Riding the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train, is a dream for many visitors. But before your trip, you may wonder: should I buy a JR Pass, or just buy single tickets? As a former tour conductor, I would like to share a simple way to decide.
The quick answer
- Just Tokyo and Osaka (round trip)? Single tickets are usually cheaper.
- Traveling a lot in one week? For example Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and back. Then the JR Pass may be worth it.
Single tickets
A reserved one-way ticket on the fastest train, the Nozomi, from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka costs about 14,700 yen and takes about two and a half hours. A round trip is about 29,000 to 30,000 yen.
You can book single Shinkansen tickets online in English. On the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, you can even go through the gate with a QR code.
Book Shinkansen tickets on Klook (affiliate link)
The JR Pass
The JR Pass lets you ride most JR trains, including the Shinkansen, as much as you like. From October 1, 2026, the 7-day ordinary pass costs 53,000 yen for adults.
One important thing: the JR Pass does not cover the fastest Nozomi trains by itself. To ride a Nozomi between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, you pay an extra supplement of about 4,960 yen. With the pass, you can take the Hikari or Kodama trains instead.
Check the 7-day JR Pass on Klook (affiliate link)
Tip: please book on the Klook website through these links, not in the app, so that everything goes smoothly.
My favorite: the slow Kodama
Here is a little secret from me. I get a bit tired when everything goes too fast. Of course, I take the Nozomi when I am in a hurry. But I really love the Kodama, the train that stops at every station.
The Kodama stops at small stations like Mishima and Fuji, so the trip feels slow and relaxed, almost like sightseeing. At some stations, you can even step off onto the platform for a moment. Between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, it takes about three hours and fifty minutes. If you have time, I think it is a lovely way to enjoy the journey itself.
A seat with a view of Mt. Fuji
When you travel from Tokyo toward Osaka, Mt. Fuji appears on the right side of the train. In the ordinary car, try to choose a window seat E. On a clear day, it is a view you will never forget.
From Tokyo Station
This photo was taken at Tokyo Station, where the Tokaido Shinkansen starts. The trains leave so often, and they are always right on time.
Are you planning to ride the Shinkansen? I hope you have a wonderful journey.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful trip to Japan.
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