Shinkansen Fares and Ticket Reservation Methods from Osaka to Yokohama
Overview of Travel Methods from Osaka to Yokohama
You can travel from Osaka to Yokohama using the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines. 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 Midosuji Subway 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 Yokohama
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes (when using the "Nozomi" bullet train)
- Fare for unreserved seats (no reservation required): Approximately 11,930 yen
- The fare for reserved seats, which require advance booking, is approximately 12,730 yen.
- Available trains: "Nozomi", "Hikari", "Kodama"
- The Shinkansen (bullet train) boarding station within Osaka City is "Shin-Osaka Station." The Shinkansen does not stop at "Osaka Station (Umeda)." Shin-Yokohama Station is about 4 minutes from Yokohama Station by JR conventional line and about 10-15 minutes by subway.
- JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Osaka and Yokohama?" below.
Yokohama's Appeal as a Tourist Destination
Yokohama is Japan's largest international port city, boasting attractive areas such as Minato Mirai, Chinatown, Yamate, and Motomachi. It also offers a wide variety of cuisine, including Chinese food, Yokohama ramen, and Kiyoken's shumai. It's easily accessible from Osaka, just about 1 hour and 53 minutes away by Shinkansen (bullet train).
Table of Contents
Shinkansen Fare from Osaka to Yokohama
Overall View of Shinkansen Fares from Osaka to Yokohama
The Shinkansen fare from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. The Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines operate trains such as "Nozomi," "Hikari," and "Kodama." The fares are approximate, and during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak 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, and Green Car Seats.
| Seat | Fare (Estimate) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved Seats (No Reservation Required) | Approximately 11,930 yen | No seat number is assigned; you can board if there are empty seats (not available on some trains). |
| Reserved Seats (Standard Class) (Advance Booking Required) | Approximately 12,730 yen | Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat. |
| Green Car | Approximately 17,290 yen | Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably. |
Features and Benefits of Unreserved Seats (No Reservation Required)
Unreserved seats, which do not require reservations, are the cheapest seating option. You do not need to purchase a reserved seat ticket in advance before boarding. However, some trains, such as the "Nozomi," may not have unreserved seats available. During peak seasons and busy morning and evening hours, these seats can fill up, so it is recommended to line up on the platform early.
Features and Usage Scenarios of Reserved Seats (Advance Booking Required)
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 Cars
Green Cars are 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 Yokohama, as well as for business travelers and special trips.
Travel Time from Osaka to Yokohama
Shortest Travel Time Between Osaka and Yokohama by Shinkansen
The travel time from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station varies depending on the train you take. The Shinkansen boarding station within Osaka City is "Shin-Osaka Station." The Shinkansen does not stop at "Osaka Station (Umeda)." Shin-Yokohama Station is approximately 4 minutes from Yokohama Station by JR conventional line and 10-15 minutes by subway. The estimated travel time from departure to arrival on the fastest train is approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes.
Estimated Travel Time and Differences Between Trains
If you use the "Nozomi" train, the journey from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Yokohama takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes. It is a direct service via Shin-Osaka, Nagoya, and Shinagawa. If you have a JR Pass, you cannot use the "Nozomi" train, so please use the "Hikari" train (approximately 2 hours and 10-30 minutes). The difference between the "Nozomi" and "Hikari" trains is approximately 17-37 minutes.
Speed and Features of the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen Lines
The Sanyo/Tokaido Shinkansen operates at a maximum speed of 285-300 km/h, and one of its attractions is its high on-time performance. This line is one of the busiest Shinkansen lines in Japan, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Comparison of Travel Time with Air Travel
When traveling between Osaka and Yokohama 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 Yokohama city center, in addition to the flight time. With the Shinkansen (bullet train), you can travel directly from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama 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 travel times can be significantly longer, especially during peak seasons and long holidays. JR conventional lines take two to three times longer to travel from departure to arrival than the Shinkansen. In terms of punctuality, travel time, and comfort, the Shinkansen is the best mode of transportation between Osaka and Yokohama.
Which Train is the Fastest?
Types of Trains Available
The "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" Shinkansen trains operate between Osaka and Yokohama. The Shinkansen boarding station within Osaka city is Shin-Osaka Station. Shinkansen trains do not stop at Osaka Station (Umeda). Shin-Yokohama Station is approximately 4 minutes from Yokohama Station by JR conventional line and approximately 10-15 minutes by subway. Each train makes different stops, so 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 Features
The fastest trains make fewer stops and have shorter journey times, while trains that stop at every station run more frequently and are easier to board. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so advance booking is recommended.
Comparison of Travel Time from Departure to Arrival
| Train | Main Stations Where the Train Stops (Shin-Osaka to Shin-Yokohama) | Travel Time from Departure to Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| "Nozomi", "Hikari", "Kodama" | See timetable | refer to the following |
*For details, please refer to the "Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station Shinkansen Timetable" below.
Recommended Trains Between Osaka and Yokohama
If time is your top priority, the fastest 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. It's a good idea to check departure and arrival times using transportation information services such as Ekitan to choose the most suitable train.
Points to Consider When Choosing a Train
When choosing a train between Osaka and Yokohama, first check if there are any trains that stop at Shin-Yokohama at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using services like SmartEX, EX Reservation (Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen), or Ekinet (Tohoku/Hokuriku Shinkansen) will make your journey smoother.
How to Book Shinkansen Tickets
Basic Methods for Purchasing Shinkansen Tickets
Shinkansen tickets between Shin-Osaka and Shin-Yokohama can be purchased in three ways: at the station's 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 peak season, reserved seats requiring 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 Station's Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi)
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) 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 and Shin-Yokohama have English-speaking counters, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with ease. Since the counters can get crowded at certain times, it is recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.
How to Use a Ticket Vending Machine
You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at 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 credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express are accepted, you don't need cash. Using a ticket vending machine is a smoother option if the ticket counters are crowded.
Online Reservations (SmartEX and EX Reservation, Online Reservation Services Provided by JR Central and JR West)
For online reservations, SmartEX and EX Reservation (online reservation services provided by JR Central and JR West) are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card (such as Suica) without needing a physical ticket. EX Reservation offers greater discounts than SmartEX and is especially recommended for frequent Shinkansen users. Visitors from overseas can also utilize the official website and travel booking sites (such as Klook and Railpass) which are available in English.
Points to Note When Making a Reservation
When booking a Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket between Osaka and Yokohama, be sure to confirm that the train stops at Shin-Yokohama Station. During peak seasons (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. Please 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 can be accessed from Osaka Station (Umeda) in about 5 minutes by JR conventional line or about 3 minutes by Midosuji Subway Line.
Can I use the JR Pass between Osaka and Yokohama?
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.
Regarding Use Between Osaka and Yokohama
| Train | JR Pass Usage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| "Nozomi" | Available by purchasing a ticket. | You can ride by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". |
| "Hikari" or compatible trains | Available | Reserved seats require advance booking (reservations are without additional charge). |
| "Kodama" or compatible trains | Available | Both unreserved seats (no reservation required) and reserved seats (advance reservation required) are available. |
Restrictions on the Use of "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" Trains
The "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains cannot be used with the JR Pass. If you have a JR Pass, please choose a train that can be used with the JR Pass, such as the "Sakura", "Hikari", "Kodama", "Hakutaka", or "Yamabiko" trains. Please note that the "Hayabusa" and "Komachi" trains on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines can be used with the JR Pass, but a separate reserved seat ticket (for a fee) is required.
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
The JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, so 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 Yokohama, you'll often get your money's worth from the JR Pass. Since ticket counters can get crowded on the day of travel, it's a good idea to reserve your seat in advance.
Osaka to Yokohama Shinkansen Timetable
Osaka-Yokohama Shinkansen Service Frequency
The Shinkansen bullet trains between Shin-Osaka and Shin-Yokohama operate frequently, even during the daytime. The "Nozomi," "Hikari," and "Kodama" trains are in service, and it's recommended to check the timetable in advance before departure. Extra trains may be added during peak seasons and tourist seasons.
First and Last Train Guidelines
The first trains departing from Shin-Osaka Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, while the last trains to Shin-Yokohama Station depart between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Using the early morning trains allows you to enjoy sightseeing in Yokohama from the morning. Alternatively, using the late-night last trains allows you to travel to Yokohama 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 Yokohama on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Shin-Osaka", arrival station "Shin-Yokohama", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.
Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station Shinkansen Timetable (Excerpt/Approximate)
| Departure (Shin-Osaka) | Train | Arrival (Shin-Yokohama) | Travel Time from Departure to Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | "Nozomi" No. 2 | 07:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| 07:00 | "Nozomi" No. 6 | 08:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| 08:00 | "Nozomi" No. 10 | 09:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| 09:00 | "Nozomi" No. 14 | 10:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| 10:00 | "Hikari" No. 492 | 12:10 | Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes |
| 13:00 | "Nozomi" No. 30 | 14:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| 16:00 | "Nozomi" No. 44 | 17:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| 19:00 | "Nozomi" No. 56 | 20:53 | Approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes |
*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 Shin-Yokohama section is particularly crowded during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. If you reserve a reserved seat online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.
Summary: Shinkansen from Osaka to Yokohama
The Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Osaka to Yokohama. Fares are approximately ¥11,930 for unreserved seats (no reservation required), ¥12,730 for reserved seats (reservation required), and ¥17,290 for Green Car seats. The fastest journey takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes, making it an efficient way to travel from Osaka to Yokohama. The Shinkansen departure station within Osaka city is "Shin-Osaka Station". Shinkansen trains does not stop at "Osaka Station (Umeda)". Shin-Yokohama Station is approximately 4 minutes from Yokohama Station by JR conventional line or 10-15 minutes by subway. If you have a JR Pass, you cannot use the "Nozomi" or "Mizuho" trains, so please choose a train that is eligible for JR Pass. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation (online reservation services provided by JR Central and JR West), etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Osaka and Yokohama.
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