How to get from Tokyo to Osaka: Shinkansen Experience

For those of you thinking of the most efficient way to get to Osaka, you've come to the right place! Why waste 1 hour of waiting time at the airport when you can just take a train to Osaka hassle free. But its not just any train you're taking, its the Shinkansen. 

What is the Shinkansen?

The Shinkansen is a high speed railway line that is operated by four Japan Railway group companies. Their high speed/bullet trains can reach a maximum speed of 240 - 320 km/h! Shinkansen literally means new trunk line. Lines between Tokyo and Osaka are actually very very popular, so much so that they have up to 13 trains per hour running to and fro! 

Sleek and sexy Shinkansen

How to check train times and fares?

Train times and fares can be checked on Hyperdia.com. The Shinkansen in Tokyo leaves from Tokyo Station, and arrives at Shin-Osaka station (for Osaka). The average price of these one way tickets are 8000 to 9000 yen (yes it's not cheap). There are also different types of seats on the Shinkansens, Green seats (10,480 yen), Reversed seats (8750yen or 5500 yen during low seasons), and unreserved seats (4870 yen). A way to differentiate these seats is easy: 

green seats = first class

reserved seats = allocated numbered seats

unreserved seats = first come first serve seats

You will also realize that there are two different types of Shinkansens listed on Hyperdia, Shinkansen Nozomi and Hikari. Well you can see that the Hikari has a longer travel time by about 30 minutes, but the Hikari has 2 times more unreserved seats than the Nozomi. So if you're stretching your buck going for the unreserved seats, maybe you would opt for the Hikari trains. 

Where can I buy Shinkansen tickets?

You can buy Shinkansen tickets from any of the major Japan Intercity stations, so if you're leaving from Tokyo, that'd be Tokyo station. It's very difficult to purchase the tickets online unless you can read Japanese, but purchasing it over the counter is just as efficient. If you're worried that the tickets may be sold out, it doesn't hurt to go a few days earlier to pick up your tickets over the counter or from the vending machines. Remember, they have a high frequency of trains in an hour!

Nice comfy reserved seats

Hope this post helps you maneuver your way around Japan, because I'm pretty sure it would be the same getting to other cities in Japan as well. Good Luck! 

Where to eat in Tokyo for cheaps!

I always believe that you've only really eaten the food of a country when you actually eat what the locals do. That means it not always the fancy "recommended, must eat" places that burn a hole in your wallet. Since the price of food is expensive in Tokyo, its simply the best thing to just follow the trails left behind by the locals.

1. Departmental / Convenience stores

Because of their busy lifestyles, the Japanese hop to departmental stores like Isetan, Takasimaya, 7-11s and Lawson on the way home and grab some fresh, affordable Japanese delicacies. And they have a mega wide variety of it! 

2. Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji market is probably a place you've already planned to go on your list. You've also probably heard that there are plenty of stalls serving fresh seafood there. If you want fresh, quality seafood, its worth every penny here and I might just add that you may not be able to find it anywhere cheaper in Tokyo. The price of their rice bowls topped with fresh seafood can range from 800 to 3000 yen.

Butter scallop, 500 yen

Tsukiji Market is just above Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a five minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line. The closest JR station is Shimbashi, from where you can walk to the market in about 15 minutes.

3. Ameyoko Market

Ameyoko Market is probably my favourite place every in Tokyo, because its not only where you can find mouth watering street food, but also shop for snacks, clothes and accessories. Most of the food found here can be easily under 1000 yen.

Takoyaki, 400 yen

The Ameyoko shopping street runs from Ueno to Okachimachi Station along the train tracks of the JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line. It can also be accessed in a short walk from Ueno-Okachimachi Station along the Oedo Subway Line.