2h 8m, Direct
06:00
TokyoTokyo Station
08:08
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10457 USD
1
Kodama Train - Info, Classes & Tickets
1 Passenger
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Departure Time
Travel time
Arrival Time
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Ticket price
Morning trains
Day trains
Evening trains
First train
06:00
Last train
21:24
Travel duration
2h 20m
Daily departures
96
Departure station
Tokyo
Changes
direct
Arrival station
Kyoto
Ticket price
from $84
Fastest trip
2h 7m
Longest trip
3h 37m
Kodama overview
Kodama trains are Shinkansen services operated by JR West on the Sanyo Shinkansen, using streamlined electric multiple units built for high-speed operation. The train exterior is typically white with colored striping, depending on the series assigned to the service. Kodama calls at major stations such as Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura, and Hakata, plus intermediate Shinkansen stations across western Japan. On board, passengers find Ordinary Car seating and, on many departures, Green Car seating, with reserved and non-reserved arrangements depending on the train.
How to buy Kodama train tickets
To search Kodama tickets on Rail Monsters, enter the departure station, arrival station, travel date, and passenger count in the search form at the top of the page. Available JR West Kodama results show departure times, arrival times, stations, and class options where listed. Compare Ordinary Car, Green Car, reserved, and non-reserved choices when available. Select the Kodama departure that matches your route, such as Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima or Hiroshima to Hakata, then continue to passenger details.
How to buy train tickets in Japan
Ticket office on station
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Kodama Classes Explained
Kodama Shinkansen trains use the standard Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen class structure. Ordinary Car is the main seating category and may be sold as reserved or non-reserved, depending on the departure. Reserved Ordinary Car gives a specific seat, while non-reserved Ordinary Car uses designated cars where passengers choose open seats after boarding. Green Car is the premium category on many Kodama trainsets, with a wider seat layout and more personal space than Ordinary Car. Kodama does not use Gran Class on the Sanyo Shinkansen. To compare available Ordinary Car and Green Car options, use the search inputs at the top of the page.
from
$3120
Green Car
from
$945
Non-reserved
from
$2392
Ordinary Car
Most Popular Kodama Bullet Train Routes
Key Kodama routes in western Japan
Popular JR West Kodama routes include Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, Shin-Osaka to Okayama, Okayama to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Kokura, and Shin-Osaka to Hakata. Kodama is especially useful for Sanyo Shinkansen stations that faster services may skip, including Himeji, Fukuyama, Mihara, Higashi-Hiroshima, Tokuyama, and Shin-Yamaguchi. Travel times vary because Kodama stops at every station and may wait for faster Shinkansen services to pass. For longer trips such as Shin-Osaka to Hakata, compare Kodama with Nozomi or Hikari if speed is the main priority. For intermediate stops, Kodama often provides the direct station access travelers need.
Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen and visit Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Gion district
Tokyo
Japan
2h 20m
Kyoto
Japan
Travel from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen and visit Universal Studios Japan or explore the streets of Namba and Dotonbori
Tokyo
Japan
2h 36m
Osaka
Japan
Travel from Osaka to Kyoto by train and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, and the historic Gion district near Kyoto Station
Osaka
Japan
13m
Kyoto
Japan
Travel from Tokyo to Fuji by limited express or local train and visit the Fuji Five Lakes, Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine, and the Subashiri trailhead
Frequency
17 times per day
Popular Trains
Tokyo
Japan
1h 2m
Fuji
Japan
Travel from Tokyo to Nagoya by Shinkansen and visit Nagoya Castle or the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park near Kanayama
Tokyo
Japan
1h 44m
Nagoya
Japan
Travel from Odawara to Kyoto by Shinkansen or limited express and visit Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the historic Gion district
Odawara
Japan
2h 17m
Kyoto
Japan
Travel from Tokyo to Odawara by train and access Odawara Castle, the Hakone area, and local onsen resorts near Hakone-Yumoto.
Tokyo
Japan
33m
Odawara
Japan
Travel from Shinagawa to Kyoto by Shinkansen and step off near Fushimi Inari Shrine or visit Kiyomizu-dera and Gion in Kyoto
Shinagawa
Japan
2h 14m
Kyoto
Japan
Travel from Tokyo to Yokohama by local and rapid trains and visit Minato Mirai, Cup Noodles Museum, and the Chinatown district
Tokyo
Japan
19m
Yokohama
Japan
Travel from Fuji to Kyoto by connecting regional services and the Tokaido Shinkansen; visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera and the historic Gion district
Frequency
13 times per day
Popular Trains
Fuji
Japan
2h 25m
Kyoto
Japan
Travel from Mishima to Kyoto by Shinkansen and visit Kiyomizu-dera or the Gion district for traditional streets and tea houses
Mishima
Japan
2h 16m
Kyoto
Japan
Travel from Shinagawa to Osaka by Shinkansen and arrive at Shin-Osaka Station to reach Umeda and Dotonbori for dining and entertainment
Shinagawa
Japan
2h 30m
Osaka
Japan
Travel from Yokohama to Osaka by Shinkansen and explore Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shin-Osaka Station for onward connections
Yokohama
Japan
2h 18m
Osaka
Japan
Travel from Osaka to Nagoya by Shinkansen and visit Nagoya Castle or explore Sakae district and Osu Shopping Street
Osaka
Japan
52m
Nagoya
Japan
Practical Luggage Guidelines for Kodama Travelers
Kodama luggage rules may vary by operator, route, or ticket type. On the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, very large luggage can require advance oversized luggage seat reservations on applicable routes. Check the current JR West rules before travel.
How to Book Kodama Tickets
After selecting a Kodama departure, add passenger details, review the fare conditions, and complete payment online. Rail Monsters accepts international cards and major payment methods for Japan train bookings. After payment, booking confirmation is sent by email with ticket details for the selected JR West Shinkansen service. Ticket format, exchange rules, and station collection requirements can vary by route and fare type. Review change, refund, and seat conditions before payment.
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Why Book Your Kodama Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?
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Experience the Best of Japan with Kodama
Kodama is the all-stations Shinkansen service used by JR West on the Sanyo Shinkansen, linking Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura, and Hakata with more intermediate stops than Nozomi or Hikari. It is a high-speed rail product with assigned seating on reserved cars and class options including Ordinary Car and Green Car on many departures. Travelers can search Kodama times, compare available JR West departures, and book tickets online through Rail Monsters. Some services include non-reserved Ordinary Car seating, depending on the train and date.
Compare Japan Trains Before You Book: Kodama vs. Other Options
Kodama stops at every Shinkansen station on the Sanyo Shinkansen, while Nozomi and Hikari skip more stops between Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata. Kodama is useful for intermediate stations such as Himeji, Fukuyama, and Shin-Yamaguchi. Compare travel time, stops, and class options, then book your tickets online.
Kodama Route Map - Find and Book Tickets
Kodama runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata under JR West operation, serving major and intermediate stations across western Japan. Key stops include Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Shin-Yamaguchi, Kokura, and Hakata. Some Kodama services also connect through operational patterns with the Tokaido Shinkansen east of Shin-Osaka, but JR West Kodama coverage is centered on the Sanyo corridor.
FAQ and Facts About Kodama Routes in Japan
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JR West
JR West operates passenger trains across western Japan.