Shinkansen fares and ticket booking methods from Nagoya to Odawara

Overview of travel methods from Nagoya to Odawara

You can travel from Nagoya to Odawara using the Tokaido Shinkansen. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We have also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, such as the rules for using the JR Pass and the types of trains you can use.

Basic information from Nagoya to Odawara

• Estimated travel time using Hikari: Approximately 1 hour 7-8 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (no reservation required): Approximately 8,570 yen
• The fare for reserved seats, which require advance booking, is approximately 8,900 yen ("Hikari" and "Kodama" trains).
• Available trains: "Hikari" and "Kodama"
• The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Odawara Station. Please use the "Hikari" or "Kodama" trains instead. The "Hikari" trains stop at Odawara approximately once every hour.
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Nagoya and Odawara?" below.

The appeal of Odawara as a tourist destination

Odawara is a castle town located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, known as a gateway to Odawara Castle, Suzuhiro Kamaboko (fish cake), and Hakone. It is famous for its long-established kamaboko shops dating back to the Edo period and its dried seafood, and the fresh seafood from Sagami Bay is also a major attraction. It is an ideal city for day trips, as it can be reached from Nagoya in as little as 1 hour and 7-8 minutes using the "Hikari" bullet train.

Shinkansen fare from Nagoya to Odawara

Overview of Shinkansen fares from Nagoya to Odawara

The Shinkansen fare from Nagoya Station to Odawara Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. The Tokaido Shinkansen operates both "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. The fares are approximate, and during high seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a high season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats, which require advance reservations. Discounted fares can be purchased using SmartEX or EX Reservation.

Comparison of fares for unreserved seats (no reservation required), reserved seats (reservation required), and Green Car seats.

Features and benefits of unreserved seats (no reservation required)

Unreserved seats, which do not require reservations, are the cheapest seating option. However, they can fill up during high season and busy times, so it's recommended to get to the platform early and queue up.

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats that require advance booking

Reserved seats, which require advance booking, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. Early bird discounts and other discounted fares may also be available when booking online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX.

Features and comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars are a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Nagoya and Odawara, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel time from Nagoya to Odawara

Estimated travel time for the Shinkansen from Nagoya to Odawara

The estimated travel time from Nagoya Station to Odawara Station using the Hikari Shinkansen is approximately 1 hour and 7-8 minutes. The total travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, so please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.

Shinkansen speed and features

Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their minimal delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules.

Comparison of travel time with air travel

When traveling between Nagoya and Odawara by plane, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to Odawara city center, in addition to the flight time. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often the more advantageous option when considering the total travel time.

Time comparison with cars and JR conventional lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during high seasons and long holidays, travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a conventional JR line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Nagoya and Odawara.

Which train is the fastest?

Types of trains operating between Nagoya and Odawara

Between Nagoya and Odawara, you can use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Odawara Station. Please use either the "Hikari" or "Kodama" train. The "Hikari" train stops at Odawara approximately once every hour.

Stations where each train stops and their characteristics

The fastest "Hikari" train makes the fewest stops and has the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats, which require advance booking, tend to sell out quickly during high season and on weekends, so advance booking is recommended.

Nagoya to Odawara: Travel time by train

The fastest train you can take between Nagoya and Odawara is the "Hikari," which takes approximately 1 hour and 7-8 minutes. The "Nozomi" does not stop at Odawara Station, so it cannot be used. The "Kodama" stops at all stations, so it takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to 2 hours and 9 minutes. Only about one Hikari train per hour stops at Odawara, so it is recommended to check the timetable before boarding. If you have a JR Pass, you can use the Hikari and Kodama trains as is.

Recommended trains between Nagoya and Odawara

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Hikari" train is recommended. Those with a JR Pass can use the "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains by purchasing a separate "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket." Please refer to the JR Pass section below to select the appropriate train.

Points to consider when choosing a train

When choosing a train between Nagoya and Odawara, first check which trains arrive at Odawara Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Nagoya and Odawara can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. During high season, reserved seats, which require advance booking, tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.

How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi)

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at major JR stations. Nagoya Station also has an English-speaking counter, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and French, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online reservations (SmartEX/EX reservations)

For online reservations, JR Central and JR West's "Smart EX" and "EX Reservation" services are convenient. Smart EX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or IC card without needing a physical ticket, by linking it to your transportation IC card (such as Suica). Visitors from overseas can also utilize official websites and travel booking sites (such as Klook) that support English.

Points to note when making a reservation

During high season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats that require advance booking tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can the JR Pass be used between Nagoya and Odawara?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, it allows unlimited travel on JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without additional charges. It can be purchased at travel agencies outside of Japan or at select ticket counters within Japan. A passport is required for use.

Regarding the use of JR Pass between Nagoya and Odawara

Trains that cannot be used with JR Pass

The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Odawara Station. Please use the "Hikari" or "Kodama" trains instead. The "Hikari" trains stop at Odawara approximately once every hour.

Conditions for using trains with JR Pass

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats that do not require reservations. If you wish to use a reserved seat that requires advance reservation, you must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Points to note when using JR Pass

Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plan involves visiting multiple cities, not just Nagoya to Odawara, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Shinkansen timetable between Nagoya and Odawara

Frequency of Shinkansen service between Nagoya and Odawara

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Nagoya and Odawara are the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. They run frequently even during the daytime, and extra trains may be added during high seasons and tourist seasons. Please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guideline for the first and last trains

The first trains departing from Nagoya Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, and the last trains to Odawara Station depart around 8:00-9:00 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy sightseeing in Odawara from the morning.

How to read a Shinkansen timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Nagoya and Odawara on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Nagoya", arrival station "Odawara", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.

Nagoya Station to Odawara Station Shinkansen Timetable (Excerpt/Approximate)

*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.

Peak hours and points to note

The Nagoya-Odawara route is particularly crowded during high seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. Booking your reserved seat online in advance will allow you to travel comfortably without worrying about crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Nagoya to Odawara

The Tokaido Shinkansen is the most convenient way to travel from Nagoya to Odawara. Fares are approximately ¥8,570 for unreserved seats (no reservation required), ¥8,900 for reserved seats ("Hikari"/"Kodama"), and ¥12,560 for Green Car seats. The journey time from departure to arrival on the Hikari train is approximately 1 hour and 7-8 minutes. The Nozomi train does not stop at Odawara Station. Please use either the Hikari or Kodama train. The Hikari train stops at Odawara approximately once per hour. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), reserved seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Nagoya and Odawara.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.