Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama: Which Shinkansen Should You Take?
When you search for Shinkansen tickets, you may see several train names, such as Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. At first, these names can be confusing. Are they different lines? Are they different ticket types? And which one should you choose?
In short, Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama are train types. They show how fast the train is and how many stations it stops at. This guide explains the differences in simple terms, so you can choose the right train, check your ticket, and board with confidence.
Quick Answer: Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama
Train Types, Not Lines or Seat Types
Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama are the three main train types that run on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Hakata). Each type stops at different stations, offers different travel times, and follows different ticket rules.
- Nozomi: Best for fast travel between major cities. The Nozomi stops only at key stations and offers the shortest travel time on the route.
- Hikari: Best for travelers who need a balance of speed and coverage. The Hikari is slightly slower than the Nozomi but stops at more stations.
- Kodama: Best for smaller Shinkansen stations. The Kodama stops at every station on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
Quick Comparison
Nozomi | Hikari | Kodama | |
|---|---|---|---|
Speed | Fastest | Medium | Slowest |
Stops | Major cities only | Major cities + some intermediate | All stations |
Tokyo to Kyoto | Approx. 2 hr 15 min | Approx. 2 hr 40 min | Approx. 3 hr 45 min |
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Approx. 3 hr | Approx. 4 hr |
JR Pass | Extra ticket required | Covered | Covered |
JR Pass Rules Before Booking
If you hold a JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass), you can ride Hikari and Kodama at no extra charge.
The standard JR Pass does not cover Nozomi or Mizuho services. JR Pass holders can ride Nozomi or Mizuho only by purchasing an additional [ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket before boarding.
Check your pass type before you book, and choose your train accordingly.
Nozomi Shinkansen
The Nozomi is the fastest Shinkansen service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. It offers the shortest travel time between major cities on the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route.
Main Stations on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen
All Nozomi services on the Tokaido Shinkansen stop at these stations:
Tokyo → Shinagawa → Shin-Yokohama → Nagoya → Kyoto → Shin-Osaka
Many Nozomi services continue onto the Sanyo Shinkansen toward Hakata (Fukuoka). Every through-train stops at:
Shin-Kobe → Okayama → Hiroshima → Kokura → Hakata
(Note: Depending on the specific train, a few additional stations such as Himeji or Fukuyama may also be included in the schedule.)
Typical Nozomi Journey Times
For major city travel, the Nozomi is usually the fastest Shinkansen option.
- Tokyo to Kyoto: Approx. 2 hr 15 min
- Tokyo to Shin-Osaka: Approx. 2 hr 30 min
Before Riding Nozomi
Nozomi seats can fill up quickly on weekends and during busy seasons. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for travel between Tokyo and Osaka.
The standard JR Pass does not cover Nozomi by itself. JR Pass holders need a supplement ticket, so Hikari is a better option if you want to avoid extra costs.
Hikari Shinkansen
Among Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama, Hikari is the middle option. It is slower than Nozomi but faster than Kodama, and it stops at more stations than Nozomi.
Main Stations on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen
Hikari trains stop at major stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen and some intermediate stations. The exact stops vary by service, so always check your ticket or timetable before boarding.
Tokyo → Shinagawa → Shin-Yokohama → [some intermediate stations]* → Nagoya → Kyoto → Shin-Osaka
*Common intermediate stops can include Shizuoka and Hamamatsu.
Typical Hikari Journey Times
Hikari is usually about 20 to 30 minutes slower than Nozomi on major routes from Tokyo.
- Tokyo to Kyoto: Approx. 2 hr 40 min
- Tokyo to Shin-Osaka: Approx. 3 hr
Before Riding Hikari
Hikari is a practical choice for JR Pass holders because it is covered at no extra charge. It is also useful when you want a balance of speed and wider station coverage.
Kodama Shinkansen
The Kodama is the local-style Shinkansen service. On the Tokaido Shinkansen, it stops at all stations between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. On longer Tokaido/Sanyo routes, check the specific service and timetable.
Kodama Stops on the Tokaido Shinkansen
The Kodama stops at all stations between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, including:
- Tokyo
- Shinagawa
- Shin-Yokohama
- Odawara
- Atami
- Mishima
- Shin-Fuji
- Shizuoka
- Kakegawa
- Hamamatsu
- Toyohashi
- Mikawa-Anjo
- Nagoya
- Gifu-Hashima
- Maibara
- Kyoto
- Shin-Osaka
Typical Kodama Journey Times
Because Kodama stops at every station, it takes longer than Nozomi and Hikari on the same route.
- Tokyo to Kyoto: Approx. 3 hr 45 min
- Tokyo to Shin-Osaka: Approx. 4 hr
When to Choose Kodama
Kodama is useful when your destination is an intermediate station such as Odawara, Atami, Mishima, or Shizuoka. These stations are not served by Nozomi, and only some Hikari services stop there. Kodama is also useful for short trips between nearby Shinkansen stations along the route.
Which Shinkansen Should You Take?
For the Fastest Trip to Kyoto or Osaka
Choose the Nozomi. It offers the shortest travel time between Tokyo and Kyoto or Shin-Osaka.
The standard JR Pass does not cover Nozomi by itself, but pass holders can ride it by purchasing a separate [ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket before boarding.
For Intermediate Stations
Choose the Hikari if your station is served by that train. If your station is only served by the Kodama, take the Kodama directly, or travel by Nozomi or Hikari to the nearest major city and then transfer.
For First-Time Shinkansen Riders
Either Nozomi or Hikari is a comfortable and straightforward option for first-time riders. Choose Nozomi if you want the shortest travel time. If you are using a JR Pass and want to avoid extra costs, choose Hikari.
If You Have Oversized Baggage
On the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, baggage with total dimensions of 161–250 cm requires a reservation for an oversized baggage area or compartment. Baggage over 250 cm cannot be brought on board.
Check the Shinkansen luggage rules before you travel to avoid any issues at the station.
If You Want a Non-Reserved Seat
Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama usually offer non-reserved seats. However, Nozomi may operate with reserved seats only during designated peak periods, so check the latest seat rules before traveling.
Non-reserved seats are first-come, first-served, so arriving early at the platform is recommended. For more details, see our guide to reserved and non-reserved seats on the Shinkansen.
How to Check Your Train Type Before Boarding
On Your Ticket
If you have a reserved seat ticket, the train name, such as Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama, is printed on the ticket together with the departure time, car number, and seat number.
If you have a non-reserved ticket, the train name is usually not printed because the ticket is not tied to a specific train or departure time. In this case, check the station departure board and choose a Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama service that matches your route and ticket conditions.
On the Departure Board
Station departure boards show the train type, destination, and departure time for each service. Look for the train name in both English (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama) and Japanese (のぞみ, ひかり, こだま) on the overhead screens and platform boards.
For more details on how to read your ticket and check the departure board, see the Japan Bullet Train Boarding Guide.
Book Shinkansen Tickets with Japan Bullet Train
If you want to book Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama tickets online, Japan Bullet Train is a convenient option for travelers to Japan. The service covers many Shinkansen routes across Japan and is a Japan-based Official Shinkansen Ticket Agent for JR EAST, JR CENTRAL, JR WEST, and JR KYUSHU.
After completing your booking, you will receive a QR code by email. Bring the QR code to a designated JR station and exchange it for a physical ticket at a compatible ticket machine or eligible ticket counter before boarding.
Want to learn more about the service? See our Japan Bullet Train service guide.
FAQ
Is Nozomi faster than Hikari?
Yes. Nozomi is faster than Hikari and is the fastest option on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Is Hikari faster than Kodama?
Yes. Hikari is faster than Kodama because it stops at fewer stations.
Does Kodama stop at every station?
Yes. On the Tokaido Shinkansen, Kodama stops at all stations between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
Are Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama different Shinkansen lines?
No. They are train types, not separate Shinkansen lines or seat types.
Can I use a JR Pass on Nozomi or Hikari?
Hikari and Kodama are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Nozomi requires a separate [ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket.
Book Your Ride
Choose Nozomi if you want the fastest trip between major cities, Hikari if you want a balance of speed and station coverage, and Kodama if you are traveling to an intermediate station.
Once you know which train type fits your route, book your Shinkansen ticket online with Japan Bullet Train. If you need help, our Japan-based customer support team can assist you in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean.
