Shinkansen
Nozomi: 2h30min, ¥15,040. Fastest, NOT JR Pass covered.
Hikari: 2h45–3h, ¥14,720. JR Pass covered ✓. Same price as Nozomi, just slightly slower.
Highway Bus
8–9 hours, ¥3,000–6,000. Daytime or overnight option. Overnight bus departs late evening, arrives Osaka early morning — saves both transport and accommodation costs.
Budget Airlines
Peach, Jetstar, ANA budget fares. ¥5,000–12,000 including airport transfers. Total door-to-door time often 3.5h+ once airport time counted. — book via Welcome Pickups airport transfer for the best deal.
Best for Each Traveler
Comfort/speed: Nozomi | JR Pass holder: Hikari | Budget: Overnight bus | Very budget: Daytime bus (8 hours)