❇️ Many travelers choose to explore both the Kanto and Kansai regions in one trip, which involves moving between Tokyo and Osaka.
❇️ Here, I've summarized some common public transportation options. How many do you know? I hope this guide provides you with new insights.
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🔻 Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
★ The best way to travel from city center to city center, the Shinkansen offers a comfortable environment with luggage racks and can reach your destination in as little as 2.5 hours. The ticket price is on the higher side. There are three types of Shinkansen on this route, ranked by speed based on the number of stops: Nozomi > Hikari > Kodama.
★ Please note that the JR Pass does not allow you to ride the Nozomi.
🔻 Airplane
★ Domestic flights in Japan are very frequent, and low-cost carriers offer very cheap fares during the off-season. The flight takes less than 2 hours.
★ However, consider the time needed to travel to and from the airports. It's recommended to choose flights between Haneda and Itami airports as they are closer to the city centers.
🔻 Highway Bus/Night Bus
★ If you're willing to trade time for money, consider taking an overnight bus, which departs at night and arrives in the morning. The buses are designed for comfort, allowing you to rest during the journey. This option not only offers cheap fares but also saves you a night's accommodation cost.
🔻 Sleeper Limited Express Train: Sunrise Izumo/Seto
★ One of the few sleeper trains in Japan, currently, only the trains heading to Tokyo allow boarding from Osaka.
★ This option is more about experiencing the sleeper train rather than economy. The interior is well-maintained, offering various cabin options. Train enthusiasts should give it a try.
🔻 Shinkansen + Limited Express (Hokuriku Arch Pass)
★ This method uses the Hokuriku Arch Pass, traveling by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa, then taking the Limited Express Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Osaka, with a total journey time of 5.5 hours.
★ It's recommended to stop and explore Kanazawa, splitting the trip into two parts. The pass allows unlimited travel on JR lines for 7 days, making it a great option for round trips.
🔻 JR Local Trains (Seishun 18 Ticket)
★ This method uses the Seishun 18 Ticket, which allows unlimited travel on JR local trains throughout Japan for any 5 days. It's ideal for rail enthusiasts.
★ Since it involves only local JR trains, there will be several transfers along the way. It’s recommended to take your time, exploring and enjoying the journey as you go.
