Under about 4 hours on the Shinkansen, the train almost always wins door-to-door. Beyond that, flights take over.
Side-by-side comparison
| Route | Shinkansen | Flight (LCC–full) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo–Osaka | 2h30m · ¥14,720 | 1h10m + transfers · ¥5,000–¥25,000 | Train |
| Tokyo–Hiroshima | 4h · ¥19,760 | 1h30m · ¥7,000–¥30,000 | Tie |
| Tokyo–Fukuoka | 5h · ¥23,390 | 2h · ¥6,000–¥35,000 | Flight |
| Tokyo–Sapporo | 8h+ · ¥27,000+ | 1h35m · ¥6,000–¥40,000 | Flight |
| Osaka–Kagoshima | 3h45m · ¥22,400 | 1h15m · ¥6,000–¥25,000 | Tie |
Hidden costs of flying
Airport transfer (¥500–¥3,000), 60–90 minutes of check-in buffer and LCC baggage fees (¥2,000–¥4,000).
Okinawa and islands
For Okinawa and Ishigaki flights are the only practical option.
Plan it with our free tools
Price your route with the Shinkansen Fare Calculator, check the JR Pass Calculator, set a daily spend in the Budget Calculator, and convert prices in 30 currencies with the Yen Converter.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shinkansen faster than flying Tokyo to Osaka?
Door-to-door yes, by 30–60 minutes.
What are the cheapest domestic airlines?
Peach, Jetstar Japan, Spring Japan and Zipair (international only).
Do foreigners get flight discounts?
Yes: ANA Experience Japan Fare and JAL Japan Explorer Pass offer flat fares from about ¥7,000.
Can I take a large suitcase on the Shinkansen?
Yes, but bags over 160 cm total need an oversized-baggage seat reservation on Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu lines.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: