The way to Osaka from Tokyo
Tokyo is the center of the largest metropolitan area, the Kanto region, and Osaka is the center of the second largest metropolitan area, the Kinki region.
Many people travel between these two cities.
Night bus
Night buses are operated by several companies.
In most cases, departing Tokyo between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, you arrive in Osaka between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
The estimated time required is 8 hours.
The cost starts from ¥4,000.
(2026 January)
Car (High way)
Expressway tolls start at ¥10,000. Travel time is approximately 6 hours.
Traffic congestion is possible.
Generally, the Shin-Tomei Expressway and Shin-Meishin Expressway are used.
I recommend using an ETC card for automatic payment of expressway tolls.
(2026 January)
Local train line
Fares start at ¥8,800.
Approximate travel time: 10 hours.
Number of transfers: 9.
Not recommended for those unfamiliar with the route.
(2026 January)
Shinkansen
Tokyo station to Shin-Osaka station.(Tokaido Shinkansen JR Central)
There are three types of Super Express.
↓one way
| non-reserved | reserved seat | Green car (business class) | |
| Nozomi express 2h20min | (Yen) 13,870～ | 14,720～ | 19,590～ |
| Hikari 2h55min | 13,870～ | 14,400〜 | 19,270～ |
| Kodama 3h45min | 13,870～ | 14,400〜 | 19,270～ |
Prices may increase by about 400 yen depending on the season.
Discount tickets are also available.
There are also package tours.
-For example, Tokai Tours’ Plat Kodama package allows you to ride the Kodama train’s Green Car between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka for ¥12,850, with fixed boarding and alighting stations. It also includes a package that allows you to exchange one drink at designated shops.
https://travel.jr-central.co.jp/top/dpsitetop/?agentCode=jtt#
Shin-Osaka station to Osaka station
1.Go to JR ticket gate
2.Go to JR platform
3.Get on a train to Osaka station
(Get on local, rapid or special rapid service)
170yen 4min
or
If your Shinkansen ticket says “大阪市内(Osaka City),”
1.Go to JR local line transfer gate
2.Insert your Shinkansen passenger ticket into transfer gate.
3.Get on a train to Osaka satation
(Get on local, rapid or special rapid service)
(In this case, the fare to Osaka Station is included in the Shinkansen ticket. This is common when purchasing a paper ticket.)
Shin-Osaka station to Umeda station, where is close to Osaka station
1.Go to Osaka Metro ticket gate
2.Go to Osaka Metro Midosuji line platform
3.Get on a train to Umeda Station.
240yen 6min