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The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Hakata (Fukuoka) is one of the world's greatest train experiences. In just 5 hours, you'll traverse nearly the entire length of Honshu and into Kyushu, passing Mount Fuji, ancient capitals, and modern metropolises. This guide takes you through every major stop with tips for breaking your journey.
Duration
About 5 hours (Nozomi)
Fastest train, Tokyo to Hakata
Train Types
Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama
Nozomi fastest, Kodama stops at all stations
Distance
1,174.9 km
One of the world's longest high-speed routes
Dining
Ekiben & cart service
Food carts pass every 30-60 minutes
Along the Way
Mt. Fuji View
Kyoto Temples
Miyajima Torii
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
1
Tokyo
東京0:00Starting point of your journey
Depart from Tokyo Station, Japan's largest terminal with its iconic red brick facade. The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen platform is well-signed.
Tips:
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early
- Buy ekiben (station bento) for the journey
- Platform shops have extensive food options
2
Shin-Yokohama
新横浜0:18Brief stop, Yokohama Ramen Museum nearby
First stop out of Tokyo. The station connects to Yokohama's attractions including the famous Ramen Museum and Nissan Stadium.
Tips:
- Quick stop - stay seated unless disembarking
- View of Yokohama cityscape on the right
3
Nagoya
名古屋1:40Japan's manufacturing heart, famous for miso
Major stop with excellent ekiben options. Famous for Nagoya Cochin chicken and miso katsu. Consider breaking your journey here.
Tips:
- Try Nagoya's famous tebasaki (chicken wings)
- Nagoya Castle is worth a half-day visit
- Good connection point for rural Gifu
4
Kyoto
京都2:15Ancient capital, temples and gardens
Many travelers stop here. Japan's cultural heart with over 2,000 temples and shrines. The station itself is an architectural marvel.
Tips:
- Consider a multi-day stop
- Fushimi Inari is close to the station
- Book ryokans well in advance
5
Shin-Osaka
新大阪2:30Gateway to Osaka, Japan's kitchen
Osaka's Shinkansen station. The city center (Namba, Umeda) requires a transfer. Famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and vibrant nightlife.
Tips:
- Central Osaka is 15-20 min by local train
- Don't miss Dotonbori at night
- Base for Nara and Kobe day trips
6
Shin-Kobe
新神戸2:45Kobe beef and harbor views
Gateway to Kobe, famous for its marbled beef and international harbor. The city blends Japanese and Western influences beautifully.
Tips:
- Authentic Kobe beef is expensive but worth it
- Nunobiki Herb Gardens accessible by ropeway
- Night view from Mt. Rokko is stunning
7
Okayama
岡山3:15Gateway to Naoshima art island
Transfer point for Naoshima art island and Kurashiki's historic canal district. Known for Korakuen, one of Japan's top three gardens.
Tips:
- Korakuen Garden is a must-see
- Easy access to Naoshima by train+ferry
- Famous for white peaches and muscat grapes
8
Hiroshima
広島3:55Peace Memorial, nearby Miyajima
A city reborn. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum are deeply moving. Nearby Miyajima island has the iconic floating torii gate.
Tips:
- Peace Museum requires at least 2 hours
- Miyajima is 1 hour away by train+ferry
- Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
9
Kokura
小倉4:40Northern Kyushu hub
Gateway to Kyushu island. The castle town has a surprisingly good food scene. Transfer point for Beppu hot springs.
Tips:
- Kokura Castle is worth a quick visit
- Famous for yaki udon (fried udon)
- Good base for Beppu and Yufuin
10
Hakata (Fukuoka)
博多（福岡）5:00Final stop - tonkotsu ramen heaven
Journey's end! Fukuoka is famous for tonkotsu ramen, yatai (street food stalls), and being Japan's gateway to Korea and China.
Tips:
- Visit yatai stalls along the river
- Hakata ramen is a must-try
- Canal City has great shopping
- Dazaifu Shrine is an easy day trip
Best Photo Spots
- Mt. Fuji (right side, between Shin-Yokohama and Nagoya)
- Lake Biwa (left side, near Kyoto)
- Seto Inland Sea (both sides, after Okayama)
- Train entering tunnel to Kyushu
Ekiben Recommendations
- Tokyo: Makunouchi bento or Sushi
- Nagoya: Miso Katsu bento
- Hiroshima: Anago (conger eel) bento
- Hakata: Mentaiko (cod roe) bento
JR Pass Information
The JR Pass offers excellent value for this journey. A 7-day pass costs around ¥29,650, while a single Tokyo-Hakata round trip on Nozomi costs about ¥46,000.
¥29,650
7-Day JR Pass
¥46,110
14-Day JR Pass
¥59,350
21-Day JR Pass
Note: JR Pass is not valid on Nozomi or Mizuho trains. Use Hikari or Sakura instead (slightly longer journey time).