What is the Tokaido Shinkansen?

The Tokaido Shinkansen is Japan’s most heavily traveled route, connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Popular among both business travelers and tourists, “which train you choose” significantly impacts your travel time and experience.

  • Section: Tokyo 〜 Shin-Osaka (Approx. 553 km)
  • Top Speed: 285 km/h
  • Frequency: Up to 13 trains per hour

👉 Conclusion

  • Fastest → Nozomi
  • JR Pass Users → Hikari
  • Cheapest → Kodama

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

NozomiJR Pass Not Available

Fastest, fewest stops

  • Time：Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Stops：Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka
Hikari

Balanced option

  • Time：Approx. 3 hrs
  • Stops：Major + medium-sized stations
Kodama

Stops at every station

  • Time：Approx. 4 hrs
  • Stops：All stations (17 stations)
Tokyo→Nagoya
Approx. 1 hr 40 minsApprox. 11,300 JPY
Tokyo→Kyoto
Approx. 2 hrs 15 minsApprox. 13,320 JPY
Tokyo→Shin-Osaka
Approx. 2 hrs 30 minsApprox. 14,720 JPY

Differences: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama

If you are riding the Tokaido Shinkansen, here is what you need to know about the three trains.

Nozomi (The Fastest)

  • Tokyo 〜 Shin-Osaka: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Fewest stops
  • High frequency, easy to book
  • JR Pass NOT accepted

👉 If you value time, this is the only choice.

Hikari (Balanced)

  • Approx. 3 hours
  • JR Pass accepted
  • Stops at slightly more stations than Nozomi

👉 The go-to choice for JR Pass users.

Kodama (Cheapest)

  • Approx. 4 hours
  • Stops at every single station
  • Discount plans available

👉 Choose this only if you want to save money and have plenty of time.

The Mt. Fuji Seat (Important)

The absolute highlight of the Tokaido Shinkansen is the view of Mount Fuji.

  • Section: Mishima 〜 Shin-Fuji
  • View Duration: Approx. 5-10 minutes

👉 Recommended Seats

  • Tokyo → Osaka: E Seat (Right side window)
  • Osaka → Tokyo: A Seat (Left side window)

👉 Key Points

  • It cannot be seen on cloudy or rainy days.
  • It appears suddenly between tunnels, so be ready!

Power Outlets

  • N700A trains:

    • Outlets only at window seats, front row, and back row.

  • N700S trains:

    • Outlets at every single seat.

👉 If you want to work comfortably, aim for an N700S train.

Common Mistakes

⚠️ Watch out for these:

  • Trying to ride the Nozomi with a JR Pass (You will be fined/charged full price).
  • Booking the wrong side of the train and missing Mt. Fuji.
  • Taking the Kodama by mistake and losing a lot of travel time.