Japan’s famous Shinkansen network is becoming an increasingly popular way for travelers to explore the country, with Google searches for “Shinkansen” reportedly up 94% year over year. New analysis from travel booking platform Omio suggests that for several popular routes, taking the bullet train can be faster, more convenient and, in some cases, significantly cheaper than flying.
The key advantage is simple: Shinkansen trains connect city centers, while air travel often requires additional time for airport transfers, security, boarding and transportation into the destination.
According to Omio’s comparison of train and air travel times and prices, travelers can save substantial amounts of time by choosing rail on several routes.
Tokyo to Kyoto
Travelers heading from Tokyo to Kyoto can save more than two hours by taking the Shinkansen. The train journey takes approximately 140 minutes, compared with about 275 minutes by air, representing a time saving of 135 minutes.
Although the average price of a flight and train ticket is similar at roughly £70, the train offers the added advantage of arriving directly in central Kyoto.
By comparison, flights from Tokyo typically arrive in the Osaka area, requiring travelers to make another journey before reaching Kyoto.
Tokyo to Kanazawa
The Shinkansen also has a major advantage on the Tokyo-Kanazawa route. The train takes approximately 150 minutes, compared with 265 minutes by air, saving travelers about 115 minutes.
Rail is also substantially cheaper. Omio’s analysis puts a standard train ticket at around £74, compared with approximately £188 for a flight.
The train also takes passengers directly between the city centers, eliminating the airport transfer time associated with flying.
Tokyo to Osaka
Tokyo to Osaka is one of Japan’s busiest travel corridors, and the Shinkansen can save passengers approximately 95 minutes.
The rail journey takes about 155 minutes, compared with roughly 250 minutes by air. While the average train fare is around £73, compared with £57 for a flight, the relatively small price difference may disappear once travelers factor in transportation to and from airports.
For travelers prioritizing time and convenience, the direct city-center connection makes rail an attractive option.
Osaka to Fukuoka
The Shinkansen also beats flying between Osaka and Fukuoka, according to the analysis. The train takes approximately 140 minutes, compared with 230 minutes by air, saving around 90 minutes.
Flights may have lower advertised fares, starting at about £47 compared with approximately £77 for rail. However, additional airport costs and transfers can narrow that gap.
Travelers taking the Shinkansen should also consider Japan’s luggage-transfer services. Oversized luggage requires reservations on some routes, while hotels and stores can arrange baggage delivery between destinations. Services such as Yamato Transport can transfer luggage across Japan, often for around ¥2,000.
For travelers exploring Japan this year, the fastest route may not always involve an airport.