At a Glance
- Lines from Tokyo: Tokaido, Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku
- Main station: Tokyo Station
- Fastest train to Osaka: Nozomi, about 2.5 hours
Route Map路線図
Main stations on the route. Click a station for details.
Bullet Train Lines from Tokyo東京発の新幹線
All Shinkansen lines from Tokyo start at Tokyo Station. Westbound Tokaido Shinkansen trains also stop at Shinagawa and Shin-Yokohama on their way to Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka, where many continue onto the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Northbound trains on the Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku lines stop at Ueno and Omiya.
You can compare times on any route and book Shinkansen tickets on Omio.
Route Guides
- Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen: About 2 hours 15 minutes (Nozomi)
- Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen: About 2 hours 30 minutes (Nozomi)
- Tokyo to Nagoya by Shinkansen: About 1 hour 35 to 40 minutes (Nozomi)
- Tokyo to Hiroshima by Shinkansen: About 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours (Nozomi)
- Tokyo to Kanazawa by Shinkansen: About 2 hours 30 minutes (Kagayaki)
Tips for Riding the Shinkansen乗り方
Trains leave exactly on time, so be on the platform a few minutes early; the car number is painted on the platform where your door will stop. Reserved seats are worth booking at weekends and during Golden Week, Obon and New Year. On the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, suitcases with total dimensions of 161 to 250 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area. Book it when you reserve. The Japan Rail Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains. Since October 2023, pass holders can also ride Nozomi trains by buying a supplement ticket.
Plan Your Trip
Shinkansen tickets and things to do when you arrive.
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FAQよくある質問
Which station do bullet trains leave from in Tokyo?
All Shinkansen lines start at Tokyo Station. Tokaido trains also stop at Shinagawa and Shin-Yokohama; northbound trains stop at Ueno and Omiya.
What is the fastest Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka?
The Nozomi, which takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to Kyoto and 2 hours 30 minutes to Shin-Osaka.
Do I need to reserve Shinkansen seats?
Most trains have unreserved cars, but reserving is wise at busy times. Some trains, such as the Kagayaki to Kanazawa, are all-reserved.