Shinkansen Fares and Ticket Reservation Methods from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka - Ekitan

Overview of How to Travel from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

You can travel from Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station 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 on Travel from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

  • Estimated Travel Time using the "Nozomi" Shinkansen: Approximately 2 hours and 15-20 minutes
  • Fare for unreserved seats (no reservation required): 13,870 yen
  • Fare for reserved seats (advance booking required): 14,720 yen ("Nozomi") / 14,400 yen ("Hikari"/"Kodama")
  • Available trains: "Nozomi", "Hikari", "Kodama"
  • JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka?" below.

The Appeal of Osaka (Shin-Osaka) as a Tourist Destination

Osaka is a fascinating city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Osaka Castle and its keep, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, are a classic Osaka tourist spot, and the surrounding Osaka Castle Park is popular for cherry blossom viewing and leisurely strolls. The Osaka Museum of History offers a glimpse into Osaka's 2,000-year history, and ancient temples and shrines such as Shitennoji Temple are scattered throughout the city. It can be accessed from Shinagawa in as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Shinkansen Fare from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

Overview of Shinkansen Fares from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

The Shinkansen fare from Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Tokaido Shinkansen, you can use the "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains. 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.

Comparison of Fares for Unreserved Seats, Reserved Seats, and Green Car Seats

SeatFare (Estimate)Features
Unreserved Seats (No Reservation Required)13,870 yenNo seat number is assigned; you can board if there are empty seats.
Reserved Seats (Advance Booking Required)14,720 yen ("Nozomi") / 14,400 yen ("Hikari"/"Kodama")Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat.
Green Car19,590 yen ("Nozomi")Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably.

Features and Advantages of Unreserved Seating

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

Shinkansen seats

Features and Usage Scenarios of Reserved Seats

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 Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel Time from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

Shortest Shinkansen Travel Time between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka

The estimated travel time from Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station using the "Nozomi" Shinkansen is approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 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.

The Speed and Features of the Tokaido Shinkansen

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 Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka 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 Shin-Osaka city center, in addition to the flight time. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often more advantageous when considering the total travel time.

Time Comparison with Cars and Conventional Trains

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, the 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 Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka.

Departure board for the Tokaido Shinkansen

Which Train is Faster?

The Difference Between "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama"

Between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka, you can use the "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains. The fastest is the "Nozomi", which takes about 2 hours and 15-20 minutes. You cannot ride the "Nozomi" with just a JR Pass, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive "Nozomi"/"Mizuho" Ticket". If you do not purchase a ticket, please use the "Hikari" (approximately 2 hours and 44-53 minutes).

Stopping Stations and Features of Each Train

The fastest train, "Nozomi", 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 peak season and on weekends, so advance booking is recommended.

Travel Time by Train from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

The fastest train between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka is the "Nozomi", which takes approximately 2 hours and 15-23 minutes. The "Hikari" makes stops at Odawara, Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kyoto, etc., and takes approximately 2 hours and 44-53 minutes. The "Kodama" makes stops at all stations and takes approximately 3 hours and 47-51 minutes. JR Pass holders cannot ride the "Nozomi" with the JR Pass alone, but can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive "Nozomi"/"Mizuho" Ticket". If you do not purchase a ticket, please use the "Hikari".

Recommended Trains between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Nozomi" train is recommended. However, if you have a JR Pass, there may be some trains that are not compatible, so please refer to the JR Pass section below and choose a train that suits your needs.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Train

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

Ticket machine

How to Book Shinkansen Tickets

Basic Methods for Purchasing Shinkansen Tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. During peak 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 at the Station Ticket Office

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations. English-speaking counters are also available, 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, and Korean, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online Booking (SmartEX and Official Websites)

For online reservations, SmartEX and EX Reservation, offered by JR Central, JR West, and others, are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card (such as Suica) without needing to purchase a physical ticket.

Points to Note When Making a Reservation

During peak 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 Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka?

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, you can ride JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without any additional fees.

Availability between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka

TrainJR Pass UsageRemarks
"Nozomi"Available with the purchase of a special ticket.You can ride by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive "Nozomi"/"Mizuho" Ticket".
"Hikari"AvailableBoth unreserved seats (no reservation required) and reserved seats (advance reservation required) are available.
"Kodama"AvailableBoth unreserved seats (no reservation required) and reserved seats (advance reservation required) are available (the travel time from departure to arrival will be longer).

Use on the "Nozomi"

Between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka, you can use three types of trains: "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama". The fastest is the "Nozomi", which takes about 2 hours and 15-20 minutes. You cannot ride the "Nozomi" with just a JR Pass, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive "Nozomi"/"Mizuho" Ticket". If you do not purchase a ticket, please use the "Hikari" (approximately 2 hours and 44-53 minutes).

Use on the "Hikari" and "Kodama"

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 plans involve visiting multiple cities, not just Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka, you'll often get your money's worth from the JR Pass.

Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Timetable

Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Service Frequency

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka are "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama". They run frequently even during the daytime, so please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guideline for the First and Last Trains

The first trains departing from Shinagawa Station leave early in the morning, and the last trains depart around 10 PM to midnight.

How to Read a Timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station (Excerpt, Approximate)

DepartureTrainArrival (Shin-Osaka)Travel Time from Departure to Arrival
06:00"Nozomi" No. 9908:16Approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes
06:07"Nozomi" No. 108:22Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
06:28"Hikari" No. 63109:21Approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes
06:40"Nozomi" No. 509:00Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
07:10"Hikari" No. 70109:57Approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes
09:10"Hikari" No. 70511:57Approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes
18:07"Nozomi" No. 11920:27Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
21:19"Nozomi" No. 45123:39Approximately 2 hours and 20 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 Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka 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 Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka

The Tokaido Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka. The fare is approximately 13,870 yen for an unreserved seat (no reservation required), 14,720 yen ("Nozomi") / 14,400 yen ("Hikari"/"Kodama") for a reserved seat (reservation required), and 19,590 yen ("Nozomi") for a Green Car seat. The travel time from departure to arrival using the "Nozomi" train is approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 minutes. Three types of trains are available between Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka: "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama". The fastest is the "Nozomi", which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 minutes. The "Nozomi" cannot be ridden with a JR Pass alone, but it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive "Nozomi"/"Mizuho" Ticket". If you do not purchase a ticket, please use the "Hikari" train (approximately 2 hours 44-53 minutes). Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated 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 Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka.

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.