Train Tickets from Fukuoka (Hakata) to Osaka

As the Shinkansen races through the Japanese countryside, passengers have the opportunity to witness the shift from the contemporary atmosphere of Fukuoka to the timeless allure of rural Japan, before returning to modernity upon reaching Osaka. This particular route holds great significance and is highly favored by travelers, thus making it one of the most heavily trafficked rail lines in the country. Gradually, Fukuoka's outskirts give way to picturesque villages and mountainous landscapes, culminating in the train's arrival in the vibrant city of Osaka after a little over two hours.

Upon reaching their destination, passengers will find Shin-Osaka Station to be the primary gateway to the bustling city, offering a plethora of activities, sights, and, most notably, culinary delights. From the iconic Dotonbori neighborhood, renowned for its street food and dazzling neon-lit storefronts, to Osaka's lively shopping streets like the famous Kuromon Market, or the historically significant Osaka Castle, the city seamlessly combines Japan's rich heritage with its contemporary lifestyle.

Located in the heart of the Kansai region, Osaka serves as the central hub to a plethora of regional gems. From the picturesque shores of Lake Biwa to the enchanting Amanohashidate coast, there are numerous treasures waiting to be explored. A popular day trip destination from Osaka is Nara, where one can witness the graceful deer roaming freely within temple grounds. Additionally, the traditional, stunning, and historically significant city of Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is easily accessible from Osaka.

Note: Shin-Osaka Station may not be the last stop on this Shinkansen line that can continue to Kyoto, or even Tokyo. Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station.

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. When booking tickets through Japan Experience, you can be assured that they are issued through an official partnership with JR West, allowing you to deal directly with the train operator that will take you from Fukuoka (Hakata) to Shin-Osaka.

Different types of Shinkansen

When traveling from Fukuoka to Osaka, passengers have the option to choose from three types of Shinkansen trains: Sakura, Kodama, and Nozomi. Sakura trains make fewer stops and complete the trip in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Kodama trains, on the other hand, make more stops, resulting in a journey time of slightly over 4 hours and 15 minutes from Fukuoka to Osaka. The Nozomi, being the fastest option, operates as an express service but comes at a higher cost. It is worth noting that all Nozomi Shinkansen trains require reserved seats.

Regardless of the train type, passengers can enjoy reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more onboard. Traveling by Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Osaka ensures both efficiency and comfort. It is recommended to research all seat and car options to book a train ticket that suits your travel needs.

How to get to Fukuoka's Hakata Station

Hakata Station, located in the heart of Fukuoka, serves as a central transportation hub with a wide range of public transportation routes. It plays a vital role as the primary station for Shinkansen trains in Fukuoka, facilitating both arrivals and departures. Hakata Station is well-connected by multiple JR lines, including JR Kyushu's Fukuhoku-Yutaka Line and Kagoshima Main Line, as well as JR West's Hakata-Minami Line. Additionally, the Kuko (Airport) and Nanakuma subway lines, along with numerous bus lines and airport transfer options, also have stops at Hakata Station. These extensive transportation networks offer convenient travel options within Fukuoka, its metropolitan area, and the surrounding prefectures and regions.

If you are arriving to Fukuoka from the Okinawa islands or any other destination that you are flying in from, Hakata Station is located very close to the airport, making it very easy and convenient to come from a flight on one of the many airlines serving Fukuoka directly into the Shinkansen to Osaka. 

Where to go from Shin-Osaka Station

Shin-Osaka, the primary train station in Osaka, can be found in the Higashi-Yodogawa ward. It is conveniently connected to various local public transportation lines operated by JR, serving both the Osaka metropolitan area and the wider Kansai region. Additionally, the Midosuji and Osaka East Line subway lines make stops at Shin-Osaka. With these extensive transportation options, you can easily reach the other major rail stations in the city, namely Osaka-Umeda and Namba. Furthermore, Shin-Osaka station serves as a departure point or stop for multiple bus lines.

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan? 

After exchanging your train tickets, make your way to Fukuoka’s Hakata Station. Insert your ticket into the automatic gates, ensuring to retrieve it afterwards. Proceed to the correct platform and board your train. Once inside, locate your designated seat if you have a reservation and savor the journey. Upon reaching Shin-Osaka, insert your ticket once more at the gates when exiting. Now, you are free to explore the wonders of Osaka.

Modification and Cancellation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Fukuoka to Shin-Osaka service.