 2) Visiting Tokyo Disneysea — since it was the only DisneySea in the world and the rides were known to be more exciting 3) Keeping the budget under S$100/day incl. transport for Shinkansen tickets

Previously we travelled with the Whole Japan JR Pass which gave us the flexibility to take almost any train without extra costs. With the price increase in Oct 2023 , here’s the new game plan!

Spoiler: this was totally possible, especially with the favourable JPY rates!

If you’re returning to Japan, check out our other guides and itineraries exploring other lesser-known areas in Japan.

Read also: JR Pass Budget Alternatives — How to Explore Japan Without Paying ¥50,000 for a 7-day Pass

Budget Breakdown for 8D trip

Flights: Book an open-jaw flight arriving in Tokyo, exiting from Osaka.

Transport: You’ll need two essentials to get around Japan. One is the IC Card — a reloadable card you can use for the buses and subways. Second, is the Klook App where you can view the schedule, compare prices and purchase Shinkansen tickets. To retrieve the tickets, just scan the QR code from the app at any ticket machine at the station.

Accommodation : This can take up a huge chunk of the budget but you can generally get under S$35/night at hostels — there are many nice and affordable options in the cities. More details on Japan accommodation at the end!

Food in Japan : Surprisingly affordable, easily under ¥1,000 from Konbinis , and Salaryman places like Matsuya and Sukiya. But also allowing the occasional splurge on famous eateries.

Here’s how our budget looked at the end of the trip!

Transport:  S$260.74 ( excl. flights ) Accommodation: S$208.73 Activities: $82.29 Food:  $137.85

TOTAL:  $ 689.55

(prices are based on the Dec 2023 exchange rate) Click here for the detailed breakdown of trip expenses.

Day 1: The First 24-Hours in Tokyo

Tokyo is bustling with things to do from as early as 5AM till midnight. If we had the chance, we could easily spend an entire week in Tokyo itself (which we did on a separate trip). If time isn’t on your side, here are our top picks for 24 hours in the city.

From Narita Airport to Tokyo City: Tokyo Skyliner tickets * (~S$23) Getting around in Tokyo:  Tokyo Subway Ticket * (24hr, 48hr, 72hr) *included in the Klook Pass

Since 2019, the Tuna Auctions in the inner Tsukiji market have shifted to  Toyosu Market . If you’re looking for fresh seafood and restaurants to enjoy them, Tsukiji’s outer market is what you’re looking for.

5AM Tuna Auctioning — Extremely popular amongst travellers, get here as early as 3AM to reserve a spot. But since you’ll be visiting Osaka on this trip, save your early mornings for the Osaka Fish Market instead — no reservations required there!

*Tuna viewing at Toyosu Market’s lower observation deck requires advance reservations .

Tuna auctioning aside, another great reason to get up early is for Sushi Dai — a famous Omakase place with queues starting as early as 3AM. We haven’t tried so if you do, let us know if it’s worth the hype!

For us late risers, Tsukiji still has a lot to feast on. One of our favourite stores was  Nakaya 仲家 — which serves Kaisen Dons but the key takeaway here is how affordable the uni (sea urchin) is!

If there’s a queue at Nakaya, get a friend to save your spot in the queue (or vice versa) while the other ventures out to buy skewers around the outer market. Must-tries are the tamago (egg) on a stick (¥300) from Tsukiji Yamacho 築地山長  — served with a dash of radish on top.

Sensoji Temple — this 7th century Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Japan. Something fun to go here is getting your fortune reading (Omikuji おみくじ)  for ¥100. Just drop your coin in and grab one of the metal containers containing wooden sticks with numbers on it. Shake until one of the sticks escapes.

Your fortune can be found in the drawer with the corresponding number on your stick. English versions are available although some may be poorly translated. If you receive a bad reading, tie it up on the metal stands nearby to signify “leaving the bad luck behind”.

Asakusa Suzukien  — serves matcha gelatos that come with seven levels of matcha intensity. Unless you’re a major matcha fan, level 7 might be a tad too intense. The recommended levels are 5 and 6. My personal favourites were the Genmaicha and Hojicha ice cream (¥470 for a double scoop).

Photo credit: Manish Prabhune

Tokyo Metropolitan Government building   (free) — catch a birds-eye view of the city for free. On clearer days, you might even spot a silhouette of Mt. Fuji.

Unatoto — For lunch, grab a bowl of quality unagi on rice (from ¥590!!). This small unassuming store tucked in the ground floor of the Shinjuku Centre Building is a true gem for quality unagi at an affordable price!

teamLab Planets TOKYO

teamLab Planets   (~S$30) — step into this interactive and immersive art gallery that engages all your five senses. There are nine different rooms to explore, each with a different theme.

The exhibition has been extended till 2027! Yay

*Pro-tip:  Entry is free with the Klook Pass Tokyo . Book your slots early as they run out quickly!

Detour: While you’re in Toyosu, check out this charming 24-hour onsen just a 12-minute walk from teamLab Planets.

Meiji Jingu Shrine  — one of the most famous shinto shrines in Tokyo. Take a quick pit stop to appreciate its grandeur.

Kurand Sake Market

Kurand Sake market — end the day at this “drink all you can” sake buffet bar . For ~S$40, you’ll have unlimited access to three levels of shochu, sake and fruit liqueurs. Whether you love interesting flavours like milk, mango or the clean crisp taste of draft sake, they probably have it. *Since 2017, many of the outlets have closed except for the one in Shinjuku

*Pro-tip:  Bring takeaway dinner and arrive at 5PM to maximise your time at the sake bar! (Outside food is allowed)

If you have more days to spare, check out other quirky things to do in Tokyo ! From go-karting on the streets to shopping in hipster neighbourhoods, our Tokyo guide will keep you busy for at least three days.

For foodies, tick off these famous foods and restaurants in Tokyo as well, although, we can’t promise you’ll keep to the budget in this itinerary 😉

Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea

Transport: Welcome Suica with JR Lines 1-Day Pass (~S$14)

For Disney fans, Tokyo’s DisneySea is a must!

The park is incredibly crowded on most days so arriving an hour before the park opens will give you a good head start to your favourite attractions. Find out more about Fast Passes, days to avoid, and other helpful tips from our Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea guide .

Chances are, you’ll be staying there past the night parade (usually around 8:30PM). If you find yourself hungry after returning back to the city, have a nice, warm and savoury bowl of ramen at   Ichiran 一蘭  (most outlets are open 24 hours or past midnight).

We also love the cheese gyu-don from  Sukiya  すき家  — most outlets either open 24 hours or past midnight.

For adrenaline lovers, consider adding an extra day, or going to Fuji Q Highland instead! Check out our Fuji Q Highland guide for more info.

Day 3: Hakone via Odawara

From Tokyo to Hakone:  Your final stop is Hakone Yumoto Station — at Shinjuku station, activate your Hakone Freepass (~S$57 for two days) at the manned gantries. Take the train to Odawara before changing to another line (also covered by the pass) to your final destination Getting Around in Hakone: Hakone Freepass 2D/3D gets you unlimited rides on all the main transports in Hakone incl. the ride from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto

Hakone Torii Gate — There are lots of Torii gates around Hakone but the most famous is on the edge of Lake Ashinoko. You can view it from two vantage points, on land and from a boat on the lake itself.

Hakone Old Checkpoint — In the olden days, people would walk from Kyoto to Tokyo and Hakone was the last checkpoint before they could reach their destination. This section has been entirely remodelled but still does a pretty good job of setting the scene from the Edo period.

Cedar Avenue — One of the best-preserved sections of the Old Tokaido route is this scenic path, neatly lined with Cedar trees.

Lake Ashinoko — This iconic lake is the heart of Hakone. There are a few ways to explore: on a rented kayak, a swan paddle boat or a ride on the double-deck pirate-themed ship (free for Hakone Free Pass holders). Look out for the famous red torii gate on the edge of the lake. You might even spot Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Owakudani — A picturesque volcanic valley famous for its tasty black eggs boiled in sulphurous water.

Try their tamago (egg)-flavoured ice cream (¥350) which is absolutely delicious and oden (one-pot soup dish) which is perfect on chilly days.

Odawara Kashiden 小田原鱼河岸でん — Before returning to Tokyo, have dinner at this Michelin Guide restaurant which serves very value for money bowls of chirashi (~¥1200 – 1900). Turned out to be one of our favourite chirashi bowls on the trip!

*Pro-tip:  Ask for a bowl of miso soup for ¥100 — comes in a medium-sized bowl with a piece of fish in each and with a strong dashi taste. Great value for just ¥100!

Read more:   Hakone Travel Guide — The Most Scenic Day Trip From Tokyo

Day 4: Day Trip to Kamakura and Yokohama

Tokyo (Shibuya) to Kamakura: 77mins — no reservations needed, you can use the WELCOME SUICA Card as long as there’s enough value in the reloadable card

Filled with lots of temples, shrines, and scenic trekking paths ranging from two to six hours, Kamakura is a nice relaxing contrast from Tokyo. You’ll find many locals from Tokyo taking a day trip here during the weekends so pick a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Photo credit: Ponte Ryuurui

Kencho-ji   (¥300) — Japan’s oldest monastery that’s still active today. In fact, if you’re around on a Friday or Saturday, you can even join the beginner-friendly zazen (meditation) sessions  held from 5:30PM – 6:30PM

Great Buddha Statue (¥200 entrance fee) — The other icon of Kamakura is this 13.35m tall Buddha Statue. From Kamakura station, either take a 20-minute walk or take the Enoden train (¥190 one way).

Photo credit: Jessica A Page

Hokokuji Temple (¥200) — Escape the summer heat at this temple, famous for its own bamboo groove with over 2000 stalks lining a narrow pathway to a tea house.

Kamakura to Yokohama:  25mins (use the WELCOME SUICA card)

Cup Noodle Museum (¥500) — Pick your own ingredients and design your own cup for ¥300. It’s quite similar to the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka but a lot bigger and has a slightly different video shown in their mini cinema explaining the history behind the creator, Momofuku Ando.

Yokohama World Porter’s mall — If you skipped lunch at Kamakura, this is a great place for more budget-friendly options. There’s a food court, a Gindaco Takoyaki store, and even melon pan (although I suspect the best is still found in Osaka’s Dotonbori).

Yokohama Chinatown  — One of the largest Chinatowns in the world with over 200 Chinese-themed restaurants and shops. If you understand Mandarin, you could also get a palm reading done here as most of them speak Chinese.

Yokohama to Tokyo (Shibuya): 37mins

Day 5: Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto: 131mins via Shinkansen ( reserve your tickets in advance ) Getting around in Kyoto: Hire a bicycle from J-Cycle (¥800 from 10AM – 6PM)

Fushimi Inari Shrine  — Probably one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. Come early to enjoy the cool air and even take on one of the hikes to the top.

Temple hopping on a bicycle

J-Cycle  — Rent a bicycle and explore the nearby shrines and temples around the Higayashi District. The law here for parking bicycles is quite strict so make sure you park at the designated areas or risk having it taken away by the authorities. Some will require a bicycle day pass which allows you to park the bicycle at a couple of the other parking areas. Ask the shop for a cheat sheet.

Recommended Cycling Route:  J-Cycle – Imperial Palace – Philosopher’s Path – Nanzenji (Free Parking) – Gion Area – Kiyomizudera (Park at Kodaiji) – J Cycle (Approx. 1.5hrs cycling time)

Philosopher’s Path —  A pleasant stone path lined with sakura trees and roaming cats.

Photo credit: Kosu

Nanzenji —  One of the most important zen temples in Japan containing multiple sub-temples in its large complex.

Kiyomizu-Dera — Famous for its 13m high wooden stage perched on the hillside, it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Nishiki Market — Nishiki market closes at 6PM so return your bicycles and have an early dinner here. Have your fill of matcha snacks, grilled skewers and large oysters.

Read also: 16 Foods You Must Not Miss in Osaka and Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto

7AM at Arashiyama

We got here at first light and there were only a few other humans around. Take a walk through the thick forest of bamboo stalks and make a stop at the various gardens around the Arashiyama area. Each garden costs around ¥300 to enter.

* Pro-tip: Come early as the park starts to get drastically crowded around 9AM when the tour buses arrive.

Moss Garden at Gio-ji Temple

Day 7: Kyoto — Nara — Osaka

Kyoto to Nara:  45 minutes — no reservations needed, use your SUICA card with sufficient value

Getting around in Nara:  Nara is pretty small and its attractions aren’t too far away — so it’s easy to cover by foot. It’s also very bicycle friendly; rent bicycles for ¥700 until sunset. You can leave your luggage at the JR Station lockers for ¥300 – ¥500 depending on the size of the locker.

Deer Park  — To be honest, there’s no need to stop by the deer park as deer are everywhere, even on the temple grounds. Buy a stack of biscuits for ¥150 and the deers will bow to you just to be fed, which is absolutely adorable. Just watch out for your JR Pass as they will happily gobble that up too.

Todai-ji (¥500) — Houses a large Buddha statue and is possibly one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Though be warned, this is a famous sight for school excursions so Nara could in fact be better visited over the weekends.

Kasuga Taisha (free) — Leading up to the shrine is a pathway lined with hundreds of lanterns where deers like to hide. They’ll happily trot out for a biscuit if you have one for them.

Nara to Osaka: ~1hr — no reservations needed

Day 8: Osaka

Getting around Osaka: If it’s your first time in Osaka, purchase an Osaka Amazing Pass which gives you free access to over 30 paid attractions and covers all your subway rides for the day. Check out our previous Osaka itinerary which utilised the Osaka Amazing Pass over two days.

Minoo Park  — If you’re looking to escape city life for a bit, take a quick train ride out to Minoo Park. It’s an easy 2.4km walk with a gorgeous waterfall to chill by.

Dotonbori  — No matter how many times we’ve visited Osaka, I still find myself amazed at this street. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way — the neon lights, giant pufferfish and moving crabs that kind of feels like an acid trip.

Our favourite food picks here are the creo-ru takoyaki , the kin-ryu ramen (Chinese-style ramen with free-flow kimchi and leek), and to finish off with one of the best melon pans in Japan (toasted sugar bun with a generous serving of vanilla ice-cream).

From Osaka catch the Nankai Rapid Express from Osaka station to Kansai International Airport in 34 minutes (~S$12.20)

Read also: 3-Day Osaka Budget Guide — for more things to do in Osaka

Bonus : Take a train back to Tokyo via the Sunrise Izumo

2023 Update: The Sunrise Izumo is a sleeper train that travels between Osaka and Tokyo. It’s a 6.5-hour train ride but the highlight is that it passes by Mount Fuji around 5AM as the sun rises! It’s quite pricey so we’ve decided to leave it out and suggest an open jaw route for this itinerary. If you’re travelling with the JR Pass (covers nobi-nobi seats) and perhaps flying back from Tokyo, this might be worth considering!

From Osaka to Tokyo: The Sunrise Izumo overnight train leaves Osaka Station at 00:34 and arrives in Tokyo at 07:08 — you can only reserve tickets in Japan so reserve them as soon as you arrive!

Sunrise Izumo: The train has private bedrooms that require a top-up fee but the Nobi Nobi seats (pictured below) are free for JR pass holders. These are a little more comfortable than coach seats as you get to lie down fully and there are partitions that give you enough privacy.

We’re huge fans of taking overnight transport as it saves time travelling (while you sleep). What’s more, you save a night of accommodation covered by the JR pass! Double-win.

Though, another highlight of this train is that it rides past Mount Fuji at sunrise around 5AM so set your alarms if you want to see it!

Accommodation under ¥3,500/night

One of the key ways to keep our budget low was to choose affordable accommodation options. The good thing about hostels in Japan are their private spaces. Most bunks have curtains or even a whole container (i.e. Capsule hotels) and have most of the facilities that a business hotel would provide. Besides, we hardly spent any time in the accommodations! Here are some that we stayed at:

Tokyo: Wise Owl Hostel

In Tokyo, Wise Owl Hostel was our favourite for its ultra-comfortable beds and is situated in Shibuya, an excellent location for exploring Tokyo. Read our full review of Wise Owl Hostel here !

Wise Owl’s very own cafe at the Shibuya Outlet

Address:  4 Chome-9-10 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan Cost for dorm bed: ~S$25/night (Seasonal rates. Check the Wise Owl Hostel Website for the best rates)

Odawara (Hakone): Plum Hostel

Hakone was supposed to be a day trip but due to some circumstances, we missed the last train out and ended staying here which turned out to be a nice cosy impromptu stay! Besides, the Hakone Freepass covers two days so we got a little more time to explore.

Address:  Japan, 〒2500011 神奈川県小田原市 栄町3-4-17 相湘11栄町ビル 2F-B Cost: From ¥2,125/night

Nagoya: Nagoya Hostel Nishiasahi

First started as a restaurant and bar, Nishiasashi extended its 2nd floor into a cosy living space for its guests. The capsule-style beds were super spacious (enough to fit your backpack), perfect for a stopover on the way from Tokyo to Osaka.

Address:  1 Chome-6-13 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 451-0042, Japan Cost: From ¥3,000/night (Capsule style dorm beds)

Kyoto: HARUYA Umekoji

HARUYA Umekoji  is located close to attractions such as Nijō Castle and Nishiki Market — also, it is close to Umekōji-Kyōtonishi Station!

Address:  1番地12 Wakicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8834, Japan Cost: ~S$30/night

Osaka: Ark Hostel

Address:  1 Chome-15-11 Edobori, Nishi Ward, 大阪市西区 Osaka Prefecture 550-0002, Japan Cost:   From ¥2,900/night for a dorm bed

For more budget accommodation options in Osaka check out 9 Budget Accommodations in Osaka Under $50

Travelling to Japan for the first time

This trip in 2017 was an epic one. While trying to maximise the cost of the JR Pass, we ended up visiting so many places and ticking off many experiences — planned and unplanned. That said, it was an exhausting one.

Now that we’re no longer limited by big ticket transport passes like the JR Pass, we’ve since chosen to explore Japan a lot slower. Even exploring lesser known locations like Nagano , Kyushu , and Karuizawa .

But no regrets! We all start off as broke students who want to experience it all and if I could turn back time, I’d do it all over again.

Alright, on to the more practical tips for those visiting Japan for the first time:

1) Save at least S$110 without the Whole Japan JR Pass — since the price hike in Oct 2023, we figured the best way to save on transport in Japan is to get individual transport passes. Even after maximising the Subway Pass and Kansai Thru Pass to three days each, and, taking a round trip Nozomi Shinkansen train, you’ll still save S$110 (compared to getting the 7-day Whole Japan JR Pass). Thankfully, you can still get the individual passes online at one place !

2) Book Shinkansen tickets beforehand — while most transport in Japan (subway, local JR lines, and buses) can be paid on the spot with a reloadable card like the SUICA or ICOCA, longer distanced Shinkansen rides usually require reservations. You can check the schedules and book your Shinkansen tickets via Klook. Just scan the QR code to collect them on the day of travel.

3) Plan to visit theme parks on Tuesdays or Wednesdays — Both Universal Studios Japan in Osaka or Disneyland/Disneysea in Tokyo are incredibly popular amongst the locals so visit midweek for a better chance at shorter ride queues. For more theme park tips and hacks, check out our USJ Guide or Tokyo Disney Guide . Not sure which to visit this trip? Take our USJ, Tokyo Disneyland, or Tokyo DisneySea Quiz !

4) Book your flights six weeks in advance for the best prices — secure your flights while they’re still cheap!

5) Look out for more travel discounts —  US$10 promo code here!

If you found our Budget Japan Guide useful, let us know in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Tiktok , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Aug 25, 2017 at 8:03pm PDT

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101 comments.

Hi there! How much is the Kaisen Don that you had in Tsukiji?

¥1800 for the Uni and fish roe mix!

Great article. But the $1.1k does’t include flight (as per your breakdown) – still a good article! I spent under S$2k (ALL IN, including SHOPPING and food even) for 15D14N, from Tokyo to Osaka as well. If properly planned it will not break the bank. My budget also included michelin Bib place, kobe beef tasting, and oamakase.

There is a ¥1560 kaisen don in a nice small Japanese speaking only shop around the corner (with the HUGE tuna statue) with overflowing amount of seafood (more than 8 types). Sushi Dai is about ¥4000 for 9+1 course and wait is 3-5 hours depending when you start queueing. I’d say skip the queue and go for other places. I went to Tokyo station for ManTen Oamakase lunch for 16 courses for only ¥3000 per person, and Manten is one of the most affordable omakase in the many articles that recommended places for omakase. The 16 courses included fatty tuna, abalone, uni, etc. The prices are accurate as of 1 Nov as I just returned from Tokyo. I also shared about it in my instagram @celineliew on some of the best finds with great affordability and with limited time there, on how to avoid the crazy queues!

Hi Celine! Thanks for your suggestions! Really quite good!

P.S. the article was meant not to include flight prices. We included them previously, but people also complained that prices fluctuate. I guess it’s not possible to please everybody.

hi, do i have to purchase tokyo skyliner when i alr purchased whole JR pass? i am staying in tokyo for about 3-4 days and return to sg from kansai airport. thanks

If you’ve already purchased the 7 day JR pass and only planning to use it within 7 days then you can just book the Narita Express (NEX) at no extra cost. Just remember to make reservations at the JR office.

I need your advise on the pass I use, is it worth?

Day 1 to 4 Reach tokyo and travel to Osaka –> activate the JR Pass Purchase the 2 days Osaka Amazing Pass If I would like to go to Kyoto for day trip on the 3rd day, can i still use my JR full pass to go there?

Day 4 to 6 Go to Hakone in the afternoon via Odawara, use my JR full pass. Purchase hakone free pass (this can only travel around hakone right?) If I would like to travel to lake kawaguchiko, i have to purchase the Fiji Hakone Pass? http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/

Day 6 to 9 Go to Tokyo in the afternoon from Hakone, use JR full pass Travelling around Tokyo using the regular pass

Day 9 Go to Haneda Airport from Tokyo – I have to purchase normal pass?

Hi Elvin, if you’re getting the Hakone Free Pass/Fuji Hakone Pass, I would recommend doing those before activating the JR Pass. Reason being, these passes cover the journey from Shinjuku to Odawara (Hakone)/Kawaguchiko and it’s a day wasted on the JR Pass.

Here’s what I would do: – Explore Tokyo to your hearts content (this was useful for travelling within Tokyo: http://bit.ly/2opRHR5 ) – Use the Hakone Free Pass ( http://bit.ly/2ETkGak ) or Hakone Fuji Pass to explore Hakone and Kawaguchiko – When you’re done with Hakone, take the Hikari Shinkansen from Odawara (no need to return to Shinjuku) to Kyoto (it’s nearer than Osaka) – Use the JR pass to get to Osaka/Nara/Kobe (both are only ~30 minutes away) – Use the JR pass to travel from Osaka back to Tokyo (Since you’re pushing the last 7 days to the end, you’ll even be able to take the Narita Express to the airport with the JR Pass too)

Hope this helps!

Hi there, I will be taking the Sunrise Izumo overnight train from Osaka to Tokyo same as your itinerary but just wondering what did you guys do after you check out from the hotel/hostel/dorm? because checking out is usually at 11am, so what can you do for roughly 12 hours with you carrying your luggage around?

Hi Yan, you can usually leave your bags at the accommodation even after check out. Alternatively, you could bring your bags to the station and keep them in the lockers for ¥400 – ¥700 (depending on size of locker). We actually took the Sunrise Izumo on the night of day 9 so day 9 is what we did that day 🙂

Hi, From your itinerary, you are staying in different places every night. So do you just travel with a backpack? If so what happen to the luggage then?

Any other recommendation to stay other than hostel?

Hi Stephanie! It’s possible to travel with a luggage as well and we alternate depending on the activities we do. Unfortunately we travel budget so mainly look at hostels. They can be quite comfortable really!

hi, we are staying on Yokohama and heading to Nagoya the next day instead of returning to Tokyo. What is the best way to get to Nagoya from Yokohama using the JR pass? Thank you!!

HI Tiff, we’re not too sure but i reckon you can check out http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ !

Hi! Can we only reserve the Sunrise Izumo train when we reach japan and exchange for our actual actual JR pass?

Unfortunately yes as you will need a valid JR Pass before making reservations. The Japanese system is a little strict.

Hello i will visit japan for 8 nights and 9 days is it practical to buy JR Pass if i will stay 3 night in Tokyo ang 3 nights in Osaka and arriving in Narita departure in Osaka and plan to visit Mt. Fuji Hakone, Kyoto, Nara , Osaka and etc. I need Advice Thanks

Nope! In that case, you’ll probably save more by getting a single Shinkansen ticket for Tokyo to Osaka.

Once in Osaka, you can get an ICOCA Card ( http://bit.ly/2Do5YDV ) to get around the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara).

In Tokyo, you might want to pick up a 48 or 72 hour subway pass ( http://bit.ly/2opRHR5 ) which gives you unlimited rides for the duration. We found this super useful while we were in Tokyo!

For Hakone, we got there with the Hakone Free Pass. You can read more about that here: https://thetravelintern.com/hakone-day-trip-from-tokyo-hakone-free-pass/

Hello. Can I have your full itinerary of ur japan trip?

hi Cherie, i want too. can i have the full itinerary? i mean the list every day with the time? im planing visit japan on december. and this is my 1st trip to japan. still confusing to maximize the budget. and not spent too much.

Hi Aries, this blog post is as detailed as we have!

Hi! I’m planning to take the overnight train from Osaka to Tokyo! how do you make reservations for the Sunrise Izumo once you arrive in Japan? Do I need to activate my JR pass before I can book? Thanks

You can get it reserved at any JR Travel service centre at the stations. That’s also where you can get your JR passes validated. You can get the pass validated once you arrive and ask for it to begin at a later date if you wish so I suppose you should be able to make reservations when you’re at the counter!

Hi Cherrie! This is my first time planning to Japan (on budget) and would need your advise! My plan is 11D10N to Tokyo (3 days) -Kyoto (4 days include 1 day in nara)-Osaka (3 days)-Tokyo.

1. Which transport pass can i buy for all to go all these places? (There’s JR, Japan Rail pass etc) 2. Can i use the suica pass for all these places? Or is it more advisable to buy some 3-day pass etc?

Appreciate if you can drop me an email 🙂 Thank you!

Hello! If you’re going from Tokyo to Osaka and back to Tokyo again, it definitely makes sense to purchase the 7 day Whole Japan Pass . You can activate it on the day you leave Tokyo and make sure you take the Osaka – Tokyo train on Day 7 of the pass. This will cover all your JR trains including the local ones when you’re in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Previously, I wrote a guide on the JR Pass you can check out here: https://thetravelintern.com/singapore-jr-pass-guide/

For IC cards like Suica, you can use this for everything — on for the bus, subways and JR trains throughout Japan. It’s super convenient. While on the JR pass, you probably won’t need it unless you’re taking the non-JR trains like the subway. In Tokyo before your pass gets activated, I’d recommend the Tokyo 24, 48 or 72 hour subway ticket . If you preorder them, you can collect it from the airport when you arrive in Tokyo.

Thanks for the prompt reply. What about if i go from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka (not going back to Tokyo), do i still purchase the 7 day whole jap pass?

What’s the diff between subway tix and JR pass? Thank you!

If it’s just one way and you’re not covering any other cities other than these 4, you can just get an IC card and top up accordingly. Are you planning for a winter trip? If so, you might want to consider exploring more cities which would make sense to get a JR pass. We have a Japan winter itinerary too: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-itinerary/

The JR trains and subway run under different companies so the subway ticket only allows you unlimited access on the subway trains. Each city has a different subway company so they run on different passes. The JR pass will only be valid at JR stations.

Nope, not winter trip (going on 8-17nov) 🙂 So the better transportation way is just get the IC card to go from tokyo-kyoto-nara-osaka? Not to get any Rail passes/JR passes.

Your site is amazing. I frequent to Tokyo every year. But yours is amazing. I may be going to Sapporo this Oct.

Hey Eclipze,

Thanks! Have you seen our Sapporo and Hokkaido content? – Sapporo City Guide: https://thetravelintern.com/sapporo-city-guide/ – Hokkaido Budget Itinerary: https://thetravelintern.com/budget-hokkaido-itinerary-road-trip/ – Hokkaido Budget Tips: https://thetravelintern.com/hokkaido-budget-guide/

I am going to Japan in Oct. I decided to purchase the 7 days JR pass to travel to Osaka and Kyoto..

Day 1 to 3 Will use JR pass to take train from Narita airport to Osaka. Travelling around Osaka with the JR pass. Do I still need to purchase anymore pass to travel around Osaka?

Day 3 to 5 Going down to Kyoto from Osaka. Same as what I’m doing in Osaka. Will travel around Kyoto with the JR pass.

Day 5 to 9 From Kyoto, travel down to Tokyo. Last 2 days will use normal card from Tokyo back to Narita airport.

Day 1 to 3 You can use the JR Pass on JR Lines in Osaka, but you will be unable to use them for the metros and busses. I suggest you consider the Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass which includes discounts at many attractions as well? Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass – https://www.klook.com/activity/11515-osaka-metro-1-2-day-pass-osaka/?aid=312 Osaka Amazing Pass – https://www.klook.com/activity/7402-amazing-pass-osaka/?aid=312

Day 3 to 5 Same thing. You can only make use of the JR lines. If you want to combine transport in Osaka and Kyoto, I would suggest you not get the two passes stated above and get the Kansai Through Pass which allows you to travel in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, and Koyasan. Quite useful for you based on what we understand! Kansai Through Pass: https://www.klook.com/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/?aid=312

Day 5 to 9 Just use the Tokyo Subway Pass! https://www.klook.com/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/?aid=312

Hi! Thanks for the amazing itinerary! My friend and I will be following closely to this! 🙂

i noticed your day 10 is actually day 8 of the JR pass. Can we still use the JR pass if we were to activate it on Day 3 like this itinerary?

Hi, Me and my wife like your website so much ! After reading your Tokyo to Osaka’s experience, we decided to go there in mid November to End November. We plan 11 day trip from Hiroshima. And this is our first time going to Japan. Here is our plan : Day 1 -2 Singapore to Hiroshima and walk around Hiroshima Day 3 Hiroshima to Osaka (Start to use JR Pass – Day 1) Day 4. Osaka to Kyoto (JR Pass – Day 2) Day 5. Osaka to Nagoya (JR Pass – Day 3) Day 6. Nagoya (JR Pass – Day 4) Day 7. Nagoya – Tokyo (JR Pass – Day 5) Day 8 – Day 10. Tokyo (JR Pass – Day 6) Day 11. Tokyo back to Hiroshima and back to Singapore (JR Pass – Day 7)

Question – questions : – Can you suggest if we can make good use of the time there ? We will go there with our boy 11 year old. Please kindly advise if you can suggest any other idea as this is our first time there. Is the agenda there too rush ? – Do you think we use the JR Pass correctly ? with 7 Day JR Pass – How to know which train / bus we can use with JR Pass ? – Can suggest what is the good place to visit on the cities I plan to visit there 🙂 – Please kindly advise if you have any thoughts 🙂 …

Thank you so much.

Hi Madrex! Happy that the articles have been useful 🙂

Note on the 7-day Whole Japan JR Pass is that Day 1 begins on the first day you use it. The means on Day 11, your JR Pass will no longer be valid. Have you confirmed your flights? You might save more if you fly in from Hiroshima and fly out from Tokyo.

For your itinerary, you might want to consider the 5-Day Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass ( http://bit.ly/2NCPJeY ) instead. I previously wrote an 8-day Kansai itinerary you can check out: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/ I think your son will love the Bunny island 🙂

If you’d still like to cover Tokyo, I’d highly recommend booking your flight out from Tokyo and getting a one-way ticket from Osaka – Tokyo or Osaka – Nagoya – Tokyo. But if your flights have been confirmed, the round trip from Osaka – Nagoya – Tokyo – Hiroshima will be cheaper, although I would highly recommend more days for the trip. For more info about the JR Pass, I think you’ll find our JR Pass Guide useful!

Thanks for the reply and advise. If I use 5-Day Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass ( http://bit.ly/2NCPJeY ) , can advise how I can travel from Kyoto / Osaka to Nagoya and Nagoya to Tokyo ?

Thank you Cherie ! 🙂

If you need a return ticket, getting another 7 day Whole Japan JR Pass is cheaper, even if you’re only using it for 2 days.

If it’s only one way, you can purchase single tickets from the JR Pass station — ideally the night before your train ride.

Thanks for the advise Cherie. If we use the tokyo metro ticket (24, 48 or 72 hr) , does it cover the JR line?

nope! The subway belongs to a separate company from JR

Hi, I read many sites online that it is hard to book the Sunrise Izumo especially during the New Year holiday season ( 28Dec – 3rd Jan), they are available for reservation one month advance for local but as foreigner we can only buy it when arrived Japan. I really want to experience the overnight train experience, please advise is it high chance that I will not get a ticket for that ?

Unfortunately yes, I’d think there’s a high chance you might not get a seat during that period. When we travelled in August, we couldn’t get our original date either despite booking a whole week in advance. We ended up having to change a fair bit of plans to fit the ride in.

Our stay in Japan would only be for 7 days but technically 5 as we will be arriving in Tokyo dinner time and leaving Japan around the same time.

Based on your itinerary above, I wanted to skip Nagoya and head straight to Osaka for USJ. Would it still be worth it if we skip a few above?

In general, if you travel to Osaka from Tokyo and back to Tokyo, the JR Pass is worth it already!

Ic….thank you

Hi! This site is amazing webssite.. I have read your 3 japan itinerary https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/ https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-itinerary/ https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-tokyo-to-osaka/

I will travelling 14 days on February 2019 (winter) and will combine your 3 japan itinerary. This is Plan A: DAY 1-3 Tokyo DAY 4 Hakone . Hakone Free Pass .. (back to Tokyo) DAY 5 Kawaguchi (7 day JR pass) DAY 6 Nagano (snow monkey) DAY 7 Takayama DAY 8 Shirakawa-go DAY 9-10 Kyoto DAY 11-13 Osaka DAY 14 Tokyo

question is: from Kawaguchi to Nagano have to back to Shinjuku according to hyperdia. There is also no bus according to willer bus.. The only way is back to shinjuku..

or Plan B is : DAY 1-3 Tokyo DAY 4 Hakone . Hakone Free Pass .. (back to Tokyo) DAY 5 Kawaguchi DAY 6-8 Kyoto DAY 8-10 Osaka DAY 10 Nagoya DAY 11 Takayama DAY 12 Shirakawa-go and Nagano (snow monkey) DAY 13 Tokyo DAY 14 Tokyo

It is ok? Please kindly advise if you have any thoughts Thank you very much..

or use https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/

Yup, the only way from the Fuji area to Nagano is via Tokyo. Both itineraries work well but since you need to return to Tokyo, how about starting the trip right away in Kawaguchi? There is an express bus you can take straight from Haneda airport: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/4/

Around the fuji area, you can purchase the Fuji Pass , it works as an e-ticket you don’t need to collect the physical ticket. If you’re only visiting Kawaguchiko, you can just purchase single tickets for the day, I can’t rmb exactly but it wasn’t a lot.

From there, you can continue on to Hakone before exploring Tokyo from day 3-5 (don’t forget to purchase the Tokyo subway pass !)

Activate your 7-day JR Pass on Day 6 so that it covers the 2 most expensive train rides from Tokyo – Kyoto & Nagano – Tokyo.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the useful article. I will be travelling to Japan on this November and have planned my itinerary.. however I have yet to purchase the train tickets to travel from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto. Hope you are able to advise which train passes to get.

Here’s my plan:

Day 1 – Tokyo (explore Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku) Day 2 – Tokyo (explore Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara) Day 3- Tokyo – Osaka Day 4- Day trip to Kyoto Day 5- Osaka Day 6- Osaka – Tokyo (Hakone / Kawaguchiko) Day 7- Tokyo (Ginza) Day 8- Tokyo (Leaving Tokyo in the morning)

Would appreciate if you could advise on the rail passes to purchase. Do you think I should go for the 7 days JR pass?

Thanks in advance!

yep! As long as you’re doing a round trip between Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto, it’s worth it 🙂

Thanks for the prompt reply! Noted. Do I still need to purchase any regional passes as I will be going to Kyoto for a day trip from Osaka and a day trip to Hakone.

Also, how should I get around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto? Can I use the JR pass? Do I need to purchase the Tokyo Subway Ticket?

Hi is the Sunrise Izumo still available now in 2018?

Based on your itinerary above, I wanted add on Mt fuji trip and head straight to Osaka for USJ. Would it possible to add on since me and partner is first time travel to japan. I will travelling to japan on 7 March 2019 (morning reach narita airport) to 18 March 2019(morning flight).

What is your advise on the itinery?

How about the JR Pass? Would appreciate if you could advise on the rail passes to purchase. Do you think I should go for the 7 days JR pass?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Doris, generally the 7 Day JR Pass is worth it as long as you are doing the return leg back to Narita, Tokyo. If youre not doing the leg between Tokyo and Osaka, there’s still plenty of time!

We also have a couple of articles on Fuji that might be useful on you too. Hope you have a good trip!

Tokyo-Fuji Budget Itinerary – https://thetravelintern.com/budget-tokyo-mount-fuji-itinerary-including-accommodation/ Climbing Mt Fuji – https://thetravelintern.com/climbing-mount-fuji/

HI Cherie, I would like to enquire is it better to fly out from KIx airport than Narita i had trouble planning for that kind of stuck . Well i am kind of worried that kix airport close again due to typhoon just like this yerar Regards Christopher

Hi Christopher, no one can predict the weather and the typhoon can always hit any other airport or city too. Typhoon season is generally from May to October, with the peak in August and September. Perhaps you can avoid travelling there during that period!

Thank you for your reply if there is the case please ignore my previous post is it better to fly out from Kix or narita . I will most likely be traveling during August for my anime event in Tokyo then i will travel down to Osaka but which choices will be my best choice fly out from kix or take shinkansen back to narita airport from there fly out .

Regards Christopher

Hi Cherie, I would like to enquire about the promo codes of the JR Pass. May I know what are the T&Cs for both codes? I can’t seem to find them. Thanks in advance!

Neither can we! But we were told you simply need to: – Book via the mobile app – Spend $500 for $55 off – Be a first time user

If you are a repeat Klook user you can use for $50 off.

The promo is valid till 31st of December 2018.

Hi! How do I go to collect my Amazing Osaka Pass at Kuromon Ichiban Market once I reach Osaka? I’m only activate it the next day. Since I only has JR Pass, and looks like need to go there by subway. That’s mean I have to pay additional by going there, right?

It seems that you can also collect it at the airport! But yes if you are only activating it the next day, you will still have to pay separately for the subway.

Osaka Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 Location: HIS counter 1F (next to the Northern Exit in the Arrival Hall) Opening hours: 8:30am-10:00pm

Osaka City Air Terminal (JR Namba Station) Location: Japan Holiday Travel OCAT Tourist Information Center 1F Opening hours: 8:30am-8:30pm Please note: From 20 Dec 2018, opening hours will change to 8:30am-6:30pm, daily

Hi. The train system is very overwhelming! If I am flying into Tokyo and fly out from Osaka and plans to visit only Kyoto in between, it is best to just take a one way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto and then from Kyoto to get the ICOCA which will also get me to Osaka? The JR pass would not be worth the money in this case right?

Hi Yan, your assessment is right! It will be more worth to get the one way. 🙂

How to buy the one way ticket and is it recommended to get it when there or ahead of time? Same for the ICOCA, better to purchase in advance?

Hi! Firstly, this guide is really well done and helpful. Secondly, I am planning a trip to Japan as a first time traveler. There will be 2 of us and we are trying to travel economically for about 14 days.

We would like to visit Osaka and Tokyo, with Kyoto and Nara in between. With the JR Pass and Osaka Amazing Pass, we are clueless as to what is the best place to hit first. We will be flying to Narita. Should we:

1. Activate JRP on the first day and go to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and make it back to Tokyo via the overnight train on the last day of JRP and spend the last 7 days in Tokyo, and need to purchase ticket to Narita from Tokyo.

2. Spend about 3 days in Tokyo with the 72 Hour Subway Pass, activate JRP on day 4 and proceed to Kyoto/Osaka/Nara, Day 11 travel back to Tokyo via overnight train and spend last 3 days in Tokyo with another 72 Hour Subway Pass.

3. Spend 6 days in Tokyo, activate JRP, go to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Day 13 travel back to tokyo via overnight train and back to Narita Airport.

Motive of Plans: 1. No need to stay in Tokyo twice as in plan 2, but required to spend on tickets to Narita 2. Least sian, because overnight to tokyo just to proceed back to airport and fly back doesn’t sound appealing. Required to purchase tickets to Narita 3. Best use of JRP??? Save on ticket to Narita but as mentioned above, its the most sian and might be rushed.

I would really appreciate your advice on which plan would be the best, and also am I missing out on passes to book? (2 Day Osaka Amazing pass, 7 Day Ordinary JRP, Tokyo Subway Pass)

14 days in Japan sounds amazing! If you don’t already have concrete plans for Tokyo, how about checking out Zao Fox Village, Nagano or the Fuji area on a day trip? We covered some of these in this itinerary: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-itinerary

To answer your questions: – Regardless of the option, you’d still need to buy a 1 way ticket between Narita and Tokyo (from or towards the Airport). With the JR pass, you can take the NEX for free but if you’re not using the JR Pass, buy tickets for the Tokyo Skyliner ( http://bit.ly/2nUYotB ) instead. This runs from Ueno and is cheaper than the NEX. – If you’re planning to take the overnight train, prepare to shift your itinerary around because seats on this train usually run out quick. Even if you’re not activating your JR pass right away, you can bring your pass down to the JR East Office at Narita station (on the day you land) to book seats. – as for passes, you might want to get a Suica (tokyo) or Icoca (osaka) to complement your JR pass. The JR pass only covers trains run by JR so subways and buses are not covered. It’s a rechargeable card and can be used throughout Japan on all modes of public transport. – Lastly, if you’re visitng Hakone from Tokyo, you might want to get a Hakone Free Pass too. More in this post: https://thetravelintern.com/hakone-day-trip-from-tokyo-hakone-free-pass/

Hi Cherie, Can i check with you why did you all choose to fly out from Tokyo again instead of KIX

I suppose you all went during the summer and how much was the scoot ticket you all paid during that time ? Regards Christopher

This was quite some time back so I really can’t recall how much the tickets were back then. The prices would have changed quite a bit too depending on season. But in general, open jaw tickets are usually more expensive so we booked a round trip to Tokyo. That aside, taking the overnight train and seeing Mount Fuji at sunrise was also a key experience for us so no regrets!

Hi. I read that u buy hakone free pass 2/3days, but u only used it for 1 day. If i just want to spend 1 day at hakone, is it cheaper using that free pass or no?

yes it is! Have you seen this post? https://thetravelintern.com/hakone-day-trip-from-tokyo-hakone-free-pass/ At the bottom, there’s a breakdown of activities covered in a day with the HFP.

Hi Cherie It was my 1st time to Tokyo, I was just visit Tokyo and Mt. Fuji at Yamanakako, and what of JR Pass That you recommend to buy? I was in Tokyo 8days

Hi Queeny, If you are only visiting Yamanakako, you don’t need a JR Pass! Just get an individual ticket. 🙂

In Tokyo, I will recommend using the Tokyo Subway Pass. However do note that this is only for the Metro. https://www.klook.com/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo?utm_campaign=SG-THETRAVELINTERN-JAPAN-Q4-2017&utm_source=website_thetravelintern&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=1552&aid=312

I am in the midst of planning for an upcoming April 9D8N trip to Tokyo-Osaka. Really headache until thank goodness I landed on your site. It’s really a great relief as I found you guys are helpful and on spot informative.

I have bought a round trip ticket to Tokyo (NRT). Everything else not fixed or booked yet. Appreciate if you could take a look on my rough itinerary and comment.

12/4 – Shinjuku-Shibuya-Harajuku 13/4 – Rent a car self drive to Hakone 14/4 – Chureito Pagoda > Lake Kawaguchiko>back to Tokyo 15/4 – Tokyo disneyland 16/4 – Tokyo disneysea 17/4 – Osaka 18/4 – kyoto 19/4 – Tokyo – Asakusa, Tokyo tower/skytree 20/4 – Tokyo >2045hr flight at NRT

Here are few things that I hope to do but confused. – overnight in Hakone or Kawaguchiko? Hope to get a ryokan with onsen – Hakone Fuji pass or rent a car? I opt for car rental as able to explore the area more freely. Also can carry our luggage. Besides, I hope to see the amazing Mt fuji view with Pagoda and I think it’s easier to do by car. Problem is I heard picking up and returning car at Tokyo can be a problem. -the reason I arrange this way is that I heard cherry will full blossom around this date at kawaguchiko (Chureito Pagoda) and I wanna avoid disneyland/disneysea on a weekend – should I get JR 7 day pass and when should I use it?

I really looking forward to your advise as it’s almost a month away and April means everything can be sold out fast. I wish to book whatever I can book in advance. Thanks again Cherie.

Wow, that’s a really rushed itinerary! Here are some quick replies to your questions.

(1) Hakone has a number of great Ryokans if they are still available. Definitely that if you can (2) It’s probably more fuss-free to use the Hakone Fuji Pass due to the lack of time. It can be quite troublesome to rent and drive in the cities. However you are also right in saying that the car gives you more flexibility. At the end of the day I think it depends on whether you want convenience or the potential of seeing more things. (3) Definitely avoid Disney during the weekends! We have a guide that might be useful too. 🙂 https://thetravelintern.com/ultimate-tokyo-disneyland-and-disneysea-guide/ (4) Because you are doing the return journey to Osaka and back, getting the JR Pass is definitely worth it. I would use it from Tokyo Disneyland day onwards to subsidise the JR train to Disneyland.

To infinity and beyond, Buzz Lightyear

Hi, I am following your itinerary. But, I would like to travel to Nikko too. My favourite place in Nikko are Edo wonderland, toshogu shrine, kegon fall and tobu world square. How would you suggest to squeezed the trip in if I am having an 11days trip in Japan? I have the Jr pass. Do I need to buy Nikko pass? When do you think i should use the Jr pass?

Ah I wanted to visit Nikko too but didn’t have a chance on this trip!! The Nikko area has limited JR lines so you’d need to get a separate Nikko Pass to get around on the local line (run by a different train company). Enjoy Nikko and let me know if it’s worth visiting!

Hi buzz lightyear,

Thanks for your reply! You have been great help!

Just few more questions:

1) since I’m traveling from tokyo to Mt fuji area and back on the next day, which route do you recommend more, assuming if I rent a car and using Hakone Free Pass for Hakone and only more interested in visiting Chureito Pagoda in Kawaguchiko area. a) Tokyo – Kawaguchiko (overnight) – Hakone day trip – Tokyo b) Tokyo – Hakone day trip (overnight) – Kawaguchiko – Tokyo

2) if I were to rearrange my itinerary, will going to osaka/kyoto after Mt fuji area then only back to Tokyo be better and easier in terms of transportation?

I really hope you can give me more of your opinion as which way is the better one to fulfil my itinerary. Thanks in advance!

Hello! I am planning to go Japan this year. My plan is as follows:

Day 1-4: Osaka Day 4-9: Kyoto Day 9-10: Hakone (Get the 2D1N Hakone Pass?) Day 10: Tokyo

Is is advisable to get the JR Pass? Or are there other passes which can score a good deal?

Also can I use the JR pass on normal subways/buses/ public transport at those cities? Or I can only use their ezlink equivalent (suica/pasmo/icoca)? As far as I know, these 3 can be used throughout Japan, which will you recommend?

Hey JH, if you are not doing the round trip from Tokyo to Osaka, there isn’t a point getting the JR Pass. Would suggest single journeys instead. You should consider these though. Hakone Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/?aid=312 Osaka Amazing Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1323-amazing-pass-osaka/?aid=312 Tokyo Subway Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/?aid=312

You can only use the JR Pass on JR trains. It’s pretty complicated though and it varies a lot from pass to pass. We have a JR Pass Guide here if you are interested but based off your route it’s cheaper to just buy single tickets. https://thetravelintern.com/singapore-jr-pass-guide/

Hello! Thank you so much for the reply.

Just to clarify, I will be landing in Tokyo before making my way to Osaka > Kyoto > Hakone> Tokyo. Is it still advisable to get the single trip tickets? Can I buy the tickets online from klook or elsewhere? Can I reserve the seats if I want to take shinkansen?

For Hakone, I understand I have to pay a Limited Express Surcharge and Regular Ticket/IC Card/Discount Pass to take the Romancecar back to Tokyo. Are you able to explain further?

So sorry cos there’s info overload, I am super confused as it will be my first time in Japan. Appreciate your help! 😀

Hi Cherie , Correct me if i am wrong when you all bought the scoot ticket the baggage add on is a must ? So from what i can see you all didnt manage to explore their local neigbourhood area in osaka like tsutenkaku or Shinsekai ?

Hello Christopher, I don’t think we travelled on Scoot for this trip. But check-in baggage isn’t included in the base fare so yes, you’ll need to add it on if you’re planning to bring a non cabin-sized luggage. We made a very brief stop in Osaka on this trip and didn’t have time to cover much but you might find these helpful: – https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/#osaka-amazing-pass – https://thetravelintern.com/osaka-budget-guide/

Hi Cherie, Can i check with you where do you all get your travel insurance from ?

We have an annual plan from Direct Asia ( https://bit.ly/2ON0rjC )!

hi i check the ticket to Hokaido is around SGD 1000/ PAX, transit in Tokyo and multi city ticket are 200+ extra with ANA. So i’m thinking go to Tokyo 5 days and 8 days at Hokaido. do you think this plan better?

It sounds good! Two places in one trip. 😀

Hi cherie, I wanted to book the kyoto accommodation that you all chosen but unfortunately the price is no longer ¥2,125 did you all book from their direct website but it always bring me to the booking.com instead

Sorry is my first time travelling on my own completely new to booking accommodation on my own . Regards Christopher

Similar to your guide, I will only be activating the JR pass on the 3rd day of my trip (7-day pass ). However, on Day 2, if I were to go to DisneySea/Land, won’t it require the JR pass to get to the DisneySea/Land Station (Maihama Station)?

Otherwise, do you have any suggestion on how I should get to DisneySea from Shibuya, Ebisu stations? Thanks!

Hi Isabelle,

You can pay for a single ticket as well! At the end of the day, you’d need to see if it’s more worth it to activate the pass on the 2nd or 3rd day. You can use Google Maps as a simple tool to get estimated costs. Alternatively, use hyperdia!

Hello! I will be travelling to Japan in July / Aug for the first time for 10 days 9 night. Arriving and departing at Osaka Kansei Airport. Would like to travel to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo but not sure how should be my breakdown be. Would it be feasible to go Tokyo (2 nights), Kyoto (4 nights) then Osaka (3 nights) and depart from there? Should I get the 7 days JR pass for this and start on Day 1 and take normal transportation within Osaka for the last 3 days? Many thanks!

Yeah, sounds like a good plan! As long as you complete your Kyoto to Tokyo and a Tokyo to Osaka journey within the 7 days it’ll be worth it.

Hi Cherie, Can I check is there other option for this accommodation Kyoto: Centurion Cabin & Spa ? Do you recommend travellors to stay in Internet café if there are not many hotels available located in gion area ? Or do you know of any internet café in Kyoto ? So I guess you all actually explored Teramachi,and Shinkyogoku as they are near to Nishiki market ?

Dear Cherie,

This is Clare and happen to find your exciting Travel Intern website. We will be going to Osaka this early Oct and hope you can help us on the JR trains and our queries below. It will be great and might be helpful to others too if they have similar queries like us.

Many thanks & warm regards, Clare

1 If there is website or any materials that can list down the details of various JR trains, buses, trams, ferries across different region and different train service provider will be great. Example like 2 nights in Osaka we list down the various transport we will be taking but we are not sure whether they belong to JR or other train provider etc? We have seen the JR website but still in shock and confuse.

2 We will be moving around Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Miyajima Island – would you suggest we get the JR pass looking at the list below?

3 We also notice there are Amazing Osaka 2 days pass etc, even Mount Rokko Tourist discount pass etc. Should we get them all if we are going to purchase the JR Pass?

4 During our research, we understand that we should get the JR pass in SG thru local agent – we did try, on the phone an agent said they can sell us JR Pass but when we went down to Chinatown to find out more the agent told us they do not sell JR Pass. Are you able to direct us to a reliable local agent that can sell us JR Pass, IC card etc only and no air ticket or local guided tour etc?

5 We have done our homework for our coming trip to Osaka but very confuse about their transport system. Is there an organization/people in SG that we can meet them and guide us on the transport system?

2 Nights in Osaka

Transport Nankai Airport Exp\Nankai Ltd Exp Rapid OsakaMetro Nagahori Tsumiryokuchi OsakaMetro Tanimachi\Osaka Metro Hankyu Takarazuka Local OsakaMetro Chuo

6 Nights in Kyoto

OsakaMetro Midosuji\Umeda (Subway)\Hankyu Railways Raku Bus\Kyoto Subway Karasuma JR Nara Local\Kyoto Subway Karasuma Kyoto Subway Tozal Kyoto Subway Karsuma\Rabu Bus Randen Arashiyama Hankyu Arashiyama Hankyu Kyoto Ltd Exp Kyoto Subway Karasuma JR Sagano\JR Sagano Rapid Service JR Saga Arashiyama Station (free with JR West Pass for Romantic Train?) JR Nara Local\JR Nara Rapid Service\Nara Kotsu Nara Gurutoo Bus Kintetsu Ltd Exp\Kintetsu Kyoto Exp or JR Nara Local\JR Nara Rapid Service

2 Nights Hiroshima

Shinkansen Nozomi/Shinkansen Hikari Hirsohima Electric Railway No 6 Ferry\JR Sanyo\Tsukin-Liner

2 Nights Kobe

Shinkansen Nozomi\Shinkansen Sakura\Kobe City Subway JR Special Rapid Service Hanshin Main Local West JR Bus\Rokko-Arima Ropeway Rokko Bus Rokko-Arima Ropeway West JR Bus

3 Nights Osaka

JR Gakkentoshi Local\Osaka Metro Ltd Exp Southern\Nanakai Main Sub Exp Ltd Exp Kuroshio\Wakayama Bus JR Hanwa Rapid Services\JR Wakayama Wakayama Bus OsakaMetro Sakaisuji\JR Railways from Osakatemmangu to Hoshida JR Gakentoshi Rapid Service\Hankai Tramway Hankai Uemachi Line Nankai Airport Exp\Nankai Ltd Exp Rapid

I’ll try my best to answer them all!

1 – Have you read this JR Pass guide? https://thetravelintern.com/singapore-jr-pass-guide/ Wrote it sometime back but I’m sure a lot of it is still relevant! For planning, I used hyperdia.com for longer routes (like Kyoto to Hiroshima) and Google Maps when moving around within the city. Just note that Nozomi trains are not covered by JR pass so look out for Hikari trains — they’re faster than the local train but make a few more stops than the Nozomi trains. On Google Maps, if the train is by JR, there’s a blue JR logo indicated so that means it’s covered by your JR pass. If it’s any other logo, you’ll need to use an IC card (like the ICOCA card ) or a city pass (like the Osaka Amazing Pass ).

2 – Short answer is yes! But not the whole Japan pass. You can purchase the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass — it’s much cheaper than the Japan JR pass and covers the places you’re intending to go. Just note that this pass does not cover your trip to Tokyo (just in case)! I’ve also done a similar trip previously and wrote a post about it here: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/

3 – It looks like you’ll be spending quite a bit of time in Osaka so if you’re planning to explore extensively, yes it’s quite worth it! I covered some of the highlights in this post: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/ — Osaka was covered on our last 2 days.

4 – We got our passes through Klook There was no need to collect anything in Singapore. We arrived at KIX and collected our Kansai-Hiroshima pass with the QR code from the app.

I hope this answers most of your queries! It might seem complicated while planning this out in Singapore you’ll realise it’s actually very orderly and easy to get around once you arrive! At major stations like Osaka, Kyoto and even Hiroshima, there will always be a dedicated station staff that speaks fluent english so you can always approach them and ask for help if needed.

Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks for your great info. Now, we are more confident and have a understanding of their transport systems. Noted on your previous writeup which we will use as a guide in our planning too. With google map and other wonderful apps etc we will enjoy free n easy holiday. And definitely, with you and your wonderful team here providing assistance to holiday planners really have been a great help. We look forward to share our exciting 16 days in Japan soon.

Thanks for great Info…Planning to travel this winter as part of my own company working trip 🙂 Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima. I will follow your itinerary but I am not sure whether I will Hiroshima straight from Tokyo and cover Kyoto -Osaka -Tokyo while return or the other way round. My flight is booked to and fro from Tokyo but inside Japan all free and easy…Any suggestion for Hiroshima ?

Hi Goldy, both ways should work but if I were you, I will travel Hiroshima first and make my way back to tokyo. That way I don’t have to rush ti catch my flight on the way back

Thank you so much for this post, helped a lot in the planning of my upcoming trip. Would like to ask some questions on the transport and accommodation in Japan, hope that you can help.

My current itinerary is for 8/9days, for accommodation wise I will be staying at a fixed location and taking day trips. Tokyo (Shinjuku area), Nagoya and Kyoto (TBC) respectively, is there a place to stay in West Japan with activities to do instead of Kyoto or is that the best place to stay? Day 1: Tokyo Day 2: Tokyo/Fuji Day 3: Tokyo/Hakone Day 4: Tokyo to Nagoya will be staying in Nagoya for a night Day 5: Nagoya to Kyoto Day 6: Kyoto Day 7: Kyoto/Nara Day 8: Kyoto/Osaka Day 9: Kyoto to Airport and back home I have seen your post and comments that since it is not a round trip I would not need a Whole Japan JR Pass, what I planned on buying is the Tokyo Subway Ticket and Hakone Free Pass for the first 3 days in Tokyo, Fuji and Hakone. Do I need any other tickets to go to Fuji? What I changed is instead of heading to Universal Studios Japan I would head to Fuji Q instead as I am an adrenaline junkie. For the trip from Tokyo to Nagoya I might just catch a domestic flight, from Nagoya to Kyoto I would take a train with the one time ticket and for travel in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka I plan on buying the Kansai Pass.

Is there anything that you might improve on in this itinerary? Will appreciate your feedback, thank you in advance.

Yours Sincerely, Sky

dear cherie, i am planning a 14-day trip whereby i am flying into Haneda and flying out from Osaka. i would like to cover Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, appreciate your advice on additional places to visit to optimize a 14-day trip. would you advise to purchase the JR Pass? if yes, is it the 7-day or 14-day? thanks!

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Find cheap flights from Osaka to Tokyo from $44

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from osaka to tokyo departing on 4/16. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to tokyo.

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Flights from osaka to tokyo - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from osaka to tokyo to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo flight route, our data shows that the cheapest route for a one-way flight from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo cost $32 and was between osaka kansai intl airport and tokyo narita airport. on average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. the average price for a return flight for this route is $32., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from osaka to tokyo, if you are looking for a flight deal from osaka to tokyo, look for departures on tuesdays and avoid leaving on a monday, as it's usually the priciest day. when flying back from tokyo, tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and friday is the most expensive., what is the cheapest month to fly from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo, the cheapest month for flights from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo is october, where tickets cost $82 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are march and august, where the average cost of tickets is $118 and $115 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo, to get a below average price on the flight from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo, you should book around 4 days before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 79 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from osaka to tokyo, in the last 72 hours, the cheapest one-way ticket from osaka to tokyo found on kayak was with peach for $44. peach proposed a round-trip connection from $68 and jetstar japan from $69., which airlines fly most frequently between osaka and tokyo, ana connects osaka to tokyo with up to 13 flights per day. japan airlines also offers 4 flights per day, while jetstar japan follows with 4 flights per day., which airlines fly non-stop between osaka kansai intl airport and tokyo, there are 4 airlines that fly nonstop from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo. they are: ana, japan airlines, jetstar japan and peach. the cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with jetstar japan at $39 for a one-way flight. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at peach., how many flights are there between osaka kansai intl airport and tokyo per day, each day, there are between 23 and 26 nonstop flights that take off from osaka kansai intl airport and land in tokyo, with an average flight time of 1h 19m. the most common departure time is 9:00 pm and most flights take off in the morning, while the most flights land at tokyo haneda airport. each week, there are 170 flights. the most frequent day of departure is saturday, when 15% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a tuesday., which cabin class options are there for flights between osaka kansai intl airport and tokyo, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from osaka to tokyo take, the average nonstop flight takes 1h 05m, covering a distance of 271 miles., what’s the earliest departure time from osaka to tokyo, early birds can take the earliest flight from osaka kansai intl airport at 6:40 am and will be landing in tokyo at 7:45 am., what’s the latest departure time from osaka to tokyo, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from osaka kansai intl airport to tokyo jets off at 9:10 pm and lands at 10:25 pm., good to know, when to book flights from osaka to tokyo, faqs for booking osaka to tokyo flights, can i board japan airlines with a personal item.

You can bring one personal item and a cabin bag on your Japan Airlines flight. The carry-on item must not exceed 22 × 16 × 10 inches and not pass a total weight of 22 lb. Your carry-on luggage must be stored in the overhead compartment, whereas your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Is Itami Airport (ITM disabled-friendly?

Yes, it is. If you have limited mobility, you'll be glad to hear that this airport's steps have been replaced with slopes on the hallways to make it more wheelchair-accessible. You'll also be glad to hear that it features wheelchair-accessible restrooms, staff who provide personalized care, and barrier-free elevators.

Which towns can I access from Narita International Airport (NRT)?

Apart from Nikita and Tokyo, you can easily travel to towns such as Chiba, Kashiwa, Ichakawa, Ichihara, Soka, and Funabashi from NRT. If you'd like to tour several of these destinations extensively, it's in your best interest to rent a vehicle from one of the agencies with a location at the airport.

Can my child travel unaccompanied on a Japan Airlines flight?

If your child is above five years old, he can travel from Osaka to Tokyo without an adult on a Japan Airlines flight, since the airline runs a reliable Unaccompanied Minor Service. This service is mandatory for children between 5 and 11 years and optional for children between 12 and 15 years. If you choose to use HND as the arrival airport, the service extends to a kid's taxi that will pick up the child at the airport.

What is the cheapest flight from Osaka Kansai Intl Airport to Tokyo?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Osaka Kansai Intl Airport to Tokyo was $44 for a one-way ticket and $68 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Osaka and Tokyo?

Even though you are not required to have a passport, keep in mind that an official ID is needed to board the airplane.

Which airports will I be using when flying from Osaka to Tokyo?

Osaka is served by only 1 airport and there are 2 airports in Tokyo. You will leave Osaka from Osaka Kansai Intl and you will be arriving in Tokyo at one of these airports: Tokyo Haneda or Tokyo Narita.

Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Osaka to Tokyo?

Only Lufthansa offers inflight Wi-Fi service on the Osaka to Tokyo flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Osaka to Tokyo?

The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Osaka to Tokyo flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Osaka to Tokyo?

oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Osaka and Tokyo, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from Osaka to Tokyo?

There are nonstop flights from Osaka to Tokyo on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from Osaka to Tokyo, Jetstar Japan or Peach?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Osaka to Tokyo are Jetstar Japan and Peach. With an average price for the route of $96 and an overall rating of 7.2, Jetstar Japan is the most popular choice. Peach is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $90 and an overall rating of 6.6.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Osaka to Tokyo?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Osaka to Tokyo.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Osaka to Tokyo?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Tokyo from Osaka is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Osaka to Tokyo?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Tokyo with an airline and back to Osaka with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Osaka to Tokyo?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Tokyo from Osaka up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Osaka to Tokyo

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $76 or less one-way and $179 or less round-trip.
• In Osaka, you can board at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM). If you'd like to board your flight at the airport with more amenities or closer to Osaka, departing from ITM is in your best interest. On the other hand, if you want to fly cheaply, KIX is the Osaka airport for you, given that it serves most of the cheap flights to Tokyo. In Tokyo, you can land at Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).
• Japan Airlines is a suitable option if you want to travel with an eco-friendly airline from Osaka to Tokyo. This airline has invested in fuel-efficient aircraft such as the 787-8's while retiring the older, less efficient models. It also promotes a program of carbon offset initiative, which involves compensating for CO2 emissions using carbon absorptions. It also invests in the purchasing carbon credit program.
• On a Japan Airlines flight, you can travel carrying an infant on your lap from ITM to NRT for free, provided he is between 8 days old and two years. You can accompany up to two infants, though only one will travel for free. A child's fee will be applied if you prefer your infant to have a seat.
• If you arrive at HND, you can use various public transit means to get to Tokyo. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to Tokyo, with the trains being the most convenient option. Two train services depart from HND: The Keikyu Line train and the Tokyo Monorail. The stations that serve these train services are located at B1 of the domestic terminal.
• The airline you fly with will determine your layover destination if you intend to fly to Tokyo aboard a single-stop flight. For instance, when you travel with ANA, your layover destination might be Matsuyama (MYJ), Kagoshima (KOJ), or Fukuoka (FUK), while with Jetstar, you may layover at New Chitose (CTS) or Okinawa Naha (OKA).

Prefer to fly non-stop from Osaka to Tokyo?

Find which airlines fly direct from Kansai Intl to Tokyo, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Osaka Kansai Intl to Tokyo

ANA, Air China, Aircalin, +19 more

ANA, Air China, +20 more

ANA, Air China, Aircalin, +17 more

ANA, Air China, +18 more

ANA, Air China, Aircalin, +18 more

ANA, Air China, +19 more

Nonstop returns

Tokyo to Osaka Kansai Intl

ANA, Air Canada, Air China, +21 more

ANA, Air Canada, +22 more

ANA, Air Canada, Air China, +19 more

ANA, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Air Canada, Air China, +20 more

ANA, Air Canada, +21 more

Top airlines flying from Osaka to Tokyo

The seats are very uncomfortable just was not a pleasant experience

my flight was cancelled an hour before departure and i have not received a refund yet.

A child behind me was kicking my seat and the cabin attendant noticed and kindly asked me if I’d like to switch to a different available seat. Really nice.

The flight crew was very nice. Had a bit of a hiccup on my end when I checked in flying from Tokyo to Sapporo but the staff was very helpful. Definitely enjoyed both flights.

There was no social distancing on the plane. Lots of people sneezing, etc so the coronavirus measures they are taking are not adequate. Very uncomfortable flight. Also hard to get customer service support by phone in English.

The seat is so bad Can’t recline the chair

For Travelers with babies, if they can be supported by allowing to carry the Baby stroller upto the Airplane gate, and not submit at the Check-In counter. it will be very convenient. Thankyou.

I didn’t even fly on it can I get my refund

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