The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is Japan’s original high-speed rail route and the busiest bullet train corridor in the country. Running between Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station, it connects Japan’s political capital, major business districts, and historic cultural centers in one seamless journey.

Linking the Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai regions, the Tokaido Shinkansen plays a vital role in both domestic travel and international tourism, carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers daily between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Join us as we hop aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, sharing everything you need to know before riding Japan’s iconic bullet train.

What is the Tokaido Shinkansen?

The Tokaido Shinkansen officially opened on October 1, 1964, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. It was the world’s first high-speed rail line and revolutionized train travel globally.

Stretching approximately 515 kilometers (320 miles), the line is operated by JR Central (JR Tokai) and forms the backbone of Japan’s high-speed rail network. Through services continue west onto the Sanyo Shinkansen toward Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Today, the Tokaido Shinkansen operates at speeds of up to 285 km/h (177 mph) using modern N700 series trainsets. It remains one of the most punctual and heavily used high-speed rail lines in the world.

The line offers three main service types—Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama—providing flexibility for business travelers, tourists, and JR

Where does the Tokaido Shinkansen stop?

The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo in eastern Japan with Shin-Osaka in western Japan, serving major cities along the Pacific corridor.

Tokaido Shinkansen Stops: Stations along the Route

The line begins at Tokyo Station and ends at Shin-Osaka Station, stopping at key urban and transportation hubs along the way.

Below is a simplified overview of stations and key transfer options.

Major highlights along the route include Mount Fuji views between Shin-Fuji and Mishima (on clear days), historic Kyoto temples, and Osaka’s food scene.

Trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line

There are three main train types operating on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line.

Nozomi

The Nozomi is the fastest and most frequent service on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

• Stops at: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka (select trains may stop at additional stations)
• Departures: Up to every 10 minutes during peak times
• Travel time: About 2 hours, 30 minutes (Tokyo → Shin-Osaka)
• Average ticket price: ¥14,000–¥15,500 (reserved)
• JR Pass: Not covered by the nationwide JR Pass (supplement required)
• Unreserved cars: Typically Cars 1–3

Nozomi trains are ideal for business travelers prioritizing speed.

Hikari

The Hikari offers a balance between speed and station coverage.

• Stops at: Major stations plus additional regional stops
• Departures: About two per hour
• Travel time: Around three hours (Tokyo → Shin-Osaka)
• Average ticket price: Approx. ¥14,000–¥15,500 (reserved)
• JR Pass: Fully covered
• Unreserved cars: Typically Cars 1–5

Hikari is the fastest option for JR Pass holders.

Kodama

The Kodama stops at every station on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line.

• Stops at: All stations
• Departures: About one to two per hour
• Travel time: Approximately four hours (Tokyo → Shin-Osaka)
• Average ticket price: Slightly lower for unreserved seats
• JR Pass: Fully covered
• Unreserved cars: Usually Cars 1–7

Kodama is ideal for exploring regional cities like Shizuoka or Hamamatsu.

Find out more: Mount Fuji Viewing Spots Around Shizuoka City

Tokaido Shinkansen: Ticket Prices

Ticket prices on the Tokaido Shinkansen depend on distance, seat type, and train category.

For the full route from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, fares typically range from:

• ¥13,870–¥14,500 for unreserved seats
• ¥14,500–¥15,500 for reserved seats
• ¥19,000–¥20,500 for Green Car seats

Unreserved seats are the most economical option and do not require advance booking. Green Car tickets provide wider seating, extra legroom, and a quieter cabin.

Prices vary slightly by season (peak, regular, and off-peak periods).

For the most accurate and up-to-date fares, travelers should check SmartEX booking platforms or tap the Klook button below for limitless exploration with a JR Pass.

Which passes cover the Tokaido Shinkansen?

Here is a table of the available rail passes in Japan, and their coverage on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line.

Source: Japan Rail Pass

Popular destinations on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train

Does the Tokaido Shinkansen go to Tokyo?

Yes. Tokyo Station is the eastern terminus of the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Does the Tokaido Shinkansen go to Osaka?

Yes. The Tokaido Line terminates at Shin-Osaka Station.

Does the Tokaido Shinkansen go to Kyoto?

Yes. Kyoto is one of the major stops along the route, approximately two hours, 15 minutes from Tokyo by Nozomi.

How to use the Tokaido Shinkansen?

Boarding with QR tickets

QR tickets booked via SmartEX allow passengers to pass through Shinkansen gates by scanning a code on their smartphone. The easiest way to do this is to download the SmartEX app, then:

1. Go to ‘My Trips’
2. Tap ‘Details’
3. Head to the ‘Display QR-Ticket’ page
4. Tap ‘Display QR-Ticket’
5. Scan your QR as you pass through the ticket gate

Note: After displaying your QR ticket, you can also add it to your Apple Wallet, print, send via email, or copy the URL.

Boarding with IC Card

Some SmartEX tickets can be linked to IC cards like Suica and ICOCA, enabling paperless tickets and tap-and-go entry.

• Get your IC ID Number: Open Apple Wallet/Google Pay, tap your IC Card, select info (i), and locate the 17-digit IC card number (starts with JE). If you have a physical IC card, you can find this number on the back of the card.
  
• Register on your booking app:
  • SmartEX (Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu): Download the app, register, and add your IC ID number under "My IC Card List."
    
  • JR-EAST Train Reservation (Eki-Net): Sign up on the site and enter your IC ID when purchasing or in your profile.
    
• Link ticket to IC card: During booking, select "Use IC Card" as your ticket type.
  
• Boarding: Tap your phone at the Shinkansen automatic ticket gate. A seat information stub may print, but it is not required for boarding.

For more guidance, follow this Shinkansen E-Ticket Guide by JR East.

Boarding with paper tickets

Paper tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or counters and inserted at the Shinkansen gates.

Already purchased tickets? Here’s how to pick them up. You will need the pickup code (a QR code or 16 digits) and the login password (4-8 alphanumeric characters) to pick up your tickets at ticket vending machines in main JR Central, JR West, or JR Kyushu stations.

Follow the SmartEX Beginner Guide or Boarding Guide for more details.

Explore Japan on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line

The Tokaido Shinkansen is the fastest and easiest way to travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. Whether you’re visiting Mount Fuji, exploring Kyoto’s temples, or heading to Osaka for street food, the line offers unmatched speed, comfort, and reliability.

To make memories as soon as you step off the train, check out our top Things to Do Near Tokyo Station, head to Nagoya Castle, and explore the colors of Kyoto.

Tokaido Shinkansen FAQs

Is the Tokaido Shinkansen covered by the JR Pass?

Yes, but only Hikari and Kodama services are fully covered. Nozomi trains require an additional supplement.

Do I need to reserve seats on the Tokaido Shinkansen?

Reservations are optional for unreserved cars but highly recommended during cherry blossom season, Golden Week, Obon, and New Year in Japan.

How much is a Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Expect to pay around ¥13,000–¥15,000 depending on seat type and season.

How long is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka?

The Nozomi takes about two hours, 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The Hikari takes around three hours.

Can I see Mount Fuji from the Tokaido Shinkansen?

Yes. Sit on the right-hand side when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka for the best chance of viewing Mount Fuji between Shin-Fuji and Mishima stations (weather permitting). If traveling from Osaka to Tokyo, sit on the left-hand side instead.

Is luggage allowed on the Tokaido Shinkansen?

Yes. Standard luggage is allowed. Bags with total dimensions over 160 cm require a reserved seat with oversized baggage space.

What is the difference between Nozomi and Hikari?

Nozomi is faster and stops at fewer stations, but is not fully covered by the JR Pass. Hikari is slightly slower, but is fully covered by the JR Pass.