Yes, it is. The Shinkansen starts running around 6 a.m. and the last return train from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo is around 9 p.m. This gives you a whole day in Osaka — but does mean missing out on Osaka's famous nightlife.
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The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is the shinkansen (bullet train). The fastest type of shinkansen, which is called the Nozomi, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs Y13,620 for a one-way trip in an unreserved seat.
As a weeb and history nerd interested in Japanese culture, both Osaka and Tokyo have a lot to offer. However, if you had to choose just one to visit first, Tokyo would be the recommended choice.
Usual trip from Osaka to Tokyo on board of Osaka to Tokyo Shinkansen train takes about 2.5 hours. During this time the train covers the distance of 514 km (319 mi) between the two cities. This is the fastest travel option even in comparison with a plane!
Shinkansen or bullet trainIn only about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. However, it is not covered by your JR Pass, and you must purchase a one-way ticket that costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat).
Kyoto is quite far, can you do a day trip from Tokyo? Absolutely! From Tokyo to Kyoto, the best mode of transportation is through the shinkansen or bullet train. The Nozomi line takes approximately 3 hours one way and costs about 13,000 yen one way per person.
The capital of Japan also took first place for digital security (94.4) and scored in the top five for health security (second), infrastructure security (fourth), and personal security (fourth). Coming in second place overall was Singapore (91.5), followed closely by Osaka, Japan, at 90.9.
Kyoto is more relaxing. Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you.
If you want to focus on one city, Tokyo is the one. However, Osaka offers many similar features and it's a great base to see a whole lot more. Having been to both multiple times, if I were a first-timer again and I can't afford to go to both, I would personally pick Osaka and see everything else around it.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to OsakaHigh season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is September.
By rail or road, the journey is more like 515 km. The fastest, easiest, and most convenient option is the Shinkansen, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass or are looking to arrive quick-fast. The cheapest option is usually a highway bus, followed by flights — but these are both a bit time-consuming.