From Tokyo to Osaka! The complete Shinkansen travel guide. Thorough explanation of types, prices, reservation methods, and tourist spots
WellBe Inc.
For tourists visiting Japan, traveling from Tokyo to Osaka is a must.
If you use the bullet train, a comfortable and efficient trip can be realized in about 2 and a half hours.
In this article, I will explain in detail how to ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka, how to make reservations, tourist spots, etc.
Types of bullet trains
There are three main types of bullet trains from Tokyo to Osaka:
Nozomi
The fastest bullet train will take you to Osaka in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are few stops, and it is popular among businessmen.
Hikari
It's slightly slower, but just as comfortable as Nozomi. You will arrive in Osaka in about 2 hours 50 minutes. It is convenient for tourists because they can also get off on the way and visit tourist sites.
Kodama
The bullet train stops at each station, and it takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. Recommended for those who have time to spare. If you use Kodama, you can easily get off the train and enjoy local sightseeing spots.
Shinkansen fees and seat types
Shinkansen fares vary depending on the type of train you board and seat class.
Below is a rough list of fees. (As of 2024)
Reserved seat tickets
Seats are decided when tickets are purchased, so you can secure a seat even during busy periods. From about 14,500 yen for Nozomi to about 14,000 yen for Hikari. Prices vary depending on the time of purchase.
For tourists, it's comfortable to move around while enjoying the scenery.
Free seat tickets
You can buy it cheaper than a reserved seat ticket, but since you haven't secured a seat, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to sit.
Prices are also low, starting at around 13,870 yen, so it is recommended for tourists who want to keep their budget down.
However, since the time is not specified, it is also an advantage that you can ride at any time.
*Prices vary depending on the time of purchase. Also, please check each company's official website for the set section and period.
How to buy bullet train tickets
Tickets can be purchased in the following ways:
Internet
Reservations can be made from the official websites of JR Tokai and JR East.
There are also many English-compatible websites, making it easy for foreign tourists to use.
There are various other services, but here are some recommended ones.
■Smart EX (JR Tokai/West Japan)
This service can be used when using the Tokaido Shinkansen or Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo Station and Hakata Station.
If you register for a free membership and credit card, you can make reservations up to the same day on the internet.
Smartphones and transportation IC cards can replace tickets, which is very convenient.
Automatic Ticket Vending Machine
You can easily buy them at automatic ticket vending machines at train stations. You can choose between cash and credit cards as payment methods.
At the automatic ticket vending machine, you first select a reserved seat or an unreserved seat, and specify the boarding station, and the date and time to board the train.
As for reserved seats, you can choose your favorite seat, such as the window side or aisle side, depending on seat availability.
You can buy it right before you get on the bus, so it's convenient when you don't have time.
Window
You can make purchases at the train station counter while consulting with the staff.
If you're not used to riding the bullet train, the most convenient way is to buy a ticket at the counter.
In particular, when you want to discuss a seat, it is convenient to buy it at the counter.
You can choose between cash payment and credit card payment.
How to make bullet train reservations and choose seats
I will also explain in detail how to reserve bullet train tickets and choose seats.
The importance of pre-booking
It's important to book tickets in advance, especially during busy seasons (Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's).
Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance, and early reservations are preferred.
How to choose a seat
If you want to enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji, it's a good idea to choose an E seat.
Also, the window seat is perfect for enjoying the scenery.
Shinkansen boarding procedure
Go through the ticket gate
Pass through the ticket gate with your ticket.
In the case of an electronic ticket, hold up the QR code.
Waiting at home
Wait at the designated platform and board the train when it arrives.
Get to your seat
If you are a reserved seat, you will be seated in the seat written on your ticket; if you are an unreserved seat, you will be seated in an empty seat.
Tourist spots you can go to by bullet train
There are many fascinating tourist spots along the way from Tokyo to Osaka on the bullet train trip. Here are some recommended locations.
Atami
It is famous as a hot spring resort, and you can enjoy beautiful nature and hot springs.
There are many hot spring inns with plenty of hot water flowing directly from the source, and the charming townscape has a long history.
There are also hot springs where you can just drop by without making a reservation, and tourists from all over the country are visiting in search of hot springs in Atami.
Nagoya
You can enjoy Nagoya Castle and delicious food.
In particular, Nagoya meshi (miso cutlet, hitsumabushi, chicken wings) is exquisite.
There are shopping malls and department stores around Nagoya Station, so you can enjoy shopping in between sightseeing.
Kyoto
There are many historic temples and shrines, and it is a city where traditional culture remains strong. There are plenty of places to see, such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. The streets of Kyoto are fun just strolling around, and Gion and Arashiyama are also recommended areas.
How to enjoy a bullet train trip
Here are a few tips to make your bullet train journey even more enjoyable:
Enjoying ekiben
When traveling by bullet train, I recommend enjoying ekiben (ekiben).
Bento boxes made with local specialty ingredients that can be purchased at Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station are exquisite. There is a wide variety of ekiben, and you can enjoy specialty dishes from each region.
Enjoy the view from the train window
From the bullet train, beautiful scenery such as Mt. Fuji and the Japanese countryside spreads out. Get your camera ready and take a memorable photo. In particular, when the weather is nice, you can see the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.
Facilities and services at Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station
Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station, which are bullet train departure and arrival stations, are fully equipped with facilities and services for tourists.
TOKYO STATION
There are many restaurants and souvenir shops in the basement, so you can enjoy shopping and dining before your trip.
You can buy local specialties and limited-edition products at Ekinaka Shopping Mall “Gransta”.
Also, there are many shopping and sightseeing areas around the station, such as Marunouchi and Ginza.
Shin-osaka Station
Shin-Osaka Station has plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops where you can enjoy Osaka's specialty dishes.
You can enjoy gourmet food unique to Osaka, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Furthermore, there are many business hotels around the station, which is convenient for tourists.
Convenient Shinkansen service
Shinkansen offers a variety of services to make your trip comfortable.
Multipurpose Room
Some bullet trains have multi-purpose rooms. It can be used by wheelchair users and those who are breastfeeding, so you can continue your journey with peace of mind.
luggage storage
Shinkansen trains have luggage racks above the seat and large luggage storage areas installed at the end of the car. You can use it without worry even if you have a large suitcase or a lot of luggage.
Outlets
Some bullet train seats are equipped with power outlets. You can charge your smartphone or laptop, and you can use it without worrying about running out of charge even when traveling for a long time. It is especially convenient for business use or when traveling long distances.
Shinkansen etiquette and manners
In Japan, several etiquette and manners are emphasized so that passengers can spend their time comfortably.
Tourists can also enjoy a better trip by protecting these.
Stay quiet
Inside the bullet train, you are required to stay quiet so as not to bother other passengers. In particular, try to avoid cell phone calls or loud conversations.
Sit at the designated seat
Be sure to sit in a designated seat except in an unreserved seat. If you sit in the wrong seat, it will cause trouble to other passengers.
Garbage Disposal
Be sure to dispose of trash in the trash cans installed in each vehicle. In particular, please bring back ekiben and drink containers yourself or throw them in the trash.
Package Management
Be sure to place your luggage on the shelf above your seat or under your seat. If you put it in the aisle, it will hinder the passage of other passengers.
Traveling with children by bullet train
Shinkansen trains are also very convenient for traveling with children. The following are tips for families with children when using the Shinkansen.
Child Rates
Infants under 6 can ride for free for 1 adult. However, if you want to use a reserved seat, you will need a child ticket. Child rates apply for children between 6 and 12 years old.
stroller
The stroller can be folded up and placed on the luggage rack or placed on the edge of the vehicle.
Breastfeeding room
Some bullet trains have nursing rooms. When breastfeeding or changing diapers, you can ask a flight attendant to use it.
Shinkansen transfers and surrounding traffic
When using the bullet train, it is convenient to keep track of connections and surrounding traffic.
Transit Information
Shinkansen stations have plenty of transfer information to other trains and buses. Information can be obtained from information displays inside train stations and information counters.
Using IC cards
IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA can be used when passing through bullet train ticket gates or when transferring trains. This makes it possible to buy tickets and transfer smoothly.
Car Rental Services
Rental car services are available at major train stations such as Shin-Osaka Station and Tokyo Station. It is convenient for access to tourist spots or when you have a lot of luggage. If you make a reservation in advance, you can use it smoothly.
Japan's Four Seasons and Shinkansen Trips
Japan is a country where you can enjoy beautiful scenery every season. Let's consider a travel plan to fully enjoy Japan's four seasons using the bullet train.
Spring (Cherry Blossom Season)
Cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan from March to April.
We recommend taking a trip to famous places for cherry blossoms along the way from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. There are many places famous for cherry blossoms, such as Arashiyama in Kyoto and Osaka Castle Park.
Summer (fireworks display and festival)
From July to August, fireworks festivals and summer festivals are held all over Japan.
Use the bullet train to enjoy events all over the country, such as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo and the Tenjin Festival in Osaka.
Autumn (red leaves)
October to November is the season for beautiful fall foliage.
We recommend visiting places famous for fall foliage such as Kyoto, Nara, and Hakone by bullet train. In particular, the fall foliage at Tofukuji Temple and Arashiyama in Kyoto is spectacular.
Winter (snowscapes and hot springs)
From December to February, the snowy landscape is beautiful.
If you use the bullet train to visit ski resorts and hot springs in Nagano and Niigata, you can fully enjoy Japan in winter. Hot springs in Hakone and Izu are also recommended.
summary
Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by bullet train is a great opportunity to experience Japan's high-speed rail technology.
With comfortable seating, amazing views, and convenient access, it's sure to be the highlight of your trip to Japan.
By using the bullet train, you can move smoothly between tourist spots and enjoy your travel time to the fullest.
Enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip on the Shinkansen!
*Please check each company's website for their rules, service details, and office hours.
Recommended spots where you can experience recommended massages and beauty treatments in Osaka
Osaka is a vibrant and popular area for tourists.
Finding a massage parlor to heal the tiredness of a trip in Osaka is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.
Here are some salons in the Osaka area that are recommended for those who are particular about technology and quality.
Shinsaibashi, Yodoyabashi/ “head CONCIERGE Shinsaibashi Store”
An authentic head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep”
Head Concierges are a group of specialists who have learned how to arm themselves with their fingers.
It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.
It has various effects such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
Shin-Osaka/Esaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”
If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.
The nearest station is Osaka's “Esaka” station, about 10 minutes by train from “Shin-Osaka.”
Manipulative treatment to lighten the body, cosmetic acupuncture treatment where effects can be felt at the cellular level, and for bodies that make it easier to get pregnant.
Let's radically improve physical disorders and fatigue that cannot be easily removed with a massage, such as stiff shoulders, lower back pain, and headaches!
We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.
Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.
Umeda, Fukushima/ “bellissimo”
A beauty salon focused on results, located right next to Osaka's “Fukushima” station, and staffed by knowledgeable and experienced staff.
It is also close to the “Umeda” area.
This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.
We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.
Head spas approach scalp problems felt due to aging, dryness, stress, etc.
It thoroughly relaxes stiff scalp and improves blood circulation, thereby improving blood color.
Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.
Umeda, Kitashinchi/ “head CONCIERGE Umedachayamachi Store”
An authentic head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep”
It's a technique called the deep muscle approach that leads to ultimate sleep.
It has various effects such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
Yotsubashi, Shinsaibashi, Nishiohashi/ “RUXCIA”
This beauty salon is recommended for those of you who want to lift up and relieve skin problems in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.
It is a personalized treatment using advanced beauty machines, and staff with specialized knowledge are one-on-one to provide careful treatment with the aim of visible improvement in response to each person's issues.
Our advanced technology can also lead to solutions to skin problems that have almost been abandoned.
Tennoji/ “matka” *women only
The private salon matka in Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi can be accessed from the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, Sennichimae Line, and Kintetsu Line.
We offer all-hand facials.
Matka, a private salon where you can relax and achieve natural beauty, uses carefully selected products so that people with allergies or sensitive skin can receive beauty treatments with peace of mind.
After the treatment, please enjoy seasonal teas and sweets that the owner is particular about.
Yodoyabashi, Shinsaibashi, Honmachi/ “ShiaWase”
The salon is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the subway “Hommachi Station” and about 10 minutes from Yodoyabashi/Shinsaibashi.
They suggest custom-made beauty treatments tailored to each customer's skin type and concerns.
In addition to lifting up, we perform thorough care using cutting-edge equipment to improve sagging skin, wrinkles, and blemishes.
We offer the best technology and services for those of you who are obsessed with results.
Tips for getting the most out of a massage in Osaka
When receiving a massage in Osaka, please pay attention to the following points and enjoy the healing experience to the fullest.
It is necessary to make a reservation in advance, especially at popular massage parlors.
Many Japanese stores have a small number of people, and in most cases they cannot accept large groups.
If there's a store you're looking for, make a reservation about 2 weeks in advance.
A beauty experience in Osaka is one of the best ways to heal the fatigue of a trip while experiencing Japanese culture.
Be sure to experience a massage in Osaka and add a new healing time to your memories of your trip.
Written by
- WellBe Inc.
- WellBe operating company
- WellBe Inc.
- WellBe operating company
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