| Distance | 402 km (251.3 miles) |
| Price range | $17-$310 |
| Ride Duration Range | 1h 10m-10h 24m |
| Earliest Departure | 21:40 |
| Latest Departure | 23:25 |
| Most Popular Operator | Shinkansen JR Central |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 7h
Cheapest bus: $17
Osaka is modern and packed with oodles of culture. As the second largest city in the country, there's plenty to do and see — and lots of delicious food to taste (hello, okonomiyaki and takoyaki.)
So, how can you top your Japanese travels after Osaka? It's time to visit the one city larger than Osaka — Tokyo!
Tokyo is a unique world packaged up into a metropolitan area. With non-stop nightlife, advanced public transport, and enough ramen to make a foodie tear up, it's hard not to have a good time.
There's another reason you should embark on this journey. Sometimes, you see Mount Fuji on the way! But more about that spectacular sight below.
The distance between Tokyo and Osaka is approximately 515 km (320 miles) by land. The main ways to travel are by bus, plane, and train. Your journey can be as short as one hour or up to nine hours. It depends on whether you live in the fast or slow lane.
Don't decide until you have all of the facts. Scroll down to discover more about this route so your future self can enjoy Tokyo and some fresh sushi in peace.
Alongside being the capital, Tokyo is one of the largest urban areas in the world. Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. Here are some places to see on your visit:
Visit the Shinjuku District. Also known as Tokyo's entertainment district, Shinjuku is a busy neighborhood that should be on everyone's itinerary. You'll find late-night bars, karaoke, and more restaurants than any other area.
Conquer your fears at the Tokyo Skytree. Are you afraid of heights? The Skytree is the tallest tower in the world. Brave visitors can soak up the iconic skyline from the top.
Walk across Shibuya Crossing. The Shibuya Crossing may sound dull at first. It's a road crossing in a busy area of the city. However, the area is populated by ultramodern screens, and 1,000 to 2,500 people cross every two minutes.
Get zen at Yoyogi Park. Experience 134 acres of green space in the middle of the Shibuya district. A perfect spot to relax after the chaos of the crossing.
Watch a traditional Sumo match. Culture and sport meet with sumo matches at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Book tickets in advance to witness this fantastic show.
Tokyo has a reputation as an expensive city, and it's true that it's not the cheapest place on earth. However, it absolutely can be traveled on a budget by comparing travel prices, booking hostels, and eating delicious street food from Tokyo's many markets (e.g., Tsukiji Outer Market).
The main ways to get from Osaka to Tokyo include bus, plane, and train. Here's what sets them apart:
Buses from Osaka to Tokyo are the cheapest option but also the slowest. Prices start at $29 per person and can go up to $79 per person, depending on the bus provider and amenities onboard.
The average travel time is between seven to nine hours. Make sure your Kindle is charged before this journey.
Typical amenities on these buses include large luggage storage, A/C, and individual seats. Most buses have WC facilities onboard.
Buses depart from a range of locations, such as Umeda, Universal Studios Osaka, Kansai Airport, and bus stations in central Osaka. You'll arrive at a central bus station in Tokyo or Shinjuku.
This route is best if you're slow traveling, so you can save your yen and splurge on Asahi while in the capital.
Planes are the quickest way to get from Osaka to Tokyo. But you need to decide which airport you're arriving at.
Narita Airport is larger than Haneda Airport. However, Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo. You can reach downtown Tokyo in 40 minutes from Haneda or 1 hour and 30 minutes from Narita.
Tickets start at $49 per person to Narita Airport. Tickets to Haneda Airport start at $90 but can go up to $250, depending on the provider and amenities.
The flight time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You'll depart from Kansai International Airport and arrive at Narita or Haneda Airports.
In-flight amenities include WC, individual seats, and A/C. Snacks aren't guaranteed. Buy some at the airport before you depart.
Pro tip: On a clear day, you'll see Mount Fuji for around 30 minutes during the flight. It appears on the left side when you go from Osaka to Tokyo.
Trains from Osaka to Tokyo are more expensive than buses. In fact, they nearly cost the same as some flights (starting at $99 per person).
However, if you want to experience something futuristic, now's the time to spend. The train from Osaka to Tokyo is the iconic Shinkansen ultra-fast bullet train.
This route bridges the gap between the two cities in a speedy 2 hours and 30 minutes. And you can always trust these trains to be on time!
Pro tip: Mount Fuji is usually visible for 10 minutes on this journey. One side of the carriage will be busier than the other. Use this as a guide on where to sit.
Amenities on the train include WCs, individual seats, A/C, and large luggage storage. WiFi is subject to availability.
Trains depart from Shin Osaka and arrive at Tokyo station.
The journey from Osaka to Tokyo is 515 km (320 miles) and takes one to nine hours, depending on the route chosen.
This ride, one of the most traveled by tourists and locals alike, connects the two largest cities in the country. Regardless of gender, age, or nationality, all travelers can rest assured of their safety and comfort during the route.
English is widely spoken in these two cities, especially in tourist centers and transport systems. Ask for directions if you get lost.
Head there in the spring (March and April) or fall (October). These months have the most comfortable temperatures (expect around 20°C/68°F) and fewer tourists.
However, Tokyo is a city with 13.96 million inhabitants. There will always be some crowds.
If you'd prefer a warmer visit, May to September is a great time to visit. In these months, the temperature can reach highs of 32°C/89°F.
From November to February, Tokyo experiences a colder winter climate. Temperatures sit around 10°C/50°F but can dip to 3°C/37°F. Pack your gloves and hats.
Continue your tour of Japan's iconic cities with a visit to Kyoto. Known for its more traditional vibe, Kyoto is full of historical and arts-based attractions. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes two hours by train or eight hours by bus.
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