Author:Aura RuggeriPublished: April 25, 2022 (Updated: October 11, 2023)
This article was fact checked and it's 100% helpful.
When visiting Japan, two of the places needed to be visited are Osaka and Tokyo. We all know and love the capital city, Tokyo, for its bright lights, bubbly atmosphere and beautiful environment and Osaka is just as beautiful too.
With its delicious street food and buzzing nightlife, Osaka is a place that needs to be visited.
Japan is a small country with many desirable locations and because of this it is necessary to have easy access to travel from one place to the other.
With Osaka and Tokyo being the main points of interest, just how easy is it to get from point A to B?
Shinkansen Bullet Train
Japan relies on trains to function. They are convenient, affordable and offer a great service. With a bullet train, anyone can travel with little trouble.
This is a great option for those wanting to travel from Osaka to Tokyo and is our number one choice of travel.
To travel between Osaka and Tokyo you would need to take the Tokaido Shinkansen line which uses the Hikari, Nozomi and Kodama trains.
Travel Time
The time it takes to travel varies slightly depending on which train you choose to use, but not by a lot. The fastest train is the Nozomi; this takes 2 hours 30 minutes to travel.
There is also the option to travel via the Hikari which will take you 3 hours. If you are unlucky enough to miss these two or jump on the wrong train, the Tokaido train takes a very long 4 hours.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the cost can be reasonable if you use a Japanese Rail Pass – it is worth taking full advantage of this discount.
However, the general price is set at around 14,500 yen (approx. $127) for a one day ticket via the Nozomi train. The Hikari train costs 13,500 yen (approx. $118).
It is important to note that trains in Japan are typically very busy so you may find yourself standing up for the entire time.
To avoid this, you can book a seat (this is recommended for those traveling with family) however, this comes at an extra cost.
Plane Travel
The second best option is to travel using a plane. This is an ideal option for those traveling with a group or with young children. This is an option which is organized and that will get you to your destination easily.
Travel Time
The time it takes to travel between Osaka and Tokyo is very quick, only taking 1 hour 15 minutes. But with this said, this is still the second choice for a reason. When flying, there is a lot that goes into it.
You have to make sure you arrive at the airport hours prior to takeoff, you have to check in your bags and go through security.
All of this added up ends up taking longer than it would to travel by bullet train. Although the plane journey itself takes just over an hour, it is worth questioning how worth it this means of travel really is.
Pricing
The good thing about traveling by plane is the price. The cost does vary however on average you are looking at a price of as little as $40 and no more than $135.
Factors to consider when it comes to price is how much in advance you book, the day of the week and the time of day. Most of the time you will be able to get a flight for a reasonable price around the $40/$50 price.
Highway Bus/Night Bus
A bus is another method of travel which will guarantee you an easy journey at a desirable price. There is the option of catching a regular bus or a night bus.
Our recommendation is a night bus as you are able to relax, sleep on the bus throughout the night, the bus stops for regular bathroom and smoking breaks and you will be at your destination by morning ready for the day ahead.
Travel Time
This, out of the three, has the longest travel time. On average, a bus trip will take around 8 hours but can be as long as 10 hours. This is why a night bus is recommended.
As the travel time is so long, it is easier to sleep during the night – the time will pass by much quicker this way. Taking a night bus means that you will reach the next city by 6 or 7 o’clock in the morning.
Pricing
The cost to travel via bus is reasonably priced and an affordable option for many. The standard price is around 3000 yen which converts to about $26.
Traveling By Car
The final option is to travel between Osaka and Tokyo by car. Although this is possible, this is not favored by many as the road is always unpredictable.
Travel Time
On average, you should be looking at a car journey no longer than 6 hours. This has a reason to change due to roadworks or traffic.
Pricing
When it comes to cost, all that is needed to be considered is fuel and tolls. It is in the hands of the driver how much they spend on fuel, so it is tolls that should really be considered.
Toll fees are very high, costing as much as 10,000 yen (approx. $88). For this price and the number of variables, other options such as traveling by train are more convenient.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the distance between Osaka and Tokyo varies depending on the choice of travel, however traveling by train is highly recommended.
The trains are frequent meaning you don’t need to arrive hours in advance, the cost is reasonably affordable and you will be at your destination in a speedy 2 hours 30 minutes.
Before choosing your choice of travel, it is essential to explore all the factors in order to make your experience a pleasant one.
Soon enough, you will have made it to your destination and be able to delve into more of the wonders beautiful Japan has to offer.
Hi, I’m Aura Ruggeri and I want to make sure that no one makes the same mistake that I did.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
