Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Osaka to Shizuoka

Overview of travel methods from Osaka to Shizuoka

You can travel from Osaka to Shizuoka using the Tokaido Shinkansen. Note that the Shinkansen boarding station within Osaka city is "Shin-Osaka Station." The Shinkansen does not stop at "Osaka Station (Umeda)." Shin-Osaka Station is accessible from Osaka Station (Umeda) in approximately 5 minutes by JR Conventional Line or approximately 3 minutes by the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We have also compiled useful information for inbound travelers, such as JR Pass usage rules and the types of trains that can be used.

Basic information about traveling from Osaka to Shizuoka

• The shortest travel time using "Hikari" is approximately 1 hour and 49 to 59 minutes.
• Fare for Unreserved Seats (no reservation required): Approximately 10,560 yen
• The Fare for Reserved Seats, which require advance booking, is approximately 11,290 yen.
• Available trains: "Hikari" and "Kodama"
• The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station. Please use the "Hikari" or "Kodama" trains instead. The "Hikari" trains stop at Shizuoka approximately once every hour.
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Osaka and Shizuoka?" below.

Shizuoka's appeal as a tourist destination

Shizuoka is famous as Japan's largest tea-producing region and is a city where you can feel close to Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Southern Alps. Famous attractions include the view of Mount Fuji from Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and the Toro Ruins, and it also boasts a wealth of local cuisine such as Shizuoka oden, sakura shrimp tempura, and eel from Lake Hamana. The journey from Osaka takes about 1 hour and 49 to 59 minutes using the "Hikari" Shinkansen, making it a distance that can be enjoyed even on a day trip.

Shinkansen fare from Osaka to Shizuoka

Overall view of Shinkansen fares from Osaka to Shizuoka

The Shinkansen fare from Shin-Osaka Station to Shizuoka 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 season (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, 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.

Features and benefits of Unreserved Seats (no reservation required)

Unreserved Seats, which do not require reservations, are the cheapest seating option. However, some trains, such as the "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" services, may not have Unreserved Seats available. During high season and busy times, these seats can fill up, so it is recommended to line up on the platform early.

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. Reserved Seats are especially convenient for groups and families traveling together, as you can secure adjacent seats. If you book online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX, you may be eligible for early bird discounts or other discounted fares.

Features and comfort of Green Car

Green Car is a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard class. The seats are arranged in a 2+2 configuration (some are 2+1), and the reclining angle is significantly increased. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Osaka and Shizuoka, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel time from Osaka to Shizuoka

Shortest Shinkansen Travel Time between Osaka and Shizuoka

The shortest travel time from Shin-Osaka Station to Shizuoka Station using the Tokaido Shinkansen "Hikari" is approximately 1 hour and 49 to 59 minutes. Since the total travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.

The speed and features of the Tokaido Shinkansen

One of the attractions of the Tokaido Shinkansen is its high on-time performance rate. It is also appreciated for its low rate of delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules. Japan's Shinkansen boasts world-class safety and punctuality, and is used by many international tourists.

Comparison of travel time with air travel

When traveling between Osaka and Shizuoka 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 Shizuoka city center, in addition to the flight time. With the Shinkansen, you can travel directly from Shin-Osaka Station to Shizuoka Station without transfers, so the Shinkansen is often more advantageous in terms of 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 season and long holidays, the travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a JR Conventional Line takes two to three times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of punctuality, travel time, and comfort, the Shinkansen is the best mode of transportation between Osaka and Shizuoka.

Which train is the fastest?

Types of trains operating on the Tokaido Shinkansen

On the Tokaido Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka to Shizuoka), only "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains operate. "Nozomi" trains do not stop at Shizuoka Station. Please use either a "Hikari" or "Kodama" train. Approximately one "Hikari" train per hour stops at Shizuoka. Since each train makes different stops, the travel time from departure to arrival will vary. Please choose the train that best suits your destination and departure time.

Stations where each train stops and their characteristics

The fastest train, the "Hikari," makes the fewest stops and has the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Trains that stop at every station run more frequently and are easier to board, but they take longer to travel. Reserved Seats, which require advance reservations, tend to sell out quickly during high season and on weekends, so advance reservations are recommended.

Osaka (Shin-Osaka) to Shizuoka: Travel time by train.

The fastest train you can take between Shin-Osaka and Shizuoka is the "Hikari," which takes approximately 1 hour 49 minutes to 2 hours 01 minutes. Since only about one "Hikari" train per hour stops in Shizuoka, it's recommended to check the timetable before boarding. The "Kodama" train stops at every station and takes approximately 2 hours 29 minutes. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station and therefore cannot be used. Those with a JR Pass can use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains as is.

Recommended trains between Osaka and Shizuoka

If minimizing travel time from departure to arrival is your top priority, the "Hikari" train is recommended. It takes approximately 1 hour and 49-59 minutes to reach Shizuoka Station, maximizing your sightseeing time in Shizuoka. 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 Osaka and Shizuoka, first check if there are any trains that stop at Shizuoka Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother. Also, remember that your boarding station within Osaka city is "Shin-Osaka Station."

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Shin-Osaka and Shizuoka can be purchased in three ways: at the ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. In all cases, tickets can be purchased or reserved up to one month before the travel date. During high season, Reserved Seats, which require advance booking, tend to sell out quickly, so it's recommended to book early once your travel dates are finalized. Payment methods include credit cards, transportation IC cards, and cash.

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

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) at JR stations. Simply tell the staff your departure station, arrival station, date and time, number of passengers, and seat class to complete the process. Major stations such as Shin-Osaka Station and Shizuoka Station also have English-speaking counters, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with ease.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. Many of these machines now support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and French, allowing you to purchase tickets simply by following the on-screen instructions. Since they accept credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express, you don't need cash.

Online reservations (SmartEX/EX Reservation)

For online reservations, JR Central and JR West's SmartEX and EX Reservation services are convenient. SmartEX 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). EX Reservation offers greater discounts than SmartEX and is especially recommended for frequent Shinkansen users. 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

Please select "Shin-Osaka Station" as your departure station when making your reservation. You cannot board the Shinkansen from "Osaka Station". Please be sure to confirm that the train stops at Shizuoka Station. During high season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), Reserved Seats that require advance reservations tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend making your reservation as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can I use the JR Pass between Osaka and Shizuoka?

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 fees. It can be purchased at travel agencies outside of Japan or at select ticket counters within Japan. A passport is required for use.

JR Pass Usage between Osaka and Shizuoka

Trains that cannot be used with JR Pass

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

Conditions for using trains with JR Pass

For trains usable with the JR Pass, you can board Unreserved Seats without additional procedures. If you wish to use Reserved Seats, which require advance reservation, you must reserve your seat at a ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. Seat reservations themselves can be made without additional charges.

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 plans involve visiting multiple cities, not just Osaka to Shizuoka, you'll often get your money's worth from the JR Pass. Ticket counters can get crowded on the day of travel, so it's a good idea to reserve your seat in advance.

Osaka to Shizuoka Shinkansen Timetable

Shinkansen service frequency between Shin-Osaka and Shizuoka

The Tokaido Shinkansen line between Shin-Osaka and Shizuoka operates with "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. Trains run frequently even during the day, and extra trains may be added during high season 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 Shin-Osaka Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, while the last trains to Shizuoka Station depart between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Taking the early morning train allows you to enjoy sightseeing in Shizuoka from the morning. Using the late-night last train allows you to travel to Shizuoka on the same day, even after finishing your business in Osaka.

How to read a Shinkansen timetable

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

Shin-Osaka Station to Shizuoka 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 Shin-Osaka to Shizuoka route is particularly crowded during high season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. If you reserve your Reserved Seat online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Osaka to Shizuoka

The Tokaido Shinkansen is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Osaka to Shizuoka. Fares are approximately ¥10,560 for Unreserved Seats (no reservation required), ¥11,290 for Reserved Seats (reservation required), and ¥14,950 for Green Car. The fastest "Hikari" train takes approximately 1 hour and 49-59 minutes from departure to arrival. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station. Please use either the "Hikari" or "Kodama" train. The "Hikari" train stops at Shizuoka approximately once per hour. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), reserved seat ticket vending machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Osaka and Shizuoka.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen, conventional 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.