Kodama Shinkansen: Every Stop Along the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Lines

The Kodama Shinkansen is one of the three main services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, Japan’s iconic high-speed railway connecting Tokyo and Osaka and Fukuoka.

Unlike the faster Nozomi and Hikari, which skip many stations, Kodama (meaning ‘echo’) stops at every station along its route. This makes it ideal for travelers aiming to visit smaller cities, enjoy scenic rides, or access destinations off the main tourist trail.

Kodama trains are fully covered by JR Pass, making them especially attractive for travelers exploring Japan on a budget or taking a more leisurely journey.

In the sections below, you’ll find a full breakdown of the Kodama Shinkansen, including route and stops, departure times, ticketing options, and seating choices.

Kodama Shinkansen route and stops

Kodama primarily operates along the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) and some services extend into the Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Hakata). The train stops at every station on the line, providing access to cities that other Shinkansen skip.

Here’s a complete list of each stop and the connections at each of them:

Note: Some Kodama trains extend beyond Shin-Osaka toward Okayama or Hiroshima, but most terminate in Shin-Osaka.

You then have the option to switch trains to the Sanyo Shinkansen towards Hakata:

Kodama Shinkansen timetable

Kodama runs frequently throughout the day, roughly every 30–60 minutes.

Below are sample first and last departure times from both Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.

Timings can vary slightly depending on the train schedule and season, so always confirm on the JR timetable.

Tokyo to Shin-Osaka

Shin-Osaka to Tokyo

Tokyo to Hakata

Note: These times are approximate and based on typical 2025 Kodama schedules. Variations may occur.

Tickets and passes for the Kodama Shinkansen

You can purchase regular one-way or return tickets for Kodama at:

• JR station ticket counters (Midori no Madoguchi)
• Automatic machines
• Online (JR Central, JR East, JR West sites)

JR Pass coverage: Kodama is fully included in all JR Passes.

Unlimited train travel in Japan

Unlimited access to transportation across Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days on:

• All Shinkansen trains
• Rapid and Local JR trains
• JR bus and ferry services
• Airport Transfers

A single ticket, huge savings.

Buy your JR Pass

Unlike Nozomi, which is excluded from national JR Passes, Kodama is an ideal slower alternative for JR pass holders.

Kodama Shinkansen seat reservation

Kodama offers both:

• Non-reserved seating: Available in designated cars (usually 1–3)
• Reserved seating: Bookable at no extra cost with a JR Pass

Although the train is usually less crowded, we recommend booking seats during:

• National holidays
• Sakura (March–April)
• Golden Week (early May)

Reservations can be made at any station, through ticket machines, or online if you have a JR Pass exchange order number.

Green car: first class on the Kodama Shinkansen

For a more luxurious ride, Kodama includes Green Cars. These premium-class cars offer:

• Wider, 2×2 seating
• Extra legroom
• Quieter cabins
• Power outlets
• Window alignment and extra luggage space

You’ll need to pay an upgrade fee unless you hold a Green JR Pass, which grants unlimited access to Green Cars.

Travel Japan in first class comfort

The JR Green Pass allows you to travel in first class comfort with spacious seating on all Shinkansen bullet trains and certain fast lines.

Buy your JR Green Pass

It’s a great choice for long rides (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka), business travelers, and families needing quiet time or space.