What is the difference between JR Pass Hikari and Nozomi?

Typically, Hikari and Sakura trains only make a few more stops than Nozomi or Mizuho trains so they do not take too much longer to reach Nagoya, Osaka or Kyoto from Tokyo. For example, traveling to Osaka from Tokyo takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by Nozomi, or just over 3 hours by Hikari.



The primary difference between the Hikari and Nozomi Shinkansen services lies in their speed and the number of stops they make along the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. The Nozomi is the fastest "express" service, skipping many intermediate stations and reaching Osaka from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours. Historically, the Japan Rail Pass did not cover the Nozomi at all. However, as of 2026, JR Pass holders can now ride the Nozomi, but it requires the purchase of a supplementary ticket (ranging from ¥4,000 to ¥6,500 depending on the distance). The Hikari, on the other hand, is a "semi-fast" service that makes more stops than the Nozomi but is fully included in the base price of the JR Pass. While the Hikari takes roughly 30 minutes longer to reach Osaka, many travelers choose it to avoid the extra surcharge. Both trains use the same high-speed N700S series rolling stock and offer identical levels of comfort and on-board amenities, so the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize saving 30 minutes of time or saving on out-of-pocket costs.

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The main difference here is that the Nozomi stops at the least amount of stations, the Hikari only at the most important stops and the Kodama at each stop along the way. This way business people can travel fast from meeting to meeting, while tourists can get off at their desired stop, like Mt.

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Apart from that, the train, on board service and amenities are all the same. So you may ask:“Why is the Nozomi excluded from the JR Pass?” The answer is twofold. One reason is to keep the Nozomi for commuter travel only, and second is to offer the JR Pass at the price it currently is.

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Differences in Fares For example, a reserved seat from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on a Nozomi train costs 14, 450 yen, while the same seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs 14,140 yen. Please keep in mind that you might not be able to sit down when you buy a non-reserved seat ticket if the train is particularly crowded.

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If you wish to travel on the Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen, you must purchase a special ticket to complement your JR Pass. The price of the supplement is the same for ordinary class, first class (Green Car) and reserved and non-reserved seats.

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Japan Rail Pass is not valid for “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains(including non-reserved seats). To travel on Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines, Japan Rail Pass holders have to take “Hikari” trains, “Kodama” trains or “Sakura” trains(see the next page).

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Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen trains Summer is also the time when Mount Fuji can be clearly seen from a Shinkansen train leaving Tokyo towards Nagoya – Osaka – Kyoto. The window view is impressive – make sure to reserve your D or E seat (C or D in Green Cars), which is the right side from Tokyo, left side from Kyoto.

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Train services Hikari is the fastest train service on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines which is fully covered by the JR Pass. The majority of Hikari trains are formed of 16 cars though some have 8.

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Slower than the premier Nozomi but faster than the all-stations Kodama, the Hikari is the fastest train service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen that can be used with the Japan Rail Pass, which is not valid for travel on the Nozomi or Mizuho trains except through a special supplementary ticket.

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As mentioned, the JR Pass is valid on the Hikari Shinkansen and Kodama services but not the Nozomi train, so be careful to board the right train.

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The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)

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When boarding directly from a Shinkansen station, please insert your tickets into the Shinkansen ticket gate prior to boarding. Your tickets are required for on-board ticket checks and exiting the station at your destination. Please do not lose or forget to take your tickets.

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Getting to Kyoto Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about four hours. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 yen for a non-reserved seat or around 14,000 yen for a reserved seat.

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How much luggage can I bring onto the shinkansen? Each passenger is allowed to bring on two pieces of oversized luggage each. Each of these pieces of luggage cannot exceed 250 cm in total dimensions as previously stated. Additionally, each piece of luggage cannot exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) in weight.

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Important notice: JR Pass Green Class holders are required to book their seats, as non-reserved seats in Shinkansen are only available for ordinary class.

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I'm using JR pass and reserved seats, what if I were to miss the train, can I change to the next train on the spot? Hi there, If you miss a train you have a reserved seat for, then you are allowed to board the next train and take a non-reserved seat.

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A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.

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With your Japan Rail Pass The Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, and they can take you from Tokyo to Osaka in about 3 to 4 hours. In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen either at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and then arrive to Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.

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