What is the Sanyo Shinkansen?

The Sanyo Shinkansen connects Osaka with Western Japan (Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi) and Fukuoka (Hakata). It shares tracks with the Tokaido Shinkansen to the east and the Kyushu Shinkansen to the south, making it a major hub for cross-country travel.

  • Section: Shin-Osaka 〜 Hakata (Approx. 622 km)
  • Top Speed: 300 km/h
  • Trains: N700A, N700S, 500 series

👉 Conclusion:

  • Fastest → Nozomi or Mizuho
  • JR Pass Users → Sakura or Hikari
  • Cheapest → Kodama

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

NozomiJR Pass Not Available

Fastest, direct from Tokyo

  • Time：Approx. 2 hrs 17 mins
  • Stops：Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Hakata
MizuhoJR Pass Not Available

Fastest, direct to Kyushu

  • Time：Approx. 2 hrs 20 mins
  • Stops：Major stations between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima
Sakura

Balanced, direct to Kyushu

  • Time：Approx. 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Stops：Major + medium-sized stations
Hikari

Slower, stops at many stations

  • Time：Varies
  • Stops：Various stations
Kodama

Stops at every station

  • Time：Approx. 4 hrs
  • Stops：All stations
Shin-Osaka→Okayama
Approx. 46 minsApprox. 6,680 JPY
Shin-Osaka→Hiroshima
Approx. 1 hr 25 minsApprox. 10,840 JPY
Shin-Osaka→Hakata
Approx. 2 hrs 17 minsApprox. 16,060 JPY

Differences: Nozomi, Mizuho, Sakura, and Kodama

Nozomi

  • Direct from the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo).
  • Extremely frequent (up to 6 per hour).
  • JR Pass NOT accepted.

Mizuho

  • The fastest train connecting Osaka to the Kyushu Shinkansen (Kagoshima).
  • Very few runs per day (approx. 8 per day).
  • JR Pass NOT accepted.

Sakura

  • The main train connecting Osaka to the Kyushu Shinkansen.
  • Runs 1-2 times per hour.
  • JR Pass accepted.

Hikari / Kodama

  • Hikari makes more stops and runs mostly in the early morning or evening.
  • Kodama stops at every station. The famous 500 series (including the Hello Kitty Shinkansen) operates as a Kodama.
  • Seto Inland Sea: You can enjoy beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains between Aioi and Okayama, and between Hiroshima and Shin-Yamaguchi.
  • Book Seat A (South side / Left side when leaving Osaka) for the best ocean views.

Power Outlets

  • N700A / N700S: Outlets at window seats, front row, and back row (N700S has them at every seat).
  • 500 series (Kodama): No outlets.