How to get from Tokyo to Osaka
Tokyo and Osaka are the two major cities in Japan. There are various modes of transportation between the two places, including Shinkansen, plane, bus and self-driving. Below is a detailed transportation guide to help you choose the best way to travel.
1. Shinkansen

The Shinkansen is the fastest way to connect Tokyo and Osaka, taking about 2.5 hours. Here are the main Shinkansen lines and fares:
| line | car model | duration | Fare (Japanese yen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Nozomi | About 2.5 hours | 14,450 (unreserved seats) |
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Hikari | about 3 hours | 14,450 (unreserved seats) |
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Kodama | about 4 hours | 14,450 (unreserved seats) |
2. Airplane
Flights from Tokyo to Osaka usually land at Itami Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX). Below is flight information for major airlines:
| airline | Departure airport | Arrive at the airport | duration | Fare (Japanese yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Haneda (HND) | Itami (ITM) | about 1 hour | 15,000-25,000 |
| ANA | Haneda (HND) | Kansai (KIX) | About 1.5 hours | 15,000-25,000 |
| Peach Airlines | Narita (NRT) | Kansai (KIX) | About 1.5 hours | 8,000-15,000 |
3. Express bus
Highway buses are an affordable option for travelers on a budget. Here are the main bus companies and fares:
| bus company | starting point | destination | duration | Fare (Japanese yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willer Express | tokyo station | Osaka Station | about 8 hours | 4,000-8,000 |
| JR bus | Shinjuku Station | Osaka Station | about 8 hours | 5,000-10,000 |
4. Self-driving
Self-driving tours are suitable for travelers who like to travel independently, but they need to pay attention to highway tolls and parking issues. The following is the main information for self-driving:
| route | distance | Expressway fare (yen) | duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomei Expressway | about 550 kilometers | about 12,000 | About 6-7 hours |
5. Other matters needing attention
1.Shinkansen: It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, the non-reserved seats may be crowded.
2.airplane: Kansai International Airport is far from Osaka city, so extra time needs to be reserved.
3.bus: Night buses save money on accommodation but are less comfortable.
4.Self drive: Japan drives on the left, so you need to be familiar with local traffic rules.
No matter which way you choose, transportation from Tokyo to Osaka is very convenient. Just choose the best way to travel based on your budget, time and preferences.
check the details
check the details