Which is better plane or bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka?

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.



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Comfort and Ease of Use Taking the bullet train is almost guaranteed to be more comfortable than flying. There's no turbulence, and it's easy to get up and walk around when you need to. There's also more legroom, typically.

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Believe it or not, flying can often be cheaper than the shinkansen! If you're heading to a far-off city like Sapporo or Fukuoka, you may be able to snag cheap tickets from one of the Tokyo airports. Even Nagoya and Osaka airports sometimes offer discount tickets to various regional airports.

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“Generally speaking, traveling by plane is faster and more convenient, but can be more expensive and stressful. On the other hand, traveling by train is usually cheaper and more comfortable, but can take much longer.”

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While most visitors use shinkansen and/or domestic flights to get around Japan, travelers who want to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto should consider using buses, rental cars, or private transfers. Japan's extensive bus network connects cities to suburbs and rural points of interest.

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Beautiful views aside, the bullet train really is one of those must-do Japanese experiences. It can feel a bit daunting to try and figure out how to use it, but don't worry – we've got a few tips on how to get the most out of Japan's bullet trains.

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Here's what they're like. I've traveled on trains all around the world, but Japan's bullet trains exceeded my wildest dreams. I rode the Hikari Shinkansen train between Tokyo and Kyoto. The train was fast, timely, clean, and comfortable.

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For regular fares, it isn't. A regular fare one way ticket on ANA for example between Tokyo and Osaka is about 25,000 yen. A regular shinkansen ticket is about 13,620 yen (adult, unreserved seat). That makes the shinkansen close to half price - a long ways from what you think.

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For short distances, flights are more expensive than bullet trains. Bullet trains, therefore, may be more expensive than flights for long distances.

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As a final note, bullet trains do not usually have this kind of intense traffic, but the time before and after the New Year holiday is very, very busy! At that period it is better to do a seat reservation after activating your Japan Rail Pass.

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The operating speed of the train is 240 km/h (150 mph). The Toki Shinkansen takes you from Tokyo to Niigata in just over an hour and a half. All trains of this category offer reserved, non-reserved, and Green Class seats.

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From the train Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. When coming from Tokyo, the mountain appears on the right side of the train and is best viewed around Shin-Fuji Station, about 40-45 minutes into the journey.

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Advice for touring Japan by train Take an extra layer to keep warm on the train. The air conditioning makes the cabins much cooler than the outside temperature. Take snacks on board can be a little limited, I'd suggest buying some in the station beforehand.

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1: Shanghai Maglev - 460 kph/286 mph (China) The world's fastest public train is also unique – it's the only link in the world currently carrying passengers using magnetic levitation (Maglev) rather than conventional steel wheels on steel rails.

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Things I wish I knew before visiting Japan
  • Take plenty of cash. ...
  • Buy a Japan Rail Pass before arrival. ...
  • Toilets can be confusing. ...
  • You'll see a lot of people wearing masks. ...
  • Do slurp. ...
  • Take your shoes off. ...
  • Go nude. ...
  • More than just sushi.


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