Osaka and Tokyo are easily among the most prominent cities and tourist destinations in Japan, which is why there are so many methods to travel between the two cities. Depending on your budget, convenience, and time, you can comfortably choose from the various transportation options available.
Table of Contents
- Traveling between Osaka and Tokyo
- Information on the Methods of Transportation
- Things you need to know about the Shinkansen
- Summary
Traveling between Osaka and Tokyo
Why Tokyo and Osaka?
Tokyo as the Capital of Japan
At the end of the Meiji period, the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, was defeated by the Imperial soldiers and relinquished control to the Meiji Emperor. Tokyo, then known as Edo, was then chosen as the capital city of Japan, replacing Kyoto.
Being the capital city, Tokyo serves as the face of Japan. Hence, it is where most people visit when traveling to Japan, either as the beginning, end, or both ends of their trip. The various city centers and things to see and experience spread across its 23 wards and easy access makes it a never boring city.
Osaka as the face of the West
Osaka is a city full of hidden treasures. It is one of the most populated cities in Japan and is the face of the Kansai region, the western half of Japan. Osaka has a lot of wonderful views and activities that one can surely enjoy. It has delicious and invigorating foods that can fill your stomachs while you take a walk in its streets. Osaka is also popular for its spas so make sure that you do not miss out on the hype when you travel in Japan.
Writer's Pick
Information on the Methods of Transportation
There are a lot of ways one can travel to the different regions of Japan. You can either travel by land or air; land transportations available are trains, buses, and cars. If you want to travel through air, then you can book a flight.
Car Rentals
If you are the kind of tourist that is not a fan of public transportation or likes to go on a road trip, renting a car is a great option when traveling to Osaka from Tokyo or vice versa. Renting a car can take you there in about 5 to 6 hours, depending on how often you stop along the way, and can conveniently transport you to different places once you arrive without worrying about getting left behind by buses or trains and the horrors of rush hours.
Keep in mind, though, that renting a car comes with a hefty sum. The minimum cost to rent a car is around 7,000 yen per day for a compact car, more depending on the kind of vehicle being rented and the rates of rental companies. There are also additional toll gate fees, parking fees, and gas costs to consider. Tollgate fees cost around 10,000 yen when using the expressway (either Chuo or Toumei). Also, to rent a car, one must have an International Driving License (IDL) and a credit card. But if you’re traveling with a group of friends and have a lot of luggage and a lot of extra time with a desire to see the lesser traveled areas of Japan along the way, this is definitely an option to consider.
※Japan Automobile Federation, "Valid Driving License in Japan" ※ORIX Rent a Car, "TYPES/RATES"
Plane Tickets and Related Details
If you are in a rush to go to Tokyo or Osaka, then taking the plane is the fastest way to travel with just a little over an hour of travel. However, one aspect to consider would be the travel time and costs from the center of the cities to the airports. Haneda and Narita Airports are a bit far from the center of Tokyo, especially Narita, and can be expensive to get to. Kansai and Itami Airports are also not relatively near to the center of Osaka. On the bright side, you can get a plane ticket for as low as 5,000 yen (one way) when you buy it during promo periods or in the right month or day. Keep in mind to book your flight in advance (2 months or earlier before the actual flight) to get the best deals; otherwise the cost is as much or even more than a shinkansen ticket (discussed below).
Bus Rides
If you want to save money in Japan, taking a bus is the best option because of the low price compared to other transportation methods. Still, it is also the longest route available when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka or vice versa. Bus tickets can cost between 4,000 to 8,000 yen, and travel time can take 7 to 9 hours, a good option to consider if you want to sleep while traveling, especially if you travel by an overnight bus, cutting your room accommodation expenses for one night. There are a lot of buses that travel during day and night and you can either book tickets online or at the bus terminal, the earlier the better.
Japan’s Railway System
There are different types of trains that one can ride to the different cities and provinces of Japan. These are the "Shinkansen" or the Bullet Train or Super Express, Limited Express Trains, Express Trains, Rapid Trains, Local Trains, and Special Trains. Most trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), but those that are not covered would require you to pay ticket fees and additional fees.
Shinkansen vs. Regular Trains
The Shinkansen is the fastest train you could take when traveling using the railway transit to Osaka from Tokyo and vice versa. Time travel takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes or longer, depending on the route or train taken. The earliest train that you could catch is the 6 a.m. train, and the latest is the 9 p.m. train. Also, unlike flight schedules, you do not have to be early for inspections; just be there at least 10 - 15 minutes before the train arrives. Train stations are also nearer to city centers compared to the airports. Regular trains are much much slower with a lot of transfers but cheaper than Shinkansen with the right pass - but most people would not choose the regular train over the shinkansen for a trip this long.
Things you need to know about the Shinkansen
The Different Shinkansen Trains
When traveling to Osaka from Tokyo and vice versa, there are three options of shinkansen trains in order of speed: the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. The first one can take you between Osaka and Tokyo in about two and a half hours; the second option would take about 3 hours of travel time, while the third one takes over 4 hours of travel time. Note that if you have a JR Pass, a recommended pass if you are traveling around Japan as a tourist, you cannot use the Nozomi.
Train Stations (Osaka to Tokyo & v.v)
If you are to travel from Tokyo to Osaka then the station that you would use is Tokyo Station (you could also use Shinagawa Station). If you are travelling vice versa (Osaka to Tokyo) then Shin-Osaka station is where you start. A hint is to get on a train that starts in either station, marked as “originating at this station”, especially if your ticket is unreserved in order to better your chances of getting a seat and having ample overhead luggage space.
Ticket Prices
Shinkansen one-way train tickets cost around 14,000 yen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station. There are additional fees depending on the kind of seat you wish to reserve. For example, the green seats, which are bigger and more comfortable than regular seats. It is highly advisable to reserve seats when traveling during peak seasons. You can also buy unreserved tickets, which are a little bit cheaper, but you should allot time to make sure you can grab a seat. The Kodama Train (regular train) tickets can be found for 10,300 yen (discounted), additional fees included.
You can book tickets online, and through their offices, on the day you ride the train. Moreover, if you wish to have a JR pass during your stay then you have to book at least a day up to a month before your trip to Japan. Also if you have large suitcases, you are now required to pay extra to have them placed in designated areas on the shinkansen and need to be reserved in advance. Carry-on size luggage is free and can be stowed above your seat.
Summary
Traveling in a different country could be a little bit of a hassle and scary since you are not familiar with the place. One of the worst scenarios is to get lost, but for those with adventure souls, it would be really fun!
It is important to seek the best and suitable transportation first before traveling. Japan offers a variety of public transportation that lets you explore their country comfortably. Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, is the most convenient and cost-worthy, and one of the fastest ways to go to Osaka or Tokyo. Whatever option you choose, enjoy the ride, and never miss the fun of traveling!
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