Nozomi
A convenient choice for the major cities. Stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka on the Tokaido section.
Useful forTokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto & Osaka
TOKYO · KYOTO · SHIN-OSAKA
Tokaido
Shinkansen
Japan’s iconic journey. Your next stop.
Connect Tokyo’s city lights, Kyoto’s timeless streets and Osaka’s food scene by bullet train. Find your route, choose your train and plan the journey with confidence.
17 stationsTokyo to Shin-Osaka
3 train servicesNozomi · Hikari · Kodama
1 remarkable tripDiscover Japan along the way
START YOUR JOURNEY
Find Tokaido Shinkansen tickets
Choose your stations, date and passengers.
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THE ESSENTIALS
Tokaido Shinkansen at a glance
The Tokaido Shinkansen is JR Central’s high-speed railway between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, via Nagoya and Kyoto. Choose Nozomi for the major cities, Hikari for selected additional stops, or Kodama for every station.
Content reviewedView official sources ↗
- Route
- Tokyo → Nagoya → Kyoto → Shin-Osaka
- Rail operator
- Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)
- Stations
- 17; Kodama stops at every station
- Train services
- Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama
- Osaka arrival station
- Shin-Osaka, with local connections into the city
- Ticket price
- Depends on route, service, date, seat and booking conditions
Shinkansen Tickets provides a booking service. JR Central operates the railway. Check the operator’s timetable for your exact train and stops.
WHERE WILL YOU GO?
Popular Tokaido Shinkansen routes
Start with a popular journey, then check departures and ticket options for your date.
01Culture & city breaks
Tokyo to Kyoto
From the capital to Kyoto’s temples, gardens and historic streets.
Around 2 hr 15 min by NozomiExplore route
02The full Tokaido journey
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka
Travel to Osaka, then connect to local trains for Umeda or Namba.
Around 2 hr 30 min by NozomiExplore route
03Gateway to central Japan
Tokyo to Nagoya
Discover central Japan, or change trains for the Hida region.
Around 1 hr 40 min by NozomiExplore route
Journey times are approximate station-to-station examples, not a timetable or connection guarantee. Actual times, prices and availability vary by departure. Source: JR Central timetable.
GET TO KNOW THE LINE
The Tokaido Shinkansen route
The Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, linking Japan’s three largest metropolitan areas through Nagoya. JR Central operates the line; some trains continue west onto the Sanyo Shinkansen.
Osaka-bound? Choose Shin-Osaka.
Read the full Tokaido travel guide Shinkansen trains use Shin-Osaka Station. For Osaka Station, Umeda or Namba, plan a local train or subway connection.
All 17 stations, east to west
Route schematic- TokyoSTART
- Shinagawa
- Shin-Yokohama
- Odawara
- Atami
- Mishima
- Shin-Fuji
- Shizuoka
- Kakegawa
- Hamamatsu
- Toyohashi
- Mikawa-Anjo
- Nagoya
- Gifu-Hashima
- Maibara
- Kyoto
- Shin-OsakaSANYO CONNECTION
Bold stations are served by Nozomi on the Tokaido section. Hikari stops vary; Kodama serves every station.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?
The same corridor, three stopping patterns. Choose the service that fits your destination.
Hikari
Connects the major cities with additional stops that vary by departure. Check your selected train if travelling to a smaller station.
Useful forA balance of speed & stops
Kodama
Stops at all 17 Tokaido Shinkansen stations. Useful for places such as Atami, Mishima and Shin-Fuji, with longer end-to-end journey times.
Useful forLocal stops along the line
Travelling with a Japan Rail Pass? Eligible Hikari and Kodama journeys are covered by the nationwide pass. Nozomi requires an additional special ticket. This site’s search offers individual tickets. Check official pass conditions ↗
UNDERSTAND YOUR TICKET
Tokaido Shinkansen ticket prices
A useful price comparison starts with the same route, date, service and seat type.
Basic fare
The fare for travelling between your departure and destination stations.
Shinkansen charge
The limited-express charge for using the Shinkansen. Service, reservation type and travel season can affect the amount.
Seat & booking options
Green Car travel adds a separate class charge. Review any booking-service fees and the displayed currency in your total.
These are fare components, not necessarily separate physical tickets. Some products combine them. Compare the total payable price and change or refund conditions before booking. Official ticket rules ↗
When should I book?
Standard JR reserved-seat sales generally open at 10:00 Japan time, one month before departure. Some official online products accept earlier reservations under different conditions. Booking-service request windows can also differ; an accepted request does not by itself mean your seat has been issued. Check the operator’s booking guidance ↗
A LITTLE PLANNING GOES A LONG WAY
Tokaido Shinkansen seats & luggage
Know your seat options, pack with the rules in mind and arrive ready to board.
Choose your seat
Ordinary Cars usually have a 3+2 layout, while Green Cars offer a roomier 2+2 layout. Reserved seating gives you an assigned seat; non-reserved seating depends on the train and date.
Compare seat classes ↗Plan for larger luggage
If your bag’s three dimensions total over 160 cm and up to 250 cm, arrange a seat with an oversized baggage area. Confirm the required seat option before booking; bags over 250 cm cannot be brought aboard.
Check JR Central luggage rules ↗Look out for Mount Fuji
Heading from Tokyo towards Kyoto? Look to the right near the Shin-Fuji area. On the return trip, look left. Clear weather makes all the difference; the mountain view is never guaranteed.
A favourite moment along the Tokaido lineMeasure your suitcase before you book
Up to 160 cm total
Use the overhead rack or space at your feet if the bag fits safely. Some trains have shared deck storage. Space is limited.
Over 160 cm, up to 250 cm
Reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area. The deck-storage trial does not remove this requirement for oversized suitcases.
Over 250 cm total
Not allowed aboard. Arrange alternative luggage transport. The usual allowance is two pieces, each up to 30 kg and 2 m long.
Total size means height + width + depth. Small personal items and special items such as strollers, musical instruments and sporting equipment have separate rules. Oversized baggage guidance · Full carry-on limits
Check Nozomi seating for busy travel dates. Nozomi uses all-reserved seating during designated peak periods. Non-reserved seats on other services can also be crowded. View the current dates and boarding rules ↗
FROM SEARCH TO STATION
How to book your Tokaido Shinkansen tickets
Pick a journey that works for you. Review the full price, seat details and ticket conditions before completing your booking.
Find my train- 01
Search your journey
Enter your departure and arrival stations, travel date, and number of adults and children.
- 02
Compare the available options
Check departure and arrival times, train service, seat class, total price and change or refund conditions.
- 03
Check your confirmation and boarding instructions
Follow the instructions for your specific ticket. Some products require ticket collection; do not assume every confirmation or QR code opens the station gates.
Read the ticket pickup guide ↗
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Tokaido Shinkansen FAQs
The essentials for planning your bullet train journey.
Visit JR Central for service updates ↗What is the Tokaido Shinkansen?
The Tokaido Shinkansen is the high-speed railway operated by JR Central between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. It serves Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto, with Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama services offering different stopping patterns.
How long does the Tokaido Shinkansen take from Tokyo to Osaka?
A fast Nozomi service typically takes around 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka. Hikari and Kodama take longer. The Shinkansen arrives at Shin-Osaka, not Osaka Station; allow extra time for your local connection. Check search results for the exact duration of your departure.
How much do Tokaido Shinkansen tickets cost?
The price depends on the route, service, travel date, seat class and ticket conditions. A journey generally includes a base fare and a Shinkansen limited-express charge. Search your journey to see the available ticket options, and review the total price and any service fees before paying.
Can I use the Japan Rail Pass on the Tokaido Shinkansen?
The nationwide Japan Rail Pass covers eligible Hikari and Kodama travel within its conditions. Nozomi requires a separate special Nozomi/Mizuho ticket purchased in addition to a valid pass. Regional passes have different coverage. This search is for individual train tickets; check the official pass website for pass reservations and current rules.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
A reserved seat is useful if you want a specific departure, are travelling together, or are visiting during a busy period. Non-reserved seating depends on the service and date, and a seat is not guaranteed. Nozomi operates with all seats reserved during designated peak travel periods; check the operator’s announcement for your dates.
Can I bring a large suitcase?
For a suitcase whose height, width and depth total over 160 cm and up to 250 cm, reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area. The general allowance is up to two pieces, each no heavier than 30 kg and no longer than 2 m; small personal items and some special items have separate rules. Bags over 250 cm are not permitted. The trial of unreserved deck storage does not remove the reservation requirement for oversized suitcases.
Which side of the train has a Mount Fuji view?
From Tokyo towards Kyoto or Shin-Osaka, Mount Fuji is on the right; towards Tokyo, it is on the left. In a typical Ordinary Car layout, this is the E-seat side. Weather and visibility determine whether you can see the mountain, and a particular seat is subject to availability.
Does the Tokaido Shinkansen go to Hiroshima or Hakata?
The Tokaido line ends at Shin-Osaka. Some trains continue onto the Sanyo Shinkansen towards Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata. Search your full journey to check whether the available option is direct or requires a transfer.
How far in advance can I book a Tokaido Shinkansen ticket?
Booking windows depend on the seller and product. Standard JR reserved-seat sales generally open at 10:00 Japan time one month before departure. Some official online products accept earlier reservations with train and seat details finalized later. A request accepted by a booking service is not the same as an issued ticket: check the product’s confirmation and issuance conditions.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
Official sources & travel updates
Rules checked on . Recheck the operator’s current guidance before travelling.
- JR Central: Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen timetable ↗
Stations, stopping patterns and scheduled journey times.
- JR Central: types of tickets ↗
Basic fare and Shinkansen limited-express tickets.
- JR Central: Nozomi seating during peak periods ↗
All-reserved seating periods and advance-booking conditions.
- JR Central: oversized baggage ↗
The 160 cm threshold, required baggage-area reservations and the deck-storage trial.
- JR Central: personal belongings ↗
Two-item allowance, weight, length and size limits, with exceptions.
- JAPAN RAIL PASS: using Nozomi and Mizuho ↗
The additional special ticket required alongside a valid nationwide pass.
This page provides travel planning information. Live search and your selected ticket conditions determine the available services, final price and ticket-issuance process.
YOUR JAPAN JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Next stop: somewhere unforgettable.
Search Tokaido Shinkansen tickets for your travel date.