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. Fuji!

The primary difference between the Nozomi and Hikari Shinkansen (bullet trains) on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines is the number of stops and total travel time. The Nozomi is the "express" service, stopping only at major hubs like Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, making it the fastest option (Tokyo to Osaka in about 2 hours 30 minutes). The Hikari is a "semi-fast" service that stops at additional medium-sized stations, adding about 30 minutes to the cross-country journey. For international tourists, the most critical difference is that the Japan Rail (JR) Pass previously excluded the Nozomi entirely; however, since late 2023 and into 2026, JR Pass holders can ride the Nozomi by paying a supplemental surcharge. The Hikari remains fully covered by the JR Pass with no extra fee. Both trains use the same high-tech rolling stock (primarily the N700 series), reaching speeds of 300 km/h (186 mph), and offer identical onboard amenities like "Green Car" (first class) seating and power outlets. Choosing between them usually comes down to whether you prioritize the absolute fastest travel time or the cost-savings of the JR Pass.