Traveling from Osaki to Kitakami is primarily serviced by the Tohoku Shinkansen. On this route, the Hayabusa and Hayate services operate, each offering distinct travel experiences. The Hayabusa Shinkansen, known for its speed, can reach up to 320 km/h (199 mph) and offers a faster journey, covering the distance in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes with limited stops at major stations. In contrast, the Hayate service takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes as it makes more stations along the route, including stops at Sendai and Furukawa.
Both trains provide a variety of seating options, including Ordinary class and Green class (First class), and passengers can expect comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and onboard food services. The Hayabusa is the optimal choice for those focused on speed, while the Hayate offers a nice compromise between travel time and accessibility to additional destinations.