Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

Overview of travel methods from Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

You can travel from Shin-Yokohama 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 it on.

Basic information on travel from Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

• Estimated travel time using the Nozomi Shinkansen: Approximately 2 hours 03-09 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (no reservation required): 13,540 yen
• Reserved seat fares (advance booking required): 14,390 yen (Nozomi) / 14,070 yen (Hikari/Kodama)
• Available trains: "Nozomi", "Hikari", "Kodama"
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Yokohama and Osaka (Shin-Osaka)?" below.

The appeal of Osaka (Shin-Osaka) as a tourist destination

Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan," is Japan's largest city for food culture. In the bustling Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts, you can enjoy a variety of Osaka specialties such as takoyaki, kushikatsu, and okonomiyaki, while passing by the Kuidaore Taro statue. Exploring the fresh ingredients at Kuromon Market is also popular with international tourists. Osaka can be reached from Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) in as little as 2 hours and 3 minutes.

Shinkansen fare from Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

Overview of Shinkansen fares from Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

The Shinkansen fare from Shin-Yokohama 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 prices for unreserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seats.

Features and advantages of unreserved seating

General admission 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.

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 class. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Yokohama and Osaka (Shin-Osaka), as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel time from Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

Shortest Shinkansen journey time between Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

The estimated travel time from Shin-Yokohama Station to Shin-Osaka Station using the Nozomi Shinkansen is approximately 2 hours and 3 to 9 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 Yokohama and Osaka (Shin-Osaka) by plane, you need to factor in time for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to Osaka (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 Yokohama and Osaka (Shin-Osaka).

Which train is the fastest?

The difference between "Nozomi," "Hikari," and "Kodama"

Between Shin-Yokohama and Shin-Osaka, you can use the "Nozomi," "Hikari," and "Kodama" trains. The fastest is the "Nozomi," which takes approximately 2 hours and 3 to 9 minutes. While the "Nozomi" cannot be used with a JR Pass alone, it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket." If you do not purchase this ticket, please use the "Hikari" (approximately 2 hours and 33 to 44 minutes).

Stations and characteristics 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 Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

The fastest train between Shin-Yokohama and Shin-Osaka is the "Nozomi," which takes approximately 2 hours and 3 to 9 minutes. The "Hikari" makes stops at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kyoto, etc., and takes approximately 2 hours and 33 to 44 minutes. The "Kodama" makes stops at all stations and takes approximately 3 hours and 36 to 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 Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) and Osaka (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 Yokohama and Osaka (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.

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Shin-Yokohama 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 window

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 official website)

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 Yokohama and Osaka (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 for use between Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

Restrictions on the use of "Nozomi"

Between Shin-Yokohama and Shin-Osaka, you can use three types of trains: "Nozomi," "Hikari," and "Kodama." The fastest is the "Nozomi," which takes approximately 2 hours and 3 to 9 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 33 to 44 minutes).

Terms of Use for "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 Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka), you'll often get your money's worth from the JR Pass.

Shinkansen timetable from Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) to Osaka (Shin-Osaka) Shinkansen Service Frequency

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Shin-Yokohama 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 Shin-Yokohama 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 Yokohama and Osaka (Shin-Osaka) on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Shin-Yokohama (Yokohama) Station ⇒ Osaka (Shin-Osaka) Station (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-Yokohama 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 Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

The Tokaido Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Yokohama to Osaka (Shin-Osaka). The fare is approximately 13,540 yen for a non-reserved seat (no reservation required), 14,390 yen (Nozomi) / 14,070 yen (Hikari/Kodama) for a reserved seat (reservation required), and 19,260 yen (Nozomi) for a Green Car seat. The journey time from departure to arrival using the Nozomi train is approximately 2 hours and 3 to 9 minutes. Three types of trains are available between Shin-Yokohama and Shin-Osaka: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. The fastest is the Nozomi, taking approximately 2 hours and 3 to 9 minutes. While the Nozomi cannot be used with a JR Pass alone, 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 33-44 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 Yokohama and Osaka (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.