The Nozomi Shinkansen (のぞみ, translates to “hope” or “wish”) is the fastest and most direct bullet train service on the Tokaido Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.
Operated by JR Central and JR West, it connects Tokyo to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. This service stops only at major cities.
With a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), it offers a rapid and reliable alternative to domestic flights.
This train service uses the advanced N700 and N700S series trains, designed for high performance, comfort, and safety.
As of 2025, the Nozomi is the only shinkansen with a peak frequency of up to 12 departures per hour between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
Table of Contents
Route and stops
The Nozomi Shinkansen runs on two major lines:
- Tokaido Shinkansen: Operated by JR Central, from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Operated by JR West, from Shin-Osaka to Hakata
Not all trains stop at every station. Below are the most common major stops:
| Route Section | Key Stations |
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka (Shin-Osaka) |
| Sanyo Shinkansen | Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Hakata |
Some trains may also stop at additional stations like Shin-Kobe or Fukuyama, depending on the time of day and train type.
Timetable
Nozomi trains operate from early morning to late evening. The service is designed for high-frequency travel, especially during rush hours.
During peak periods, trains depart every 5 minutes on the Tokyo Station – Shin-Osaka route.
Tokyo-bound (Eastbound)
| Station | First Departure | Last Departure |
| Hakata | 6:00 | 21:24 |
| Hiroshima | 6:25 | 21:46 |
| Okayama | 6:53 | 22:14 |
| Shin-Osaka | 6:00 | 22:33 |
| Kyoto | 6:15 | 22:49 |
| Nagoya | 6:00 | 23:14 |
Hakata-bound (Westbound)
| Station | First Departure | Last Departure |
| Tokyo | 6:00 | 21:24 |
| Nagoya | 6:20 | 21:44 |
| Kyoto | 6:40 | 22:04 |
| Shin-Osaka | 6:53 | 22:17 |
| Okayama | 7:21 | 22:48 |
| Hiroshima | 7:43 | 23:10 |
The Shinkansen timetable can vary by season, weekday, and public holidays. Always check current schedules before travel.
Tickets and passes
Nozomi tickets can be purchased online or at train stations. You can check the availability of Shinkansen tickets online and plan your trip accordingly.
A ticket from Hakata to Tokyo typically costs approximately ¥22,220. Prices can vary depending on distance, class, and season.
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) does not cover Nozomi trains by default.
However, JR Pass users can purchase a special add-on ticket at major stations to access Nozomi: [ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket. This must be done in person, after entering Japan. The add-on cannot be reserved online.
Nozomi Prices with JR Pass
| Main journeys | Price |
|---|---|
| Tokyo – Nagoya | ¥4,180 |
| Tokyo – Kyoto | ¥4,960 |
| Tokyo – Shin-Osaka | ¥4,960 |
| Tokyo – Hiroshima | ¥6,500 |
| Shin-Osaka – Hakata (Fukuoka) | ¥4,960 |
| Hakata (Fukuoka) – Kagoshima-Chuo | ¥5,150 |
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.
Seat reservation
From March 15, 2025, Car 3 became reserved-only on all Nozomi services. The new seat layout is:
| Car Number | Seat Type |
| 1–2 | Standard (non-reserved when available) |
| 3–9 | Standard reserved |
| 10–15 | Green Car (first class) |
| 16 | Gran Class (select trains) |
You can reserve seats on the service up to 1 month in advance, starting at 10:00 AM (Japan local time).
During peak travel seasons (April 25–May 6, August 8–17, December 26–January 4), all seats must be reserved.
Advance seat reservation is strongly advised in all cases if it’s available, especially for long-distance or holiday travel.
Green car: First class
The Green Car offers an upgraded experience for travelers looking for extra comfort. All Green Car seats are fully reserved.
Green cars offer the following benefits:
- Seat layout: 2×2 with extra-wide seats
- Comfort: More recline and legroom than standard class
- Service: Dedicated staff in each Green Car
- Design: Soft lighting and plush headrests for a quiet ride
The Green Car section is located in Cars 10–15. These cars are quieter, less crowded, and provide more space per passenger.
For an even higher level of comfort, Gran Class is available on some Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. It includes 2×1 seating, complimentary meals, and premium amenities.
The JR Green Pass allows you to travel in first class comfort with spacious seating on all Shinkansen bullet trains and certain fast lines.
Additional facilities and policies
All Nozomi trains offer:
- Reclining seats with tray tables
- Large windows
- Clean restrooms
- Free WiFi service
- Power outlets at window and aisle seats in standard class
- Vending machines or trolley service on select routes
Accessibility is prioritized, with wide doors, dedicated wheelchair spaces, and step-free boarding at most stations.
Luggage
Passengers on the Nozomi Shinkansen are allowed to bring luggage onboard, but size restrictions apply:
- Luggage under 160 cm (total dimensions): No reservation required
- Luggage over 160 cm: Reservation required in advance
Each passenger may bring up to two pieces of luggage. Maximum combined dimensions must be 250 cm (height + width + depth).
Oversized luggage must be booked at the time of seat reservation and stored in the designated racks near doors.
Final thoughts
The Nozomi Shinkansen is the fastest train service between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakata. It blends high speed, modern technology, and comfort in a punctual and efficient package.
While it requires an additional ticket for JR Pass users, its time savings are often worth the cost, especially for business travelers or tight itineraries.