However, you cannot ride the Nozomi shinkansen with a Japan Rail Pass, but you can ride the next fastest type of shinkansen, which is called the Hikari. The Hikari takes about 2 hours and 53 minutes between Tokyo and Osaka, so it's almost as fast.

The Shinkansen Hikari train typically takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes to travel from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. While it is not as fast as the "Nozomi" (which takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes), the Hikari is the most popular choice for international tourists because it is the fastest train category fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). The Hikari makes more frequent stops than the Nozomi—typically stopping at major hubs like Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kyoto, plus a few additional stations like Shizuoka or Hamamatsu, depending on the specific train number. The journey covers a distance of roughly 515 kilometers (320 miles) along the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Passengers on the right side of the train (Seats D and E) when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka are treated to iconic views of Mount Fuji about 45 minutes into the journey, provided the weather is clear. Onboard, the Hikari offers a smooth and incredibly punctual experience, featuring spacious "Ordinary" seats and a "Green Car" (first class) option. With trains departing multiple times per hour, it remains one of the most efficient and scenic ways to travel between Japan's two largest metropolitan areas without the hassle of airport security or check-in.