The Shinkansen is the high speed train and the speed of the Shinkansen save your trip time. There are many Shinkansen lines in Japan now. In this post, I will explain you the Tokaido Shinkansen which is the first Shinkansen line in Japan. And also I will explain you the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen too. Because these two Shinkansen lines are connected with the Tokaido Shinkansen.
- Overview
- Train operation
- Types of train
- Timetable
- Photo gallery
- The coverage by the rail passes
- The summary
Overview
The Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kagoshima-Chuo is one train line but this line is divided by three different segments. Because three JR companies own this Shinkansen line and the name of the line is the different by the segment.
The first segment is called the Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
It is the first ever Shinkansen line in Japan. And this is known as the busiest Shinkansen line and one of the busiest train line in all Japan railway lines. The Tokaido Shinkansen is owned by JR Central.
The Sanyo Shinkansen is operated between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata (Fukuoka) which is owned by JR West.
And the Kyushu Shinkansen runs between Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo that is owned by JR Kyushu.
But in the train operation, many trains cross the border and run on two segments.
Train operation
Shin-Osaka and Hakata are the border station but you may not be able to find the difference and the border. Please see the operation map below:
Many trains, such as Nozomi, Mizuho cross the border and run through two Shinkansen lines, such as Tokyo to Hakata by Nozomi, Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima-Chuo by Mizuho.
Types of train
There are six types of trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
Nozomi
Nozomi is the fastest train on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi runs every 10 minutes during daytime between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and run every 30 minutes between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima or Hakata.
All Nozomi stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura and Hakata. Some Nozomi stops Nishi-Akashi, Himeji, Fukuyama, Tokuyama and Shin-Yamaguchi. Nozomi does not go further than Hakata. Mizuho and Sakura run between Shin-Osaka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. I will explain about these trains later.
JR Pass is NOT valid for Nozomi. If you want to take Nozomi, you have to pay the full fare. There is no deals available to cover Nozomi between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka other than the travel package by some travel agents.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Nozomi
Tokyo |
1 hour 40 minutes |
Nagoya |
35 minute |
Kyoto |
15 minute |
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Nozomi train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | G | G | G | R | R | R | R | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Hikari
Hikari is the second fastest train on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. If you travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka by JR Pass, Hikari is your choice because Nozomi is not covered as I explained above.
Most of Hikari runs between Tokyo, Shin-Osaka and Okayama. Hikari which goes to Hiroshima and Hakata is very few. I will explain about other train, Sakura later which is covered by JR pass on the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
All Hikari stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura and Hakata. Many Hikari stop at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Nishi-Akashi and Aioi. Some Hikari also stop at Odawara, Atami, Mishima and Toyohashi.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Hikari
Tokyo |
1 hour |
Shizuoka |
45 minute |
Nagoya |
40 minute |
Kyoto |
15 minute |
Shin-Osaka |
40 minute |
Himeji |
30 minutes |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Hikari train formation
Most Hikari are operated by the following 16 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | G | G | G | R | R | R | R | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
However very few Hikari which run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R |
Hotels in Fukuoka
Hotels in Hiroshima
Hotels in Nagoya
Kodama
Kodama is the slowest train and stops at all stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. At this point, only Kodama stops at the following stations:
- Shin-Fuji
- Kakegawa
- Mikawa-Anjo
- Asa
This is covered by JR Pass. But the trip time is significantly longer than Hikari and Sakura. If you need to access one of these above stations, you have to take Kodama. Otherwise try to take Hikari or Sakura to save your trip time.
Kodama runs all part of the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. But there is no Kodama which goes through from Tokyo to Hakata. Kodama run between Tokyo and Nagoya, Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka and Hakata. But many Kodama run on the short distance, such as Tokyo to Mishima.
Kodama train formation
All Kodama on the Tokaido Shinkansen are operated by the following 16 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | G | G | G | R | R | NR | NR | NR | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
All Kodama which run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | NR | NR |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Platt Kodama, Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Osaka deal
Kodama is covered by JR Pass. But if you want to travel one way from Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka or versa, Platt Kodama is a good deal. JR Pass is too much for just one way trip between Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto. Please refer the post below to find the detailed information:
Mizuho
Mizuho is the fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. This train runs about 6 to 8 round trips a day. The number of trips are varied by the season.
All Mizuho stops at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima and Kokura, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. Some Mizuho stops Himeji, Kurume and Sendai.
JR Pass is NOT valid for Mizuho. If you want to take Mizuho, you have to pay the full fare. But if you use JR West deals and JR Kyushu deals, such as Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass, Kyushu Rail Pass and some more deals, you can take Mizuho.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Mizuho
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
35 minutes |
Kumamoto |
45 minutes |
Kagoshima-Chuo |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Mizuho train formation
All Mizuho are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Nozomi and Hikari provide exactly same accommodation in both the reserved ordinary class and the non reserved ordinary class. But Mizuho and Sakura offers better seat in the reserved ordinary class. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata, Mizuho and Sakura are better choice than Nozomi and Hikari. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Sakura
Sakura is the second fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo by JR Pass, Sakura is your choice because Nozomi and Mizuho is not covered as I explained above. You can take Hikari as well between Shin-Osaka and Hakata but Sakura has better seat in reserved ordinary class. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Most of Sakura runs between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. All Sakura stops at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Hakata, Shin-Tosu, Kurume, Kumamoto, Sendai and Kagoshima-Chuo. Many Sakura stops at Fukuyama, Shin-Yatsushiro, Shin-Minamata and Izumi. Some Sakura also stop at Himeji, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Shin-Shimonoseki, Chikugo-Funagoya, Shin-Omuta and Shin-Tamana.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Sakura
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
40 minutes |
Kumamoto |
50 minutes |
Kagoshima-Chuo |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Sakura train formation
Most Sakura are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
A few Sakura are operated by the following 6 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
Nozomi and Hikari provide exactly same accommodation in both the reserved ordinary class and the non reserved ordinary class. But Mizuho and Sakura offers better seat in the reserved ordinary class. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata, Mizuho and Sakura are better choice than Nozomi and Hikari. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Tsubame
Tsubame is the slowest train and stops at all stations on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. But in the day time, Tsubame mostly runs between Hakata and Kumamoto. Sakura covers the segment between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. This train is covered by JR Pass.
Tsubame train formation
All Tsubame are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
A few Tsubame are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Timetable
You may find the timetables in JR Central and JR Kyushu official sites in the links below:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Photo gallery
The accommodation is a bit different from the fleets. There are several kinds of the fleet to be used for the Shinkansen trains.
N700 and 700 series (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama)
All Nozomi and most Hikari are operated by these train sets. And also these train sets are also used for Kodama 16 cars formation on the Tokaido Shinkansen. N700 and 700 almost same in these two train sets.
Green class seat
Ordinary class seat (reserved and non reserved)
The interior is exactly same in both the reserved and non reserved ordinary class seats.
Sanitary facility
Smoking space
N700-7000/8000 series (Mizuho, Sakura)
All Mizuho, most Sakura and very few Tsubame are operated by this fleet.
Green class seat
Reserved ordinary class seats
N700-7000 offers better accommodation in the reserved ordinary class seat than other Shinkansen fleets. This is the reason why I recommend you to take Mizuho or Sakura more than Nozomi and Hikari.
Non reserved ordinary class
Non reserved ordinary class is same accommodation as other ordinary class seat.
Sanitary facility
Other facilities
500 series (Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen)
This fleet was used for Nozomi before. The style of this fleet is still very updated and cool. Now this fleet is used for Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. This train set does not provide Green class seat. But the reserved ordinary seat is better than non reserved seat.
Reserved ordinary class seat
Non reserved ordinary class seat
Other facilities
800 series (Tsubame and a few Sakura)
This train set is used for Tsubame on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. It is also used for a few Sakura which runs in Kyushu only. This train set does not run on the Sanyo Shinkansen segment.
This train set provide only one class seat which is the ordinary class. There is no difference between reserved and non reserved. But this ordinary class is much wider than other ordinary class seat. And this is made of lots of wood material. The atmosphere is totally different from other Shinkansen fleets.
Ordinary class seat
Other facilities
The coverage by the rail passes
There are many rail passes available. You may be confused which Shinkansen train and class are covered by the pass. Please see the table below:
Type of pass | Coverage |
---|---|
JR Pass Green | All seats on all Shinkansen trains other than Nozomi and Mizuho |
JR Pass Ordinary | Both reserved and non reserved on all Shinkansen trains other than Nozomi and Mizuho |
JR West Kansai Area Pass | This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains |
JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Okayama |
JR West Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima |
JR West Sanyo Sanin Area Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata |
JR West Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Hiroshima and Hakata |
JR West Hiroshima Okayama Yamaguchi Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Okayama and Hakata |
All Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo |
Northern Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto |
Southern Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo |
Kyushu Rail Pass Fukuoka Wide | This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains. |
The summary
If you take the Shinkansen by JR Pass, Hikari is the choice for your travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. But if you travel to the west from Shin-Osaka, Sakura has better interior as you saw. Sakura is more recommended.
If you use JR West passes, you can use any trains. But most JR West deals cover only non reserved seat. You cannot get a benefit of better seat in the reserved car.
If you travel in Kyushu by Kyushu Rail Pass, 800 series is very interesting train set. Tsubame is slow train but this is operated by this series. You may take this train too.
I hope this Shinkansen ride guide gives you many ideas. And I am glad if you use this guide to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I am travelling to Tokyo for 9 days. Besides the 7 , 14 and 21 days JR pass, is there any other pass that can be more economical to travel around for two days as the pass is only cover up to 7 days ?
I would also like to know is there any service run under Hikari and Komada from Tokyo – Nogoya , likewise Nogoya Tokyo ?
Hi Jane,
There are lots of Hikari and Kodama running between Nagoya and Tokyo. You may find the timetable at the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
There are lots of deals available in Japan. But there is no shorter deals to cover Nagoya and Tokyo. Please see the list of major deals at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-choose-rail-pass-to-travel-japan-summary-of-most-of-rail-passes-in-japan.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, thank you for the useful tips 🙂
Looking forward to my Japan trip
No problem, Jane.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
im from Singapore vising Nagoya for a business trip.
i will be travelling from Nagoya to Tokyo by (Shinkansen).
I do not have a JR Pass , i only need a one way trip from
Nagoya to tokyo (Shingawa station).
How much is the train fare – single trip by Shinkansen ?
Which Shinkansen should i take ?
Can I buy the ticket over the counter at Nagoya Station ?
Please kindly advise.
Best regards
andrew
Hi Andrew,
You can find the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
The ticket can be purchased at Nagoya station or other major JR stations. You can purchase it in advance if you want. Many business travellers purchase a ticket just before taking train at the station.
There are lots of trains running between Nagoya and Tokyo. Train name “Nozomi” is the fastest train to get Tokyo from Nagoya.
You can find PDF timetable at the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi-san,
Me and my sister will be arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) on 21 April 2016 around 8-9am. It is a return flight ticket as this was the cheapest we get here. My draft itinerary as below:-
day 1 – Arrive Kansai KIX early morning
– travel to ito and stay overnight
day 2-4 – travel to kakunodate (thought of taking train from tokyo)
day 4-8 –Tokyo (taking a night bus from atami to shinjuku)
day 8-10 – Kyoto
day 10 – Kansai KiX
do you think we should change or drop any of the places since i feels like this itinerary is quite a challenge itself & wondering what type or JR pass is suitable for my plan with most economical expences, kindly advise..
Hi Zanz san,
You can use 14 days JR pass. But in this case, don’t take the bus and try to take a train as much as you can.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
I think your itinerary is a bit challenging but it’s feasible.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! Takeshi,
I am Alice from Malaysia. We will be arriving at Narita airport by MAS, which terminal will MAS be landing on 20/12/2015 please?
We will be arriving in Tokyo on 20/12/2015 and will be leaving for Osaka on 26/12/2015. As I browsed through difference wedpages I notice that by flight is faster than by bullet trains.
Is it J R Pass good while moving around in Tokyo? or pay single ticket as we move!
I notice you have mentioned about 29,000 yen 7 days pass, will that be good and convenient for us since we will be going to Osaka on 26/12/2015 from Tokyo? Is that the 7 days pass have to purchase online in advance? Can we use Shinkansen Sanyo/Hikari? from Tokyo/Osaka/Tokyo by using the 7 days J R Pass?
Thank you.
Alice
Malaysia
Hi Alice,
Please ask your airline about the terminal. I think it mentions on your ticket.
If you use JR pass, you have to make round trip between Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen. If you want to use the domestic flight, forget about JR Pass. Because 7 days pass price is almost same as round trip fare by Shinkansen.
You have mentioned that flight is cheaper than Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. Actually it’s not true. Trip time by flight is much shorter. It takes about one hour and it takes 2.5 hour by Shinkansen. However you will spend one hour each for arrival and departure if you use the flight. Because airports are not located in the center of downtown. You have to check in and pick up the baggage. On the other hand, Shinaksnen stations are located in downtown. If you have JR pass, you can book your seat without any extra in advance. So you can go to the station just 5 minutes before departure time. You don’t need to check in and drop off the baggage. Just show your pass and ticket at the ticket gate and proceed to the platform. It is much easier to take flight.
You can use JR pass in Tokyo and Osaka. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
Of course you can take Shinkasnen other than Nozomi and Mizuho.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I will be travelling with my husband to Japan in January and would like to find out the most efficient way to get from Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto – Osaka. And then from Osaka it’s back to Tokyo again.
Previously, I took the Nozomi from Tokyo to Osaka. Is it worthwhile to do the same and then make day trips to Kyoto and Hakone?
Thanks,
Mopeey
Hi Mopeey,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
It’s one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka. But you can add Osaka to Tokyo on this itinerary. If you can complete from Tokyo to Tokyo in 7 days, you can use JR Pass 7 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
But JR pass does not cover Nozomi. It covers Shinkansen but only the second fastest train, Hikari is covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
May I know if there is a train pass that can cover from Osaka and stop at Lake Kawaguichiko first and then proceed to Yokohama? Otherwise what is the best option to take?
Awaiting your kind reply. Thank you.
Regards
Casey
Hi Casey san,
If you have only one way trip to Yokohama from Osaka with stop at Lake Kawaguchi, single ticket is only your choice. You can find more info about single ticket at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
And Lake Kawaguchi is not located on the way to Yokohama. You have to take bus from Mishima.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshiさん、
こんばんは。
I would say thank you before, for your reply my question at Furano thread.
This 2nd time I would ask journey from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
(I’ll use JR Pass).
I searching at hyperpedia my plan trip to Hiroshima ;
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/Nan-kano/hyperpedia%20Nakano%20tokyo%20-%20Hiroshima_zpsw8921ae6.jpg
My question is, when I take LTD. EXP SUNRISE IZUMO
(from Tokyo sta. to Himeji sta.) is it sleep train right, Can JR PASS get reserve seat for free?.
Or which one I should reserve better (I choice a free way), because too many options (sleeper car A & B, up, low, middle), a little bit confuse.
If yes I can reserve seat, can I reserve the seat two days before I go at JR counter (anywhere right) ? or must be a day before?
I still need learn using JR Pass (even if you already told at others page).
Thank you again~
regards,
Nan.
Hi Nan san,
Only Nobi Nobi seat is covered by JR pass fully. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/sunrise-izumo.html
Nobi Nobi seat is sold out very often. You may not be able to book it after you arrive. If you want to use this in your plan, you have to have a back up plan in case of sold out.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
こにちは ,
Thank you for answering my question before Takeshiさん。
OK I’ll move to my next question to your thread as you mention before >>
Regards,
Nan.
No problem, Nan san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Sir/Madame,
I am a 60 years old retiree from Malaysia travelling with my wife and 16 years old child. We arrive Osaka evening of 13 December 2015. Spent 3 nights to experience Universal Studios Japan. Move on to Tokyo 16 December for 5 nights stay and visit Mount Fuji/Hakone and Tokyo Disneyland. We return Osaka 21 December for 4 nights and visit Kyoto and Hiroshima Atomic Dome for 1 day trips. I want to buy the Japan Rail Green Pass but i was told that there is no first class service to Hiroshima and Kyoto from Shin-Osaka, is this true? As a tourist, i have to purchase Japan Rail Pass from Japan Tourist Board in Kuala Lumpur . Before i make a purchase, can you please advise me correctly.
Thank you and best wishes,
Haris & family.
Hi Haris,
No. You can take Green car (1st class) on any segments of Shinkansen. Of course you can take Green car from Kyoto/Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima.
You can take Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. But it takes 13 minutes ride. Sometimes commute train, Special Rapid is faster if you travel from Osaka (not Shin-osaka) to Kyoto. Please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
We are a group with 6 adults and 1 teenage. We’re going to Osaka in Feb 2016 for 7 days. My draft itinerary as below:-
day 1 – Arrive Osaka @ night
day 2 – explore Osaka
day 3 – day trip to Himeji & Okayama, Kobe
day 4 – Kyoto
day 5 – Nara
day 6 – Rinku Premium Outlet & Sakai
day 7 – back to home
wondering the 5 days JR Kansai wide area pass is suitable for my plan, kindly advise..
regrds,
Hoo
Hi Hoo,
I don’t think you need to have Kansai Wide Area Pass. It’s too much.
I have a post that explain how to build the plan and choose the pass. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi san will check it out.
No worries, Hoo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San,
Meaning i can buy the pass at any of the station when i reached Japan?
thanks,
Hoo
Hi Hoo san,
Most of passes can be purchased on the spot. You don’t need to purchase in advance.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Need some advise from you. We group of 7 going to Osaka on 13.2.16 – 19.2.16 itinerary as below:-
day 1 – landed Kansai Airport @ 10.25pm. Any transport to Nankai-namba station?
day 2 – Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Tempozan Ferris Wheel
day 3 – day trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Fushimi-Inari Fox Village & Kyoto tower
day 4 – Rinku Premium Outlet
day 5 – day trip to Shirakawa-go
day 6 – day trip to Nara / Explore Osaka
day 7 – fly back home @ 11 am
Can you let me know what kind of pass should i buy for the whole trip?
regards,
YY san
Hi YY san,
1. Arrival day
Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
2. Day 2
Kaiyu ticket is recommended.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
3. day 3 to 7
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is recommended. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
You need to add single fare for Kyoto-Arashiyama, Kyoto-Fushimi and Osaka-Nara. Those trips are not covered by the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
I have been researching online for the best options for traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka and back to Tokyo again but could not decide which is most cost effective for my trip. I will be traveling with my husband and 6 yr old. I have booked the discount shinkansen 7 day round trip ticket package from Tokyo to Kyoto on japanican.com, however I will have to go Osaka after Kyoto and so, have to travel back to Kyoto to make use of my ticket. (I can still cancel at no charge before 25Oct)
Will it be too much of a hassle for me to travel from Osaka to Kyoto to board the Nozomi back to Tokyo, as I can’t travel directly from Osaka to Tokyo using the ticket. I paid 54,000yen for that package, so I’m not sure if there are other better deals I can use for my tokyo-kyoto-osaka-tokyo journey. Kindly advise and thank you so much. If there are any better options, please let me know and I can still cancel the japanican tickets.
Best regards
Vee
Hi Vee,
If you complete your trip (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Tokyo) in 7 days, JR pass 7 days (29100 yen) is better choice. You cannot take the fastest Shinkansen Nozomi, but you still can take Hikari. Trip time is not so much different. You can find Shinkansen timetable at the links below. Nozomi is shown as “N” and Hikari is “H”.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
The benefit of JR Pass is direct access by Shinkansen to Tokyo from Shin-Osaka. If you use package, you have to purchase single ticket between Osaka and Kyoto and you need to transfer at Kyoto when you go to Tokyo from Osaka. But if you have JR pass, you can take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka. It’s much more convenient. And you can use JR Pass to get Osaka from Kyoto. And also you can take JR trains throughout Japan, of course in Osaka and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you change your mind when you are in Kyoto or Osaka, you can go to Kobe, Nara or even Hiroshima or Kanazawa as day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
JR pass gives you more flexibility and much more useful.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com