From Kyoto to Osaka, shinkansen is the way to go. There are numerous high-speed trains in service on Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka. The fastest train Nozomi takes only 18 minutes for the journey.
|
Journey |
Time by Nozomi |
Time by Hikari |
Train Frequency /td> |
One-Way Fare |
|
Kyoto to Osaka |
12 min |
18 min |
Every 15-30 minutes |
3,550 yen |
There are three types of trains in service on Kyoto to Osaka shinkansen, with different running speeds and the number of intermediate stations. They are Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama.
1. Nozomi train: this is the fastest train, with limited stops only at major stations along the way including Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto. Most Nozami trains run from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka and further into Tohoku Shinkansen. Most services on Tokaido Shinkansen are Nozomi trains, with a maximum of 8 pairs of trains per hour. Japan Rail Pass cannot be used to take Nozomi trains.
2. Hikari train: this is the second fastest rail service. They have more intermediate stops than Nozami. Hikari runs two shifts per hour. Passengers holding Japan Rail Pass can take Hikari trains.
3. Kodama train: this is the slowest high-speed service. Kodama trains run two shifts per hour. They stop at every station along the Tokyo - Shin-Osaka route. Japan Rail Pass can be used to take Kodama trains.
Japanese train tickets can be purchased via 4 ways: use Japan Rail Pass, buy tickets at a maned ticket counter at a local train station, buy tickets at a self-service ticket machine at a local train station, or use Prepaid IC Cards.
For foreign travelers, JR Pass is the most convenient and the most cost-effective way of traveling around Japan by rail. You can use Japan Rail Pass to take trains, including Shinkansen, limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local trains, buses, and ships that are operated by JR Group, with unlimited rides during its validity period.
Japan Rail Pass can be ordered online at official websites of JR Group, for example: //www.japanrailpass.net/en/. After placing an order online, you will receive an Exchange Voucher. The voucher can be exchanged for a Japan Rail Pass at any time within 3 months.
Bullet trains in Japan offer two classes of seats: ordinary seat and green car seat.
Ordinary seats are the most common and can be found on all trains in Japan. Different level of trains, or trains that operated by different operators, have different layout of ordinary class. But they are all comfortable, clean and have sufficient leg room.
On shinkansen trains, ordinary seats are arranged as 3+2 across the carriage width. While on trains that other than shinkansen, e.g. limited express and express, ordinary seats are arranged as 2+2 across the carriage width.
Green car is equivalent to first class in Japan. You can identify the green car by the symbol of clover next to the door. The green car seating is more spacious, with more leg and elbow room. There are four seats (2+2) in a row on shinkansen trains, and 3 seats (2+1) in a row on limited express trains.
The green car gives you a more comfortable train travel experience. The seats are softer and can be reclined up to 40 degrees. Green cars are always quiet, even during peak seasons and holidays.
Green car seats are expensive than ordinary seats. All green car seats are reserved. Seats can be reserved a month prior to departure.
Tokyo Station is one of the largest and busiest train stations in Japan. Over 3,000 trains stop at this station per day.
Trains in Japan offer three classes of seat: ordinary seat, green car seat and gran class seat.
If you plan to take trains in Japan, JR Pass is an incredibly good value for money and can save you a lot of hassle.
